Chapter 102: Making Dumplings Together

"I... I have studied internal combustion engines my entire life," he said, trembling, "I never expected to see such a masterpiece today... This is simply... it is a miracle!"

Deputy Minister Lin looked at the group of experts before him who were too shocked to speak, and a stormy sea surged within his own heart.

As an Advanced leader of the Ministry of Industry, he had seen countless major technological breakthroughs, but the shock brought by this Engine today far exceeded all his past experiences.

Just at this moment, a scene that shocked everyone occurred.

The Chief Engineer of the First Automobile Manufacturing Plant—Professor Zhang, hailed as the "Father of the Automobile Industry"—actually walked up to the Engine, slowly knelt on both knees, and bean-sized tears rolled down his forehead.

"Professor Zhang!" several young people exclaimed, wanting to help him up, but he waved his hand to stop them.

"I have studied engines for ten years," Professor Zhang said, his voice choked with emotion, "I have experienced the cold shoulder from the Polar Bear, the blockades of the Star-Spangled Country, and being mocked that we could only ever build 'tractors'... I never expected that in my lifetime, I would be able to see such a masterpiece!"

He reached out his trembling hand and gently stroked the cylinder block of the Engine, full of deep affection as if he were touching his own child:

"This Engine is not just a mechanical device; it is the pride of the Chinese people, and it is the future of our national industry!"

There was Silence in the workshop; everyone was stunned by this scene.

Professor Zhang was a highly respected elder-generation engineer who had studied abroad in the Polar Bear, was proficient in five languages, and was well-traveled and knowledgeable; he was by no means the type of person to be easily moved.

Li Mingyuan stepped forward quickly and helped the old man up: "Professor Zhang, you are too kind. This Engine embodies the wisdom and hard work of several generations of our country's engineers; I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants and taking a small step forward."

Professor Zhang gripped Li Mingyuan's hand tightly and said with deep emotion: "No, this is not a small step; this is a giant leap! The engine technology that has had us by the throat for decades has finally... finally seen hope today!"

Deputy Minister Lin was deeply touched by this scene; he looked around and saw faces flushed with excitement.

On this New Year's Eve, they had collectively witnessed a moment that could be called a miracle.

"Chief Engineer Li," Deputy Minister Lin stepped forward, his tone solemn, "Judging from today's test results, the performance of the 'Longxin-1' Engine has far exceeded our expectations. On behalf of the Ministry of Industry, I decide on the spot: immediately launch the mass production plan for this Engine! All necessary resources will be guaranteed with priority!"

He turned to the other experts: "Comrades, what we have witnessed today is not just the birth of an Engine, but a major innovation in our country's mechanical industry. Please set aside all prejudices and fully support the work of Chief Engineer Li, so that this Engine can serve our country's national defense and economic construction as soon as possible!"

Enthusiastic applause erupted in the workshop; the workers were moved to tears, and some even cheered aloud.

Those experts who had originally been skeptical now crowded around, vying to ask Li Mingyuan about technical details.

"Chief Engineer Li, what is the specific structure of this Vortex Mixed Combustion Chamber?"

"How is the pressure control of the fuel injection system achieved?"

"What material was used for the cylinder block to achieve such lightweighting?"

Li Mingyuan answered patiently one by one, while not forgetting to emphasize the team's contribution.

Professor Zhang listened to Li Mingyuan's explanation, his eyes flashing with excitement, his fingers trembling slightly:

"This kind of combustion chamber design... is simply a work of genius! No wonder it can reach 42% thermal efficiency; we have studied it for years, and the highest we could ever achieve was 36%..."

"The key lies in the control of the fuel-to-air mixture ratio," Li Mingyuan explained, "In traditional designs, this process is relatively random, but through the special shape of the combustion chamber and the fuel injection angle, we have achieved more precise control."

Seeing that everyone was so excited and had forgotten the time while discussing, Deputy Minister Lin suggested:

"Everyone, today is New Year's Eve, and logically everyone should be home for a reunion. However, since we are all here, how about we have a reunion dinner together at the factory?"

Factory Lou Changzhang quickly said: "It has already been arranged! The cafeteria has prepared sumptuous dumplings and dishes; please join the experts and comrades for a special New Year's Eve!"

And so, on this unusual New Year's Eve, in the testing workshop of the Rolling Mill, a group of engineers and experts from all over the country, together with the factory workers, gathered around the still-running Engine and began a special New Year's Eve dinner.

In the factory cafeteria, long dining tables were pushed together into a "Hui" shape, decorated with lanterns and streamers, full of festive joy.

The cafeteria cooks rushed to produce table after table of delicacies, but the most popular item was still the dumplings, which symbolized reunion.

"Come, come, come, let's all make dumplings together!" Factory Lou Changzhang rolled up his sleeves and took the lead in walking toward the chopping board.

The experts and workers looked at each other, all feeling a bit shy.

"Don't be shy, today we are all one family!" Deputy Minister Lin also set aside his leadership airs, walked to the chopping board, and clumsily grabbed a piece of dough.

The atmosphere suddenly became lively, and everyone stepped forward to start making dumplings in their own way.

Experienced workers enthusiastically guided the flustered experts, and laughter rang out one after another.

Li Mingyuan stood to the side, watching this heartwarming scene, and a warm current surged in his heart.

On New Year's Eves in his previous life, he was always alone in a rental apartment in a big city, watching the Spring Festival Gala broadcast and silently wishing his parents, who were far away at home, a happy New Year.

But today, although he still had no family by his side, he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.

"Chief Engineer Li, come and make dumplings!" a young worker called out enthusiastically.

Li Mingyuan walked over with a smile, rolled up his sleeves, and began to make them.

His technique was skillful; one dumpling after another took shape in his hands, uniform and beautiful, clearly showing he was an experienced hand.

"Oh my, Chief Engineer Li is even so good at making dumplings!" a female worker nearby said in surprise.

Li Mingyuan smiled: "I often helped out at home when I was a child; I can still handle such small tasks."

"Chief Engineer Li, may I ask a question?" Professor Zhang asked cautiously while clumsily making a dumpling.

"Please go ahead."

"Is this engine technology system of yours something you explored on your own, or... does it have some special origin?" Professor Zhang's eyes flashed with a thirst for knowledge.

The cafeteria suddenly went quiet; everyone pricked up their ears, waiting for Li Mingyuan's answer.

Li Mingyuan did not answer immediately, but instead set down the dumpling in his hand, wiped his hands, then looked up and surveyed the surroundings:

"Theory originates from practice and guides practice. My design approach stems from deep reflection on the shortcomings of existing engines, as well as the systematic application of basic disciplines such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science."

He paused for a moment and continued: "In fact, the success of this Engine today could not have happened without the exploration and accumulation of those who came before us. I merely broke through some of the constraints of traditional thinking and looked at the problem from a brand-new perspective."

"Could you elaborate on that?" a young engineer couldn't help but ask.