Chapter 535: Commendation Ceremony

Lin Shengli brought Lin Zhengpeng, and together with several core members of the team, they marched in neat steps onto the podium.

The spotlight shone on them, illuminating the honor on each person's face.

Minister Zhao personally presented Lin Shengli with the "National Defense Scientific Research Outstanding Contribution Medal" and an honor certificate, and also presented Lin Zhengpeng with the "National Defense Scientific Research Advanced Individual Medal".

"Comrade Lin Shengli, you father and son are great!" Minister Zhao gripped Lin Shengli's hand, his tone full of approval, "The country needs talents like you who are pillars, and the national defense cause needs teams like yours that can overcome tough challenges!"

"Thank you for the department's trust and support; this is our team's duty." Lin Shengli gave a standard military salute, his voice resonant and powerful, "We will surely not fail our mission and will develop more advanced national defense equipment for the country!"

Father and son stood side by side on the podium, received the medals and certificates, and again saluted the audience below.

The applause from the audience erupted again, even more enthusiastic than before.

Many young researchers looked on with admiration, regarding Lin Shengli and his son as their role models.

After the award ceremony ended, Lin Shengli, as the team's representative, went on stage to speak.

He walked to the microphone, his gaze sweeping over everyone below, and began to speak.

"Comrades, today's honor belongs to our entire Annihilator-20 R&D team, and to every person who silently contributes to the national defense cause. The successful test flight of the Annihilator-20 is merely a beginning, not an end."

His voice was steady and firm, carrying a penetrating power: "Currently, the international situation is complex and ever-changing; Western countries led by the United States have never ceased their blockade and suppression of us in the field of defense technology."

"They are panicking over the success of the Annihilator-20, increasing military spending and trying to maintain their technological hegemony. We cannot afford the slightest slack; we must seize the momentum and achieve breakthroughs in more cutting-edge weapon fields!"

Everyone below held their breath, listening attentively to his words.

Lin Zhengpeng stood below, his gaze growing firmer—he knew that what his father was about to say was the team's future direction, and also the goal they would strive for.

"Based on current defense needs and technological accumulation, our team has preliminarily planned the subsequent R&D directions." Lin Shengli paused, then clearly outlined his ideas: "First, accelerate the mass-production optimization work of the Annihilator-20, resolve technical bottlenecks in the production process, ensure the fighter can be deployed to troops as soon as possible to form combat capability; second, launch the R&D of a next-generation stealth bomber, break through long-range strike and stealth penetration technologies, and build an 'air-space integrated' strike system; third, advance the key technology R&D of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, overcome core difficulties such as miniaturizing nuclear reactors and carrier-based aircraft compatibility, to enhance our navy's far-sea combat capability; fourth, layout the R&D of laser weapons and electromagnetic pulse weapons, seize the high ground of future weapon technology."

Each R&D direction was like a heavy bomb, causing considerable shock within the auditorium.

The researchers' eyes lit up below, and they began to excitedly discuss.

These R&D directions are each a National Heavy Weapon, each capable of greatly enhancing the nation's defense strength.

"General Lin, the technical difficulty of these R&D projects is great; do we have confidence to complete them?" someone couldn't help but stand up to ask.

Lin Shengli looked at the young researcher who asked the question, smiled and nodded: "The difficulty certainly exists, and it's not small. But our Annihilator-20 team has grown by overcoming one difficulty after another. We have a daring and tenacious research team, strong national support, and even greater expectations from the entire nation. As long as we work together and fight day and night, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome!"

He turned his gaze toward Lin Zhengpeng below, his eyes full of trust: "My son Lin Zhengpeng, and the young generation of researchers in our team, they have knowledge, vitality, and drive; they are the future of our national defense research cause. I believe that with the joint efforts of our veteran, middle-aged, and young researchers, these R&D goals will surely be achieved!"

Lin Zhengpeng felt his father's gaze, solemnly gave a military salute, and silently swore in his heart: he would follow his father, develop these cutting-edge weapons, and devote all his strength to the national defense cause.

After the speech ended, thunderous applause once again echoed in the auditorium.

Minister Zhao went on stage and gave high affirmation to Lin Shengli's R&D proposal: "Comrade Lin Shengli's R&D proposal is far-sighted and meets the nation's defense strategic needs. The Ministry of Defense Industry will fully support your R&D work, providing the greatest possible guarantee in terms of funding, talent, and equipment!"

The commendation ceremony ended in a lively atmosphere.

Lin Shengli and Lin Zhengpeng were surrounded by many researchers and media reporters, who inquired about the subsequent R&D situation.

Lin Shengli patiently answered everyone's questions, while Lin Zhengpeng helped organize materials on the side; the father and son worked together seamlessly.

After finishing everything, it was already noon.

Father and son walked out side by side from the Defense Industry Ministry's grand hall, sunlight falling on them, warm and dazzling.

Lin Zhengpeng looked at the white hair at his father's temples and couldn't help but say: "Dad, the upcoming R&D tasks are even heavier; you need to pay more attention to your health."

Lin Shengli patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Dad's health is still strong. But you, too, need to balance work and rest. By the way, how's things at home? Any news about Qin Hua's marriage?"

Speaking of his sister, Lin Zhengpeng's face broke into a smile: "I called to check; Qin Hua is getting along well with her colleague Chen Mo, and Mom is looking forward to Chen Mo visiting. Once we're done with this busy period, we'll go back to see them."

"All right." Lin Shengli nodded, his face showing a relieved smile: "When the home front is stable, we can focus on R&D with greater peace of mind. Come on, let's get something to eat first; this afternoon we still have a team meeting to implement the follow-up R&D plan."

Father and son walked side by side toward a nearby restaurant, their shadows stretched long in the sunlight.

Their steps were firm, their gazes resolute; behind them was the Defense Industry Ministry's grand hall where the commendation ceremony had just ended, and ahead lay a more arduous R&D task.

A hard‑fought battle centered on cutting‑edge defense technology has quietly ushered in a new chapter.