Chapter 538: Family Banquet: Sharing Feelings, Passing the Torch

After returning home and taking a nap, Lin Shengli and Lin Zhengpeng didn't get up until after nine.

These past days they've been working nonstop and are exhausted.

Leaving the bedroom and walking into the courtyard, they saw at the hall entrance several tables pushed together into a large round table, already set with fine utensils; Lou Xiao'e was directing a few waiters in hotel uniforms to serve dishes, the leader being her hotel's head chef, Nan Yi.

"Shengli, Zheng Peng, good morning! You're finally back!" Lou Xiao'e turned, smiling brightly, "I know you've been swamped lately, so I specially had Nan Yi come personally to cook—these are all your favorite hearty dishes. Today we'll have a proper family gathering, no work talk, just for fun."

Nan Yi walked over smiling, gave a salute: "General Lin, Engineer Lin, rest assured—the dishes are made to your taste, guaranteed to suit your appetite."

Lin Shengli nodded, his tone full of gratitude: "Thank you for your hard work, Chef Nan, and thank you, Xiao'e. Whenever there's something at home, you're always the one busy before and after."

"Why stand on ceremony with me?" Lou Xiao'e waved her hand, pulling Lin Shengli toward the hall, "Sit down and rest a bit—Hanna just called back from Hans, saying she has good news to share with everyone."

Everyone took their seats one after another; Hanna walked over holding an exquisite wooden box, her face unable to hide her joy.

"Shengli, I just called Hans's friends and relatives; they heard our J-20 test flight succeeded, were thrilled, and specially asked someone to bring me a gift to pass on to the R&D team as their congratulations."

She opened the wooden box; inside lay several commemorative badges engraved with aviation motifs, plus a handwritten congratulatory letter.

"My uncle is a senior expert in Hans's aviation field; he said the J-20's success broke the Western monopoly on stealth fighters, a major event for the whole aviation industry. He also said he's willing to share part of Hans's aviation materials research data with us, hoping to be of help."

"That's really good news!" Lin Zhengpeng's eyes lit up, "With this data, our R&D on new stealth coatings and high-temperature materials might avoid many detours."

Qin Jingru laughed while giving Hanna a piece of braised pork: "This is all thanks to your wide connections—you've rendered great service to our family and the country. Try this, the braised pork made by Chef Nan is superb."

The banquet officially began; dishes were served one after another—braised pork knuckle, sweet-and-sour carp, scallion-braised sea cucumber, all hearty fare, their aroma filling the air.

As they ate and chatted, the topic gradually shifted from everyday matters to R&D.

Lin Zhengcheng set down his chopsticks, looking at Lin Shengli: "Dad, Qin Hua and I organized some preliminary data on the variable-cycle engine yesterday; we found the machining precision required for the high-temperature alloy blades is extremely high—our current equipment might not meet the standard. Should we coordinate with the relevant departments to import a batch of advanced processing equipment?"

"I've already considered that," Lin Shengli said, taking a sip of wine. "Next week I'll go to the Heavy Machinery Research Institute to liaison with them, see if we can jointly develop a batch of specialized equipment. Relying on imports isn't a long-term solution; only by mastering core technology can we avoid being controlled by others."

Lin Qinhua added: "There's also extreme-environment testing for the stealth coating; we've worked out a detailed plan to carry it out in three stages, simulating high heat, low heat, and high humidity to ensure the coating works stably under any climate. Chen Mo will help me follow up on this project."

Chen Mo quickly nodded: "I've temporarily handed over my other projects; from now on I'll devote myself fully to the coating tests, guaranteeing no delay."

Zheng Juan watched the children earnestly discussing, a relieved smile on her face: "Young people, you have drive and ideas; follow your father closely and you'll surely achieve great things. But don't overwork yourselves—look after your health."

When health was mentioned, Lin Shengli gently rubbed his brow, fatigue unintentionally showing in his eyes.

He lifted his teacup, took a sip of water, and his gaze swept over the children—Lin Zhengpeng steady and experienced, already able to stand on his own; Lin Zhengcheng and Lin Qinhua have grown quickly, achieving notable results in their respective fields.

"Right, health is the foundation of revolution," Lin Shengli said, setting down his teacup, his tone much softer than usual. "Lately, busy with the J-20 test flight and follow-up R&D plans, I feel my energy can't keep up. Before, pulling several all-nighters in a row was fine, but now if I rest a little late, the next day I'm groggy."

Qin Jingru immediately grew anxious: "You really need to rest properly! No matter how urgent the R&D work, you can't joke about your health. If you're truly overwhelmed, let the kids take on more—they're outstanding now and will surely be able to help you."

Lin Shengli smiled, looking at Lin Zhengpeng, Lin Zhengcheng, and Lin Qinhua: "I think the same. This J-20 success wouldn't have been possible without your three efforts. Zheng Peng's breakthrough in the fire control system, Zheng Cheng's research on the avionics system, and Qinhua's contributions to material adaptation are all indispensable."

He paused, his tone turning solemn: "Future R&D tasks will be heavier—stealth bombers, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, laser weapons—each a tough nut to crack. I plan to entrust more work to you three, guide you more, so you become familiar with every step of the process."

Lin Zhengpeng stared for a moment, then understood his father's meaning, his eyes slightly warm: "Dad, rest assured—we'll study hard and won't let you down."

"Dad, are you thinking...?" Lin Zhengcheng also realized, his tone tinged with surprise.

Lin Shengli nodded, a relieved smile on his face: "I'm getting older too; I'd like to step back early, enjoy life. Seeing you capable of taking over my post and pushing forward the national defense research cause puts my mind at ease. From now on, I'll just handle the big picture; the tough specific tasks will rely on you young people."

As soon as he said that, everyone fell silent, then broke into smiles of understanding and support.

Lou Xiao'e laughed: "Shengli, you should have done this long ago. These years you've given too much for the country and this family; it's time to rest. With the kids around, you can rest easy."

Hanna also said: "Yeah, Lin, your health is most important. We'll all support the kids' work and help them grow quickly."

Lin Qinhua gripped her father's hand, eyes slightly red: "Dad, rest assured—I, the eldest and second brothers will work hard, carry on your cause, and develop more advanced national defense equipment for the country."

Lin Shengli looked at his children's determined eyes, his heart full of relief.

He raised his wine glass, looking at everyone present: "Come, let's toast! May our country grow ever stronger, may the children's futures be bright, and may our family forever be harmonious and happy."

"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses; the clinking of cups was clear and pleasant.

Under the lights, every face bore a smile—both anticipation for the future and affection for the family.

The warmth of the family dinner dispelled the fatigue of scientific tough challenges, and planted the warmest foreshadowing for this weighty undertaking's legacy.