Lu Guangda

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Lu Guangda (陆光达)
Alias(es)	“Baby Doctor”; formerly known as Deng Jiaxian 715 800
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Birth	June 25, 1924; Huaining 800
Affiliation	Base 221; Ninth Institute
Occupation/Role	Head of the atomic bomb theory group; chief engineer for atomic bomb design; later identified as Director of the Ninth Institute’s Theoretical Department 578 800
Status	Lived out his natural lifespan in the instance timeline 800
First Appearance	Chapter 515

Background

Lu Guangda studied physics at Southwest Associated University after publicly opposing Japanese activities in 1940. His childhood friend Chen Ning Yang invited him to continue his studies there out of concern for his safety; the two subsequently studied and progressed together, remaining in contact after studying abroad in the United States. Lu Guangda’s father, Deng Yizhe, was a founder of modern aesthetics in China. 715

He entered Southwest Associated University’s Physics Department in 1941, traveled to Purdue University for advanced study in October 1948, earned a doctorate, and later returned to China. His youthful appearance earned him the nickname “Baby Doctor.” 800

After returning, he adopted the name Lu Guangda, explaining that it represented the mainland’s glory reaching every corner of the world “on the east wind.” 715 He became a core leader in China’s atomic-bomb development, directing the Ninth Institute’s Theoretical Department and presiding over more than half of the country’s nuclear tests during his lifetime. 800

Appearance

Lu Guangda is a round- and square-faced man with a notably youthful demeanor. Though he can appear to be in his forties at first glance, closer inspection makes him seem far younger. 515 715

• Bright, piercing eyes and a high forehead 515
• Thick black hair and slightly prominent apple cheeks 515
• Often wears a Zhongshan suit in official settings 715
• Possesses an innocent, bright smile; his face is described as youthful and baby-like 515 715

Personality

Lu Guangda is a highly capable but emotionally sensitive researcher. His dedication to the country’s nuclear program is absolute; he calls himself destined to be a “workhorse” and refuses to rest while external threats remain. 728 729

Despite his seriousness, he is easily affected by setbacks, sacrifices, and questions of whether his generation’s work will be remembered. The deaths of colleagues who secured nuclear research documents deeply move him, while the arrival of grain at Base 221 visibly lifts his spirits because of what it means for the staff’s survival and morale. 515 516 729

He also has a warmer, more playful side. He jokes with old friends, enjoys making suggestive remarks that surprise Chen Ning Yang, and celebrates breakthroughs with Fenjiu. 516 717

Abilities & Skills

Nuclear Physics and Weapon Theory

Lu Guangda is one of Base 221’s foremost theoretical physicists and the chief engineer responsible for atomic-bomb design. 578 800

• Quickly assessed a handwritten steady-state subcritical-state manuscript as likely genuine, estimating a 70% certainty after only a brief examination. 515
• Derived the nonlinear neutron transport equation, earning high praise and prompting new project proposals from the capital. 591
• Led the atomic bomb theory group and contributed to the design and testing of nuclear weapons. 578 800
• Directed operational decisions during nuclear testing, including determining when chemical-defense personnel could begin post-detonation sampling. 669

Technical Leadership

Lu Guangda combines theoretical work with practical project management.

• Organizes research materials and distributes restricted documents among colleagues working on chain-transmission problems. 516
• Oversees the A6 plane-wave generator; his team advances its completion to early March, one month ahead of schedule. 728
• Works through the night with his team and has assistants summon researchers to meals when they become too absorbed in their work. 728
• Participates in high-level technical exchanges on gravitational-wave detection, materials, and satellite-related systems. 716

Habits

• Keeps two bottles of Fenjiu beneath his bed and drinks only a small amount after a project breakthrough. 516
• Took up smoking after curtailing his drinking because of worsening supply conditions. 516
• Often wakes early to read and check calculations by hand. 666
• Places great importance on adequate food supplies for Base 221’s researchers and workers. 516

Relationships

• Guo Youlai (“Old Guo”) — Close colleague and longtime friend. Old Guo delivers vital nuclear research documents to Lu Guangda and supports his work at Base 221. 515 516
• Li Jue — Base leader and collaborator. Lu Guangda addresses him as Commander Li or Factory Director; they coordinate research, morale, and major project decisions. 516 728
• Xu Yun / Han Li — Fellow researcher whose knowledge Lu Guangda respects. They work alongside one another during nuclear-test preparations and scientific projects. 603 663 666
• Chen Ning Yang — Childhood friend and former schoolmate. They reunited after more than a decade apart, with Lu Guangda personally helping him settle in after his return to China. 715
• Cheng Kaijia — Fellow Base 221 researcher. They jointly participate in major technical discussions and project decisions, including the repurposing of an electrostatic analysis module. 534 539
• Peng Mengxiong — Colleague present during the receipt and allocation of crucial nuclear research materials. 515 516

Story Role / Major Arcs

Return to Base 221

Lu Guangda returns from Malay and reunites with Guo Youlai at the mine. He receives a handwritten manuscript on the steady-state subcritical-state model—information obtained through the deaths of overseas Huaxia scientists—and resolves to honor their sacrifice by continuing the work. 515

Base Supply Crisis

During a tense meeting, Lu Guangda redirects discussion toward news of incoming grain. Learning that the base has received eighty to ninety tons of grain and other supplies greatly relieves him, reflecting his concern for the entire base’s morale and survival. 516

Atomic-Bomb Theory Work

As head of the atomic bomb theory group, Lu Guangda strengthens the base’s theoretical capability. His derivation of the nonlinear neutron transport equation earns recognition from the capital and enhances his standing within the project. 591

Lop Nur Nuclear Testing

Lu Guangda travels with Xu Yun and other Base 221 experts to Lop Nur. He shares accommodations with Xu Yun, continues verifying calculations before dawn, and directs technical decisions surrounding live-subject preparation, detonation monitoring, and chemical-defense sampling. 663 666 668 669

Reunion with Chen Ning Yang

Lu Guangda welcomes Chen Ning Yang back to China, reveals his adopted name, and helps him understand classified scientific applications of donkey-derived materials. Their reunion contrasts Lu Guangda’s formerly shy youth with his more outspoken present personality. 715 716 717

A6 Component Breakthrough

Over Lunar New Year, Lu Guangda and his team work overtime on the A6 plane-wave generator. Inspired by an axe passed among the scientists, he optimizes the component’s design and advances the completion schedule by a month. 728

Notable Quotes

“Relaxation is impossible. My fate in this life is to be a workhorse. Unless Imperialist X is eliminated from the Earth, I will never rest.” 728

“Little Xu, do you think people will remember us thirty years from now?” 728 729