Chapter 511

In the assembly workshop of the Research Base, red flags fluttered and drums and gongs thundered.

The first mass-produced third-generation carrier-based aircraft stood steady in the center of the workshop, its silver-gray fuselage gleaming with a cold light, the five-pointed star on its fuselage blazing red, and the missiles mounted under its wings imposing.

Chief, Ministry of Defense leaders, and Lin Shengli, Lin Zhengpeng, Hanna and other R&D team members stood beside the carrier-based aircraft, their faces full of excitement.

"I announce that the domestically developed third-generation carrier-based aircraft of Daxia Guo, the first mass-produced aircraft, is now officially rolled out!" the Chief raised the microphone, his voice booming, "This marks the formal entry of our carrier-based aircraft from the development stage into mass production and deployment, the Dragon Soaring Aircraft Carrier will soon have full combat capability, and the deep blue path of the Daxia Navy has taken another solid step!"

"Good!" thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall, cheers and drumbeats intertwining, shaking the workshop so it trembled slightly.

Lin Shengli stepped forward, shook the Chief's hand: "Thanks for the state's support, thanks for the team's efforts! We will continue to strictly control quality, ensuring every mass-produced aircraft meets the highest standard, so that navy personnel can soon fly our own carrier-based aircraft to guard the nation's maritime borders!"

Lin Zhengpeng stroked the fuselage of the carrier-based aircraft, his eyes full of pride.

This mass-produced aircraft embodies his and the team's countless efforts; from development to mass production, every detail was repeatedly refined, and now it has finally rolled out smoothly.

Hanna smiled and said: "Lin, this is a day worth commemorating. Our carrier-based aircraft not only leads in performance, but its mass-production efficiency also exceeds expectations; those Western countries will surely be shocked."

"Their surprise is still to come." Lin Shengli's eyes firm: "The development of the J-20 is also progressing; before long we will have our own fifth-generation aircraft, forming a sea-air linkage deterrent force."

After the rollout ceremony ended, the Chief and the leaders toured the mass-production line.

Seeing the workers conduct modular assembly in an orderly manner, components docking precisely, test data uploaded in real time, the Chief nodded repeatedly:

"Only a modernized, standardized production line can guarantee mass-production quality and efficiency; you've done a great job!"

That afternoon, Lin Zhengpeng and Su Qing, as agreed, brought their parents to meet at an old-brand restaurant in Sijiucheng.

Lin Shengli's family arrived early at the restaurant's private room; Zheng Juan, Qin Jingru and several other women had dressed up carefully and prepared generous gifts; Su Qing's parents also arrived on time, Su Father wearing a Mao suit, Su Mother in a plain dress, looking steady and unpretentious.

"Mr. Su, Ms. Wang, welcome!" Lin Shengli rose and warmly greeted them.

"General Lin, I've long admired your name!" Su Father shook Lin Shengli's hand, face full of admiration, "You've made so many contributions to the country; you're our role model!"

"Too kind, it's just my duty." Lin Shengli said with a smile, "Today let's not talk work, but discuss the children's marriage so they can settle down early."

The parents from both sides sat together, the atmosphere very harmonious.

Zheng Juan took Su Mother's hand, smiling: "Ms. Wang, Su Qing is sensible and capable; our Pengzi marrying her is his blessing."

Su Mother replied with a smile: "Ms. Zheng, you're too polite. This Pengzi is down-to-earth, steady, and responsible; we're also very pleased. Being part of General Lin's family, Su Qing will surely not suffer any grievance."

Qin Jingru lifted her teacup: "Mr. Su, Ms. Su, I'm the matchmaker; seeing the children come together today makes me sincerely happy. Both our families are down-to-earth, the kids also hit it off; I think we should set the marriage in three months, just in time for spring blossoms—a good day."

Su Father and Su Mother exchanged a glance, smiled and nodded: "We have no objections; we'll follow the children's and your arrangements."

Lin Zhengpeng and Su Qing sat to the side, both wearing shy smiles, watching the parents chat happily, the stone in their hearts also fell to the ground.

"Children, you must tolerate and understand each other from now on, and live well." Su Mother looked at Su Qing, speaking earnestly.

"Mom, we know." Su Qing nodded slightly, secretly glancing at Lin Zhengpeng, her eyes full of sweetness.

The meal was enjoyed in harmony; both sets of parents settled on the general procedure for the marriage, agreeing to discuss details later.

As they were leaving, Zheng Juan handed the prepared gifts to Su Father and Su Mother: "A small token, not much respect; hope you like it."

"Too kind, you've also been too thoughtful." Su Mother took the gifts, repeatedly thanking them.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard house at South Luogu Lane, the news of the first mass-produced carrier-based aircraft rolling out had spread; Shazhu stood in the courtyard's center, spitting as he boasted to the neighbors.

"Do you know? General Lin's carrier-based aircraft has gone into mass production! The first one has rolled out, and it's about to be deployed in the navy! From now on, our nation's aircraft carrier will be able to carry its own carrier-based aircraft and sweep across the seas!"

Shazhu stood with hands on hips, his face full of pride.

"Really? Is it that impressive?" a neighbor asked curiously.

"Of course it's true! I heard it from our cafeteria master chef; his relative works at the Research Base and personally saw the rollout ceremony, even the Chief went!" Shazhu said vividly, "Besides, General Lin's eldest son Zhengpeng is about to get married; his fiancée is an engineer from the design institute, from a good family—truly double blessings of career and love!"

Xu Damao squatted at the doorway, listening to Shazhu's boasting, his jealousy burning madly, unable to resist speaking in a sarcastic tone:

"Hmph, no matter how impressive, it's nothing to do with you; why are you blindly proud? Lin Shengli's success hasn't brought you any benefit; you're just riding on his coattails."

"Riding on his coattails?" Shazhu turned and glared at him: "Xu Damao, you just can't stand others doing well! General Lin came from our courtyard house; he's promising, so everyone from our courtyard house shines! Unlike you, full of dirty tricks, just gossiping behind people's backs."

"Talking behind people's backs?" Xu Damao also flared up, stood up: "You used to cozy up to the Jia Family, now you're cozying up to Lin Shengli—you're truly spineless! Lin Shengli's carrier-based aircraft has gone into mass production; what's that got to do with you? You're still just cooking in the cafeteria, earning that dead-end wage."

"What's wrong with earning that dead-end wage? I earn it honestly!" Shazhu stuck out his neck, "Unlike you, who cheat and deceive, ending up with nothing! You're just jealous of General Lin, jealous of Zhengpeng, jealous of anyone better off than you!"

The two argued until their faces reddened, pointing at each other's noses and cursing, saliva flying.