94: From Technological Warfare to Space Empire

Lin Yu was beaten until he grimaced.

But he seemed quite happy.

"After discussing it, would you agree?"

"cannot."

"That settles it then."

Commander Hou paused for two seconds, then burst into laughter.

After laughing, he composed himself.

He took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Lin Yu.

"Look, it was just delivered."

Lin Yu took the document.

The document didn't contain much text; after quickly skimming the beginning and end, the few lines in the middle stood out.

Decision on Awarding Comrade Lin Yu the National Technological Invention Award

...In view of Comrade Lin Yu's major breakthroughs in satellite navigation technology, artificial intelligence algorithms, comprehensive utilization of metallurgical waste, and unleaded gasoline technology.

Please approve the decision by the government to award Comrade Lin Yu the National Technological Invention Award…

!! ?

Upon seeing this, Lin Yu was startled and couldn't help but look up at Chief Hou in astonishment.

At this moment, Chief Hou was still watching his reaction and chuckling to himself.

"Yes, that's right, it's for you."

"However, this is confidential, so I can't give you a public award ceremony."

"However, when it's possible to publicly declassify the information in a few years, you will receive all the honors you deserve."

"The prize for this award isn't very generous. It's mainly because the higher-ups told me that I'm still young and that the recognition I deserve should be given in a timely manner."

"Look, I rushed through all the procedures with green lights and delivered it to you right away."

Hearing what Chief Hou said, Lin Yu felt a lump in his throat.

He even tucked the document tightly into his pocket.

This was the first honorary award he received.

Although he won't only have one, the first one is the most valuable.

He had some knowledge about this.

The first large-scale national commendation and award ceremony for high-tech talents was held in 1999.

Almost all Chinese people know about that incident.

He was awarded the Two Bombs, One Satellite Medal of Honor.

It inspired countless Chinese people.

It also allowed those names that are worth remembering to spread far and wide throughout the country.

Even now, they remain idols and role models for generations of school children when they learn science from textbooks in their early years.

Then came the State Top Science and Technology Award, established in 2000.

After returning to this era, Lin Yu actually checked whether he had a chance to win these awards.

In his best-case scenario, he would only be on the verge of winning these awards when he was in his thirties or forties.

He had originally hoped to receive the National Model Worker Medal or the May Day Labor Medal, but these highest honors for workers were now just a pipe dream.

But he never expected it.

They actually awarded him a National Technological Invention Award so quickly.

Seeing Chief Hou secretly laughing at his overreaction, Lin Yu wasn't annoyed.

Instead, they became even more blatant in showing off.

He pulled out the document, and under Chief Hou's bewildered gaze, read it aloud word by word before tucking it tightly into his pocket.

I was afraid it might fall somewhere.

You should know that there are very few science progress awards like this nowadays.

He was a college student who hadn't even graduated yet!

This is the first time in both lifetimes combined.

After carefully putting the documents away, Lin Yu finally had a chance to thank the composed Chief Hou:

"Hehe, thanks for making the trip, sir."

To Lin Yu's surprise,

This time, Chief Hou's expression was not as serious as before; Lin Yu even saw a hint of teasing in his eyes.

He was somewhat puzzled by it.

Sure enough, after he put the things away, Chief Hou spoke.

"Are you in such a hurry to secure this thing? Aren't you going to take a closer look?"

Lin Yu scratched his head and chuckled.

"I'll take a closer look at this thing later, under the covers."

"Find a frame for it and put it up."

"Now I need to buy my own home first."

"I feel bad if this thing gets blown by the wind outside."

After Lin Yu finished speaking, Chief Hou let out a long "Oh~".

He then opened the briefcase he was carrying.

Then another document was pulled out from inside.

He took it in his hand and handed it to Lin Yu.

"What I mean is, aren't you going to wait, kid?"

"You think one award is enough to get rid of you?"

!! ?

besides!?

I watched as Chief Hou took out another document from his briefcase.

Lin Yu felt his adrenaline surge instantly.

I was extremely excited.

He lunged forward in one stride.

My hands were trembling as I took the document.

No way? There's more?

Is it really that powerful?

What will be inside this time?

Besides the commendation, what else did they give him?

Open the outer kraft paper bag packaging.

Then pull out a specially made piece of paper from it.

The title was written on the paper using special ink:

Approval for the Establishment of the Linyu Advanced Technology Research Institute

...In order to give full play to Comrade Lin Yu's leading role in multiple cutting-edge scientific and technological fields, and to support him in carrying out independent exploration and research.

I agree with the opinions of comrades Wang and Zhou, and support the establishment of the "Lin Yu Advanced Technology Research Institute," which will be directly under the leadership of the government, with Comrade Lin Yu serving as the dean, enjoying autonomy in research direction, funding, and team building...

Upon seeing this, Lin Yu's eyes widened.

what what?

Research institute?

He's the dean?

This isn't right, is it? This…

His teacher, Professor Song, was still just a research team, and now he's the dean?

Wang...Zhou...

Who are these two people who didn't write their full names?

What did I do?

Why are they so supportive of me setting up a research institute?

Did they even report it to their superiors?

"Uncle Hou, this..."

Commander Hou looked at him with a calm and composed expression.

Lin Yu was getting impatient when he finally spoke.

"It's all because you told me before that you were going to trick Sergei and his group into exchanging some good Soviet stuff from them, but you ended up with a bunch of real stuff."

"Several academicians have taken a liking to your formulas related to condensed matter physics, saying that it is truly at the forefront of the global field, and they have been praising you to the skies by the entire upper echelons."

"They acknowledge your exceptional skills, but they also feel that your haphazard approach to steel and oil is a waste of your talent."

"So they helped you submit this application, and your performance at the 315 Gala this time was quite satisfactory to the higher-ups."

"As a reward, I'm giving you this opportunity to show your skills."

"Who told you to make such a good first move? Now the international discussion about terahertz is starting to get really heated."

"But nobody really had a clue; they were all completely intimidated. Now, a whole bunch of people, both domestically and internationally, are waiting for you to start the research!"

Commander Hou's words made sense, but Lin Yu was still somewhat stunned by the reward.

He's only in his early twenties.

Talent-based promotion?

"This…"

Lin Yu looked up, about to say something.

Chief Hou waved his hand to interrupt him.

"Stop with the 'this' and 'that', it's not over yet."

After saying that, Chief Hou took out a third document from his bag.

Decision on Awarding Comrade Lin Yu the Title of "National Honorary Young Scientist"

...Comrade Lin Yu's groundbreaking achievements in multiple scientific and technological fields have made significant contributions to national security and the improvement of people's livelihoods.

He was awarded the title of "National Honorary Young Scientist".

Enjoy the highest national science and technology allowance...

"Here, this one was specially made for you."

"This petrochemical incident has indeed taken us somewhat by surprise."

"This technology itself is far inferior to your other technologies, but its scope of impact is indeed the greatest."

"Since you've taken on the challenge of the industry alone, someone suggested that you deserve an honorary title. After a discussion, everyone voted and approved it."