Chapter 543

The next morning at nine o'clock, the main hall of the Lin Family Courtyard had already been tidied up neatly.

The long table was wiped to a shine, with a few cups of warm tea placed on it; Qin Jingru had just set a dish of melon seeds in the corner when footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.

Lin Zhengpeng walked in with a backpack, travel-worn, his face still showing the fatigue of a long journey, yet his spirit could not be hidden:

"Dad, I'm back."

He had received a phone call the previous night and rushed back all the way from the Xibei Shifeichang, his backpack still containing the latest progress report on the mass production of the J-20.

"Come sit down and rest a moment." Lin Shengli rose to take his backpack and handed him a cup of hot tea, asking, "Didn't you encounter any delays on the way?"

"No delays—I caught the earliest train." Lin Zhengpeng took a sip of hot tea; the warmth drove away the travel chill, "Everything at the Shifeichang has been arranged, with Old Wang keeping watch, so the mass‑production schedule can stay on track."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Qinhua and Chen Mo arrived.

Lin Qinhua held a folder containing the complete data from yesterday's coating‑limit test, while Chen Mo stood beside her, carrying a neatly stacked set of test reports; both faces showed a hint of anticipation.

Lin Zhengcheng had already been waiting in the main hall, with detailed records of the equipment inspection laid out before him; seeing everyone present, he rose voluntarily to refill everyone's tea.

"Everyone's here, Dad—we can begin."

Lin Shengli nodded, pulled from his pocket the document stamped with the words "Top Secret," and placed it in the center of the table.

The previously light atmosphere instantly turned solemn, and everyone's gaze fixed on the document.

"The ministry formally issued the mission yesterday." Lin Shengli's voice was steady and powerful as his gaze swept slowly over his three children, "The R&D project for the next‑generation stealth bomber is to be led by our team. This is a major matter concerning national air‑space security, and also a test for you."

Lin Zhengpeng, Lin Zhengcheng, and Lin Qinhua's eyes narrowed, their faces showing excitement and solemnity.

They all knew that developing the stealth bomber was far more difficult than the J-20; it was both a daunting task and an opportunity for growth.

"Let me first outline the division of work." Lin Shengli flipped open the document, pointing to one page, "Zhengpeng, you have the most experience at the Shifeichang; you are responsible for drafting the prototype's flight‑test plan, collecting and analyzing flight‑test data, and simultaneously wrapping up the J-20's mass‑production work so the two lines don't clash. Moreover, optimizing the bomber's fire‑control system will also be under your lead—this is your forte, and I trust you."

"Understood!" Lin Zhengpeng nodded firmly, his eyes resolute, "I guarantee I'll complete the mission; I'll quickly join forces with the Shifeichang team to draw up the flight‑test plan."

"Zhengcheng." Lin Shengli turned to his second son, "You've just finished liaising with the Heavy Machinery Research Institute and are familiar with equipment optimization and processing technology. You are responsible for the R&D of adapting the variable‑cycle engine to the bomber, leading the joint effort to develop specialized processing equipment, and coordinating production‑line equipment support to ensure core components can be machined smoothly."

Lin Zhengcheng straightened his back excitedly: "No problem, Dad! I'll contact Engineer Li today and transmit the bomber's engine‑adaptation requirements, speeding up the equipment optimization."

Finally, Lin Shengli looked toward Lin Qinhua and Chen Mo:

"Qinhua, Chen Mo, your coating tests have been very solid. From now on, you will be responsible for the stealth bomber's stealth‑coating R&D and material adaptation; you must combine the bomber's flight conditions to further optimize the coating formula, improving its high‑temperature resistance and wear resistance. Additionally, the selection of composite materials for the bomber's airframe is also entrusted to your team."

Lin Qinhua's eyes lit up as she nodded firmly: "We just finished the coating's limit test yesterday and already have some optimization ideas. We will quickly adjust the test plan to meet the bomber's needs and strive to obtain a qualified coating formula as soon as possible."

Chen Mo also expressed his resolve solemnly: "General Lin, rest assured—I will fully cooperate with Qinhua, carrying out every test step thoroughly and not hold up the project."

Lin Shengli nodded in satisfaction and pushed the document toward the three of them:

"This is the project's pre‑research plan; take it and study it carefully—feel free to contact me with any questions. I will oversee the overall direction, coordinate resources with the ministry, and leave the concrete tackling tasks to you youngsters."

He paused, his tone softening a bit: "This time letting you shoulder the main responsibility is also meant to help you grow quickly. Once the bomber prototype's first flight succeeds, I will formally step back to the second line and hand the team over completely to you."

"Dad, rest assured—we will certainly not let you down!" the three replied in unison, their voices full of vigor and determination.

Qin Jingru walked in carrying a plate of freshly cut fruit, hearing their conversation, she said with a smile:

"You focus on your careers—we'll hold down the home front. No matter how busy you are, remember to come home for meals; Mom will prepare tasty, nourishing food for you."

Zheng Juan also came over and added: "If you need any help at home, just speak up. Although we don't understand scientific research, we can still lend a hand so you have no worries behind you."

Seeing his family's support, Lin Shengli felt warm inside.

He raised the tea cup on the table: "Come, let's use tea in place of wine to wish the next‑generation stealth bomber's R&D smooth progress and an early first flight!"

"Cheers!" Everyone lifted their tea cups; the clear, pleasant clink of cups rang out.

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the main hall, illuminating the determination and hope on each person's face.

After the meeting ended, the three immediately gathered around, flipping through the pre‑research plan and launching into a lively discussion.

Lin Zhengpeng pointed to the flight‑test related sections, exchanging with Lin Zhengcheng the points to watch for engine adaptation; Lin Qinhua, meanwhile, compared the coating‑test data with Chen Mo to explore optimization directions.

Lin Shengli watched their busy figures, a relieved smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He knew this was not only a tough battle for national defense, but also a passing‑down of the family's undertakings.

With these talented youngsters and a harmonious, supportive family, even the most arduous task can be overcome.

And he, too, looked forward to the peaceful life that would be his own once the mission was completed.