Chapter 103: The Motherland Grows Stronger and Stronger

Li Mingyuan nodded and began to explain in detail the key innovations in the engine design.

His language was easy to understand yet remained professional, and even those who were not experts listened with great interest.

"The combustion chamber design of traditional diesel engines is mostly based on experience, but I have adopted the principles of fluid mechanics, using calculations and simulations to design a combustion chamber shape that can produce the best vortex effect..."

"The shape of the piston crown is also crucial; it not only affects the compression ratio but also directly determines the diffusion and mixing effect after fuel is injected..."

"In terms of material selection, we adopted an improved aluminum alloy cylinder head, which significantly reduces weight while ensuring strength, and simultaneously improves heat dissipation efficiency..."

The experts listened, completely enthralled, nodding or exclaiming from time to time.

Some of them were already writing furiously in their notebooks, afraid of missing any detail.

The rhythm of dumpling-making slowed down unconsciously; everyone was captivated by Li Mingyuan's explanation.

This was master-level technical sharing—no obscure or difficult terminology, no pretentious theories, but rather complex engineering problems explained clearly so that everyone could understand.

"Too brilliant!" Professor Zhang could not help but applaud, and others followed suit.

"By the way, there is one more key point," Li Mingyuan added,

"and that is the importance of precision machining. A good engine requires not only advanced design concepts but also precise manufacturing processes. The workers at our Rolling Mill, relying on their exquisite skills, turned the concepts on the blueprints into reality; this credit cannot be erased."

Hearing this, the workers present all wore proud smiles on their faces.

"Alright, don't just focus on chatting, the dumplings are going to get cold!" Factory Director Lou interrupted the discussion at the right time, pointing to a large plate of cooked dumplings.

Only then did everyone remember the main business and sat down one after another to start enjoying this special New Year's Eve dinner.

"Come, let's have a toast to our 'Longxin-1' Engine!" Deputy Minister Lin raised his glass and proposed.

"Cheers!" Everyone stood up and excitedly clinked glasses to celebrate.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food, the topic gradually shifted from engine technology to future application prospects.

"This engine can first be used on military trucks," Deputy Minister Lin imagined, "With its performance, our army's mobility will be greatly improved!"

"Don't forget the civilian side," Professor Zhang added, "Tractors, water pumps, generators... these fields are all in urgent need of high-efficiency engines!"

"And ships and construction machinery," another person suggested, "Currently, many of our heavy-duty equipment rely on imported engines; with 'Longxin-1', these can all be localized!"

Everyone chatted more and more excitedly, as if they saw a bright future for an industrial power.

Just then, a bell rang in the distance, melodious and deep, signaling that the new year had arrived.

"Happy New Year! Happy New Year!" Everyone stood up one after another, wishing each other well.

At this moment, although they were in the factory, far away from their families, everyone's heart was filled with happiness and satisfaction.

Li Mingyuan stood quietly in front of the window, looking at the pitch-black night sky outside.

In the distance, one could occasionally see one or two blooming fireworks, drawing gorgeous arcs in the night sky.

"Chief Engineer Li, come, let us toast you!" The workers walked over with their glasses, their faces beaming with sincere respect and gratitude.

Li Mingyuan turned around with a smile and raised his glass: "Thank you all for your hard work; without you, there would be no success today. Come, let us wish together—may our motherland become stronger and stronger!"

"May our motherland become stronger and stronger!" Everyone shouted in unison, the sound echoing in the canteen, loud and firm.

Quite different from the liveliness at the Rolling Mill, the Siheyuan was also welcoming the arrival of the New Year in its own way.

In the center of the courtyard, a large round table was filled with various dishes, including chicken, duck, fish, and meat—all pooled together by everyone.

The residents of the courtyard sat in a circle, drinking and chatting, full of joy.

"Come, come, everyone eat more; today is the most important day of the year!" Yan Bugui enthusiastically served food to everyone, contrary to his usual stingy style.

"Old Yan, this fish you made is really fragrant!" Liu Haizhong complimented, while shoveling rice into his mouth.

"That's right! This is a carp I specifically hunted for at the market; it's very fresh!" Yan Bugui stroked his beard proudly.

Jia Zhangshi sat at the table, wrapping dumplings while looking up from time to time.

"What are you looking at, Lao Jia's wife?" Liu Dama next to her asked curiously.

Jia Zhangshi snorted: "Looking to see if that Li Mingyuan is back! It's already New Year's Eve and he's still nowhere to be seen; it's really strange!"

"He's probably busy at the factory," Liu Dama said casually, "I heard he's some kind of Chief Engineer; he's quite impressive."

Jia Zhangshi curled her lips: "No matter how impressive, what kind of behavior is it not to go home for the New Year? I think he probably has no family willing to acknowledge him; how pitiful!"

She emphasized the last phrase "how pitiful" heavily, her tone full of schadenfreude.

Yan Bugui immediately chimed in: "Exactly, no matter how high an official, not going home for the New Year means he has no foundation in his heart! Like us, having friends and family together to celebrate the New Year lively is the right way!"

Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu kept their heads down and ate, saying nothing.

Although Jia Zhangshi's words were a bit mean, as son and daughter-in-law, they found it hard to refute and could only remain silent.

He Yuzhu, who was on the side, couldn't listen anymore and put down his bowl and chopsticks: "Uncle Li is busy with work and is contributing to the country! What do you know?"

"Yo, Chef He is protecting him?" Jia Zhangshi said sarcastically, "Also, you have a good relationship with him; he rides in a small car, and you can hitch a ride, so you have face!"

He Yuzhu was choked by these words, his face turning red and then white. Just as he was about to retort, Qin Huairu gently pulled his sleeve, signaling him not to be impulsive.

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward; the residents sitting around the table looked at each other, not knowing what to say.

Just then, the door of the East Wing Room opened, and Li Mingyuan's two "bodyguards" walked out.

Both were dressed in simple casual clothes, but they stood tall with sharp eyes; one could tell at a glance that their background was not simple.

They walked around the courtyard, seemingly on a routine inspection, and then headed toward the dining table.

"Two comrades, come and eat!" Lou greeted them enthusiastically, "It's the New Year, let's all have some fun together!"

The two security personnel nodded politely: "Thank you, ma'am, we have already eaten."

The tall security guard looked around, his gaze sweeping over everyone's face: "Chief Engineer Li has work tonight and may be back a bit late; please do not worry."

Hearing this, Jia Zhangshi started muttering again: "What kind of work is so important that he doesn't even spend the New Year? Hmph, just putting on airs!"