The little star from the Gobi Desert, handed over to the state, is hailed as a national treasure.

That evening, the cooks showed off their skills and prepared the most sumptuous whole fish feast in history, including steamed, braised, and fish ball soup. Li Dazui even carefully removed the fish bones and made a fragrant and soft fish soup for Tian Tian, ​​who had just woken up.

Everyone ate with gusto, their mouths glistening with oil, barely able to stop eating.

Not only that, but each person also had an enamel mug filled with clear water, which was sweet and refreshing, almost like spring water.

"Comrades, who should we thank for this meal we're enjoying today?" Commander Bai asked loudly.

"Thank you, Sweetie!" the people at the base replied in unison.

Sweetie sat in her father's lap, her clean little face fair and rosy, like a ripe red apple. A kind aunt helped her braid her hair. At first glance, she looked exactly like a doll that had stepped out of a New Year's painting.

After finishing dinner, Liang Zhe coaxed Tian Tian to sleep, then quietly closed the barracks door, tidied his military uniform, and went to the base's conference room.

"Report!"

Given his rank, he wouldn't normally be qualified to attend meetings with the top executives, but from now on, he's an exception.

Almost all the top executives of the base were gathered. The conference room was filled with smoke. Commander Liu generously contributed two packs of cigarettes, which were quickly devoured by several heavy smokers as soon as they were placed on the table.

Commander Liu cut to the chase: "Comrade Liang Zhe, today's meeting is about one thing: little Liang Tiantian and her discovery are too unusual. We must come up with a corresponding plan as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir, I understand."

"No, you don't understand." Professor Qian stubbed out his cigarette. "Xiao Liang, you don't understand what Tian Tian's discovery means for the base. We've been plagued by the cooling problem during ground testing. The water at the base has many impurities, and scale buildup and blockages severely affect the performance stability of the fuel engine. But now, with a new water source, we can build our own circulating cooling system, overcome this problem in one fell swoop, and greatly improve testing efficiency!"

"That's not all," said Engineer Li, who is in charge of chemical engineering. "We have already taken samples of fish viscera and fish oil for analysis, and we can extract a good lubricant. From a scientific point of view, it can be used for routine maintenance of non-precision parts such as transport vehicles, bearings, and chains, and can also save a lot of costs."

Chief Designer Wang adjusted his glasses: "Commander, I have drafted a report and requested that geological and water conservancy experts from Beijing come over to conduct maximum exploration and development of this river, so that it can sustainably serve the base's life and production."

After listening to everyone's comments, Commander Liu casually tapped the table: "Gentlemen, I know all that you're saying. But the question is, how are we going to explain this to the outside world?"

The meeting room fell silent instantly.

Chief Designer Wang looked at Liang Zhe, who seemed a little flustered: "Liang, our main concern is that Tian Tian's abilities are too special. If the news spreads rashly, it might attract the covetousness of enemy agents and reactionary elements at home and abroad, threatening the child's safety."

"I will consult with the highest leadership," Commander Liu said, looking around at everyone. "But before that, the level of secrecy surrounding this matter must be set to the highest level, and all units must strictly convey and implement this directive. No leaks in any form are allowed."

Professor Qian said gently, "In addition, we need to further observe Gua Nan's abilities to see if this is an isolated incident."

Commander Bai then said, "Xiao Liang, starting tomorrow, I'll assign you a guard platoon. Take Tian Tian around the base and see if you can find anything new."

"Comrade Liang Zhe," Commander Liu looked at him, "what are your thoughts on the above, as a father and a soldier?"

Liang Zhe stood up straight and said, "Reporting to the Commander! I obey all arrangements made by the organization! But..." He paused, hesitated for a moment, and then expressed his concern as a father, "Tian Tian is still young. She doesn't understand what 'secret' means, nor does she understand what danger is. I'm afraid that she might say or do the wrong thing without realizing it... If I put too much pressure on her, I'm worried that she won't be able to handle it."

"That's a reasonable concern." Commander Liu raised his hand, signaling Liang Zhe to relax. "Don't worry, we will take good care of the child's emotions, pay attention to our communication methods, and ensure that she doesn't suffer any psychological burden."

"In addition, we should give children room to make mistakes. What if Tian Tian makes a mistake or looks for the wrong thing later?" He pointed to the group of leaders around him, "None of you old guys are allowed to scare her."

The bigwigs all chuckled. "Don't worry, Commander, we understand."

"So, Comrade Liang Zhe, don't worry or feel burdened. If your daughter really has the ability in this area, let her try it openly and honestly. No matter what the final result is, we, her grandfathers and uncles, can take responsibility for her."

Upon hearing this, Liang Zhe immediately stood up, gave a crisp military salute, and replied excitedly, "Yes, sir!"

Time quickly passed to the next day.

Liang Zhe got up very early. Aunt Zhang Zhixiu from the art troupe was skillful and worked overnight to make a suitable little cotton-padded jacket and cloth shoes for Tian Tian using old military uniforms and cotton. Tian Tian was already pretty, but after dressing her up, she looked even softer and cuter.

Chief Designer Wang also sent over specially supplied milk powder. With clean water, the milk powder tasted especially delicious when brewed.

"Sweetie, get in the car, Uncle will take you out to play." Song Dazhuang personally drove out the military jeep that the base usually couldn't bear to use.

"Sweetie, here, you can play with this." Aunt Li Guihua from the secretariat handed over a rag doll made from scraps of cloth.

"Sweetie, take these and eat them on the way." Uncle Luo, who was in charge of the technology, handed over the compressed biscuits.

"I have a can of food here, here you go." This was Cao, the staff member from the publicity department.

Before long, Tian Tian's little hands were piled high with all sorts of well wishes from everyone.

"I can't take any more, I can't take any more."

Sweetie shook her little braids and refused.

Liang Zhe smiled and nodded to everyone, then picked up Tian Tian and sat in the passenger seat of the jeep.

A fully armed guard squad sat in the Soviet-style truck behind them. Comrade Liang Tiantian was now a "key protected individual" at the base, and this was no small feat.

Song Dazhuang started the engine, and the car sputtered into the boundless sea of ​​sand.

The sky was high and the clouds were thin; as far as the eye could see, there were only endless sand dunes.

The wind whipped up fine sand, blowing it onto people's heads and faces, bringing a dry sensation. The tenacious poplar trees took root in the sand, their unyielding branches stubbornly reaching towards the sky.

Like the poplar trees, this group of people with lofty ideals fought against the heavens, the earth, and the harsh living conditions in this barren land, all in order to break the discrimination and monopoly of the West and forge the indomitable backbone of the entire nation.

"Mom said that Dad was handed over to the state, so he can't take care of Tian Tian and Mom's little family anymore," Tian Tian suddenly whispered, her little face pressed against her father's chest.

Liang Zhe felt a pang of sorrow. Since ancient times, loyalty to one's country and filial piety have been difficult to reconcile. He had poured his youth and passion into this Gobi Desert without reservation, yet unknowingly let his family down. These people, whose unit numbers, ranks, positions, and even names might be concealed, were truly "nameless." This was because what they were doing was the nation's top secret, carrying the hopes of the entire nation, and forming the cornerstone of the revitalization of Great Xia.

"Sweetie, Daddy is sorry to Mommy and to you for making you suffer so much. Daddy promises you that I will do my best to make it up to you and never let you suffer again."

Sweetie seemed to understand, but she felt a deep love from her father's trembling chest and strong arms, and couldn't help but nod vigorously.