#26: Young Hero

Chu Ning woke up in bed; Ying Jing had carried her there.

After a night, her fever had subsided. She walked into the living room and saw that Ying Jing hadn’t left yet, bustling about in the kitchen.

“You’re awake?” He turned his head, his smile so radiant that for a moment, Chu Ning thought it was a bright sunny day.

She nodded slowly, amazed at the plastic bags all over the stove, “You even went out to buy things?”

“Yes, you didn’t have anything here. Look, I bought oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and even a pot.” Ying Jing enthusiastically showed off his shopping haul, “I also bought you two bowls with rainbow patterns. Aren’t they nice?”

“What time did you get up?”

“Before six.”

“...”

Ying Jing smiled, “I have good habits. I go jogging every morning!” Unwilling to give up, he brought the two rainbow bowls to her, “Aren’t they nice?”

Chu Ning spoke honestly, “Too girly.”

His aesthetic taste hit, Ying Jing felt quite disheartened, “Then what kind do you like?”

Chu Ning said lightly, “Actually, you didn’t need to buy them. I never cook at home.”

“Why don’t you cook? It’s clean and hygienic to cook yourself.” Ying Jing muttered softly, “You’re just like my sister, always thinking about making money.”

Chu Ning wore an expression that said, “I don’t want to talk to a young master who doesn’t know the hardships of life.”

Ying Jing kept nagging, “Cooking is actually very simple. What do you like to eat? I can make it for you next time. Today, just have some porridge. You’ve just recovered from your fever, so you shouldn’t eat anything too greasy.”

He talked so much, buzzing like a little bee collecting nectar.

Finding him noisy, Chu Ning picked up a piece of cucumber from the bowl and stuffed it into his mouth, “Can you be quiet?”

Ying Jing was personally fed a mouthful of cucumber by her, and his heart skipped a beat.

He completely missed her tone of annoyance.

Her phone rang in the bedroom; it was a call from the company. Chu Ning went out to answer it, and when she returned, she said to him, “You don’t need to make breakfast for me.”

Ying Jing, who was frying eggs, turned his head, “Aren’t you eating?”

“I don’t have the habit of eating breakfast.” Chu Ning said, “You eat it. I’m going to the company.”

Ying Jing pleaded, “Eat it, eat it. I’ll be done soon.” His tone now carried a hint of coaxing.

However, Chu Ning didn’t pay attention to the nuances.

She turned to leave.

“Hey…”

“If you want a ride, I can drop you off.” Chu Ning went to the bedroom to change.

When she came out, Ying Jing was already waiting obediently at the door.

She dropped him off at the subway station on the way, and they parted ways.

While waiting at the traffic light to turn around, Chu Ning suddenly received a new WeChat message.

“The breakfast is in the back seat, soft-boiled eggs. People who eat breakfast on time will make big money; those who don’t will eventually become broke.”

What nonsense?

Chu Ning frowned and looked back. Sure enough, a neatly placed food container was sitting on the seat.

This kid, such a persistent rascal…

At the company, the receptionist greeted her, “President Ning.”

Chu Ning nodded, “Has Vice President Wang arrived?”

“He went up five minutes ago.”

Chu Ning nodded and, as she passed the front desk, said, “By the way, this is for you.”

She placed the soft-boiled eggs on the table, and the receptionist beamed, “I haven’t eaten breakfast yet. Thank you, President Ning.”

In the office, Wang Shan was reading the newspaper on the sofa.

Chu Ning entered, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Wang Shan put down the newspaper, “No problem, I just arrived not long ago.” He gestured for Chu Ning to look at a document on the desk.

Chu Ning walked around the desk and sat down, picking it up and opening the first page, “Electric vehicles?”

“Yes.” As she read, Wang Shan summarized, “This is one of Mr. Wei’s intended projects. There’s government cooperation and policy support.”

Chu Ning saw one of the participants—a student team from H University of Science and Technology.

“This team is somewhat famous in the circle. Do you remember last year’s international college new technology competition?” Wang Shan said, “Three teams from China participated, and they were the only ones who won an award.”

In this industry, even if unfamiliar, relevant information still gets known.

Chu Ning acknowledged, already guessing his intention.

“I understand you want to transition, broaden channels from traditional industries, and try new fields. I fully agree with your idea.” Wang Shan looked at her, his tone fairly sincere, “But since we are just starting, I suggest prudence as the primary concern. Little Ning, these scientific research projects burn money, especially our current aerospace virtual simulation. The further we go, the more uncontrollable it becomes.”

Chu Ning remained silent, her gaze fixed on the project proposal.

“The one in your hand has a clear prospect, a short return cycle, and promising profit estimates. Most importantly, last year’s city government Sixth Five-Year Plan explicitly mentioned the market coverage rate of electric vehicles. And this campus team has already shown promise. Their research aligns well with policy directions.”

Chu Ning raised her head, “What is your suggestion?”

Wang Shan calmly stated, “Consider collaborating with Mr. Wei. One, relying on a strong backer reduces your financial risk. Two, it gives hope to all employees of Ningjing Investment.”

Chu Ning remained silent for a long time.

She understood the implications all too well.

After a moment, she raised her eyes again, solemnly saying, “I will consider your suggestion.”

________________________________________

As for Ying Jing, after that enlightening night, his enthusiasm became increasingly active.

The second phase of the project officially started. Unlike the foundational work of the first stage, this phase involved simulating various conditions during engine manufacturing. The hardest part of technological development is simulation because it deals with uncertain elements that need to be quantified, concretized, and detailed.

It consumes both mind and money.

In the second-phase project plan Ying Jing handed to Chu Ning, he elaborated his ideas extensively:

“I will start with the main bearing, one of the most critical parts of the engine, simulating its performance changes under high speed, high temperature, and different complex force conditions. If this simulated environment is successful, it can turn theory into practice, connect with related industrial enterprises, sell the technology, and earn money for you sooner.”

Between the lines, every word at the end was a promise to her.

Chu Ning closed the project proposal, tilted her foot, and the swivel chair turned toward the floor-to-ceiling window in the office.

Just past five o’clock, the winter days were short, and the sky gradually darkened.

She pinched her brow, leaned her head back on the chair, and closed her eyes.

In the following half month, Ying Jing devoted himself entirely to the second phase of the project, spending all day in the lab with three or four computers running complex programs and vast data. He tested countless ideas, constantly debugging, and whenever results were slightly better, he connected them to model test runs.

When someone is truly focused, their energy and stamina seem limitless.

But to others, this appeared to be an overly intense state.

Qi Yu couldn’t hide his concern and reminded him, “Little Jing, slowing down a bit wouldn’t affect much.”

Yet Ying Jing passionately discussed his ideas, “The basic material simulation issue we talked about last time, I think we can approach it differently. We don’t necessarily simulate the material itself but simulate its constant conditions, like temperature and rotational speed.”

Qi Yu thought carefully and agreed, “That’s a good starting point.”

Ying Jing immediately got excited, eager to implement it right away.

Qi Yu called him back, “Wait a minute.”

“Hmm?”

“There are two major exams the day after tomorrow… Do you remember?”

Ying Jing was confused, “What exam?”

Knew it…

Qi Yu sighed, “Little Jing, I suggest you adjust your state. Allocate your time reasonably; you still need to attend classes. Last time you missed two roll calls, and the teacher was already unhappy.”

“And next month’s winter school sports meet—are you planning not to participate either?”

Ying Jing took it for granted, “Not participating. I don’t have time. Oh, can you stop nagging? You nag more than my mom. I have it under control. By the way, take a look at this program—should we modify it further?”

…Never mind, talking to a brick wall.

However, honest people’s worries often come true easily.

The two exams the day after tomorrow—Ying Jing didn’t show up at all.

He forgot, utterly and completely.

The exams were on Monday. On Sunday, he went to the market to buy materials. Prices varied widely, and he was completely absorbed. After finally finding something suitable, the shopkeeper said it was out of stock and would only be available the next day. So, Ying Jing stayed in a nearby hotel for the night.

He missed the exams.

And was clueless.

The angriest about this was Qi Yu. When honest people get angry, it’s especially piercing: “I reminded you! Why aren’t you taking this seriously? This concerns your graduation. How can you be so negligent!”

Ying Jing explained, “I went to check the materials. The shopkeeper said there was no stock. It was urgent, so I…”

“Nothing is more important than exams!” Qi Yu said, “We weren’t in the same exam room. I thought you went. I didn’t expect you to miss it. Little Jing, honestly, do you think you’re too invested?”

Ying Jing suddenly lifted his head.

Initially, he had a few traces of defiance, but after hearing this, it all turned into confusion.

The news of missing the exams quickly reached his sister.

That afternoon, Ying Chen rushed from Xingcheng to the school. Ying Jing really admired how she managed to stay so well-informed, probably bribing someone.

Ying Chen drove over. From Xingcheng to Beijing was only tens of kilometers, a one-hour drive.

Unlike her usual fiery self, this time, Ying Chen was particularly quiet.

She picked Ying Jing up from school, and neither of them spoke a word until he got in the car.

Under the silence, the atmosphere became exceptionally oppressive.

Driving onto the elevated bridge, the traffic increased, and at the second traffic light, it came to a complete standstill.

Ying Chen tightly closed the car windows and finally spoke the first words after meeting, “That project—you stop doing it.”

Ying Jing turned his head, “What are you saying, Sister?”

“Don’t understand?” Ying Chen stared at her, her gaze incredibly calm, “Focus on your studies, and put other things aside.”

Ying Jing understood the meaning, locked eyes with her for a few seconds, then turned his head back to look out the window, “Don’t meddle in my affairs.”

Ying Chen slammed the steering wheel hard, “Look at yourself. What kind of attitude is that?”

“What’s wrong with me?” Ying Jing’s tone was calm, “It’s just failing an exam. When I used to have good grades, you were overjoyed. Are you not allowing a single mistake?”

“This is a mistake? Bullshit!” Ying Chen flared up, “This is lack of self-discipline!”

Ying Jing was momentarily stunned.

Ying Chen hit the nail on the head, “You’re just being hot-headed, thinking you’re amazing doing a project? You’re a student now. Figure out your primary duty. You have no sense of measure regarding your life.”

Her words were too sharp, even merciless.

Ying Jing continued to stare at his sister, his gaze unwavering.

After a while, he opened his lips and said, “I’m not being hot-headed.”

Ying Chen sneered.

Ying Jing lowered his head, his voice hoarse, repeating, “I’m not being hot-headed.”

“Then you’re bewitched.” Ying Chen also had a fiery temper, her tone heavy, “Possessed by something.”

Ying Jing suddenly unbuckled his seatbelt.

“What are you doing?” Ying Chen watched him, frowning gradually, “Hey! Where are you going!”

He opened the car door, stepped into the flowing sea of cars with an expression of heroic sacrifice.

Though the traffic was congested, this action was still dangerous. Ying Chen was terrified but couldn’t abandon the car to chase after him. She roared furiously, “—Come back here. Little Jing, hey?—Ying Jing!!”

He was righteous and resolute, his back straight, the stubbornness like a sword on his back.

He was like a wandering young hero, staking everything, going his own way, fearless of heaven and earth.

—

At eight-thirty in the evening, Chu Ning was still working overtime at the company.

It was the end of the year, and the company had many tasks. Several business acceptance works were imminent, and there was a disagreement over the VR glasses order regarding supply chain issues. She was overwhelmed and couldn’t manage everything.

Just as she hung up one call, another rang.

Not a Beijing number.

Chu Ning drank some water before answering. She turned on the speakerphone, “Hello, who is this?”

On the other end was a strange female voice, clear and pure.

Chu Ning paused her actions.

She heard, “...I am Ying Jing’s sister. Hello, my name is Ying Chen.”