Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

The next morning, Su Zhenbang brought Lin Weidong to the laboratory of the bulletproof vest research group.

Inside the laboratory, a dozen researchers were gathered together discussing something. When they saw Su Zhenbang enter, they all stopped what they were doing.

"Comrades, let me introduce myself."

Su Zhenbang pointed to Lin Weidong beside him and said solemnly, "This is Comrade Lin Weidong, who has just been transferred to our research institute. He has profound expertise in materials engineering and mechanical design."

"Starting today, Comrade Lin Weidong will serve as the leader of the bulletproof vest research team, leading everyone to complete the project upgrade task."

As soon as he finished speaking, a murmur arose in the laboratory.

Chen Bin stepped forward, his face filled with undisguised skepticism, and said in an unfriendly tone, "Deputy Director Su, if I may be so blunt, Comrade Lin Weidong is indeed quite famous."

"But he has never been involved in bulletproof vest development before, and he's new to the research institute. He doesn't understand the progress and technical difficulties of our project. Wouldn't it be difficult to gain the respect of the team leaders if he were appointed as the team leader?"

As soon as he finished speaking, several of Chen Bin's usual followers immediately chimed in, "Yes, Deputy Director Su, Brother Chen Bin has put in a lot of effort on the bulletproof vest project, and his skills are the most solid. He should be the team leader!"

"Although Engineer Lin is very capable, there's a world of difference between different fields. Developing bulletproof vests is no joke; we can't be so hasty!"

"We disagree with having an outsider lead us!"

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the laboratory became tense, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Weidong, waiting to see how he would respond.

Lin Weidong remained expressionless as he walked to the worktable and picked up a half-finished bulletproof vest.

After weighing it in his hand and glancing at the internal structure a few more times, he looked at Chen Bin with disdain in his eyes: "Your design is garbage."

Before he finished speaking, he tossed the bulletproof vest into a nearby trash can with a thud.

Chen Bin's face instantly flushed red, his anger rising to his head: "Lin Weidong! You've gone too far! What right do you have to insult my design?"

"Based on strength."

Lin Weidong spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority.

"This bulletproof vest is overweight, has insufficient protective area, and its impact resistance in critical areas is substandard. Equipping soldiers with this kind of thing is simply playing with people's lives."

"I'm doing research, I just need assistance, not unfounded accusations. If you have real skills and can come up with a better solution, I'm willing to cooperate with you."

"But if this is the only garbage design we have, then there's nothing more to say."

"You're arrogant!" Chen Bin trembled with anger as he pointed at Lin Weidong.

"Alright! Since you're so good, let's have a competition! I'll lead one group, and you'll lead another. Each of you will develop a bulletproof vest, and we'll test them in a month to see whose design is truly garbage!"

"I'll see this through to the end," Lin Weidong nodded without hesitation.

However, when it came time to select people, the researchers in the laboratory all hesitated, and no one dared to easily stand up and support Lin Weidong.

Chen Bin had been working at the research institute for many years and had deep roots in it; no one wanted to offend him.

Just when Lin Weidong was isolated and helpless, Su Wanqing was the first to step forward and walked firmly to his side: "Weidong, I'll team up with you."

Immediately afterward, a short man wearing glasses hesitated for a moment, then raised his hand: "Team Leader Lin, I can help too."

Lin Weidong looked at him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Su Zhenbang quickly introduced, "Wei Dong, this is Li Yichuan. He has only been at the research institute for half a year. He has a very solid professional foundation, but he is a bit introverted."

Li Yichuan pushed up his glasses and said somewhat shyly, "Team Leader Lin, I think you're right. The current bulletproof vests do have many shortcomings. I'd like to try working with you to see if we can make a better product."

Lin Weidong nodded, a smile appearing on his face: "Okay, welcome."

With Su Zhenbang as witness, the bet between the two was officially concluded.

The research institute assigned them two separate workrooms, equipped with the same equipment and materials, and agreed to evaluate their results through live-fire tests one month later.

Chen Bin led his team into one of the workrooms with an imposing air, and before leaving, he glared fiercely at Lin Weidong.

Meanwhile, in a secluded outpost on the outskirts of the city, the bearded man, holding a secret order, spoke solemnly to several of his men:

"We've got a mission today. Orders from the south: go to the Fengtai Weapons Research Institute and kill a new technician named Lin Weidong."

"Lin Weidong?"

The skinny guy frowned, a vague memory creeping in. "I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before."

"Whether you've heard of it or not, just follow the orders."

The bearded man's eyes were icy as he specifically looked at the skinny guy. "I won't bring up what happened last time. This mission is of utmost importance, and no one is allowed to make a mistake! Especially you, keep your mind to yourself. If you ruin everything, I won't forgive you!"

The skinny guy nodded quickly, "Understood, big brother, I guarantee there won't be any problems this time!"

Without delay, the group packed their belongings, changed into tattered peasant clothes, slung their bags full of weapons and tools over their shoulders, and set off towards Fengtai.

They planned to first scout out the terrain near the weapons research institute to find out Lin Weidong's daily routine and routes of entry and exit, and then look for a suitable time to take action.

The area surrounding the Fengtai Weapons Research Institute is shaded by green trees and has tight security.

The bearded man and his group disguised themselves as passing farmers, loitering on the nearby paths, their eyes constantly observing the institute's gate, walls, and surrounding environment.

"This research institute is heavily guarded; it's not a good place to make a move," the burly man said in a low voice.

"Take your time, you can't rush things."

The bearded man had sharp eyes. "Let's find a place to stay first, and slowly gather information. There will always be an opportunity."

Under the cover of night, the group found a dilapidated house in an abandoned village near the research institute and settled down temporarily.

Meanwhile, in the weapons research institute's workshop, Lin Weidong, Su Wanqing, and Li Yichuan were discussing the design of a bulletproof vest around the blueprints.

"We will use a new type of aramid composite material, which is lightweight, high-strength, and has much better protective performance than the steel plates we use now."

Lin Weidong pointed to the structure on the drawing and explained in detail, "In addition, we need to optimize the shape of the bulletproof vest and adopt a modular design to ensure the protective area without affecting the flexibility of movement."

Su Wanqing and Li Yichuan nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with admiration. "Wei Dong, this idea is so advanced!"

Su Wanqing said excitedly, "If we succeed, our bulletproof vests will definitely be at the forefront of international standards!"