Courtyard House: A Major Power's Heavy Industry, Hand-Crafted Nuclear Fusion

late autumn.

Southeast coast, 10,000 meters above the ground.

The air in the stratosphere is thin and cold; sunlight here is no longer a warm caress, but a blinding, radiant, pale gaze. The sky takes on a deep, dark purple-black hue, like the edge of the universe, or the pupil of death.

A pitch-black airplane, like a ghost from hell, hovered silently at an altitude of 21,000 meters.

It has disproportionately long wings with an astonishing wingspan of 31 meters, while its fuselage is slender and long, coated with a special radar-absorbing paint. From the ground, it looks like a black cross gliding with its wings spread, exuding a deathly oppressive feeling, silently cutting through the thin atmosphere.

This is the U-2, the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that superpower across the ocean is most proud of.

In this era, it was the absolute ruler of the skies, a myth of being "unshooable." It flew too high, exceeding the service ceiling of most fighter jets at the time, leaving ground-based anti-aircraft fire helpless. For the air defense forces of this continent, it was a visible but untouchable nightmare.

Inside the cockpit, ace pilot Chen Huaisheng (pseudonym), codenamed "Black Cat," glanced down at the instrument panel.

Height: 70,000 feet (approximately 21336 meters).

Speed: Mach 0.75.

Internal pressure: 3.5 psi.

Through the specially designed pressurized helmet visor, he greedily surveyed the vast continent below. It was his homeland, and now his "hunting ground."

"Black Cat calling base, has entered target airspace. Visibility is good, camera activated."

A voice from the base across the strait came through the radio, tinged with static: "Received. Take precautions against 'SAM' missiles. According to intelligence, the PLA has deployed a battalion of SAM-2 air defense missiles imported from the Soviet Union in this area."

"Sam?"

"Black Cat" smirked disdainfully, his voice brimming with arrogance. "Sir, at an altitude of 21,000 meters, those cumbersome missiles are nothing more than firework rockets. Their radar can't even lock onto me, let alone hit me."

This is not arrogance, but confidence based on the "technological gap".

At this time on this continent, the service ceiling of the main fighter jet, the J-5, was only 16,000 meters, and even the J-6, with its best efforts, could barely reach 18,000 meters. Faced with the U-2 cruising at 21,000 meters, these fighter jets were like mutts trying to catch a swan, only able to stare helplessly as it swaggered past.

As for anti-aircraft missiles?

Although the early SAM-2 missiles could theoretically reach certain altitudes, their guidance radars had extremely poor anti-jamming capabilities. The U-2 was equipped with the latest American System-13 electronic jammer, which, once activated, would cause a snowy display on ground-based missile radar screens, making it impossible to establish a stable lock-on.

"It's like taking a walk in your own backyard."

"Black Cat" whistled, pushed down the control stick, and the huge high-resolution aerial camera under the fuselage started working.

"Click, click."

The cameras captured everything on film: airports, ports, radar stations, and even newly started industrial bases on the mainland. These photos would appear on the desks of that white palace across the ocean within hours, becoming crucial evidence for assessing the growth rate of that red giant.

On this day, he even arrogantly turned on the radio and hummed a tune on the public channel.

That was an insult to the entire air defense force.

……

Ground. A missile defense battalion position in southern China.

The sirens pierced the sky, red signal lights flashed wildly inside the command vehicle, and the ear-piercing buzzing was unsettling.

"Target spotted! Bearing 120, distance 150 km, altitude 21000 m!"

The radar operator stared intently at the flickering dot on the screen, sweat beading on his forehead, his voice trembling: "Battalion Commander! It's back again! Same altitude! Same flight path! So arrogant! This is utterly outrageous!"

Battalion Commander Xing Zhiqiang (pseudonym) had a livid face as the red and blue pencils in his hand snapped in two with a "crack".

He stared at the slowly moving dot of light on the screen, a dot that seemed to mock their incompetence.

"Prepare for battle! Power on launch! Activate guidance radar!"

Xing Zhiqiang's voice was squeezed out from between his teeth.

"yes!"

On the position, the camouflage netting was quickly removed. Three massive "543" missiles slowly rose, pointing straight at the sky, like three longswords thirsting for blood. The missile soldiers moved with practiced skill, their eyes burning with fervor; they had waited far too long for this moment.

However, at the very moment the radar was activated and locked on.

The light spots on the screen suddenly disappeared.

Instead, a chaotic noise, like a swarm of flies buzzing around or snowflakes falling from the sky, instantly filled the entire screen.

"Damn it! Interference! Strong electromagnetic interference!"

The radar operator screamed desperately, frantically pounding on the control panel, trying to adjust the frequency, but the static was like a persistent, intractable problem. "Target lost! Unable to lock on! Guidance radar malfunction!"

Xing Zhiqiang slammed his fist on the command platform, his eyes bloodshot, his knuckles white from the force, and blood seeping out.

"Damn it! It's the same old trick again!"

This is the fourth time in the past three months.

Each time, the missile launches with hope; each time, the screen turns to static in despair.

Watching enemy planes circle overhead, seemingly strolling through a market, snapping photos, and then swaggering away—this humiliation was like a knife to the heart of every anti-aircraft soldier. They held their guns, yet couldn't see or hit the enemy; this helplessness was worse than death.

"Battalion Commander, should we fire or not? Let's fire blindly!" the political instructor asked through gritted teeth. "Even just to scare it a little!"

"Hands-fire? One missile costs as much as several fighter jets; it's national property! How can we launch it recklessly without being certain of success?"

Xing Zhiqiang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger. His voice was hoarse, as if he were crying, "Shut down! Take cover! Don't expose our position! Remember this, we'll settle this score sooner or later!"

The massive missile drooped helplessly and was covered with camouflage netting again.

The soldiers collapsed to the ground, some even bursting into tears.

In the sky, the U-2 drew an elegant arc as it flew deeper into the inland.

That place, codenamed "001," is a top-secret area and the heart of this country.

……

Kyoto, 001 Research Institute.

Time flies. Today, the 001 Research Institute is no longer the makeshift operation with just a few old warehouses.

Under Su Zheng's planning, this place has been expanded into a modern scientific research city. Neat rows of red brick factory buildings stretch for miles, huge wind tunnel laboratories emit a deep rumble, and countless indicator lights flash day and night in the heavily guarded underground data center.

This place is the hope of the nation's industry, but also a mysterious and forbidden area in the eyes of the outside world.

Inside the core laboratory, the temperature and humidity are constant, and it is so quiet that only the slight hum of the instruments can be heard.

Su Zheng, wearing a white lab coat, stood in front of a huge electron microscope, observing something intently. His gaze was focused and profound, as if the entire world had shrunk to the microscopic lattice before him.

Standing next to him was a woman wearing the same white coat.

Ye Xinyi.

Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her, leaving no trace on her face, but instead adding an intellectual beauty to her. She held a thick notebook in her hand, her eyes closely following Su Zheng's actions, her pen flying across the paper, recording data.

"The third group of carbon nanotubes showed a misalignment, resulting in a 0.5% decrease in conductivity."

Ye Xinyi's voice was clear and precise. Without needing to look at the instrument panel, her brain was like a sophisticated computer, instantly calculating the result: "It is recommended to increase the annealing temperature by 3 degrees and extend the holding time by 12 seconds."

Su Zheng didn't turn around, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Received. I'll do as you say."

He adjusted the parameters and restarted the device.

A moment later, a perfect curve appeared on the screen.

"It's a success."

Su Zheng straightened up and let out a long breath. He turned around, looked at Ye Xinyi, his eyes full of smiles, "As expected of my 'humanoid computer,' this computing power is even faster than that transistor computer that can perform 100,000 calculations per second."

Ye Xinyi closed her notebook, rolled her eyes at him, but a smile played at the corners of her eyes: "Stop being so cheeky. It's because I'm too familiar with your experimental logic. I couldn't have figured it out for anyone else."

"That's right, we're inseparable golden partners," Su Zheng joked.

The tacit understanding between the two was beyond words. In this research institute, Su Zheng was the brain, responsible for imaginative ideas and technological breakthroughs; while Ye Xinyi was the nerve center, responsible for translating these ideas into precise data and executable solutions.

Without Ye Xinyi, many of Su Zheng's crazy ideas might still be just blueprints.

"By the way, Zhao Ming recently mentioned the second phase of the synthetic ammonia project..."

Su Zheng was about to say something when suddenly...

The red telephone on the desk rang without warning.

"Ring ring—"

The piercing ringing instantly shattered the tranquility of the laboratory, like a sharp blade slicing through the air.

This is a direct line to the "Red Wall" (the highest levels of government). It only rings in the event of a top-level emergency or when there are instructions from the highest levels. Normally, it's like a silent guardian, quietly waiting there. But the moment it rings, it means—something terrible has happened.

Su Zheng and Ye Xinyi exchanged a glance, and their expressions instantly turned serious.

Su Zheng walked over quickly and steadily picked up the receiver.

"I am Su Zheng."

On the other end of the phone came a dignified and steady voice; it was the CEO's voice.

"Comrade Su Zheng."

"Greetings, sir."

"Let's skip the pleasantries. You've probably heard about the situation; it's an annoying fly that's already buzzing around us. Yesterday, it even circled the edge of the Northwest Base, though it didn't dare venture too far in, but that's blatant provocation!"

The boss's voice was laced with suppressed anger. "Our comrades have done their best, but the equipment is simply inadequate. After the experts left, the blueprints for the improved version also disappeared. Now we're completely helpless. The other side is testing our bottom line and also probing the progress of our 'big firecracker' project."

"Sir, what do you need me to do?" Su Zheng asked directly, without any hesitation.

I want your "eyes".

The boss paused for a moment, then said, "The Air Force specifically requested your return. They said only you can see through the aircraft's weaknesses, and only you can make the blind radar open again. How about it? Can you temporarily put aside your work and go to the missile battalion? It's a tough job."

Su Zheng glanced at the azure sky outside the window.

That is the sky of our motherland.

How can we allow robbers to run rampant?

"Don't worry, sir."

Su Zheng's voice was calm and firm, "I'll go right away."

"Good! There are no jokes in the military!"

After hanging up the phone, Su Zheng turned around.

Ye Xinyi had already started packing. She put her notebook, slide rule, and the portable data analyzer specially made by Su Zheng into her briefcase.

"I'll go with you," Ye Xinyi said without looking up.

"That's the front line, conditions are tough, and it could be dangerous," Su Zheng said, looking at her.

"You're going to modify the radar, which involves a lot of electromagnetic spectrum calculations and ballistic corrections." Ye Xinyi raised her head, her gaze clear and firm. "Without me, can you manage the calculations? Or do you want to use that cumbersome abacus?"

Su Zheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled.

"That's true. I really feel a bit lost without you."

"Let's go then. Let's go and meet that 'black cat'."

……

Air Force Surface-to-Air Missile Command, Operations Conference Room.

The room was filled with smoke. The officers and several gray-haired radar experts were all frowning at the battle maps on the wall. The ashtray on the table was overflowing with cigarette butts, and the air reeked of anxiety and frustration.

"The interference is too strong!"

An elderly expert took off his glasses and sighed helplessly, "The enemy's 'System-13' jammer is specifically designed to target the SAM-2 radar frequency. As soon as we turn it on, it automatically emits clutter at the same frequency, making it impossible to distinguish between real and false targets. We tried frequency conversion, but the SAM-2's magnetron limits the conversion range too much; we simply can't evade it."

"Can we change the frequency?"

"It can't be changed. To change it would require dismantling and rebuilding the entire radar, which is a huge project that would take at least a year and a half to complete."

"What are we going to do? Just watch?" A hot-tempered division commander slammed his fist on the table. "Or I'll lead some J-6s up and ram it! I'll risk my life if I can bring it down!"

"Nonsense!" the commander roared. "The J-6s can't fly that high, how can they crash into us? Are you trying to get yourselves killed? We want victory, not sacrifice!"

Amidst the despair and anxiety, the conference room door was pushed open.

"Report! Director Su of Research Institute 001 has arrived!"

All eyes turned to the doorway.

Su Zheng strode in, followed by Ye Xinyi carrying a briefcase and Zhao Ming carrying instruments.

"Comrade Su Zheng!"

The commander strode forward, grasping Su Zheng's hand tightly as if it were his last lifeline. "I've been waiting for you like the stars and the moon! The situation is urgent, so I won't stand on ceremony. Do you have a solution for this 'black cat'?"

Su Zheng did not answer directly, but walked straight to the huge radar schematic diagram.

He activated the Eye of Truth.

In his vision, the complex circuit diagram was instantly deconstructed and reconstructed. The flow of current, the feedback of signals, and even the parameters of each electronic component clearly appeared in his mind.

"The SAM-2... it really is an old relic from the 50s."

Su Zheng shook his head. "Analog circuits, single-band, mechanical scanning. In the face of modern electronic warfare, this kind of radar is like a blind man holding a torch and shouting. The enemy only needs to sprinkle a little jamming powder, and it will be completely disoriented."

Upon hearing the words "antique," the faces of several veteran experts became somewhat sour. This was a treasure in their eyes, something the country had imported at great expense.

"Dean Su, this was the most advanced technology back then..."

That was five years ago.

Su Zheng interrupted him, "Now, electronic technology on the other side of the ocean has been upgraded. If we still cling to the old almanac, we will only be beaten."

At this moment, Ye Xinyi, who had been silent until now, walked to another table. There was a pile of long strips of paper there, covered with densely packed waveforms—the interference signals recorded by the radar during the previous failed interceptions.

Ye Xinyi picked up a piece of paper and quickly scanned it.

"This is not noise."

Ye Xinyi suddenly spoke, her voice clear and crisp.

Everyone was stunned.

"Comrade Xiao Ye, what did you say?" the old expert asked in confusion.

"I said, although it looks like noise, it actually follows a pattern."

Ye Xinyi pointed to a few inconspicuous peaks on the paper tape, "Look here, every 0.03 seconds, the frequency of the interference signal will change slightly. Moreover, the amplitude of this change exactly matches the characteristics of the Fibonacci sequence."

"What?"

The experts were taken aback and quickly gathered around.

Ye Xinyi picked up a pen and quickly wrote down a series of complex formulas on the paper.

"If we perform a Fourier transform on this interference signal and then subtract the radar's main wave frequency, we will find..."

She paused with her pen and drew a clear sawtooth wave pattern.

"It's actually a frequency sweep signal disguised as noise. It's mimicking our radar, but the mimicry is too deliberate, which gives it away."

"If we can add a reverse filter at the radar receiver to filter out this specific frequency sweep signal, what's left... is the real target!"

A deathly silence.

The veteran experts stared, mouths agape, at the beautiful formula on the paper. They'd spent a month trying to figure it out, and this young woman had discovered it in a single glance?

Is this talent? Is this the legendary "humanoid computer"?

"Xinyi is right."

Su Zheng walked over, glanced at the formula, and his eyes were full of admiration. He turned to look at the commander, his gaze intense.

"Sir, we've found the problem."

"It's not that our missiles can't fly that high, it's that our eyes have been blinded."

"Just give me the authority, give me three days."

Su Zheng pointed to the bulky radar cabinets.

"I'll give them a new brain. A brain that can see through all pretense."

"When the time comes, don't care if it's a black cat or a white cat; even if it's a god from heaven, if it dares to trespass into our restricted area, I'll drag it down!"

The commander was so excited that he slammed his fist on the table.

"Alright! Comrade Su Zheng, I'm giving you the highest authorization! You can have whatever you want! Even if you want to dismantle my command vehicle, you can do it!"

"If you can shoot that black cat down, I'll recommend you for a reward! I'll even serve you as your horse's handler!"

Outside the window, the autumn wind was bleak.

But the atmosphere in the command center had changed from despair to excitement.

The sword has been drawn.

The "black cat" that was still gloating at 10,000 meters in the sky had no idea that its doomsday was already counting down.