Reborn in 1977, I will no longer be my brother's blood bag.

On the day the exchange meeting between northern universities began, Lin Xiuhe went to the reception office first.

Zhou Zhiyuan's letter arrived last night.

The food company's equipment was run for three days again, and the acceptance form was re-signed. Old Sun stayed on the night shift, and the factory gave him a new official logbook.

There was an extra sentence at the end of the letter.

—I heard you're participating in an exchange program these days. Don't get so busy that you forget to eat.

After reading the letter, Lin Xiuhe put it into her textbook.

As Grandpa Wang was sorting newspapers, he casually asked, "From home?"

"no."

"Then what are you laughing at?"

Lin Xiuhe picked up the book.

You've misread it.

She left the gatehouse and tucked the book deeper into her bag.

The exchange meeting was held in the school auditorium.

When the five members of Qimingxing arrived, Dongcheng Institute of Technology was already surrounded. They had won first place last year, and Guo Chengzhang, whom they brought this year, was already well-known.

Zhao Guodong put the toolbox under the table.

"They're already putting on airs before the competition even starts."

Du Changshun straightened his crooked name tag.

"Even if you say less, you'll still appear more authoritative."

He Qiuyan laughed beside her.

Just as Li Mingyuan took out the blueprints, a teacher in the front row called out to him.

"Li Mingyuan?"

That's Professor Yan from Dongcheng Institute of Technology.

He asked a few questions about last year's paper and then handed over a research project notification.

"Several universities in the north are preparing to collaborate on a control project. It will take six months, and the main personnel will gather in Dongcheng. Come find me after the competition; this project is suitable for you."

Li Mingyuan took it.

Professor Yan then asked, "Why wasn't your solution used this time?"

"The group chose a different set."

"Lin Xiuhe's style?"

"Um."

Professor Yan glanced at the display board of the Morning Star.

"Her approach is suitable for factories, but at exchange meetings, results are what truly matter."

Lin Xiuhe was organizing materials when she heard this and looked up.

"The match hasn't started yet."

Professor Yan smiled and said nothing more.

Li Mingyuan returned with the project notification.

Lin Xiuhe glanced at it.

"The opportunity is good."

He put the paper on the table.

"You think it's good?"

"It's great that Professor Yan is willing to let you participate."

Li Mingyuan looked at her, but didn't continue the conversation.

Lin Xiuhe turned around to get the tape. Her schoolbag was open, and a corner of the textbook containing the letter was showing.

The name on the envelope was facing outwards.

Li Mingyuan recognized him.

He folded the assignment notice neatly and put it into his schoolbag.

"What if I actually go and participate?"

"Go ahead."

She answered very quickly.

"Just this sentence?"

Lin Xiuhe pretended not to understand.

"What else? Should we throw you a farewell banquet?"

Zhao Guodong, carrying the equipment, slowed his pace slightly as he passed by.

Du Changshun gave him a push from behind.

"Don't block the way."

Li Mingyuan was still looking at Lin Xiuhe.

"I'm going to stay in Dongcheng for six months, and Qimingxing will be short one person."

"I came back six months later."

"What about the next six months?"

Lin Xiuhe paused, her hand holding the tape.

She bent down, tore off a piece of tape, and stuck it to the corner of the box.

"The opportunity for a joint project is rare. It's only for six months, but Qimingxing will continue as usual."

Li Mingyuan's smile faded slightly.

"You've figured it out for me."

"Your future is yours; I can't possibly stop you from achieving it."

"I didn't ask you to stop it for me."

"That'll do."

Lin Xiuhe handed the tape to He Qiuyan, making it clear that she wasn't going to say anything more.

Li Mingyuan stood there for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Who will do the calculations today?"

"you."

What if I have to leave at the last minute?

"Professor Yan won't carry you away right now."

Zhao Guodong couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Li Mingyuan turned his head.

"Is it funny?"

"Not funny."

Zhao Guodong ran very fast while carrying the equipment.

Lin Xiuhe finally looked at Li Mingyuan.

"Don't go anywhere until the game is over."

These words finally made him look a little better.

He fastened his backpack.

"understood."

The opening bell rang.

In the first round, each group will present their work independently.

Dongcheng Institute of Technology came in first place, and Qimingxing came in second.

When the results were posted, Zhao Guodong stood around looking at them for a long time.

"How much difference?"

"A few points," Li Mingyuan said.

"Is there still a chance?"

"Let's see the second round."

Guo Chengzhang happened to be passing by.

"The second round is still practical. Your approach is too solid; it won't be easy for you to catch up."

Lin Xiuhe asked, "Have the rules been announced?"

Guo Chengzhang paused for a moment.

"The notice included practical instructions."

"It doesn't specify who will operate it."

Guo Chengzhang looked at her for a few seconds.

"Then see you on stage."

After he left, Li Mingyuan put away the report card.

"He's right. If we only look at speed, we are indeed at a disadvantage."

Lin Xiuhe asked, "Do you regret not using your solution?"

"A little."

"normal."

"Aren't you angry?"

"You did a good job, why would I be angry?"

Li Mingyuan looked at her, as if he wanted to say something more.

Lin Xiuhe had already gone to help He Qiuyan check the materials.

He followed her silhouette for a moment, then noticed the letter peeking out of her schoolbag.

In the end, he said nothing.

In the afternoon, the second set of rules was announced.

Each group's equipment must be operated by a stranger.

Designers can only stand by and watch; they are not allowed to offer any advice.

The auditorium erupted into chaos.

Guo Chengzhang first looked back at his equipment.

Zhao Guodong was no longer as relaxed as before.

The school hired six temporary operators: a laboratory building attendant, a canteen maintenance worker, and Mr. Qin, who operated the boiler.

Master Qin stood on the stage and waved his hand first.

"All I know how to do is work with boilers. Don't blame me if you break any of your stuff."

The lead judge laughed and said, "If it gets damaged, it's the student's responsibility."

The lottery results came out quickly.

Dongcheng Institute of Technology selected a young lab technician.

I drew Master Qin in the Morning Star group.

Zhao Guodong wiped his face.

"What luck..."

He Qiuyan ignored him.

She was the one who compiled the operating instructions. When she was writing them, she felt she understood them clearly enough, but now, looking at Master Qin's hands covered in coal dust, she felt completely uncertain.

Master Qin walked up to the machine and first flipped through the instruction manual.

"I recognize the words."

He looked at it again.

"Putting it all together... you might not understand."

He Qiuyan hugged her notebook tightly.

Lin Xiuhe nudged her arm.

"Scared?"

"Um."

"I'm scared too."

The staff installed the faulty component, and the red light came on.

On the other side, the lab technicians at Dongcheng Institute of Technology had already opened the cover.

Master Qin was still standing in the same spot.

The timer has started.

He Qiuyan took half a step forward, then abruptly stopped.

No one can remind you.

Master Qin turned to the last page and finally pointed to the fault diagram, asking:

"Should we look for this place first?"

He Qiuyan's lips moved slightly.

Lin Xiuhe pressed down on her wrist.

Unable to get a reply, Master Qin had no choice but to pick up his tools himself.

He opened the equipment cover.