Three Certificates

Having settled on an implementation plan for the turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet configuration.

Chen Yi remained at the Rongfei base for the time that followed.

Leading a group of experts and Academicians, he took charge of constructing the theoretical and mathematical models for the new engine.

Time passed.

More than twenty days went by in the blink of an eye.

Under Chen Yi's overpowered leadership, they mobilized the resources of multiple domestic supercomputers, conducted nearly a hundred supersonic wind tunnel tests, and refined the design with the help of a group of top experts and Academicians.

Finally, on the twenty-fifth day, the model for the turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet engine was complete and had passed verification at both the mathematical and theoretical levels.

All that remained was to design and manufacture a prototype according to the theoretical model.

Then, through the prototype, they could gradually test and refine the technical details, correct design flaws, and bring the turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet engine into practical mass production.

With experience in turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet engines, the next step would be to design and manufacture a four-stage turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet + rotating detonation engine.

This would create a new amphibious aircraft capable of traveling from the atmosphere into space and from space back into the atmosphere.

Going a step further, by incorporating turbofan engine characteristics, they could even design and manufacture a super fighter capable of operating in all weather, throughout all airspace, deep in space—a trinity of land, air, and satellite operations.

Of course, Chen Yi had no intention of handling the prototype's design and manufacture, nor the subsequent testing and refinement.

He always kept his own principles in mind.

To safeguard humanity's scientific research potential, for any publicly available technology or technological system, he would only make the initial breakthrough and provide the foundational technology and theory.

As for the subsequent refinement and breakthroughs, he would not take part.

He would be a pioneer of civilization's technology, not its executioner.

"Little Chen, are you really not considering staying?

"With your talent, I believe that if you stay,

"it won't be long before your achievements surpass all of ours.

"In the field of science and technology, you could lead our nation and people toward a great rejuvenation."

On a path at the Rongfei base.

Professor Zhang held a document envelope and looked hopefully at Chen Yi, who was already preparing to leave the base and return to Penghai.

"No, no. Setting aside whether I even have that kind of ability.

"Even if I truly achieved the great rejuvenation of our nation through science and technology,

"it wouldn't be due to me alone. It would be thanks to countless scientific researchers like you, Professor."

Chen Yi refused decisively. "After all these years, I've grown used to living alone.

"I'm used to researching alone.

"I'm used to pondering my own interests and hobbies alone.

"If I insisted on staying here, either my incompatibility with this place would affect your research, or the rules of the system would institutionalize me and restrict my thinking."

"I understand."

Professor Zhang sighed and lifted the document envelope in his hand. "Since you don't want to stay, take these with you. Look at them when you get back."

"What are these?"

Chen Yi took the envelope curiously.

"Your reward for this matter. Open it when you get back, and you'll understand."

Professor Zhang saw Chen Yi off to the base runway.

The already-prepared two-seat No. 20, piloted by Master Wei, taxied and pulled up after Chen Yi changed into his flight suit and boarded, shooting into the clouds.

Less than two minutes after the two-seat No. 20 took off.

At the other end of the runway, two single-seat No. 20s took off together, caught up to the fighter Chen Yi was riding in, and escorted it on both sides toward Echeng.

Two hours later, the fighter carrying Chen Yi landed at a base in Echeng.

It was still the same brother who had brought him here last time. He had switched to a large SUV and drove him back to Penghai.

Once the SUV got onto the highway.

Chen Yi looked back at the several off-road vehicles that had been following them, then asked the brother driving in front.

"Brother, do you know the cars behind us?"

"Reporting to the chief, I do. They are comrades escorting you as well, Chief."

Chief?

Several question marks surfaced in Chen Yi's mind. Thinking he had misheard, he asked, "Did you just call me Chief?"

"Yes, Chief."

Chen Yi froze. "Why are you calling me Chief?"

"Reporting to the chief, those are orders."

"..."

Chen Yi was speechless.

Looking at the brother driving with a resolute, serious expression, he thought it over and decided not to ask.

He would call Professor Zhang after returning to Penghai and get the situation straightened out.

The two thousand kilometers from Rongcheng to Echeng took two hours.

The hundred-plus kilometers from Echeng to Penghai also took two hours.

A little after noon.

Chen Yi returned to his studio.

After thanking the brother who had driven him over, he got out of the car with the document envelope Professor Zhang had given him.

"Boss, you're back!"

Seeing Chen Yi push open the door and enter, Xia Keke, who had been playing Honor of Kings, hurriedly put down her phone, stood up, and called out excitedly.

"Where's Xiaoyu?" Chen Yi looked around and asked curiously.

"She went out to handle something."

Xia Keke walked over and poured Chen Yi a cup of tea.

"What is it?"

"It's about the supplementary battery contract.

"Manager He notified us the day before yesterday that battery trial production had been completed and that the official launch event could be held soon.

"Before that, the supplementary signing of the technology licensing agency agreement between Yifei Laboratory and Yifei Company needed to be completed.

"Xiaoyu went over on behalf of the laboratory to follow up and handle the matter."

"So that's what it is. Call Xiaoyu and have her come back.

"Also notify Manager He to come see me this afternoon. I'll handle this matter personally."

Chen Yi nodded, took out the brown paper document envelope Professor Zhang had given him, and untied the white string wrapped around it.

"Boss, what's that?" Xia Keke asked curiously.

"I don't know either."

Chen Yi shook his head and reached into the envelope, pulling out what was inside.

Three certificates and a medal.

Chen Yi glanced at the official seal on the certificates, then opened them and read their contents. His expression immediately froze.

"Gasp!

"Boss, this..."

Beside him, Xia Keke sharply sucked in a breath and cried out in disbelief, "Is this real?"

"Do I look that bored? Why would I forge certificates?"

Chen Yi took several deep breaths to settle his emotions, then carefully examined the contents of the three documents.

The three certificates were for Special Advisor, Party Member Certificate, and Second-Class Hero Model, along with a medal matching the certificates.

"Professor, what's going on with these certificates? Could there have been a mistake?"

After carefully checking the three certificates again, Chen Yi took out his phone and called Professor Zhang.

"I'll call you back. Wait a moment."

Professor Zhang did not explain anything and simply hung up.

After several dozen seconds, a call came in with no displayed number—a number that was obviously powerful.

Chen Yi answered, and Professor Zhang's voice came from the other end.

"There's no mistake with the certificates.

"This is your reward for the Black Hawk incident.

"It was originally going to be a First-Class Merit citation.

"But during the proposal and development of this new engine, you demonstrated an irreplaceable role, even a leading one.

"So us old fellows helped submit an application.

"After special approval, the First-Class Merit citation was changed to Second-Class Hero Model.

"If the prototype is completed and refined later, and the real turbojet + sub-ramjet + scramjet engine takes flight and demonstrates impressive performance,

"your Second-Class Hero Model title might even be raised another level."

Raised another level.

If this Second-Class Hero Model title was raised again, would it become First-Class? Or perhaps a national honorary title, a national medal of honor?

Chen Yi did not dare dwell on it. He took out another certificate. "What about this Special Advisor one?"

"Special Advisor is a specially approved authority granted to you.

"With this authority, many matters concerning you can be arranged reasonably and with proper justification.

"Additionally, this authority serves as proof of your identity.

"In the future, if Yifei or you become involved in confidential projects, as long as the classification level is below top secret, you will be exempt from review."

"I understand."

Chen Yi recalled the vehicles that had escorted him back from Echeng today and roughly understood what was going on.

As for the final Party Member Certificate, he did not ask any further questions.

The meaning was obvious. He had joined the Party on the front line.

"Does this count as bringing honor to my ancestors?" After chatting with Professor Zhang for a while, Chen Yi hung up. Looking at the certificates and medal before him, his eyes held a trace of emotion.