Rebirth 08: Equipment God

Chapter 232 Seeking to Borrow the Heavenly Wind to Temper the Golden Soul!

The main attraction of this online gala should have been the handsome men and beautiful women from the entertainment industry.

But in the end, it was overshadowed by a literary sub-section.

To be more precise, it was overshadowed by the buzz surrounding writer Zhai Dalian winning three awards.

As the first generation of online awards, in an era where the word "Internet" has been elevated to a pedestal, Xinglang's online awards are no less impressive than traditional awards, and even surpass them in terms of attention and reach.

Many online media outlets provided live text coverage. When Zhai Da first stepped onto the stage, the live broadcast editor posted a congratulatory message. When Zhai Da stepped onto the stage for the second time, the editor wrote the word "shocked."

When Zhai Da stepped onto the stage for the third time, the editors were already incredulous, repeatedly confirming that it wasn't a network glitch, but that he had truly won three consecutive championships.

"Writer Zhai Da has become the biggest winner of the online awards ceremony."

"The literary path of the top-scoring student in the college entrance examination has taken off!"

"With its overwhelming dominance, 'The Long Road to Lu' swept literary awards. But is its literary merit truly worthy of praise?"

"Several nominated authors failed to make the list. Han Han, who was unable to attend due to injury, posted a congratulatory message on his blog."

Combined with the "magic trick" video that inexplicably went viral the day before, the name "Zhai Da" suddenly flooded the internet.

These two words entered the minds of many people who neither care about literature nor the college entrance examination.

Along with that come labels like "top scorer in the college entrance examination" and "magician".

For those fans who had been following Zhai Da's books for a long time, they were overjoyed. In an era where idolizing public figures was taken for granted, watching their favorite person sweep the awards was the most fulfilling thing.

Especially in the news and videos, Zhai Da's aloof and intellectual aura and attire, as well as the expression on his face when he made those six dashing words at the end.

From then on, Zhai Da's "appearance-obsessed" fans increased exponentially.

That night, Zhai Da had a very fruitful night.

There are things he is aware of, and there are many things he is not yet aware of.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

12 month 20 day.

News reports and various media outlets have been circulating online all night, but they show no signs of waning; on the contrary, they seem to be intensifying.

Many people wake up to the news popping up on their phones that "writer Zhai Da wins three awards in a row, becoming the biggest winner of the online gala."

Meanwhile, the protagonist of the incident was already stuck in traffic during the morning rush hour in northern Beijing.

Zhai Da was driving a Range Rover and talking on the phone while driving (illegal, do not imitate): "Master Gong, is there a traffic jam here? Has it started over there?"

On the other end of the phone, Gong Changzhang's voice had some background noise: "Not yet, but don't worry too much, the visitors are all stuck in rush hour traffic."

Zhai Da:
"Okay then, how have things been these past few days? I haven't had a chance to catch up."

"It went smoothly. Although there were some slight anomalies in the internal test data, I took it upon myself to handle it and didn't ask you to come back."

After hanging up the phone, Zhai Da looked at the original infotainment system of the million-dollar luxury car and wondered when Bluetooth phone connectivity would be available.

When I got bored while stuck in traffic, I randomly tapped the screen and realized I'd wronged them; the car does have that feature.

His knock-off phone doesn't have this function.
Among the various trending news stories that circulated last night, there was a screenshot showing him holding a knock-off phone, looking up with a blank expression.

Netizens added a line to his caption: "It's me again?"

This picture fully demonstrates the "unexpectedness" of winning awards consecutively, and even the person involved seems bewildered, which also clears some of the suspicion of "behind-the-scenes manipulation".

The price was that the screenshot was turned into a first-person meme.

Perhaps Zhai Da will still see his own face in those panda memes with a patina of age when he's in his thirties.
After driving for nearly 40 minutes, Zhai Da finally returned to the "Qian Xuesen Engineering Science Experiment Center," which he had been away from for three days.

The side room, which originally had no decorations other than a small copper sign, was now adorned with a large red banner that read, "Welcome industry authorities and leaders to inspect."

Zhai Da glanced at the empty parking lot by the entrance; the person probably hadn't arrived yet.

I quickened my pace and entered the factory. I had just changed into my work clothes and safety helmet and was about to go to the site when I saw a large group of people dressed in colorful clothes walking in.

The person leading the way was Academician Yu.

Academician Yu waved: "Xiao Zhai is back! Perfect timing!"

Turning to the others beside him, he said, "This is an expert we invited from Harbin Institute of Technology. Don't underestimate Xiao Zhai just because he's young! His skills are superb. Without him, this test might have had to be postponed."

Zhai Da came over to greet them, and then naturally joined the visiting group.

Although I really wanted to go and see it in person, it seems like it's too late now, so I can only trust Master Gong and his team.

The group continued forward. Although writer Zhai Da stole the show last night, it seems he hasn't affected anyone in the field yet, including Academician Yu. It's unclear why Zhai, whom we haven't seen for a few days, is now the talk of the entire internet.

On the contrary, at the end of the line, a few young people who had accompanied them seemed a little dazed.

A round-faced little girl secretly pinched her thigh.

Was I still half asleep? Last night I stayed up all night debating online with a bunch of people, saying that writer Zhai didn't have any underhanded dealings and relied purely on his talent.
Today, writer Zhai appeared in her life? And became an engineer at the Institute of Mechanics?

Is this nuclear mechanics?

They must have the same name, surname, and school affiliation, and they even look alike! Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense!

"Are you Teacher Zhai Da?"

Zhai Da turned his head slightly and smiled, making a "shh" gesture.

The occasion is inappropriate; there's no need to make a fuss here.

The visiting group first went to the second floor, where there was a 100:1 model and some explanations of the principles. Academician Yu was very enthusiastic and worked very hard.

The 80-year-old gentleman did his best to explain to everyone what might be his last "work"—the shock tunnel—and its future.

Judging from the aura of the people in the group, the seven or eight people at the head of the group were either academicians or at least bureau-level officials, and bureau-level officials from northern Beijing at that.
These people include scholars in related fields, or department leaders in charge of funding and project approval; it can be said that they can determine the future of the JF-12 project.

Afterwards, the group came down and went to the construction site.

Because the venue was spacious and there was background noise, Academician Yu's weak voice made it difficult for the visiting group to hear him. Yu Hongru turned his head and said, "I'm getting old and my voice is short. Xiao Zhai, why don't you give a brief explanation to everyone here?"

Zhai Da was not intimidated. He stepped forward and seamlessly continued his commentary:
"As you can see, this is the drive section of the JF-12. In a moment, a high-pressure hydrogen-oxygen mixture will be rushed into this section. The challenge lies in isenthalpic pressurization. To prevent abnormal temperatures, there is an integrated absorption refrigeration system inside the tube wall."

Leading the team, Zhai Da walked the entire 247-meter route from beginning to end, speaking eloquently and demonstrating a thorough understanding of each structure, even answering some of the academicians' questions.

This brought Yu Hongru a series of pleasant surprises.

This level of understanding is not entirely due to Zhai Da's personal involvement over a few days, but also thanks to the [Pure Gold Exploration Staff].

During the explanation, Zhai Da clearly sensed that one of the academicians was dismissive of the entire project, naturally carrying a sense of disdain.

I don't know if it was Gong Changzhang who said that "software simulation" is the right way.

This person doesn't think highly of the JF-12, yet he's repeatedly mentioned in various discussions; he's likely someone who holds the crucial vote.
During this time, Zhai Da also saw Gong Changzhang, who was leading the team to do the final testing work. The splint on his hand had been removed, but there was still a kind of protective unnaturalness.

Half an hour later, all the things worth visiting and explaining in the entire project had been introduced, and the whole process took less than an hour.

There was no way around it; the JF-12 project team didn't have the energy or funds to build an exhibition corridor, let alone an exhibition hall.

Even in the meeting room, there was no huge conference table, but rather rows of small stools like in a classroom, so this part of the activity was simply canceled.

After a brief visit, the group arrived at the side of the control room, on the second floor of the annex, in front of the "glass window" that Zhai Da was familiar with.

From here, you can get a full view of the entire shock tunnel.

Academician Yu took a deep breath and said, "So everyone, the reason I invited you all here today is to witness the first public test of the JF-12. Our test target is Mach 5-50 milliseconds, which is already at the international leading level."

After a moment's hesitation, seemingly to make the project more appealing, Academician Yu changed his tune:
"It's not just internationally leading, it's the world's largest, fastest, and most efficient wind tunnel!"

Looking at the colossal structure outside the glass window, Academician Yu remarked with emotion: "In 1958, my teacher, Mr. Guo, asked me to study shock tubes. It has been exactly fifty years since then. We have gone from manual manufacturing to having an industrial foundation, from being a novice to leading the world. I still remember how difficult the conditions were back then."

Zhai Da listened from the side and was also quite moved, realizing that such perseverance across half a century was indeed not easy.

As a result, we saw the strange expression reflected in the glass of Academician Yu Hongru.

So this person was playing the emotional card!
This old man
After some reminiscing, we are finally about to enter the most important moment.

Academician Yu, holding a walkie-talkie, called out loudly: "Report from all departments! Are the preparations complete?"

"On-site engineering department complete, has retreated to safe area." "Central control department complete, ready."

"The security department is ready, and fire trucks are on standby."

"Chemistry department complete, injection can begin at any time."

Yu Hongru turned to look at everyone one last time, and then gave the order: "I hereby announce the start of the first public test! All departments shall proceed as planned! The supply department shall report on the injection status every 30 seconds."

"Injection initiated. Estimated time: 300 seconds."

"Report in 30 seconds: Pressure and temperature are normal."

"Report in 60 seconds: Pressure and temperature are normal."

"90 seconds."

Feedback came through the walkie-talkie, signifying that this engineering behemoth was about to awaken.

While waiting, Zhai Da suddenly became nervous.

Will it become an instant hit and gain more and greater support, or will it revert to its original state, requiring re-evaluation or even a complete halt?

We'll see what happens today.

Zhai Da, who had never doubted this before, couldn't help but have some doubts now.

The original timeline was successful, but will it create a butterfly effect because of me now?

Wait a minute, he personally installed a lot of things in this equipment! And they're all the most important things! If his lack of skill causes problems with the JF-12, leading to the project being canceled...
That would affect far too many things!
Will our own sixth-generation fighter jet still exist? Will the Mach 30 JF-22 also disappear?

What about the 22nd missile? A ballistic missile? A rocket? A space station?
If we think further, even the international situation and the entire planet could be affected!

Damn it! I'm only a freshman in college, and I'm already burdened with the pressure of gambling on the fate of the nation?
Zhai Da's palms were sweating, he was a million times more nervous than he had been in the glitz and glamour of the fame and fortune arena yesterday.

While his brain was racing, Zhai Da couldn't resist secretly taking out a pure gold staff from his equipment inventory and tapping it lightly against the wall from his sleeve.

Just a few more glances! Even if it's just for some psychological comfort!
Three minutes later, a reply came through the walkie-talkie.

"Chemistry Department reports: Injection complete."

"Control room report: All sensors in the drive section, driven section, and test section are functioning normally; the model's attitude is normal."

"Field team reports: No obvious abnormalities observed; testing conditions are met. Please provide instructions!"

Zhai Da became increasingly focused on the exquisite white model in his mind, conducting his own "final test." He tapped his cane faster than a wooden fish drum, but fortunately, with so many people around and so much noise, no one noticed.

Yu Hongru narrowed his eyes slightly, took a deep breath, and said, "Test begins, ten seconds countdown."

This short sentence surprisingly carries a sense of war and battle.

"10"

"9"

"2"

"1"

"start up!"

At Yu Hongru's command, the operator in the central control room issued an ignition command to the computer.

Meanwhile, Zhai Da was still immersed in his "white model world".

And thus, I was fortunate enough to see a perspective that is unique in the world.

One of the taps happened to allow Zhai Da to visually "witness" the roar of this engineering behemoth!

Inside the drive section, high-pressure oxygen and hydrogen are ignited instantly.
The violent shockwave, confined within the massive beast's body, propagated to both sides at more than five times the speed of sound.

When the velocity of the wave source is greater than or equal to the wave propagation speed, the waves will be compressed together in the direction of propagation, forming a stronger energy.

The precisely calculated barrier diaphragm was ruptured, and the shock wave, reacting instantaneously, reached the driven section almost unharmed, pushing the air towards the test section.

The second diaphragm ruptured almost simultaneously, and the airplane model inside the vacuum tank was greeted by the long-awaited gale.

It sounds complicated, but to outsiders, it was just a fleeting moment.

Hundreds of tons of steel trembled with energy, emitting a low, penetrating groan, before everything returned to calm.

Zhai Daye also pulled his attention away from the "world of white models" and let out a long sigh of relief.
At least the worst-case scenario didn't happen, which was a leak or an explosion.

Although, statistically speaking, the probability is less than 0.01%.

Now, we'll see the results.
Successful operation is just the most basic requirement.

Yu Hongru slowly picked up the walkie-talkie and said in a deep voice, "Central Control Department, report the test results."

"Wait a moment. Calculating."

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds...
Finally, a relieved sound came through the walkie-talkie.

The woman's voice, tinged with suppressed excitement, announced: "Test successful! Wind speed: Mach 5.2! Effective stabilization time: 73 milliseconds!"

The sound reached several other departments, and cheers immediately erupted from below!

"Success! 73 milliseconds!"

"We did it! The world's most advanced wind tunnel!"

Applause finally broke out among the visitors.

Congratulations, Academician Yu, you succeeded on your first try!

"Excellent data!"

Mach 5.2 is not surprising, as the wind speed is set in advance and not directly set to 5.0 is simply to leave a margin.

However, the effective stabilization time of 73 milliseconds significantly exceeds the expected 50 milliseconds, representing an improvement of nearly 50%. This means that the entire system is more stable and reliable than designed!

Zhai Da also let out a long sigh of relief.

I couldn't help but laugh at my own nervousness just now.
This is the result of a year's worth of hard work by hundreds of experts.

It was an elderly man who had prepared an answer sheet for his teacher over half a century.

It is the result of nearly a century of relentless pursuit and catching up in science and technology and industry.

It will succeed, and it deserves to succeed.
A fleeting moment of brilliance, a century of yearning; seeking to borrow the heavenly winds to temper the golden soul.

Today, divine craftsmanship has been forged to measure the universe; from this moment on, a starship will ascend to the Eastern land.

Academician Yu Hongru's cloudy old eyes welled up with tears. Then he finally smiled.
Today's success is just yesterday's answer sheet. JF-12 still has a road ahead, and the shockwave wind tunnel still has room for further development.

We can't be complacent. After all, his time is really running out, and we don't know how many more years he can stay on the front lines.
Just as he was thinking this, Academician Yu turned around and saw Zhai Da.

The boy was clapping excitedly, his face showing no restraint or melancholy, nor a trace of wrinkles or weariness.

All that remains is excitement and boundless possibilities for the future.

Academician Yu Hongru suddenly felt relieved. Perhaps he was getting old.
But there are always young people on this land.

There will always be those who follow in the footsteps of science!
They will emerge like the sun at eight or nine o'clock in the morning, and then take over from every setting sun.

Academician Yu Hongru's smile gradually became relaxed and full of hope.

He patted Zhai Da's arm in the crowd.

"Xiao Zhai, when are you leaving?"

Zhai Da was taken aback: "My flight is tomorrow morning."

"Let's go somewhere another day later."

"Still late? Where are you headed?"

"Good news!"

　I've made it into a long chapter again. Will this affect my subscriptions?
　　
　
(End of this chapter)