Wang Xing nudged Li Wen and said, "I was worried Li Wu might feel down, but it seems unnecessary now. We still haven’t told Grandma Yang about the competition yet."
"We’ll tell her later. There’s no rush—the competition is still a while away."
Li Wen didn’t want to burden his grandmother further. With his brother leaving home, Grandma Yang would surely be worried and would personally see him off. If she found out he was also participating in a competition, she’d be stretched too thin. Besides, anything he didn’t know, he could always ask his grandma about.
The math competition they were joining would be held in the capital, so there was no need to travel far. His brother’s situation was different.
In the laboratory, Qin Nian entered the final piece of data and waited for the system to process it.
Everyone watched nervously. The wide control panel was covered in densely packed buttons.
Once the data was successfully implanted, they waited for the system to run. When the code lit up on the display, the entire team erupted in relieved laughter.
"Professor Qin, you’re incredible!"
"This is the result of everyone’s hard work. The code still needs testing—if we discover issues only after deployment, it’ll be a disaster."
After months of grueling work, Qin Nian had drastically reduced his sleep, and his face showed clear signs of exhaustion.
The team reined in their excitement and got back to work.
They were developing an air-to-air missile guidance system, responsible for processing vast amounts of sensor data, calculating missile trajectories, and executing complex tactical maneuvers.
The computer received commands from the fighter jet’s fire-control system, combined with the missile’s own sensor inputs—radar, infrared, and more—to guide it toward the target.
The fighter’s system was linked to the central control room, requiring instant and precise judgment of incoming data.
After passing ground tests, they would proceed to aerial trials.
In the forest, under a light drizzle, Shen Xianjun and Liao Yuanjie walked shoulder-to-shoulder, alert to their surroundings. Only five kilometers remained before they reached their destination.
As they neared the final stretch, they began spotting other competitors.
A chaotic brawl awaited them. With less than a kilometer to go, fists and kicks flew—only the strongest would prevail.
"That’s cheating!"
A man whose pants had been yanked down cursed loudly.
Shen Xianjun and Liao Yuanjie exchanged glances, tripped the nearest competitor, and sprinted ahead, securing first place.
Points were awarded based on flag placements, and those who arrived late were eliminated.
The best of the best were selected once more. Boarding the helicopter, Shen Xianjun realized they weren’t returning to their original training base but being taken somewhere new.
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, doctors will conduct physical examinations."
Shen Xianjun and Liao Yuanjie collapsed into sleep almost immediately. The next morning, the wake-up whistle blared, and they sprang to their feet.
"This base is massive—why aren’t there any planes?"
Liao Yuanjie elbowed Shen Xianjun, who ignored him. A room full of doctors awaited them, with over a dozen tests scheduled.
After several vials of blood were drawn, they were finally led to breakfast.
"Starting today, I’ll be your new instructor, teaching you how to pilot fighter jets. These aren’t like the ones you’ve trained on before—they’re equipped with our newly developed information system. You’ll first need to learn specialized terminology and familiarize yourselves with every component of the aircraft."
Shen Xianjun and the others brightened. This meant they’d get hands-on experience with the latest fighter models—what an honor!
Subjects they once found mentally taxing were now absorbed with rapt attention. Every command had to be memorized, with responses required within three seconds.
In Yuecheng
"So, Manager Fan, what do you think?"
Boss Huo led Fan Juan through a factory where workers were diligently assembling products.
Fan Juan observed closely—every step was executed with care, and each assembly line had dedicated inspectors. Safety warnings and equipment were all in place.
"Boss Huo’s business reach is impressive. These machines aren’t domestically produced."
Fan Juan noted the foreign brand names on the assembly line equipment.
"I wouldn’t dare propose outsourcing to you with subpar machinery, Manager Fan. Rest assured, I’d never risk my reputation. These machines were shipped over from Hong Kong."
Boss Huo patted one of the machines, clearly showcasing his resources.
"You must be a major taxpayer, Boss Huo."
"Paying taxes dutifully is every citizen’s responsibility."
"Boss Huo certainly has the capability for outsourcing. I’ll discuss it with my team and give you a definitive answer soon."
After inspecting the factory, Fan Juan politely declined Boss Huo’s dinner invitation.
She left with Old Wu and, upon returning to her lodgings, tasked him with an investigation.
"Look into the forces behind Boss Huo. I’ll stay here in the meantime and avoid going out."
Old Wu discreetly visited a government office with his identification, ensuring no one followed him. An hour later, he returned with documents.
"Boss Huo seems to be a legitimate businessman—a major taxpayer with a sizable workforce."
Fan Juan flipped through the files, which included details on other enterprises.
"We’ve seen enough here. The day after tomorrow, we’ll head to Haishi. Its economy has always been thriving."
Her superiors had sent her to scout locations for potential stock market pilot programs. The most economically developed regions needed firsthand evaluation to assess local industries.
On the day of Fan Juan’s departure, Boss Huo personally came to see her off.
"Manager Fan, you’re young and accomplished. I heard you’re unmarried—I hold you in high regard. A union between us could be formidable. Would you consider it?"
Only at the station did Boss Huo finally voice his thoughts.
"My apologies, but I’m already engaged. His work is just… unconventional."
Fan Juan paused briefly before smiling.
"What a shame. When the wedding comes, I’d love to celebrate and share in your joy."
Boss Huo took it graciously, pressing no further.
"Achoo!"
Liao Yuanjie sneezed abruptly, and Shen Xianjun scooted away in disgust, barely saving his meal.
"What’s wrong with you?"
"I feel like someone’s trying to steal my girl."
Shen Xianjun rolled his eyes.
"The kids will be in your care for a few days. Once I’ve settled Li Wu, I’ll come back as soon as I know the arrangements."
Yang Yufen carried bags over her shoulder and in her hands, all packed for Li Wu.
Though she knew he’d be issued uniforms, she had still bought him several new outfits—thick winter wear, shoes, and extra socks to account for his growing feet.
A warm quilt, a thermos, a washbasin—she made sure he lacked nothing.
Li Wu bid a reluctant farewell to his friends. Only when Teacher Gao reminded them of the tight schedule did he finally leave with his grandmother.
