Chapter 502: with translation of chapter title

In the assembly workshop of the Research Base, the lights were blindingly bright, the hum of machines wrapped around people's breathing, day and night without stopping.

The installation of the carrier-based aircraft engine had just progressed halfway when it got stuck.

Assembly group leader Lao Zhang gripped the measuring gauge, sweat trickling down his forehead along the wrinkles, he approached Lin Shengli, his voice tight:

"General, it won't work, the engine mount's connecting piece and the fuselage frame are off by 0.2 millimeters; forcing it in will definitely not work—under the stress of takeoff, something will surely go wrong."

Lin Shengli crouched down, his fingers lightly touching the interface of the connector; the cold metal feel made his fingertips ache. He narrowed his eyes to compare the drawings, then had Lao Zhang pass over the caliper, measuring it himself twice before his brows furrowed slightly.

"It's not much, but we can't be careless in the slightest. Carrier-based aircraft aren't like land-based ones; with constant takeoffs and landings on the deck, this 0.2 millimeter is a hidden danger."

"I'll go call the precision machining team to come grind it!" Lao Zhang wiped his sweat and turned to leave.

"Wait." Lin Shengli called him back, "Have them bring a micro grinder, grind a little then test each time, don't overdo it. Also, have the materials team come over to test the strength of the connector after grinding; we can't sacrifice hardness for fit."

"Sure thing!" Lao Zhang shouted back and ran off; the workshop resumed its faint bustle—someone tidying tools, someone checking data, another holding an enamel basin to drink water, steps light.

Hanna walked over holding a stack of avionics system drawings, placed the cup on Lin Shengli's toolbox, and said:

"Just-brewed tea, warm—you stayed up all night yesterday, have a sip first. I've looked up the connector's material specs: it's a titanium alloy composite; light grinding won't affect strength, and I've already greeted the materials team."

"Thanks for your hard work; the avionics integration plan can wait—first get the engine sorted."

Lin Shengli stood up, took the cup and sipped; warmth slid down his throat, dispelling some fatigue.

Hanna smiled, found a corner table, sat down, and spread out the drawings to read slowly. Sunlight slanted in through the workshop's high windows, landing on her blond hair, making it gleam, and together with the workers bent over their tasks nearby and the neatly stacked parts, it formed a picture of steadiness.

Lin Shengli just stood beside the assembly table, watching the worker master grind the connector.

The master wore reading glasses; the micro grinder in his hand turned slowly, sparks occasionally spraying out and landing on his cuff—he didn't bother to wipe them, grinding a bit then stopping to let Lao Zhang measure with the caliper, muttering:

"Slowly, even slower, don't panic."

Grinding and testing like this, when the sky was just beginning to lighten, Lao Zhang finally relaxed, holding up the connector and shouting:

"General! It's done! The gap is just right, and the strength is sufficient!"

Lin Shengli walked over, took the connector and compared it—it was indeed a perfect fit.

He patted the master's shoulder: "Thanks for your hard work; your skill is excellent and you're meticulous."

After arranging the follow-up installation, Lin Shengli then wrapped himself in the morning frost and headed home.

He didn't return to the Research Base dormitory, but went to the residence near South Luogu Lane—today the family was gathering, several women had already said they'd prepare a family feast, waiting for the children to come back.

Just as he pushed the door open, a wave of fragrance poured out.

In the courtyard, Zheng Juan wore a red apron, squatting on the ground to pick vegetables.

Ding Qiunan sat at the stone table, wiping the bowls and chopsticks she had just bought.

Lou Xiao'e and Chen Xueru helped at the kitchen door, one slicing meat, the other peeling garlic.

Qin Jingru came out of the house carrying a basin of pickled vegetables, while He Yushui and Han Chunyan were setting out stools, bustling about lively.

"Back?" Zheng Juan looked up, saw him, immediately stood up, took his coat and brushed off the frost, "Come inside to rest; breakfast will be ready soon—I've simmered the millet porridge you love."

Ding Qiunan handed over a warm towel: "Wipe your face—look at those dark circles, you pulled another all-nighter?"

Lin Shengli took the towel, wiped his face, smiled and nodded: "The engine had a minor issue; I've been monitoring its resolution. Are the kids almost here?"

Earlier, Lin Shengli's secrecy work had been excellent; his women didn't know he had a third woman, thinking that besides themselves and Zheng Juan, his lawful wife, there was no other woman.

Zheng Juan thought he had only her as his woman.

But soon enough, the truth leaked out.

Especially Zheng Juan, she started giving him the cold shoulder.

Fortunately, he is a man with a system; thanks to the system's help, his women live in harmony.

"Soon, Pengzi and Chengzi said they'd come after finishing work at the Research Base; Huatou and Yuantou also called, they're on their way." Qin Jingru placed the pickled vegetables on the table, smiling, "I specially pickled the radish dry you love—it goes perfectly with the porridge."

Lin Shengli sat down, watching the women bustle about, the aroma of food drifting in the courtyard, his fatigue instantly dissipating by half.

These past few years of scientific work, all household affairs have been handled by them; the sixteen children have been raised to be sensible and capable, never causing him worry.

Not long after, the children arrived one after another.

The eldest son, Lin Zhengpeng, wearing work clothes, his hair a bit messy, entered the door and shouted:

"Dad, Mom, we're back!"

Behind him followed the second son, Lin Zhengcheng, holding a file folder, presumably bringing back research materials.

Next came the eldest daughter Lin Qinhua, second daughter Lin Zhenghao, third son Lin Dingwan, fourth son Lin Louli, fifth son Lin Hezhe, sixth son Lin Chenchi,...

One after another they poured into the courtyard; the older ones were around thirty, the younger ones already in university, crowding the courtyard, chatting and laughing, making a lively scene.

Zheng Juan brought the last plate of braised pork to the table, clapped her hands: "Stop the fuss, it's time to eat!"

The whole family sat around the big table, full to the brim.

Zheng Juan kept picking food for Lin Zhengpeng, her chopsticks reaching out to put braised meat into his bowl:

"Pengzi, eat more—you're thirty-three, always holed up at the Research Base, you're thin as a monkey."

Lin Zhengpeng scratched his head, laughing: "Mom, I'm not thin; I eat at the base cafeteria every day, the food's great. The carrier aircraft hasn't even had its first flight yet—I don't have time to worry about anything else."

"First flight is first flight, but marriage can't be delayed either!" Qin Jingru interjected, giving Lin Qinhua a bite of greens, then looking at Lin Zhengpeng: "A few days ago I asked an old classmate—her daughter works at the design institute, she's pretty and sensible, and her age matches yours; why not meet up when you have a chance?"

Lin Zhengpeng's face flushed, he lowered his head to shovel rice: "Auntie, I really have no time now; let's talk after the carrier aircraft's first flight succeeds."

"What are you waiting for?" Zheng Juan said anxiously, "You're thirty-three, you've grown up together, your kids are already in elementary school! Your brother Chengzi is twenty-five too and still has no partner—you two brothers are going to make me and your dad go gray with worry!"

Lin Zhengcheng quickly waved his hands: "Mom, I'm just like my brother—first focus on career, marriage can wait."