Chapter 141: Intercepting the First Prize

There were more than a dozen wing profiles with varying details. While they shared some similarities, the differences were far more numerous. Several profiles had yet to undergo theoretical analysis, and Yang Hui had joined in the work to assist.

Professor Zhu was not present, so the theoretical analysis was being led by Liu Jun. This student, who was highly regarded by the professor, was indeed very capable, and Yang Hui had now set his first goal on recruiting him.

First, he had to build a rapport. Walking over to Liu Jun, who had just set down his pen, Yang Hui reviewed the analytical data and praised him sincerely: "Oh, this analysis is incredibly comprehensive. It’s no wonder Professor Zhu highly recommends you; you’ve truly inherited the professor's expertise."

Liu Jun was pleased by the praise from a peer, especially since Yang Hui was himself a highly skilled aerodynamic designer, which gave his words significant weight.

"You're too kind," Liu Jun replied, clearly appreciative. "I just like to study and delve deep into things, so this 'clumsy bird' decided to take an early flight. I feel honored to receive such praise from you, Team Leader Yang. I hope we can learn from each other and make progress together."

"Making progress together" was exactly what Yang Hui wanted to hear. To make progress together, one inevitably needed more interaction, perhaps even working together.

"That goes without saying. We’re peers, and there’s great value in exchanging ideas. The only trouble is that opportunities for such exchanges might be limited. This low-speed wind tunnel test is coming to an end, so if we wanted to..."

Since ancient times, nothing has been more sorrowful than the parting of kindred spirits. It was a great pity that two heroes who admired each other would soon lack the time for further collaboration.

Liu Jun thought about his own future career. He wondered if his assigned unit would be like Base 0011—somewhere with active projects and talented young professionals like Yang Hui.

Over the past few years, Liu Jun had clearly felt the shrinking of research and educational funding across the entire aviation system—a very dangerous trend.

While university and graduate students did not have to worry about finding work, those at the graduate level were increasingly resistant to the state’s mandatory job assignments, preferring to choose their own career paths.

Liu Jun felt conflicted about the situation. "You’re telling me. Looking at the funding for various school projects over the years, research budgets are shrinking across the board. I wonder how many aviation factories and institutes can survive as comfortably as yours. I’ll be assigned a job next year, and I have no idea where I’ll end up."

*What does this mean?* It sounded like Liu Jun had a favorable impression of the base. If that was the case, the chances of "poaching" him were quite high. Seizing the opportunity, Yang Hui began to highlight the base’s advantages while analyzing the trends of the domestic aviation industry over the coming years.

"Regarding the assignment system, it’s mostly handled by those above. Getting assigned to a place you’re satisfied with isn't too difficult if you know where to aim. The key is to find a facility with a promising future. The ancients said that a man fears choosing the wrong profession; to put it more precisely, he fears choosing the wrong workplace."

Liu Jun looked thoughtful, but Yang Hui didn't let him dwell on it too long. Now was the time to strike while the iron was hot.

"As for the current domestic facilities, there are only a few. The Fengtian Institute has the most funding, but it has been stagnant for years; it’s very difficult for a newcomer to stand out there. Other facilities are struggling with funding—the domestic industry is cutting projects on a massive scale because of a lack of money."

Money—it always came down to money. If it were like the early 20th century, with enough capital for the entire aviation industry to flourish, that would be the spring of aviation. To achieve anything now, one needed capital, and in that regard, Yang Hui’s Base 0011 was the place to be.

He continued, "Naturally, Base 0011 is the best choice. We have funding, direct foreign investment, and active projects, but we are short-handed. This is exactly where young people like you and I can most easily make a mark."

Yang Hui had said everything he needed to say; the rest was up to Liu Jun.

Liu Jun was still weighing his options. As Yang Hui had said, Base 0011 was a top-tier choice for a young person to build a career, but Liu Jun had concerns.

"Since you called me 'Brother Liu,' I will be blunt about my worries. I know Base 0011 is a 'Third Front' project, and it must be very remote. I’m afraid such a place would struggle to attract future talent. Without a large pool of excellent people, even if we work day and night, it won't be enough to sustain the base."

A lack of talent was indeed a bottleneck, but to Yang Hui, it was also a test for those truly dedicated to aviation.

"Brother, I disagree. While it may seem remote now, this is a filter. It filters out those who are greedy for comfort. To conduct research and master technology, one must be able to settle down. Those who crave the bustle of a big city are in the minority; those of us truly dedicated to technology won't mind. Besides, the facilities at Base 0011 are actually quite good."

Hearing this, Liu Jun suddenly understood. As Yang Hui said, those truly committed to technology wouldn't pine for the vanity of a metropolis.

"I see. That’s a fresh perspective. Once Base 0011 produces results, it will naturally attract attention, and true talent will follow."

"Good. Team Leader Yang, you’ve convinced me. I’m willing to go to the Third Front and work hard with you. Your technical skills are rock solid, and I’m happy to work under you."

Yang Hui was overjoyed. He had successfully persuaded one person, and he knew there would be a second, a third, and a fourth. With a leader like Liu Jun, the rest would be much easier to manage.

However, when Liu Jun mentioned working under him, Yang Hui shook his head. "Brother Liu, you’re joking. Once you get to the base, you certainly won’t be working under me. I’m not actually from the First Institute; I only came here to help with aerodynamic design because they were short-staffed. I’m just here on temporary loan."

How could Yang Hui stay in the First Institute for long? After this project, he had much more to do. When his company was established, it wouldn't just focus on this new trainer aircraft; it would also organize the production of civilian goods.

The base had new research projects, but the workers couldn't just sit idle. Without enough work, they would lose their edge; without skilled labor, even the best designs would fail during production and assembly. Yang Hui planned to organize the base's resources for a major civilian project after the tests, using it to build a foundation of talent and capital for military production.

Look at the Bingcheng Aircraft Factory—they had invested heavily in micro-vans. Later, they even used sliding doors from those vans on their Z-9 helicopters to save costs. That was a small example of the immense role civilian projects could play.

Liu Jun was astonished that Yang Hui wouldn't continue in aerodynamics. "Team Leader Yang, that’s a waste! Your skills are far better than mine; aerodynamic design is where you belong."

Liu Jun’s sincerity moved Yang Hui to explain further.

"Aerodynamics is important, but my engine work at the Second Institute is equally vital. Once this design is finished, the rest can be handed over to you. I will speak to Chief Designer Yu about it. The pressure on you will be high, Brother Liu, but I believe in you."

Liu Jun never expected that even before graduating, he would be entrusted with such an important position. This was a level of trust that went beyond the ordinary. With that, Liu Jun finally committed to going to Base 0011.