Reborn in 2011, I am the chief designer of aerospace.

"I heard that when you went back to the lab yesterday, you even gave a lecture to these junior students?"

Professor Xu sat behind his desk, leisurely brewing tea.

Song Xingye pulled up a chair and sat down, saying modestly, "It's not really a lecture. I'm just doing my duty as the senior brother and giving some pointers."

"You little brat...when did you suddenly become so enlightened? Did you manage to squeeze out a major thesis?"

"No, not really... but the basic framework is finalized. I'm confident I can finish the first draft before the end of the year, and maybe I can even get an outstanding doctoral dissertation award?"

Professor Xu paused in his washing of the cups, then chuckled, "You're quite the braggart. But it's good, you're usually so quiet and reserved, always burying yourself in experiments and writing papers, it used to worry me. Now you've finally figured it out, you can even crack a joke."

After pushing a cup of tea towards Song Xingye, he said earnestly:

"Hoshino, wherever you go in the future, always remember: technical skills are the foundation of your career, but interpersonal relationships are the lubricant. In this world, you must learn to blend in, understand?"

Like light and dust.

Song Xingye silently pondered the word.

Perhaps Professor Xu in his previous life had said something similar, but back then, the arrogant young man believed that science and technology were above all else and that human relationships were just a burden, so he didn't take it to heart at all.

It wasn't until 20 years later, when that young man, whose edges had been smoothed out, was battered and bruised by reality, that he finally understood the true meaning of this word.

And now...

Song Xingye nodded earnestly and solemnly, saying, "Thank you, teacher. I will keep your words in mind."

Seeing that the student was teachable, Professor Xu took a sip of tea with satisfaction and changed the subject:

"You've been busy with the National Rail Design Competition lately, so I haven't paid much attention to it. After all, these kinds of competitions are still too difficult for students from Jiaotong University. Our aerospace engineering department started late, and compared to those seven established top universities, our foundation is indeed a bit lacking..."

The seven top universities that Professor Xu mentioned are naturally the renowned "Seven Sons of National Defense".

Aerospace students graduating from these seven universities are basically like the top five law schools and four law departments – their reputation is absolutely outstanding.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at Jiaotong University can only be considered second-tier compared to them.

However, Song Xingye's performance gave everyone an unexpected surprise (or shock).

Professor Xu, who had been speaking calmly, suddenly slammed his hand on the table, startling Song Xingye.

"You really made me proud! This time you swept through seven strong schools, becoming the undisputed dark horse!"

Seeing the professor's radiant face, Song Xingye vaguely guessed the outcome.

He tentatively asked, "Teacher, are the competition results out?"

"Hehe, the gold medal in this competition was awarded to our school."

Professor Xu, who had been holding back for a long time, finally burst into a hearty laugh, slamming his hand on the table and saying, "What a triumphant moment! I never imagined that one day we could leave those seven top universities standing there dumbfounded, watching our Jiaotong University take first place!"

The result was exactly as Song Xingye had predicted.

After all, he had personally revised and approved that track design; if it didn't win first prize, there must be something fishy going on.

However, Song Xingye still cooperated by showing a hint of surprise:

"Really? We're in first place?"

Professor Xu leaned back in his chair, smiling broadly, and said...

"Of course! I called to confirm it myself, and then checked it out with a few old guys from Beihang University, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Harbin Institute of Technology (bragging). You have no idea how those old guys looked when they were humiliated... That felt great! Our Jiaotong University finally stood up straight this time!"

"Is there a reward for first place?" Song Xingye blinked and asked.

"You brat, you don't even know what the prize is, and you're already participating in the competition?"

"I went there just for the fun of it, who knew those seven strong schools would be so weak..."

Seeing this, Professor Xu revealed, "The prize money should be around 20,000 yuan, plus a medal and a certificate."

Song Xingye was very satisfied, "The organizers were quite generous."

Professor Xu laughed and said, "The prize money is nothing. The important thing is the intangible benefit of this competition. If you go to work in a research institute in the future, when people hear that you won a gold medal in the CTOC competition, even the dean will look at you with more respect!"

Song Xingye couldn't help but complain, "Professor, I'm not graduating with my doctorate until next year. I haven't even figured out my future career path yet, and you're already rushing to pack me up and send me to the research institute?"

The teacher raised an eyebrow. "If you're not going to the research institute, where will you go after graduation? Commercial Aircraft Corporation? A foreign company? A car company? Or will you stay at the university as a postdoctoral researcher?"

"I plan to go to the research institute."

Song Xingye chuckled slyly.

Professor Xu: "..."

Professor Xu chuckled and scolded, "You little rascal... your personality has changed quite a bit lately. You used to be such a quiet person, but now you've learned to be quite the chatterbox."

Song Xingye said, "That's called being cheerful."

"Alright, it's good to be cheerful; it opens up many paths for you." Professor Xu said thoughtfully, "So, which company are you planning to go to? Dongyu Group or Dongfang Group?"

Most of the major research institutes are affiliated with these two companies, which are also the only two shining pearls of China's aerospace industry. All aerospace students consider it an honor to be able to work for these two companies.

However, Dongyu Group focuses more on carrier rockets, while Dongfang Group focuses more on strategic weapons.

The two businesses occasionally overlap, but this does not constitute a conflict.

This time, Song Xingye really hadn't made up his mind. He shook his head and said, "I'll decide in a while. Summer vacation is coming soon, and I guess the early recruitment for various research institutes will start soon. I'll submit my resume then."

Professor Xu decisively said, "Why don't you give it a try at Dongyu Group?"

Song Xingye asked in surprise, "You accepted bribes? Why are you so readily pushing me towards Dongyu?"

The teacher, puffing out his beard and glaring, yelled, "You're asking for it! You little brat, you're really asking for it!"

Song Xingye rubbed his hands together and smiled. "Then why didn't you recommend me to Dongfang? We're all top-tier state-owned enterprises at the very top of the pyramid, are there really any hierarchy among them?"

"You little rascal..."

Looking at his increasingly cheerful and proud student, Professor Xu's eyes softened. "Don't ever say that I didn't think of you when there were good things to do. The reason I sent you to Dongyu is because they organized a summer camp this summer."

"Summer camp? Doesn't Dongyu Group run one every year? Do those who successfully complete the camp get early admission offers?"

"There's an extra summer camp this year."

Professor Xu calmly said, "Because of the Wolf Clause, Dongguo Aerospace has been greatly impacted this year, facing almost a complete blockade. The situation is difficult, and a slight misstep could lead to a technological gap and a shortage of talent..."

Song Xingye's smile faded, and he listened quietly.

"But back then, Dongguo's space program was also blocked by Country A. Even with nothing to show for it, they still managed to build missiles, rockets, and satellites using only draft paper and abacuses. So, Dongguo today will not be defeated by difficulties either!"

"Under these circumstances, the space agency issued an official document calling for the recruitment of talent without being bound by convention. It also called on a large number of chief designers and academicians to personally mentor newcomers, breaking with convention and boldly promoting young people."

"On the other hand, it is for the sake of passing on the torch, gradually rejuvenating the industry, with the older generation making way and stepping back to the background, so that young people can take the lead."

"Dongyu Group was the first to respond and launched the 'Starry Summer Camp' program, which aims to select talented and promising young leaders, cultivate them quickly through special promotion channels, and help them succeed the older generation."

"Although our Jiaotong University can't compare to those seven top universities, we still have recommendation slots. I originally planned to give it to another student... but now it seems there's a more suitable candidate..."

After listening to Professor Xu's long-winded explanation, Song Xingye's eyes widened.

"Teacher, am I still your personal disciple? You only just remembered me for such a good thing?"

Stop being so cheeky.

Professor Xu said in a serious tone: "You kid, do you think the Starry Sky Summer Camp is some kind of children's game? Dongyu Group is not only selecting potential talents who understand technology, but also administrative commanders who understand large-scale military operations!"

All candidates must be the best of the best, the future leaders of Dongguk Aerospace. To put it even more dramatically, they are the future "young leaders of the aerospace industry"!

As for you... I previously thought that while your technical foundation was solid, it wasn't outstanding enough, and you also had some personality flaws. Sending you to the summer camp would have meant you'd be eliminated sooner or later, so it was better to give the recommendation spot to someone else...

Finally, Lao Xu couldn't help but add:

"I'm doing this for your own good. The elimination process at the Starry Sky Summer Camp is brutal, and sending you there would only waste your time. But I didn't expect you to beat out the seven top schools and win the CTOC championship. Plus, with that quick wit, you do have the potential to be a 'young leader.' So, here's your spot, go and give it a try."

Song Xingye remained silent for a while, never expecting that there was such an unknown episode during his doctoral studies.

If I hadn't performed exceptionally well this time, I would have missed out on the Starry Sky Summer Camp program.

It seems that the butterfly's wings have already flapped in this life.

He smiled again: "Thank you, teacher, for giving me the recommendation spot. I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

Professor Xu waved his hand, "There's no need for thanks. I'm just stating the facts. Based on your current performance, you are indeed more worthy of recommendation."

But let me be clear from the start, everyone who gets to the Starry Sky Summer Camp is an elite. It's a battle of the best, so you'd better do your best, since you're representing Jiaotong University.

"If you get eliminated in the first round, just wait till I get back and see how I deal with you!"

As he spoke, he opened a drawer, took out a document, and tossed it over: "Also, before you go, I'll assign you another task..."