Chapter 506: Finishing the Carrier‑borne Aircraft System Integration, Son

In the laboratory of the Research Base, the atmosphere was both tense and expectant.

The carrier‑borne aircraft's Full System Integration entered the final wrap‑up stage; every team member's eyes were blood‑red, yet no one complained of fatigue—just one more step and the results would be visible.

Lin Shengli stood before the main control console, staring at the real‑time data on the big screen, while Lin Zhengpeng, Lin Qinhua and Hanna gathered nearby, their record boards filled with dense notes.

"Initiate Full System Integration, simulate the entire process of carrier deck takeoff, airborne cruise, target strike, and return landing," Lin Shengli's voice was steady, yet carried a force.

The operator pressed the start button, and the big screen instantly displayed the full simulation sequence: the carrier‑borne aircraft performed a short‑distance takeoff from the carrier deck, the avionics system rapidly scanned the surrounding airspace, locked onto the simulated target, the weapon system precisely launched a missile, hit the target, then the aircraft adjusted its attitude and returned smoothly for landing.

The whole sequence proceeded in one smooth flow, the data points were stable, and no anomalies appeared.

"Success! No faults throughout the process!" the operator stood up excitedly, voice trembling.

The laboratory instantly erupted in cheers, some people high‑fived, others wiped tears from the corners of their eyes—months of day‑and‑night toil had finally not been in vain.

Lin Zhengpeng let out a long sigh, his shirt on his back soaked with sweat: "Dad, it's finally done! All systems are broken in, just waiting for the First Flight!"

Lin Shengli nodded, a satisfied smile on his face: "Good! Send the notice—tomorrow conduct the final equipment check, the day after formally apply for the First Flight Permit. Everyone go home early today to rest, replenish your energy, and welcome the First Flight!"

"Yes, General Lin!" the crowd replied in unison, their faces radiating relaxed smiles.

Lin Shengli watched everyone leave one by one, turned to Lin Zhengpeng and said, "You go back too, tidy up well, don't be late tomorrow—remember, the day after tomorrow is the First Flight, and the day after that is your blind date."

Lin Zhengpeng's face flushed, he scratched his head: "Got it, Dad, I'll arrange it properly."

The next day, the Research Base's equipment inspection proceeded step by step, finding no issues.

Lin Shengli called the commander, reported the carrier‑borne aircraft's status; the commander was delighted, immediately approved the First Flight Permit, and said he would attend in person to watch.

In the blink of an eye it was Saturday afternoon; Lin Zhengpeng wore the new shirt Han Chunyan had bought for him, had his hair specially styled, and stood at the tea house entrance in Zhongshan Park, rubbing his hands a bit nervously.

Lin Zhengcheng and Lin Qinhua hid behind a nearby tree, watching him secretly, lowering their voices to laugh: "Brother's nervous, look how his hands are shaking!"

"Don't laugh, if brother sees it later he'll get angry again," Lin Qinhua glared at him, but couldn't help a smile—he's already thirty‑three, finally a proper blind date, and they're more anxious than anyone.

Just then, a girl in a light‑blue dress walked over, holding a notebook; she was Su Qing, the daughter of Qin Jingru's colleague.

Seeing Lin Zhengpeng at the doorway, she smiled and walked over, asking:

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Lin Zhengpeng?"

Lin Zhengpeng snapped back to reality, his cheeks instantly flushing red, and hurriedly nodded: "That's me. You're Miss Su Qing, right? Please, come in."

The two entered the tea house and took a seat by the window.

The waiter came over to order tea; both were a bit awkward and said nothing.

Su Qing spoke first, smiling: "I heard from my aunt that you work on carrier‑borne aircraft development? I do structural design, so we're kind of half‑colleagues."

Mentioning the profession, Lin Zhengpeng instantly relaxed, a spark appearing in his eyes:

"Yes, I'm in charge of the carrier‑borne aircraft's Nuclear Reactor Assembly; we just finished Full System Integration, and the First Flight is in two days."

"Really? That's amazing!" Su Qing's eyes lit up, "I've read reports on carrier‑borne aircraft before, never thought I'd meet someone from the development team. Your aircraft's engine thrust is higher than the U. S. military's, is that true?"

"It's true, thrust is 10% higher than the F‑14's, short‑distance takeoff is no problem," Lin Zhengpeng spoke with growing enthusiasm, listing several technical highlights of the aircraft, completely forgetting his nerves.

Su Qing listened attentively, nodding occasionally and raising some technical questions; the two grew increasingly in sync, and the awkward atmosphere had long vanished.

Just then, a few noisy youngsters burst into the tea house, holding beer bottles, shouting loudly and disturbing the surrounding patrons.

Lin Zhengpeng frowned, thought for a moment, then got up and walked over, speaking calmly:

"Friends, could you keep it down? Others are drinking tea here."

One of the Huang Mao youths gave him a sideways glance and swaggered, "Mind your own business? We're fine, what can you do?"

Lin Zhengpeng's expression darkened: "In public places, please be mindful of your impact."

"What's the matter? Want to fight?" Huang Mao stood up, reaching out to shove Lin Zhengpeng.

Su Qing, frightened, quickly stood up, trying to pull Lin Zhengpeng back: "Don't act rashly!"

Lin Zhengpeng didn't move, merely staring coldly at Huang Mao: "I don't want to fight, but if you cause trouble again, I'll call security."

Huang Mao was a little startled by his gaze, hesitated, and a nearby friend tugged him, urging:

"Alright, alright, let's not cause trouble, we'll move elsewhere."

Huang Mao snorted, glared fiercely at Lin Zhengpeng, and left with his group.

Lin Zhengpeng returned to his seat, a bit embarrassed, and said, "Sorry for startling you."

Su Qing shook her head, admiration in her eyes: "It's fine, you did the right thing. Public places require rules, you have a strong sense of justice."

After that little incident, the two grew closer.

They chatted for over an hour, moving from profession to life, from hobbies to future plans, feeling increasingly compatible.

When it was time to leave, Lin Zhengpeng mustered courage and said, "Miss Su Qing, I've really enjoyed talking with you; may I have your contact? When the carrier‑borne aircraft's First Flight succeeds, I'd like to treat you to a meal."

Su Qing smiled and nodded, pulling a pen from her bag to write her phone number on his hand:

"Sure, wishing you a successful First Flight! I'll follow the reports."

Watching Su Qing's departing figure, Lin Zhengpeng brushed his fingertip over the number on his hand, a smile tugging at his mouth—this blind date seemed surprisingly smooth.

Hidden behind the tree, Lin Zhengcheng and Lin Qinhua ran over, surrounding him and asking, "Brother, how was it? Did it work out?"

Lin Zhengpeng's face flushed, he smiled and nodded: "It went well, we exchanged contact info."

"Great!" the two said in unison, "Tell Mom and Dad when you get home, let them be happy too!"

Meanwhile.

In a Siheyuan in South Luogu Lane, Yan Bu Gui was sitting at home, murmuring with San Da Ma and Yan Jiefang.

"I heard that Lin Shengli's eldest son Lin Zhengpeng went on a blind date today; the match is an engineer from a design institute, with good family background," Yan Bu Gui said, rubbing his chin, calculating, "Jiefang, you're acquainted with Lin Zhengpeng; once the date succeeds, get close to him and have him find you a job at the Research Base."

Yan Jiefang's eyes lit up, then dimmed: "Dad, will that work? Will Lin Zhengpeng ignore me?"

"Last time Lin Shengli didn't help either."

"Don't worry about Lin Shengli!" Yan Bu Gui patted the table, "Lin Zhengpeng is happy now; say something flattering, give a gift, he'll feel embarrassed to refuse. Besides, Lin Shengli is a general; he can't let his son earn a reputation for being ungracious."