Zheng Lixing

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Zheng Lixing (郑立行)
Alias(es)	Old Zheng
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Great Xia Academy of Sciences; Top Secret Special Group
Occupation/Role	Scientist; leading figure in ballistic missile technology; deputy leader of the Top Secret Special Group
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 18

Background / History

Zheng Lixing is a veteran Great Xia scientist whose name appeared in numerous top-secret projects. He worked in the desert during Great Xia's difficult early years, helped develop “Madam Qiu,” and was deeply involved with nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Eagle Country sought him for decades; his past became publicly known only as classified archives were gradually declassified. 18

Despite being considered qualified to lead the Great Xia Academy of Sciences, Zheng declined the position because he did not wish to handle its administrative affairs. His research-minded habit of pursuing every detail made him ill-suited to the political necessity of sometimes “feigning ignorance.” 18 27

After Zhang Yuli reveals the existence of the technology-supplying “Mysterious Organization,” Zheng becomes one of Great Xia’s principal evaluators and contacts for the group. He initially investigates its origin through decades of classified records, but later accepts that protecting mutual trust matters more than uncovering an identity the organization does not wish to disclose. 19 35

He is appointed deputy leader of the Top Secret Special Group, alongside leader Zhang Yuli and members Song Qinyi and Liu Zhixue. The group oversees Great Xia’s dealings with the Great Wall Watch organization, including technology transfers, visits, security arrangements, and major handovers. 45 170

Appearance

Zheng Lixing is an elderly man, frequently depicted smoking a pipe while discussing research, strategy, or playing chess with Zhang Yuli. 35 45

• Often carries or smokes a pipe. 35 45
• Referred to as one of two elderly Academy leaders whose combined ages exceed 130. 66
• Has a grandson, whom he normally visits when his work permits. 282

Personality

Zheng is serious, patriotic, and intensely committed to Great Xia’s technological and military development. His decades in research left him with a need to understand matters completely; when faced with the Great Wall Watch’s seemingly impossible technological reach, he repeatedly tries to determine who or what stands behind it. 19 27 100

Though prone to impatience and visible excitement when new technology arrives, he is capable of adjusting his approach. Zhang Yuli teaches him that direct questions and deliberate restraint are preferable to investigations that could undermine trust with the organization, a lesson Zheng accepts. 35

He is also blunt and emotionally expressive. He is angered by disparaging foreign reports about Great Xia, eagerly celebrates successful projects, and treats technological breakthroughs as matters of national urgency. 66 96 175

Abilities & Skills

Ballistic Missile Expertise

Zheng is one of Great Xia’s leading figures and pioneers in ballistic missile technology.

• Participated in nuclear-weapons and ballistic-missile projects during Great Xia’s early development. 18
• Possesses the professional authority to judge advanced missile technologies for the Academy of Sciences. 212
• Recognizes the Great Wall Watch’s hypersonic-weapon technology as nearly perfect within the existing technical framework. 212
• Brings the hypersonic documentation to fellow missile specialist Pei Tian for further development and verification. 212 213

Strategic Technology Evaluation

Zheng evaluates technologies not only for their novelty, but also for their applicability to Great Xia’s existing capabilities and projects.

• Supports prioritizing any technology offered by the Mysterious Organization rather than requesting additional fighter technology after Great Xia acquires the F-22 blueprints. 19
• Identifies the value of F-22 technology in accelerating the J-20 and its F119-derived engine development. 19 162
• Helps determine that B-2 technology should inform Great Xia’s H-20 project rather than be copied directly. 49
• Recognizes the strategic importance of the DUV 32 nm lithography machine for domestic smartphone-chip production. 171
• Discusses the potential of high-rate lithium battery technology for electric vehicles and the wider automotive industry. 143

Special Group Coordination

As deputy leader of the Top Secret Special Group, Zheng helps coordinate Great Xia’s response to the Great Wall Watch.

• Participates in planning the construction of a thousand schools in Northwest Province and the recruitment of teachers. 35
• Oversees technology exchanges, including remuneration handovers and equipment-receiving operations. 108 154
• Helps set security and reception standards for Great Wall Watch personnel visiting Great Xia. 170 187
• Works with Zhang Yuli on industrial cooperation, including the Great Wall Battery Factory and new-energy-vehicle plan. 274

Story Role / Major Arcs

Great Wall Watch Contact

Zheng becomes Zhang Yuli’s chief confidant after learning of the anonymous source that supplied the F-22 blueprints. He concludes that the source’s ability to repeatedly obtain Eagle Country technology indicates an organization rather than a single individual. 18 27 28

J-20 and Aviation Development

He follows the effect of F-22 technology on the J-20 program, coordinating with Song Qinyi and supporting accelerated research. He later celebrates the J-20’s completed prototypes and imminent maiden flight as proof that Great Xia is approaching fifth-generation-fighter capability. 63 96

Zheng also assists aviation projects beyond the J-20, including the H-20 strategic bomber concept, Y-20 transport aircraft development, F119-derived engine work, and the reception of a C-5M-like super-large transport aircraft. 49 93 144 162

Military Modernization and Foreign Cooperation

Zheng takes part in turning transferred technology into practical national capability. This includes small-drone exports, naval and Army equipment transfers, hypersonic missile development, and preparations to receive aircraft carriers from the Great Wall Watch. 40 131 158 212 234

Civilian Technology and Industrial Planning

His responsibilities extend to civilian technology. Zheng supports the smartphone operating-system project, the domestic lithography-machine effort, battery technology, new-energy vehicles, and the prospective impact of room-temperature superconductors and controlled fusion. 101 171 274 286

Relationships

• Zhang Yuli — Old friend, close colleague, and leader of the Top Secret Special Group. The pair jointly evaluate Great Wall Watch technology, make strategic decisions, and frequently play chess. 18 45 143
• Liu Zhixue — Academy colleague and Special Group member. Zheng involves him in evaluating advanced materials and technology, while also showing concern for his health. 45 170 286
• Song Qinyi — Institute 611 chief and J-20 project leader. Zheng coordinates with him on fighter-jet development, processing technology, and aviation breakthroughs. 63 96
• Pei Tian — Longtime companion from the Gobi Desert and fellow missile specialist. Zheng trusts him to develop the hypersonic-weapons technology. 212 213
• Zhao Qing — Director connected to Project 072 and the Y-20 program. Zheng and Zhang provide him with transport-aircraft technology and support simultaneous development plans. 88 93
• Great Wall Watch — Zheng serves as one of Great Xia’s principal contacts and evaluators for the organization’s technology transfers, visits, and exchanges. 45 170 230

Notable Quotes

“Without hardship, how can there be rebirth from fire? The timing of his appearance now is the best!” 20

“This technology has achieved perfection within the existing framework.” 212

Trivia

• Zheng is known as a poor but highly enthusiastic chess player; Zhang Yuli regularly teases him for losing, restarting games, and occasionally trying to take moves back. 67 114 229
• He is described as having notably good luck in the “revealing pieces” variant of Chinese chess. 73
• Even when busy with high-level work, he remains eager to return home and spend time with his grandson. 282