Chapter Ninety-Eight: Ambition

“I just step out the door and I’m at work. Your mother’s office is only two streets away from our home, it’s not worth driving!” Wu Jingzhong maintained his opinion, insisting there was no need.

Even when it came to real estate, thanks to Tongtong’s dazzling achievements, some people in society wanted to gift her property and arrange better conditions for their family. But they were honest folk, believing nothing falls from the sky without reason. What didn’t belong to them, they wouldn’t covet, nor would they bring trouble to their child.

Both husband and wife had jobs, Tongtong was outstanding, they didn’t have to pay any fees, and they already owned a house. Tongtong was about to have property in the capital as well; their life was going very well!

“All right, if you ever change your minds, just let me know. You really don’t need to worry about housing at Capital University. The scholarships I have are more than enough to cover everything!” Wu Tong rubbed her forehead; her family still stuck to their decision. As expected, she hadn’t yet given them enough confidence.

Buying, they might not agree in the short term—but what if it was an award or a gift?

Wu Tong simply picked up her phone and searched for information online about dynamics and engines. She remembered hearing somewhere that domestic engines had certain shortcomings, particularly in determining absolute direction and matching absolute deduction. She wondered if she could use parameters from foreign engines to help optimize domestic ones.

She decided to look for materials, study them, and see if she could find a useful solution. If she could offer a valuable suggestion, perhaps she could trade it for a similar car. That seemed reasonable enough!

Wu Tong wasn’t entirely sure, but she thought it was worth a try. If it worked, it would be wonderful; if not, she wouldn’t be discouraged. It was merely a tentative step from theory to application—a chance to gain experience. If she could contribute to the domestic engine industry, that would be a good thing.

Engines—whether for cars, planes, ships, aircraft carriers, or rockets—are the vital heart. A powerful engine is the necessary condition for these giants to operate. All functions are built upon the strength of this heart; only with sufficient power can greater operations be achieved.

An engine transforms the heat energy of gasoline, burning it in a sealed cylinder to expand gases, converting that into mechanical energy. Internal combustion engines typically turn chemical energy into mechanical energy, providing vehicles with propulsion. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines are more efficient and consume less fuel, with stronger power, capable of efficiently driving larger machines.

The network on the highway was disappointing, but Wu Tong and Jin Xin exchanged directions for their research. Jin Xin had quite a few materials on dynamics in his phone to share.

All the necessary admission procedures had been completed. Jin Xin met all the requirements for the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: his family’s political status was spotless, their roots were pure, and he had no criminal record.

Military schools followed an early batch; he had already received his acceptance letter, and the whole family rejoiced. After confirming his application direction, he had begun to study diligently, teaching himself university-level mathematics and looking into basic dynamics and scientific subjects.

Compared to others, when it came to self-studying university textbooks—especially mathematics—he had Tongtong as a natural advantage. With her current level in mathematics, tutoring him was effortless. With such resources, he’d be a fool not to make the most of them!

Squandering resources deserves thunder and lightning.

The two had a clear sense of their roles: entertain the elders, chat, tease, share the history of the counties they passed through, interesting anecdotes, and simple introductions to their destination, helping the elders pass the time on the road.

When the elders rested, they stayed quiet in the back seat, studying or resting themselves.

Wu Tong had no particular aspirations for cars, and before this, she hadn't looked deeply into engines. At most, she’d caught a few snippets during lectures.

Only after reviewing some simple materials did she gain a basic understanding of domestic engines.

China’s industrialization began late. At first, it started by dismantling foreign engines and reverse engineering them. In this, she couldn’t help but admire the prowess and dedication of those early pioneers. The development of domestic engines had its share of missteps, but with the support and persistence of generations, domestic engines finally made rapid progress.

Now, the country had essentially mastered independent development technology, yet there were still significant gaps between domestic and imported engines, especially in aerospace, where persistent “heart disease” issues remained.

The more she learned about this history, the more Wu Tong and Jin Xin, as Chinese nationals, felt anxious.

The information available online was limited, mostly superficial. Wu Tong planned to ask her teachers later if they could recommend more detailed resources. Witnessing such a difficult history, she always wanted to see if she could do something with her abilities. Jin Xin felt the same.

“I must study hard, Tongtong. I need you to help me plan and guide my mathematics, build a solid foundation first. When school starts, I must devote myself to my major and create the most powerful fighter jets, so that China will never be bullied!” Jin Xin whispered his vow to Wu Tong, clenching his teeth.

A youth’s ambition knows no sorrow. Why should a man not carry his sword, and reclaim fifty provinces? What young man is not passionate?

Wu Tong nodded. Her brother’s firm goal and single-minded dedication to learning were admirable. For such a goal, people find boundless motivation! She couldn’t guarantee other subjects, but when it came to mathematics, she was fully confident. Her brother could rest assured and prepare for a full infusion!

The content of university mathematics—she could cram it into his mind at the fastest possible speed.

“Tongtong, your smile is making me nervous!” Jin Xin’s animal instincts kicked in; he sensed something ominous. “Your brother’s body is frail—he can’t withstand your wind and rain!”

“Don’t worry, brother. Enjoy yourself these two days. When we get back, I’ll set up a proper plan for you!” Wu Tong continued to smile without revealing her methods. It was, after all, her brother’s request—no regrets or fear allowed!

Wu Jingzhong and Jin Yuan took turns driving. The journey was smooth, taking just over six hours; before noon, they arrived at a hotel near Mount Tai for a rest.

Traveling with elders, their schedule couldn’t be too rushed. They planned to rest overnight and climb slowly the next day, enjoying the scenery along the way, pausing whenever needed, taking a whole day to ascend the mountain at a gentle pace.

Not to miss the magnificent sunrise atop Mount Tai, they would spend a night at the summit, then watch the dawn, before finding a new route down to ensure they wouldn’t miss the mountain’s various breathtaking views.

Peach Blossom Valley, South Heaven Gate, Bixia Temple, Jade Emperor Peak, the sea of clouds, twilight sunsets, the Golden Belt of the Yellow River, the rising sun… one after another, grand and ethereal natural wonders. They were even lucky enough to witness the miraculous Bixia radiance. With Jin Xin and Wu Tong’s meticulous planning, two days of sightseeing left the whole family with a feast for the eyes—the trip was truly worthwhile.

(End of chapter)