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A trip to a lunar base?
Okay, it's called a seven-day tour, but the round trip alone takes six days.

These are basic common sense facts. Anyone who watched the live broadcast of the moon landing launch that day knows this.

In other words, you can only stay on the moon for one day. But it will definitely be an extremely novel experience.

Richard thought that if Thomas knew he would have such an opportunity, he would be so excited that he wouldn't be able to sleep.

Of course, besides the idea of ​​traveling to the moon, what Richard was most excited about was being able to spend an extra month in China.

Just as the foreman said, going to the moon isn't something you can just do on a whim; you have to undergo a month of training first.

To be honest, Richard was somewhat tempted. However, considering that his three children needed to go to school and he also had to earn money to support his family, he shook his head.

"Let's forget about it. It takes too long, and the children still need to go to school."

The foreman laughed and patted Richard on the shoulder, saying loudly, "What are you thinking! Don't be fooled, this opportunity isn't something you can just take once you're selected. The preparation work will take a long time."

It won't start until the research base is fully completed, especially after all safety tests are finished and routine lunar landing technology is mature! The earliest we can expect to go is next summer!

I think these kinds of opportunities are rare, you should really give it a try! Oh, by the way, if you actually get accepted, and you're American, I heard that not only is your travel expense fully covered, but you also get paid as usual, even without taking vacation time.

Upon hearing this offer, Richard was completely captivated. He instinctively asked, "Is this qualification difficult to obtain?"

"Haha, there are probably only three to five spots in the entire Western Region. Do you think it's difficult? And as you know, our company has many projects in three major states, so there will definitely be many applicants."

The good news is that there probably aren't too many qualified applicants; I'd estimate around ten thousand. However, one or two spots will likely be allocated to American citizens. Ultimately, success depends entirely on luck.

Hearing this, Richard felt a pang of anxiety again.

People are like this: when an opportunity is readily available, they still hesitate. But when many people are vying for that opportunity, it becomes incredibly appealing.

"Then who should I contact to apply?" Richard asked immediately.

"Let's go see the moon landing first! I only heard from the head office in yesterday's meeting that they've confirmed this event. But the specific registration dates and selection procedures haven't been finalized yet."

You'll understand as you get to know more. Many of our company's benefits and activities follow policy guidelines! Right now, the top leadership in China is prioritizing the promotion and construction of the lunar base, you know?

So the company leadership wanted to do something in this area, which led to this event. However, the higher-ups are very meticulous in this regard. Before the successful moon landing and the construction of the lunar base, it was just an internal briefing to let everyone prepare.

"We won't really start operations until the base is built! So don't worry, just keep working hard, and I'll let you know as soon as I receive the news!"

Hearing this, Richard said gratefully, "Thank you so much, Wang! How about I treat you to dinner after we successfully land on the moon today!"

"Haha, no need to be so polite, Richard! If you really get selected and go to China to learn about our culture, you'll know that I admire you simply because we get along well. I just consider you a friend. There's no need for such formalities between friends!"
If you really feel bad and want to thank me, just do your job well! You know my performance bonus depends entirely on you guys completing the work efficiently and effectively!

"Don't worry, I definitely will!" Richard John said immediately with certainty.

……

Generally speaking, it's quite difficult, even very difficult, for two people from different cultural backgrounds to become friends! Especially when the two cultures have historically had antagonistic mindsets.

Fortunately, China has a lot of cards to play this time. And just like ordinary people at Xida University, they also hope to live a better life.

It can only be said that the two sides hit it off immediately.

When the two arrived at the company's conference hall, it was already packed with people.

At least on this point, the foreman wasn't lying; the majority of the seats on the construction site were already occupied by Americans with official positions.

Those who came later, like Richard, could only stand and watch.

Fortunately, the time was not long; it only took two hours from the start of the live broadcast to the successful moon landing.

Amid cheers from the conference room, the eight astronauts stepped out of the spacecraft, planted a bright red flag on the moon, and the live broadcast temporarily came to an end.

The next preview shows that the astronauts familiar with mechanics will go to the materials spacecraft to assemble two engineering robots to help them build a lunar base.

Unfortunately, the robot assembly process will not be broadcast live. However, the live stream will resume once the temporary living quarters for the eight people are set up.

According to the host's estimate during the live broadcast, this will take about a week. During this week, the astronauts will work in two shifts, around the clock, and will only be able to rest in their cabins on the spacecraft.

After all, even setting up a temporary settlement on the moon is not an easy task.

Although what was taken to the moon were structural components that only needed to be assembled, a complete life support system was still required inside the settlement.

This is not a joke.

The moon currently lacks an atmosphere to regulate its temperature, so when there is sunlight, the temperature can easily reach over 100 degrees Celsius, and the surface temperature just shown is over 120 degrees Celsius.

When the sun doesn't shine on them, the temperature plummets to around -170 degrees Celsius. Not to mention the constant threat of space radiation.

Therefore, before the lunar atmosphere can be modified, living quarters must be located underground. A relatively enclosed living area must be artificially constructed. If the life support system malfunctions, the only option is to put on a spacesuit and go to the spacecraft to rest.

One can imagine how arduous the work must have been for these eight astronauts, pioneers in humanity's conquest of space, at least before the rest area was built.

Of course, all of this is worthwhile.

For these pioneers, the future will surely be one that is written directly into history books.

The first people in human history to build infrastructure on an extraterrestrial planet are far more worthy of commemoration than the so-called "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind".

This is true.

After watching the successful moon landing, everyone dispersed and enthusiastically discussed when the temporary housing would be built so they could broadcast it live again.

Clearly, everyone was curious about outer space. Even those who weren't initially interested were stirred up after watching the moon landing and seeing the jubilant crowd on the live stream. Naturally, when Richard returned home that day, the most talked-about topic at dinner was still China's moon landing.

"This morning, the school showed us the moon landing, it was so cool! The teacher said that if I become a scientist in the future, the moon might be just as lively as Earth by then. I could even do research on the moon!"

Thomas, who is still the oldest and currently has the best performance, was the first to talk about this topic.

The two younger ones immediately refused to be outdone.

"Our school also organized a trip for us to see the moon landing. The teacher said that some people here used to say they wanted to develop Mars, but for Earth civilization, going to Mars is still too difficult! So we should start building on the moon and accumulate experience!"

"Yes, our teacher also said that when our generation grows up, we'll have the opportunity to use the moon as a springboard to go to even more distant planets! The teacher also said that once the technology matures in the future, a huge space dock will be built on the moon, and we'll all be able to travel to space!"

Listening to the three little ones discussing today's topic, Richard, who originally didn't want to bring it up before things were confirmed, couldn't help but blurt it out.

A man's competitive spirit is often inexplicable, even when the target is his own child.

"What a coincidence! When I went to work today, the company showed us the moon landing footage. And I have some news to share, would you like to know?"

"Of course, Dad! What's the news? Is it good news?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but the head office of Huaxia will have an event where they will select one or two employees from their branch offices to travel to the moon after the lunar base is completed."

This trip will last seven days, with six days spent on the spacecraft's round trip and one full day on the moon. Moreover, a month of special training is required to go to the moon.

Richard said with a smile.

"Dad! Your company is amazing! We get to receive space training and even go to the moon! If we get selected, the whole school will envy us! By the way, if you get selected, can our whole family go?"

Richard shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, I can only bring one person! But your two younger brothers are too young, and your mother isn't interested, so I can only bring you."

However, I heard that because of the month-long training, the company allows families to travel to China together, and the company will cover all travel and accommodation expenses!
In other words, although I can only take you to the moon, Mom can take your younger brothers on vacation in China for at least a month and a week. They can play in China while waiting for us to come back!

And supposedly, we'll be among the first ordinary people to explore the moon, and the whole process will be live-streamed! That means if we're selected, all your classmates will be able to see you on the live stream!

Upon hearing this, Thomas became visibly excited!

"That's so cool, Dad! You absolutely have to be chosen! I can't wait to go to the moon!"

Richard smiled and replied, "Okay, I'll work hard and try to be selected. But this event won't start until at least next summer! Because lunar construction takes time!"
So you need to study hard too! The better your grades, the greater my chances of being selected! You should know better than me that in Chinese culture, they prefer students with good grades to have more opportunities!

“Of course, Dad, I promise I will study even harder from now on!” Thomas immediately promised.

The two younger brothers at the table looked at their older brother with envy. But there was nothing they could do; Richard had made it clear that they were too young to go to the moon.

However, it would be great to be able to enjoy a month or more of fun in China.

Then the three little ones immediately started looking forward to their summer vacation next year.

"Brother, if you really go to the moon, you must bring me a rock! I want to see what's different about the rocks on the moon!"

"Don't worry, if Dad really can take me, he'll definitely bring some for you all, one for each of you..."

The mother watched all this with a smile, and only after finally managing to coax the three excited little ones to sleep again that night did she return to the bedroom and discuss the matter with Richard with concern.

"Honey, are you really planning to apply for a trip to the moon?"

"why not?"

"I always felt it was dangerous."

"Haha, darling, don't you understand the Chinese? They're different from us; they wouldn't do something like this unless they were absolutely certain!"
Just watch the opening ceremonies of those sporting events and you'll see! The Chinese have zero tolerance for mistakes. Let alone broadcasting something like a civilian landing on the moon.

Besides, do you really think you can go just by applying? There are only a few spots available. I heard that even fewer spots are allocated to us Americans, probably only one or two. With so many people wanting to go, I'm not even sure if I'll be selected.

Telling the child in advance is just to encourage Thomas to work harder! After all, he'll be taking the high school entrance exam next summer. I hope he can get into a prestigious high school!

If he can get into a Chinese high school, I'd even be willing to pay for a trip to China for my whole family!

Richard explained with a smile.

Hearing this, the wife felt relieved.

Yes, Richard is definitely not the only one who applied; it takes a lot of luck to get selected.

The most important thing is for the children to go to school.

You need to get into a good high school to get into a good university.

If a child can get into a high school in China, they will have the opportunity to directly apply to Chinese universities, and may even be admitted to Peking University or Tsinghua University.

Then their pressure will be much less! Even though Chinese universities have raised tuition fees for foreign students, it is still something they can easily afford.

Compared to other prestigious universities in China, where tuition has now risen to over $100,000 a year, Huaxia Yanbei University reportedly only charges $20,000 a year for all its students, making it an excellent value for money!

Most importantly, nowadays, Yanbei University and Tsinghua University are not necessarily worse than prestigious universities like Xida University!
It would be even better if Thomas could find a job in China in the future! That way, they might even have the opportunity to retire in China. That would probably be the most fulfilling life.

Of course, Richard had no idea that someone had already arranged another path for him...

A path he never even dared to imagine...

(End of this chapter)