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

Sweetie looked up at the adults' suddenly gloomy expressions and tugged at Liang Zhe's sleeve: "Daddy, why are the grandpas unhappy? Didn't they find the treasure?"

Liang Zhe knelt down and hugged his daughter: "We've found the treasure, but... we still need to put in a lot of effort to turn it into something useful."

"Just like when Sweetie does math problems, even after knowing the answer, she still needs to write out the calculation process, right?"

The child's innocent analogy made the adults chuckle wryly. Commander Liu walked over and patted Tian Tian's head: "Yes, it's like doing a math problem. But this problem is particularly difficult; it requires the combined efforts of many people."

He straightened up and looked around at everyone: "Alright, comrades, don't be so downcast. Solving problems is our style."

"The commander is right." Chief Designer Wang rallied again. "The equipment can be manufactured, the technology can be overcome, there's nothing difficult about it!"

Several leaders gathered together, taking turns to analyze the current situation, and gradually came up with a general direction.

Commander Liu nodded. "That's right. This matter can't be rushed. We need to come up with a solution as soon as possible."

The leaders gathered together, discussing the current situation and gradually came up with a general direction.

"We don't have professional spectrometers, and based on experience alone, we can't determine the value of this mine. The most urgent task is to take samples of these rough stones, along with information about the mine, and send them to the capital for professional testing."

"I agree with Comrade Zheng Hong's idea," Commander Liu raised his hand.

"I agree too." Professor Qian raised his hand, and Chief Designer Wang and others also expressed their approval.

"Then there's a second problem," Zheng Hong continued, "If we decide to start mining, the next issue is transportation. I propose using special railway trains with military escorts, and using specialized transport containers that are shockproof, moisture-proof, and radiation-proof. Of course, the level of secrecy also needs to be raised."

"Absolutely." Commander Liu turned to Brigade Commander Bai. "Comrade Bai Shuyong, I'm entrusting this matter to you. Our people will protect the mine first. I will request the higher authorities to transfer troops to strengthen the security."

"Commander, the base's pipeline laying work is almost finished. Next, I will oversee the smelting and development of these ores from start to finish. I won't be at ease until I see the first qualified plate made."

"Comrade Zheng," Commander Liu said, shaking Zheng Hong's hands with emotion, "On behalf of the base, I thank you for your contributions, but I also have a request for you."

"Commander, please speak."

"Your body is not fully recovered yet, so you can't overwork yourself. You need to rest well. When you bring the raw stones back to Beijing this time, you must first go to a major hospital in Beijing for a comprehensive check-up. Only then can we feel at ease."

These words brought tears to Zheng Hong's eyes. He solemnly replied, "Commander, rest assured, I will keep this life to continue serving the country. I will not be at peace until I see our missiles soaring into the sky!"

"Good!" Commander Liu patted him on the shoulder hard, thought for a moment, and then said to Professor Qian, "Professor Qian, your home is in Beijing. You've been in the Gobi Desert for three years and haven't been home once. This time, you can go back with Comrade Zheng. I'll approve your leave so you can go back and visit your family."

"Commander," Professor Qian paused for a moment, "I don't need to. My wife is aware of this. She won't blame me."

"It's one thing for her to be aware of things, but she'll be even happier if you could go back and see her. Besides, the children haven't seen their father in a long time. Go ahead, they all miss you."

Professor Qian hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No, the design is in a critical stage right now. I can't be an exception; I have to get through this together with everyone."

"Mr. Qian, just go and do your job well." Chief Designer Wang patted him with a smile. "I assure you, I will lead the design team to speed things up and try to calculate the basic model before you come back."

"This..." Professor Qian was in a dilemma and wanted to decline, but Commander Liu waved his hand: "Professor Qian, just think of it as work. I won't let you go for nothing. We still need your ideas on the design of alloy materials, otherwise how will the manufacturers know what kind to make?"

"Simply sending out design drawings would suffice," Professor Qian said, before Commander Liu interjected, "Oh, Professor Qian, I'm the Commander-in-Chief. You have to give me some face, right? It's settled then. Leave approved. Go home to visit your family, settle things down, and then come back."

Seeing that he couldn't avoid it any longer, Old Qian could only sigh, "Alright, I'll go back for a day..."

"Five days." Commander Liu waved his hand. "One day each way to and from the destination, and three days at home. That's the minimum."

Professor Qian smiled wryly and said to Chief Designer Wang, "Old Wang, this huge undertaking at the base is now in your hands. Actually, I know you go home less often than I do."

"Mr. Qian, I'm different from you," Chief Designer Wang chuckled. "Your family is in Beijing, and every time you go back, you only attend meetings and never even go home. I've even had a week-long family visit leave."

Watching the adults discuss, Tian Tian tilted her head, puzzled, and asked, "Daddy, why doesn't Grandpa Qian want to go home?"

Liang Zhe felt a pang of sadness, remembering that he hadn't seen his wife for many years, and who knew that their last meeting would be their final farewell. He could particularly understand Professor Qian's conflicted feelings of being close to home yet hesitant, and his guilt towards his family—which was why he dared not easily meet her.

"Grandpa Qian didn't not want to go home, but the motherland, the 'big family,' needed him, so he had to put aside his own 'small family' for the time being."

Several leaders overheard the father and daughter's conversation. Commander Liu suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Liang Zhe!"

"Here!" Liang Zhe stood at attention reflexively.

"Here's a task for you: take Tian Tian on a trip to Beijing. All expenses will be covered—the zoo, department stores, the supply and marketing cooperative… let Tian Tian experience all the things city kids can eat and do!"

"Commander..." Liang Zhe was taken aback, not expecting such a mission. "This... isn't necessary?"

"We must go!" Commander Liu said sternly, thinking to himself, "If I can't persuade Old Qian, can't I persuade you?"

"That's an order! Sweetie has to be happy!"

Liang Zhe opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word.

"Sweetie, this is Grandpa Liu's reward for you. Buy whatever you like! Don't try to save Grandpa money!"

"Yes, I'll give Tian Tian a month's allowance when she goes back to the city," Chief Designer Wang said with a smile.

Brigade Commander Bai: "I'll go too."

Song Dazhuang: "Me too..."

"What are you going to do about it!" Commander Liu glared at him. "Take your little bit of money and buy whatever you like. Just one thing: protect Qian Lao and Tian Tian."

"Huh?" Song Dazhuang was taken aback. "Commander, you mean I should go too?"

"You don't want to?" Commander Liu said sternly. "Bai Shuyong, replace him and choose someone else!"

"No, no!" Song Dazhuang quickly said, "I'm willing, I'm willing!"

His anxious look made all the leaders laugh. Sweetie looked at Liang Zhe with a bewildered expression: "Daddy, where does Grandpa want Sweetie to go?"

"Let's go to the capital." Liang Zhe kissed her little face. "Your grandfathers want you to see the capital, to see the heart of our motherland. In the future, Tian Tian, ​​learn some skills so you can contribute more to the construction of our country."

"Great! Sweetie's going to the capital!" The little girl clapped her hands excitedly. "Sweetie will definitely study hard and help Grandpas build the big missile!"