Chapter 499: Publicly Unmasking the Plot, Aviation Electronics Plan Breakthrough

Research Base entrance.

The cold wind whirls snowflakes, blowing so hard that people can't keep their eyes open.

Qin Huairu is still crouching on the ground, crying, her voice sharp and thin, drawing a crowd of onlookers.

"Everyone step aside."

Lin Shengli's voice rang out, not loud but full of authority.

The onlookers instinctively made a path.

Qin Huairu hears the voice, her crying abruptly stops, her whole body stiffens.

She slowly lifts her head and sees Lin Shengli in a crisp military uniform, his face cold as ice, standing before her.

"Sheng… Shengli…" Qin Huairu's voice trembles with fear.

Lin Shengli doesn't look at her, his gaze sweeping the crowd, he says gravely, "This is a national defense research hub. Unrelated personnel must leave immediately."

The crowd dares not linger and disperses.

The entrance quickly clears, leaving only Qin Huairu, Lin Shengli, and two guards.

"Stand up," Lin Shengli says, his tone without a hint of warmth.

Qin Huairu trembles as she stands, head lowered, daring not to look at him.

"Speak. What did Liu Haizhong send you to find me for?" Lin Shengli gets straight to the point.

Qin Huairu's body jerks, she snaps her head up, "You… how do you know?"

"Guess," Lin Shengli scoffs, "Besides him, who else would treat you like a weapon?"

He has long seen through the people of the Siheyuan.

Liu Haizhong is greedy and image‑concerned; he dares not come himself, so he picks a soft target to squeeze.

Qin Huairu is selfish; for a small benefit she can betray her dignity.

"I… I didn't…" Qin Huairu tries to argue.

"Didn't?" Lin Shengli cuts her off, "You think playing the victim will make me help you?"

He steps forward, his gaze sharp as a blade: "Did you forget what Bang Geng stole? State defense secrets! Did you forget who Jia Zhangshi insulted? A national meritorious individual!"

"Your family's fate was self‑chosen! Now you beg me? Too late!"

Qin Huairu is left speechless by his scolding, tears welling up again.

This time she's not pretending; she's truly scared.

"I know I was wrong…" Qin Huairu crouches, crying, "Second Elder forced me. He told me to beg you to arrange a job for Liu Guangfu, or else he won't help me…"

She places all the blame on Liu Haizhong.

Lin Shengli's gaze grows colder.

Sure enough, it's for Liu Guangfu's job.

Before there was Yan Bu Gui; now Liu Haizhong shows up again!

"The Research Base recruits need political vetting, cultural standards, and competence," Lin Shengli says firmly, "Liu Guangfu didn't even finish middle school; he can't pass the political vetting. Want to get in? Dream on!"

He looks at the guards, "Send her away. From now on she may not come within a step of the Research Base."

"Yes! General!"

The two guards step forward, lift Qin Huairu, and carry her away.

Qin Huairu cries and struggles, "Let go of me! Lin Shengli, you can't stand by and watch me die!"

Her voice fades farther and farther, finally disappearing in the cold wind.

Lin Shengli watches her back, his gaze unchanged.

Being merciful to villains is cruelty to oneself.

More importantly, he has no time to waste on these worthless matters.

Just as he turns to return to the laboratory, a guard rushes over, "General, the Aviation Electronics Group has a breakthrough! The preliminary plan is ready; it can lock onto six targets simultaneously, two more than the U. S. F/A‑18!"

Lin Shengli's eyes brighten, "Good! Go back and check it right away!"

The earlier displeasure is instantly washed away by the joy of the research breakthrough.

In the laboratory.

The Aviation Electronics Group Leader holds the plan, reporting excitedly, "General, we have adopted a self‑developed multi‑core processor and optimized the radar algorithm. The current Fire Control System can not only lock onto six targets simultaneously, but its reaction speed is 0.3 seconds faster than the F‑14!"

Hanna smiles and adds, "These figures already exceed the avionics level of current U. S. carrier‑based aircraft. As long as subsequent tests go smoothly, our third‑generation carrier aircraft won't lose in air‑superiority!"

Lin Shengli looks at the data on the plan, a smile tugging at his mouth.

This is what he should be focusing on.

A strong national defense is true strength.

"Issue the notice: tomorrow commence the avionics system prototype test," Lin Shengli orders, "Also, over at the J‑20 pre‑research team, have them quickly produce a preliminary aerodynamic layout plan."

"Yes! General Lin!"

In the laboratory, activity resumes.

Everyone's face bears determination.

They all know that what they are doing concerns the nation's future.

And the Nanluoguxiang Courtyard.

Liu Haizhong sits at home, sipping a small drink, waiting for good news.

Liu Guangfu sits beside him, rubbing his hands, "Dad, can Qin Jie make it?"

"Definitely can!" Liu Haizhong takes a sip, saying proudly, "Qin Huairu is the best at playing the victim; even Lin Shengli, no matter how hard‑hearted, can't resist a woman's cries. Once you get into the Research Base, our family will be prosperous!"

Just then, Qin Huairu's sobbing reaches the courtyard gate.

Liu Haizhong's complexion changes, "What's happening?"

He set down his wine cup and quickly walked out.

Qin Huairu was covered in snow, crouching at the courtyard gate, weeping.

"Qin Huairu, how did you come back? Did it succeed?" Liu Haizhong asked urgently.

Qin Huairu lifted her head, face streaked with tears: "No... Lin Shengli saw through it, he also said... he also said Guangfu simply cannot enter the Research Base."

Liu Haizhong's face instantly darkened.

"Useless thing!" He kicked Qin Huairu, "I give you food, I give you clothes, and you can't even handle this small matter?"

Qin Huairu was kicked to the ground, crying even harder.

The people in the courtyard heard the commotion and all poked their heads out to look.

Yi Zhonghai stood at the doorway, coldly watching this scene.

I've said it before, you asked for it.

Now you've come a cropper, serves you right.