Chapter 514: Carrier‑Based Aircraft Delivered to the Navy

The morning light at the South Sea naval port pierces the thin mist and falls on the sea, the sparkling surface; atop the glimmering sea, the Dragon Soaring Aircraft Carrier looms like a coiled steel beast, the five‑star red flag on its island flutters in the wind, and the naval troops on the deck stand tall, lined up like pines.

The first batch of twenty‑four mass‑produced third‑generation carrier‑based aircraft are parked in a tidy formation of three rows of eight along the deck's edge; their silvery‑gray fuselages gleam with a cold metallic sheen, and the air‑to‑air and anti‑ship missiles hanging under the wings are arrayed in order, exuding an unmistakable deterrent power.

The four characters "Daxia Navy" painted on the side of the fuselage stand out vividly in the sunlight.

At the delivery ceremony, red flags flutter, and the military band sounds resound powerfully.

The chief, the navy commander, leaders of various levels of the Ministry of Armaments, and the core members of Lin Shengli's research team stand in neat ranks at the center of the deck.

Lin Zhengpeng, dressed in a crisp work uniform with a military merit badge on his chest, has an unmistakable pride in his eyes— from the lines on the development schematics to the actual aircraft now steady on the deck, he and his team have endured countless sleepless nights.

"The inaugural delivery ceremony for Daxia's self‑developed third‑generation carrier‑based aircraft begins now!" the host's voice, amplified through a loudspeaker, carries far on the sea breeze.

Lin Shengli steps forward, both hands holding the gilded delivery documents, his expression solemn:

"Comrade Commander, the first batch of twenty‑four third‑generation carrier‑based aircraft have passed 127 combat‑readiness tests, all meet design standards and satisfy the navy's equipment needs, and are now formally handed over to the naval forces! The research team will follow through with subsequent maintenance training and performance optimization, fully ensuring the aircraft become combat‑ready!"

The navy commander takes the documents with both hands, grips Lin Shengli's hand tightly, his eyes slightly reddening:

"General Lin, thank you! Thank the research team! These 'Airborne Swords' are the navy's backbone, the shield of Daxia's maritime frontier! From today onward, the Dragon Soaring Aircraft Carrier truly has teeth!"

"Salute!"

At the command, all the troops raise their hands in unison to salute, the military salute uniform and resolute, eyes burning like torches.

Carrier‑based pilots run to board, the cockpit hatches close one after another, and the roar of the engines reverberates through the harbor sky like thunder rolling over the sea.

The first aircraft taxis forward, its wings skimming the sea breeze, then at the far end of the deck it rockets upward; immediately after, the second, third… all twenty‑four aircraft lift off in batches, forming the "Guard Our Sea Frontier" formation in the sky above the carrier, circling three times before heading into the depths of the South Sea.

"Excellent! Excellent!" the chief watches the departing formation, nodding excitedly, "Shengli, you have delivered a satisfying answer to the whole nation with concrete results!"

Lin Shengli looks toward the horizon where sea meets sky, a contented smile curling his lips: "This is our duty, and also our mission."

After the ceremony, Lin Shengli and his father decline the navy's attempts to retain them, mounting the charter plane for the return trip—today is Lin Zhengpeng and Su Qing's wedding, the family has long been prepared, and Yi Zhonghai and Yi Dama, acting as Lin Shengli's uncle and aunt, had moved into Lin's residence two days early to help with the details.

In fact Lin Shengli had long wanted them to live with him, but they said they would discuss it later; now they still wish to stay in the Siheyuan.

The Research Base guesthouse has already been festooned with celebration. Red silk winds around the corridor columns, red lanterns hang from the eaves, and from the main gate to the hall a thick red carpet covers the stone‑slab road, flanked by fresh lilies and roses, the air scented with flowers and festive cheer.

Zheng Juan, dressed in a maroon silk cheongsam with beaded hair ornaments at her temples, is checking the guest list together with Yi Dama.

Yi Zhonghai, wearing a Zhongshan suit, sits beside the stone table in the courtyard, receiving the senior colleagues of the research team as they arrive, occasionally reminding the security guards to keep order.

"Uncle, aunt, we're back," Lin Shengli enters the courtyard, greeting with a smile.

Yi Zhonghai stands, pats his shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Shengli, we heard about the carrier‑based aircraft delivery, well done! Pengzi's wedding is all arranged, the chief's lounge is ready, don't worry."

Yi Dama grabs Lin Zhengpeng's hand, sizing him up: "Pengzi looks full of spirit today, Su Qing is also arriving soon; the bridal shop sent someone over to add the final makeup."

Qin Jingru, wearing an off‑white dress, holds a box of wedding sweets and is busy handing them out to guests; seeing Lin Shengli and his father return, she hurries over:

"Shengli, Pengzi, you finally made it back; Su Qing's parents are already here, seated in the hall."

She pauses, her tone tinged with a hint of disgust, completely lacking the former complexity, "I just saw Qin Huairu at the doorway, skulking, looking like she had ill intentions."

Lin Shengli raises an eyebrow slightly, unconcerned: "If she wants to come, she can; as long as she doesn't cause trouble it's fine. You've already broken with her, no need to save face, block her if you must."

Qin Jingru nods, aware. Back then she rose from the countryside thanks to Qin Huairu's connections, which let her establish a foothold in the city.

But over the years Qin Huairu's greed and scheming have drained her goodwill, especially Qin Huairu's repeated machinations against the Lin family, sowing discord between her and the Lins, which left her cold‑hearted; a few days ago she publicly severed ties with Qin Huairu, cutting off all contact.