94: From Technological Warfare to Space Empire

Chapter 141 It's time to force a major investigation into private enterprises; they really have something to offer (4k chapters, please subscribe)

Hearing Mr. Qian's question, Lin Yu's heart tightened.

Have you ever thought about this question?

Mr. Qian's voice became serious.

"The rocket engine materials you're working on for landing control are all hard technologies."

"Hard skills require a solid foundation. What is this solid foundation?"

Lin Yu thought for a moment and answered firmly.

"It's an industrial system."

Mr. Qian nodded.

"Yes, that's right, it's the industrial system!"

"The domestically produced version of the RD170 that you just mentioned needs to be developed by the metallurgical industry."

"VT20's titanium alloy requires materials industry expertise."

"A branch landing would be even more remarkable; it would require at least a triple collaboration between the electronics industry, the computer industry, and the precision manufacturing industry."

Do we have these industries now?

"Many of the things you're about to do exceed the capabilities of existing industries; how do you plan to do it?"

"I'm going to test you. Do you know how to upgrade industry, or are you just making assumptions using technologies that we can't meet our current needs?"

After Mr. Qian finished asking his question, Lin Yu didn't become more nervous; instead, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that Mr. Qian would ask about this.

Fortunately, he had a contingency plan.

"Teacher, your question—"

I think I only have one answer.

Lin Yu slowly began to speak.

"I know that the aerospace industry wasn't built in a day; it requires accumulation and time."

"What we're doing now is indeed beyond the current level of industrial development."

"but!"

"We can think about it the other way around."

"Why should we wait until our industrial system is fully established before we start developing spaceflight?"

"Why don't we use the demands of aerospace to drive the upgrading of our industrial system?"

Lin Yu's ideas were quite novel, attracting Qian Lao to stop and listen and think.

The two leaders didn't react much.

They just thought Lin Yu said some very ordinary things.

Is it the same thing to build first and then move on to higher-end industries, or to develop lower-end industries only after there is demand for higher-end ones?

Lin Yu continued, "Actually, there are many things in the private sector that are capable of being developed in a more refined way."

"It's not that they didn't realize there was a demand for their products."

"The RD170 high-temperature alloy is indeed not available in China at present."

"But we can definitely let the metallurgical industry tackle the problem."

"You know, steel mills all over the country produce some strange products every day."

"If no one notices them, they will be thrown away like trash."

"But if we have such a demand, these strange products will receive more attention."

"As long as there's one that meets our needs."

"So, for the metallurgical industry, any backward work after achieving results would be a huge upgrade."

"No, we need to upgrade the metallurgical industry to achieve our goal."

"Instead, we should publish our needs and let the existing metallurgical industry discover how much they can achieve."

Lin Yu's theory was derived from the practice of large-scale surveys conducted by the general public in later generations.

It should be noted that this was the most outrageous census of military and civilian workers in later generations.

However, it was discovered that the arresting cables used on the US aircraft carriers were purchased by Commissioner Smith from a private factory in China.

Many researchers specializing in this field feel like they're about to be suffocated by sanctions.

But later I realized that I had just put my sweater on backwards.

"Like this, our VT20 requires the welding of large components. If the technology is not up to par, we will also upgrade the machinery industry."

"Every time our needs drive us, it will lead to an industrial upgrade."

"And each upgrade leaves behind a trail of accumulation."

"Once enough is accumulated, the industrial system will naturally follow."

Old Qian looked at Lin Yu's confident expression.

He clapped his hands with satisfaction.

Yes, he was like that back then too.

We needed those two unprecedented missiles, we needed that one star that went into space.

That's how they developed their own basic industries.

"it is good."

"Your line of thinking is correct."

Old Qian walked up to Lin Yu and gently patted him on the shoulder.

The more he looked at this successor, the more he liked him.

It's like walking a path I've already walked, and someone else is going to continue that path.

Let the fledglings follow his path, to places he cannot fly to.

"Child, I've remembered what you said today."

"You've thought of everything, so there's nothing more I need to tell you."

"But—I have something else to say."

Seeing that Mr. Qian approved of his answer, Lin Yu was secretly pleased.

He then listened more attentively to what else Mr. Qian wanted to tell him.

Each piece of advice from Qian Xuesen helped him move his ideas about aviation from fantasy to reality.

But to his surprise, Qian Lao was no longer talking about aviation issues.

Instead, he gave him some advice on how to be a good person with a sigh.

"My child, you must remember that spaceflight is not the goal, but a means."

Lin Yu was somewhat bewildered by these words.

Then, looking at him, Mr. Qian smiled and spoke.

"Yes, spaceflight is not the goal."

"The goal is to make our country stronger and more prosperous."

"Let our nation become stronger."

"You know, whether you're building rockets, spacecraft, or a lunar base, it's all ultimately for this purpose."

"Therefore, don't just focus on aerospace."

"We must also keep an eye on industry, infrastructure, and talent."

"Once these things go up, spaceflight will naturally follow."

What Mr. Qian said resonated deeply with Lin Yu.

He felt the same way.

That's why he went through so much trouble to develop unleaded gasoline and BEC.

We must ensure that all Chinese people benefit.

I will not be a sophisticated egoist.

Lin Yu nodded solemnly to Elder Qian, while Elder Qian silently asked him a question.

"Do you know what I've been researching lately?"

Lin Yu thought about it for a moment; he had heard about this before.

"Is the teacher involved in environmental remediation lately?"

Mr. Qian nodded with satisfaction.

Not many people know about his work in environmental governance these days.

But he truly believed that leaving a healthy environment for future generations was the most important thing.

"Yes, I have been focusing on desertification control and grassland management since the 80s."

"I'm too old, and I gave up the idea of ​​taking on apprentices a long time ago."

At this point, Old Qian looked at Lin Yu, who was sitting obediently in the chair, and became even more satisfied.

"But you, child."

"First, we solved the environmental pollution caused by steel slag. Then we solved the environmental pollution caused by exhaust gas."

"I made up my mind back then that even if you were a chemistry major, I would still want to meet you."

"But who would have thought that you would later turn out to be a space enthusiast capable of theoretical physics?"

"This is such a pleasant surprise!"

"That's why Old Chen brought me here to meet you."

"From now on, please guard against arrogance and impatience, and continue to work hard!"

After he finished speaking, Mr. Qian coughed twice.

He's a bit tired after doing so much research today.

Lin Yu understood what Qian Lao meant.

Don't prioritize scientific research at the expense of human ethics.

Furthermore, we should not sacrifice the environment for the sake of scientific research.

Sacrificing the living space of future generations.

In later generations, the concept of sustainable development has taken deep root in the Chinese psyche.

Lin Yu was no exception.

"I understand, teacher!"

Then, Mr. Qian nodded and turned to Chief Chen to give him his instructions.

"Old Chen, I'm entrusting my child's matter to you."

Commander Chen repeatedly said he dared not, and stood up to give Elder Qian a military salute.

"Don't worry, Mr. Qian, this is our precious son; we won't let him down!"

These words actually made Mr. Qian laugh.

As an elder, he is now worried that Lin Yu will lack research funding.

He could once again live the kind of life he once had, where he would use an abacus to conjure up an atomic bomb, and where the entire nation would tighten its belt to give them a piece of braised pork.

At the same time, he was also worried that Lin Yu was too young and had not seen much of the world.

They became arrogant because of money.

Old Qian patted Lin Yu on the back.

They didn't continue following Chief Chen's lead.

"What precious darling? He's just a dreamy young man."

"Of course, I'm also an old person who loves to dream."

Mr. Qian then looked at Lin Yu, and then at the two leaders.

"But sometimes, you should have these kinds of dreams more often."

"The more you do it, the more it comes true."

In the office, apart from Mr. Qian, the other three nodded like children listening to a teacher's lecture.

Then Mr. Qian turned and walked towards the door.

Lin Yu subconsciously took two steps to follow.

Old Man Qian didn't turn around, he just waved his hand.

"Don't send any more gifts, just do your job well."

"Next time we meet, I'll want to hear your progress report."

After saying that, Mr. Qian pushed open the door and went out.

Outside the door were the guards who had accompanied Mr. Qian, who helped him up.

What else did Lin Yu want to say? Chief Hou came over and stopped him.

"Alright, that's enough."

"Professor Qian disliked this kind of procrastinating and inefficient work style."

"Even though Mr. Qian has gone back, we're still here."

He offered her a cigarette, but Lin Yu waved it off.

Chief Chen also stood up and walked to Lin Yu.

"Comrade Lin Yu, have you remembered everything that Elder Qian just said?"

Lin Yu nodded. There wasn't much to discuss, but each conversation consisted of sending a hyperlinked compressed file.

True technical communication happens in the mind.

There are some things that he and Mr. Qian can understand simply by mentioning a single word.

These two leaders need an explanation.

"I've got it."

Chief Chen nodded in satisfaction.

"Okay, then let me say a few more words."

His voice turned serious.

"Mr. Qian is right, the industrial system is fundamental. Many of the things you're trying to develop are beyond the current level, but that's not the problem. The problem is how to solve them?"

"Your answer is also very good."

"I'll give you three months. Within three months, you need to come up with a complete industrial chain development plan, okay?"

Commander Chen issued a military order to Lin Yu.

"We need everything, from materials to processing, from technology to testing, from talent to equipment."

"We don't aim for a perfect solution from the start, but rather for a complete and logically clear one."

Lin Yu nodded; this was a piece of cake for him!

It's entirely possible to do it.

Finally, Chief Chen continued.

"Once the plan is finalized, I will coordinate resources, funding, personnel, and equipment. Just explain clearly what you want to do and how you want to do it."

"I'll get it all for you!"

"But now it depends on whether you dare to do it."

Chief Chen extended his hand.

"So? Dare to accept?!"

Lin Yu grabbed the hand that was being offered to him.

"What's there to be afraid of?!"

Chief Chen smiled and shook Lin Yu's hand vigorously.

"Good, that's more like it!"

He then released his grip and glanced at Chief Hou.

"Xiao Hou, I'm entrusting this child to you. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Chief Hou lit a cigarette, offered a toast from afar, and then the meeting ended.

In military camps, there is no shortage of guards.

He didn't need to deliver it at all.

At this moment, only Lin Yu and Chief Hou remained in the office.

Chief Hou smoked quite a bit that afternoon.

The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts, so he lit another one.

The people who came today were all sent by higher-ups.

Especially Qian Lao, he joined the army after hearing Qian Lao's stories.

Hou Shuchang lit a cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and looked at Lin Yu.

"How's it going? Pretty good progress today, huh?"

Lin Yu slumped onto the small sofa with a wry smile.

I can finally relax.

"That's awesome, absolutely awesome!"

"Uncle Hou, why didn't you tell me beforehand when you asked Zhang Guoqiang to bring me here?"

"My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I saw Mr. Qian here."

"I still haven't caught my breath."

"So I've become Professor Qian's student?"

Commander Hou lit a cigarette, smoking and laughing.

"This is nothing; there will be many more like this in the future."

"Hey kid, there's still the BEC press conference to be held."

He exhaled a smoke ring.

"Alright, stop daydreaming. Tell me, what are your plans for that industry-related proposal?"

"It's just the two of us here now."

"Ultimately, your plan still requires my involvement throughout."

"Right now, the research institute behind your factory and the pilot production line for aviation fuel are all under construction by my people."

"Tell me what you think, so I can work with you to coordinate things."

Lin Yu slumped on the sofa, not wanting to move for the time being.

At this moment, he smiled wryly at Chief Hou and said, "Uncle Hou, let me have a moment to calm down."

"I was under a lot of pressure during this academic exchange with Professor Qian."

"If you hadn't told me beforehand that Mr. Qian was here, I would have been suddenly interrogated by everyone."

"My brain is about to explode."

"Even if you asked me to speak now, all I could say was about composite materials."

"Let me rest, let me rest."

Commander Hou glanced at his watch.

It was already past 8 p.m. when I realized it was already past 8 p.m.

"Okay, that's enough for today."

"Go back and think it over carefully, write down the plan, and give it to me when you're done."

Lin Yu nodded, but couldn't stand up.

I lay on the sofa for fifteen minutes and chatted casually with Chief Hou about any recent happenings.

After Chief Hou finished telling him that the BEC experiment had recently sparked a wave of replications outside, he realized that the experiment was indeed being replicated.

But after no one was able to actually replicate it, Lin Yu gradually recovered.

When there was nothing left to talk about, he stood up and walked out.

As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped, turned around and thought for a moment before speaking to Chief Hou.

"Uncle Hou!"

"Um?"

"Thank you!"

"I didn't do many things myself; you did everything. It must have been exhausting for you."

Chief Hou was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and scolded.

"You little brat, what are you thanking me for?"

"You did a good job, it makes me proud too. Let's go, stop dawdling."

Lin Yu smiled, pushed open the door, and walked out.

Then he looked up at the sky.

The sky had darkened, and the moon slowly rose in the distance.

May 25, 94, was the 5th day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar.

Right now, the moon is at its farthest point.

Looking into the distance, you can see some bright and varied areas on the moon.

He knew that they were different craters, different impact craters.

Lin Yu took a deep breath and clenched his fist.

Five years —

He wanted to leave Chinese footprints on the dust of the moon.

There are not only footprints, but also a lunar base.

At 11 p.m., Lin Yu sat back down in front of his computer in the basement of Beihang University.

After he left, the guards who were responsible for laying the fiber optic cable today gave him an extra one.

This allows him to go online without having to wait until 2 a.m.

On the screen, the post on the American Physics Forum had already been deleted more than 300 times.