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As May arrived, summer was drawing near.
With less than two months left until the July aviation technology competition, Ying Jing had been entrusted with a daunting task. The preparation time was already tight, essentially starting from scratch. Professor Li Zhoushan served as the competition’s advisor, and in a very short period of time, through familiarity with the competition format and analysis of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, he quickly formulated the competition project—
Building physical aero-engine models based on their current research in virtual simulation technology.
In other words, using their self-developed technology to produce tangible results, transforming the virtual into reality.
This idea was proposed by Ying Jing.
Not only the team members but even Professor Li was surprised, “You need to think carefully. This technological difficulty is quite high. While the principle sounds easy, actual operation requires high precision, performance analysis, and material selection. Any error at any stage will lead to system failure.”
Qi Yu also agreed with the professor’s view, “This is equivalent to an entire production chain. I think we can get through the simulation program, but we really haven’t tried actual production.”
Zhou Yuan: “Yes, for the competition, isn’t it better to prioritize stability?”
Ying Jing, however, remained extremely determined, “You can check the theme of this competition—integration, automation, large-scale production, low cost, and the use of composite materials. Then look at all participating teams; roughly classified, they are all biased towards showcasing one particular technology. Everyone’s strength is not weak. If you want a stable win, it will be very difficult.”
He drew a simple curve diagram on the whiteboard, “And us, if we can present this complete technological chain, it will undoubtedly be a plus point.”
Ying Jing looked at everyone, speaking resolutely: “Only when it’s difficult does it become interesting, unique. I’ve done my analysis. At our current level, there are no problems in the virtual modeling phase. In the remaining time, focus on material selection, performance tuning. We have a month and a half, give it a shot, okay?”
Brief silence.
Professor Li Zhoushan frowned slightly, deep in thought. Qi Yu and Zhou Yuan exchanged glances.
The usually silent Wan Pengpeng was the first to raise his hand, “Boss, I’ll take responsibility for optimizing the simulation program.”
With the first voice of support, the situation gradually became clear.
Next was Zhang Huaiyu, her hand shooting straight up, “I’ll handle gathering basic data. I’ll summarize the characteristics of each material, and everyone can test them one by one.”
Zhou Yuan shrugged, “Since we’ve decided to take risks, let’s do it together.”
Young faces were covered in smiles.
Ying Jing’s expression remained calm, unsurprised by the shift in the team’s opinions.
“It’s not taking a risk,” he said, “It’s inevitable.”
Zhang Huaiyu’s eyes sparkled, though she hadn’t done anything yet, her heart felt ablaze. It wasn’t just her; everyone present felt the same way.
Qi Yu remained silent, only patting Ying Jing’s shoulder.
Li Zhoushan rarely refrained from harsh words. Having worked in the aerospace research field for most of his life, researchers possessed a meticulous craftsman spirit. But at this moment, he held no grudges against these youngsters.
Let them soar freely in their ideal world!
After all, innovation and experimentation are prerequisites for progress.
In the next fifteen minutes, Ying Jing began to elaborate on his plans and arrangements.
Fluently emphasizing core points, technical difficulties, and personnel duties on the background board.
At the end, Ying Jing said, “Time is tight. I need everyone’s full commitment, sacrificing rest time. Can you do it?”
In unison: “Yes!”
Ying Jing didn’t say more, simply extending his right hand, tightly clenched into a fist.
Then, Qi Yu, Zhou Yuan, Wan Pengpeng, mimicking his action, bumped fists with him.
Zhang Huaiyu rushed over, palm open, playfully saying, “I want a high five.”
Ying Jing smiled, briskly slapping her hand three times—”Slap! Slap! Slap!”
“Cheer up!”
“Cheer up!!”
With the competition project confirmed, everyone immediately plunged into preparation.
Most of the specialized courses in the second term of the senior year had ended, leaving ample autonomous time. These few diligently immersed themselves in the lab. Everyone buried themselves in work, each fulfilling their roles. Professor Li Zhoushan fully tracked and guided, solving theoretical problems for these kids.
In fact, aero-engine experiments were extremely costly. Even in the model stage, the material scrap rate was nearly 80%.
Apart from a small portion of special funds allocated by the school, the majority still came from internal resources.
Chu Ning never made any demands; whatever he needed, she provided.
This month, the opportunities for the two to meet were scarce, and even phone calls were few.
Daily communication reverted to text messages during work hours. Ying Jing summarized the day’s project progress and attached daily cost consumption. No matter how late, Chu Ning would always reply within half an hour with a single word: “Okay.”
Thus, peace of mind prevailed.
Ying Jing was busy, and so was Chu Ning.
When busy, emptying oneself allowed the mind to become increasingly clear.
This peaceful state acted like a magical lubricant, smoothing out past inner flaws and sharp edges.
Approaching the second half of the year was a peak business period, and Chu Ning’s social engagements increased.
Ying Jing had figured it out. If she failed to respond to texts for a long time, she must be at various social events.
Only then did he exhibit some impatience.
“Don’t drink too much.”
“What time are you going back? Don’t drive drunk.”
Such texts were sent one after another.
Sometimes peculiar, directly sending an emoji.
After sending a few times, Chu Ning naturally grew curious. Once bored, she casually copied and pasted into Baidu to search—
It was a kiss.
Chu Ning couldn’t help but laugh at the dinner table.
This silly goose, adorably dumb.
Once, Chu Ning took on a major client. From the vice president to the business manager, the whole company went all out. After dealing with the dinner banquet, they moved to KTV, followed by another round of alcohol bombardment. That time, Chu Ning really couldn’t handle it anymore; she drank too much, threw up, and got dizzy.
The driver dropped her off at the apartment complex at already 2 AM.
Her long-standing bottom line—she could get tipsy, but absolutely no getting drunk. Plus, the car window was open for ventilation along the way, so aside from staggering steps, she could still manage.
Exiting the elevator, she saw Ying Jing squatting outside her door, not minding the dirt.
Chu Ning thought she was seeing things, her tongue a bit sluggish, “How, how did you come here?”
Ying Jing abruptly stood up, his face dark with pent-up frustration, his voice hoarse yet restrained, “Where have you been? Your phone was off.”
Chu Ning leaned against the wall, standing feebly, “My phone ran out of battery.”
Her cheeks were flushed, slightly red from the alcohol, her eyes faintly reddened, as if lightly shadowed.
Ying Jing stopped reproaching her, but his expression was far from relieved.
Chu Ning tilted her head, silently observing him.
Eyes like water, drunken eyes could see stars.
Ying Jing stiffly turned his head, his tone weakening, “Why are you looking at me like that.”
Ying Jing grinned, “If you don’t look at me, how would you know I’m looking at you?”
She laughed charmingly and flawlessly, admiring the boy opposite, whose ear tips slowly blushed red.
Suppressing this instant heat, he strode over.
Chu Ning, like a pile of soft mud, leaned against the wall. Before she understood his intention, Ying Jing grabbed her waist and hoisted her onto his shoulder.
The world spun, and Chu Ning sobered up halfway, “Hey hey hey!”
Ying Jing ignored her, as if only through such actions could he regain some control.
“Are you crazy?”
“If you move again, I’ll spank your butt!” Ying Jing’s voice was louder than hers.
“No, put, put me down.” Chu Ning trembled as she spoke.
“Not letting go, who told you to get drunk alone, living alone, and dare to get drunk!”
“I’m not drunk, I’ve never been drunk... Hey, put me down, I feel like throwing up.” Chu Ning pounded his back, “So young and what nonsense comes out, becoming perverted.”
The next second, she couldn’t hold it—”Wah” – she really gagged.
Ying Jing dared not mess around further, hurriedly putting her down.
Chu Ning’s legs went limp, her head flushed with blood, stumbling upon landing, thudding onto the ground painfully.
Seeing her expression, Ying Jing couldn’t help but laugh. He crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold.
Chu Ning looked up, her eyes wet.
He waited.
Finally, she extended her hand to him, “Pull me up, I can’t get up.”
Tsk, the first request for skin-to-skin contact.
Hmph, childish or not?
Two voices clashed, but they couldn’t suppress the mysterious smile on Ying Jing’s face. He extended his arm, quite manly, and said, “Grab it yourself.”
Alcohol is a wonderful thing, making women so obedient.
Chu Ning grabbed his wrist, one hand not enough, she added the other. Ying Jing exerted a little force… couldn’t pull her up. Exerted more force… still couldn’t pull her up.
Upon closer inspection, wow! Intentional!
Chu Ning tightly clung to his arm, Ying Jing retreated a few steps, “Get up.”
She slid along with him on the floor.
Ying Jing circled around the doorway like pulling a sled, Chu Ning’s laughter widened, well, she got addicted to playing.
“You’re happy now?” Ying Jing was caught between laughter and tears.
Chu Ning obediently nodded.
Ying Jing stopped dragging, bent down, close to her face, his breath hot, “How are you happy, tell me?”
Chu Ning giggled, “It reminded me of sledding, you’re like a sled dog.”
Ying Jing’s face darkened… serve you right.
Chu Ning burst out laughing, no more jokes, standing steadily on her own.
She walked over to open the door, turning back to ask, “How long have you been here?”
“Forty minutes.”
“That long?” Chu Ning turned around.
Ying Jing shrugged, “Your phone was off, I was worried about you.”
That’s how he was, straightforward, without excuses or sentimental embellishments.
Direct, simple, concise.
Chu Ning inexplicably... felt comfortable. She opened the door, instinctively making way, but Ying Jing showed no intention of entering.
“Hmm?” Usually, wouldn’t he sprint like a hundred-meter dash? Chu Ning looked at him.
Ying Jing smiled, “It’s too late, inconvenient. I won’t come in. Rest early, call me if you need anything.”
Chu Ning raised her eyebrows in surprise, has he changed?
Ying Jing’s gaze lingered on her face, “If you keep looking at me like that, you won’t sleep tonight.”
“...” Chu Ning silently regained her composure.
Between the two, there was another subtle awkwardness.
Fortunately, it was fleeting, dispersed by the wind.
Ying Jing switched to a serious topic, “There are less than ten days until the competition.”
Chu Ning hummed, “July 9th?”
“Yes.” Ying Jing said, “I’ll go to Hangzhou on the 6th, some equipment needs pre-adjustment.”
Chu Ning calculated, that was next week.
She said, “I’ll come watch your competition live.”
“Can you come?”
“Yes.”
Ying Jing immediately smiled, finished smiling, and asked, “Don’t you want to ask if I’m ready?”
Chu Ning shook her head, “No.” Afraid of putting pressure on him.
“Alright, when you come, you’ll see.” A hint of confident brilliance shone in his youthful eyes, like a starry sky.
Chu Ning gave a light smile, “Alright.”
Summer’s heat settled in the night, between the two, the temperature was just right, the mood perfect, the distance ideal. No more intense clashes or emotional awkwardness, both found a comfortable position to face each other honestly and approach sincerely.
After Ying Jing left, Chu Ning entered the house, collapsing on the sofa for a brief rest, which turned into direct sleep. Until the text message alert woke her up, Ying Jing had sent her: “I’m already back at school.”
Chu Ning rubbed her sleepy eyes, quickly replying, “Okay.”
Ying Jing was faster, sending a [hug] emoji.
A yellow little round head, dressed in green clothes, with two chubby little hands waving for a hug.
He must have been drunk.
Chu Ning hesitated for half a second, still pressing send—
An identical hug.
Five minutes later, the phone didn’t ring again. Chu Ning tidied up clean clothes, yawning as she went to shower. When she came out, the screen showed a new text message. Chu Ning picked it up to read.
“Tuesday evening at six o’clock, Beijing Hotel, Little Ning, don’t forget.”
________________________________________
Midsummer had arrived, and the competition was imminent.
In the final week of the assault battle, the team members conducted the last debugging, even simulating the competition process, timing and recording every program’s duration and performance status, then fine-tuning the details.
This was the first time these young people participated in a national-level science and technology competition.
Their usual good mindset, the closer to the competition, the more prone they were to issues.
Everyone nitpicked, dug into trivial matters, always feeling something was wrong here, something incorrect there, emotions escalated to a volatile point. Minor disagreements sparked flames, sharp tongues and sour faces. Several times, Zhang Huaiyu broke into tears.
Ying Jing managed to stay composed. He didn’t lose his temper, learning a few tricks from the school psychologist, then returning to guide everyone. Like a tactician, he stabilized the overall situation, bridging upper and lower levels.
Finally, for three consecutive times, their competition project excellently completed all technical connections within the designated time.
Even Professor Li Zhoushan couldn’t resist applauding them.
Due to the experiment’s nature, constantly using techniques like welding, Ying Jing, the main operator, had all ten fingertips blackened, with a blister burned on his index finger.
Zhang Huaiyu anxiously bought him a large box of band-aids, “Boss, please don’t have any accidents. If you do, we’ll end up with nothing.”
Zhou Yuan immediately scolded her for being superstitious, “We’re going to Hangzhou tomorrow, what could happen!”
Qi Yu exclaimed, “Can you two stop bickering? Eh? Princess Huaiyu, what kind of band-aids did you buy?”
“Here.” Zhang Huaiyu opened the box, delighted, “Aren’t they cute, Doraemon too!”
Ying Jing was still in front of the computer organizing the competition rules, hearing this, he chuckled, “Alright, leave it here, this won’t be reimbursed. By the way, I’ll treat everyone to dinner tonight, after working so hard, let’s reward ourselves.”
Everyone chimed in, “Pfft!”
Zhou Yuan: “Hot pot again?”
Qi Yu: “Little Strong Hot Pot shop is going bankrupt, can we avoid eating there?”
Zhang Huaiyu also waved in protest, “I don’t want hot pot either.”
It’s no wonder they reacted strongly; limited team gatherings, Ying Jing dedicated entirely to hot pot, claiming auspicious beginnings, but his little secret was known to all—saving money for Sister Ning.
“Surrender to you guys.” Ying Jing tapped the table, “This time, no hot pot, somewhere upscale. My sister has an internal discount card there, quite affordable, eat to your heart’s content. If you overeat, it’s on me.”
Not boasting, his sister Ying Chen was also a delightful person, pleasant personality, sharp-tongued, with a good appearance, genuinely well-liked, connections everywhere. Last week, passing through Beijing on business, she stuffed him with a bunch of cards. Shopping cards from Wangfujing, discount coupons from a famous buffet restaurant in Guomao, counting them, several more, all prestigious places.
Thus, at 4:30 PM, they officially concluded pre-competition laboratory work, locking the door with a bang, shedding the fatigue dust from their shoulders, becoming clear and bright.
Five people, took two taxis, heading to Beijing Hotel.
Tan Family Hall’s signature dishes were impressive, these high IQ students meticulously combined the most cost-effective consumption method according to the discount coupon denominations. Yellow-braised shark fin, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, silver ear fungus vegetarian stew—these signature dishes were indispensable, adding a few vegetarian options, reasonably balancing meat and vegetables.
Drooling profusely...
Ying Jing handed out two napkins to everyone, generously saying, “Wipe, wipe, don’t be shy.”
Laughter erupted.
“Don’t be like this, like wolves released after starving for three days, I’m scared.” Ying Jing clutched his discount coupons tightly, making everyone laugh again.
He felt at ease, hmm, relaxed atmosphere was good.
The dishes were served, talking while eating.
“We’re flying tomorrow afternoon, pack your luggage, we’ll stay for five days. Our materials and equipment will be checked in together, I’ll recount them later, don’t miss anything.” Ying Jing was meticulous, covering all bases.
Zhou Yuan ate meat happily.
Ying Jing clicked his tongue, “Can you leave me a couple of pieces?”
Zhou Yuan: “Sure, I’ll leave myself for you to gnaw on.”
Zhang Huaiyu: “One bite, ah, my tooth breaks.”
Another round of laughter.
Ying Jing was in a good mood, a slight curve on his lips, under prolonged high-pressure operation, there was a faint circle of dark circles under his eyes, “Unify this, gather at 2:30 PM tomorrow, the school has arranged transport to the airport. Professor Li will come a day later, in case we forget something, he can bring it over.”
Just then, Qi Yu returned from the restroom.
Naturally, he mentioned, “What a coincidence.”
Ying Jing took a bite of cauliflower, casually asking, “What happened?”
“I saw Sister Ning, she’s dining here too.” Qi Yu slightly pulled out his seat and sat down.
“Is she alone?” Ying Jing put down his chopsticks.
“If she’s alone, invite her to join us.” Zhang Huaiyu suggested.
“Ah, no, there are quite a few people there. The private room door wasn’t closed, a few older people, I saw a man pouring wine when I passed by.” Qi Yu described frankly, without much thought, “Good-looking, very like Sister Ning’s circle.”
After finishing, everyone fell silent.
These few words sketched a perfect family gathering.
Zhou Yuan, blunt and outspoken, directly blurted out, “Could that be Sister Ning’s boyfriend?”
Zhang Huaiyu urgently nudged him, signaling him to shut up.
Realizing belatedly, Zhou Yuan felt a chill, instinctively looking at Ying Jing.
The atmosphere plummeted to freezing point.
Ying Jing sat upright, head down eating, eyelashes lowered, impossible to discern his expression.
He didn't immediately explode, so everyone took a chance and continued to eat quietly. The newly served braised prawns tasted excellent, fresh and fragrant, temporarily diluting the previous strange atmosphere. Just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief,
Ying Jing suddenly put down her cutlery, stood up, and walked towards the door.
Qi Yu instinctively asked, “Hey! Where are you going?”
Responding with only a silent back.
Until he left, Zhou Yuan muttered, “...Probably to the restroom.”
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