Awarding of Honors and Awards

Chapter 44 Awarding of Honors and Awards

On the runway of an airport at a US military base in Japan.

A Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, painted entirely in black, is undergoing final checks before takeoff.

Pilot Carter sat in the cockpit, adjusting the wings and tail of the reconnaissance aircraft according to the technician's gestures.

Only after the technician gave him a thumbs up did Carter pilot the reconnaissance plane toward the runway.

As the variable-cycle engines on both wings of the reconnaissance aircraft spewed out powerful jets of air, the reconnaissance aircraft slowly took off.

In an office not far away, Major General Hunter, an air force base officer dressed in an American officer's uniform, watched the reconnaissance plane disappear into the horizon with a smug smile on his lips, a cigar dangling from his mouth.

An officer standing nearby asked in bewilderment, "General, we could have waited until the Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft completed its stealth coating before carrying out the mission. Why were we in such a hurry?"

Major General Hunter exhaled a smoke ring and casually patted the other man on the shoulder.

"Please, China is so backward, how could they possibly have detected the Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft? Even if they did, could their missiles catch up with a Blackbird traveling at Mach 3.2?"

"This—" The officer was speechless for a moment.

Major General Hunter straightened his coat: "Alright, don't make a fuss. Let me know when the plane returns, I'm going to get some sleep."

After saying that, he couldn't help but complain that the Japanese girl last night wasn't docile and cooperative enough.

The auditorium was bustling with activity, mostly filled with researchers.

They saw the big red flower on the podium and their eyes were full of envy.

"I wonder who the lucky ones will be recognized this time!"

"I heard there were two First-Class Merits awarded today. Who made such a remarkable contribution?"

"My teacher solved the material problem of the drive shaft this time, greatly extending the service life of various mechanical equipment. He will definitely be commended!"

"I think Teacher Wu will definitely get a first-class merit award!"

"Which Mr. Wu? I don't remember you having a teacher with the surname Wu!"

"Who else could it be? It's Wu Zu, the kid who invented the tank!"

"Oh, right, right, it has to be him! After all, that's a Type 99A main battle tank! It would be so unfair if he didn't get the first-class merit!"

"Who will be the other recipient of the First-Class Merit Award?"

Everyone chimed in with their own speculations about who would receive the first-class merit award.

Just then, a small figure appeared at the entrance of the auditorium.

Immediately, someone shouted, "Teacher Wu is here! Everyone, give him a round of applause!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to the doorway.

Upon seeing Wu Zu, the crowd erupted in applause, and people quickly made way for him.

"Teacher Wu, please sit in the front!"

"That's right, that's right, first row, it'll be easier to collect the prize later!"

"Teacher Wu, could you explain the calculation method for radar cross-section again?"

Faced with the enthusiasm of the crowd, Wu Zu was momentarily overwhelmed.

Goodness, these researchers are just as enthusiastic as crazy fans!

Wu Guodong and Liu Xuelan, who were standing to the side, had not expected their son to be so popular, and they were very pleased with themselves.

The two sat in their seats, huddled together, and whispered to each other.

"I never imagined our son would become Teacher Wu! Haha, that's amazing!"

"Yes, he is truly our pride. We are very proud to talk about him."

However, Wu Zu was still sitting in his seat, thinking about whether the parameters of the missile-borne radar had been set correctly.

Soon, the auditorium was packed.

Just then, another commotion broke out outside, followed by applause.

Wu Zu turned his head and saw Feng Zhenliang, dressed in an air force uniform, and Lei Fu, dressed in an army uniform, walk into the auditorium.

Feng Zhenliang waved to the crowd and then walked to the front row of seats.

Suddenly, he saw Wu Zu sitting in the second row and quickly said, "Zu, why are you sitting in the back? Come here! Sit next to me!"

Wu Zu paused for a moment, then turned to look at his parents.

Liu Xuelan looked at him with a loving expression: "Go, this is your glory!"

So Wu Zu got up and walked to the front row.

Feng Zhenliang looked at Wu Zu, leaned closer, and whispered, "Teacher Wu, when can you help us get the air defense radar working?"

"Once I've compiled the technical documents, we can start mass production!"

"Haha, I've been waiting for you to say that! So, how long will it take?"

"It will take at least a month —"

Wu Zu dared not easily promise that it could be completed in a few days.

After all, many electronic components are purchased from the system, and it will definitely take some time for China to mass-produce them given its current capabilities.

However, Feng Zhenliang was already very happy with the time it had taken.

"Haha, a month is no problem, I can wait!"

At that moment, a piercing horn blared, and the entire venue fell silent.

A female host wearing a floral dress walked onto the stage and delivered a passionate opening speech.

Following that, some leaders gave speeches, showcasing the achievements of the Jiangnan Arsenal and its future plans.

The applause was constant, and everyone was in high spirits, except for Wu Zu, who was so sleepy that he kept dozing off.

Just then, the female host went back on stage.

"Next, we will begin presenting today's honorary awards."

"The Tao Le team was awarded a collective third-class merit for improving the engine exhaust system and increasing engine efficiency!"

"Lin Feng was awarded a third-class merit for improving the Type 77 pistol!"

"Liu Dong, ————"

'

"Wu Zu, for inventing the Type 99A main battle tank, which brought my country's tank technology to the world's top level, is hereby awarded a First-Class Merit by the Chinese military!"

This time, the applause was even more enthusiastic than before, but Wu Zu still slept soundly.

Until someone gently poked him in the back.

"Auntie, wake up! It's your turn to go on stage and receive your award!"

Wu Guodong urged him from behind, and Wu Zu wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.

"Is it over? Shouldn't we go back?"

Seeing Wu Zu's appearance, everyone present couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Feng Zhenliang stood on the stage and waved to Wu Zu.

"Auntie, wake up! Come on stage to receive your award!"

Wu Zu scratched his head sheepishly and quickly got up and went up on stage.

Feng Zhenliang personally pinned a gleaming gold First-Class Merit Medal on him, and the scene erupted in enthusiastic applause once again.

The host then continued, "The final First-Class Merit Medal will also be awarded to Wu Zu!"

These words caused a stir among the audience.

"Oh dear, what's going on? Two first-class merits for a tank project?"

"That's understandable. The Type 99A main battle tank incorporates so many advanced technologies, I think it's fair to award it two first-class merits."

"Is that even possible? I'm envious, but I don't quite understand why you didn't break down the technology when you were talking about the Type 99A main battle tank?"

As everyone was discussing this, the host continued, microphone in hand: "Wu Zu developed an air defense radar, enabling our country to conduct reconnaissance at higher altitudes. After deliberation by the Jiangnan Military Region, it has been decided to award Wu Zu the First-Class Medal of Merit!"

As soon as the host finished speaking, the scene fell silent. No one expected that Wu Zu had achieved another research result.

Lei Fu stood on the stage and started clapping, and then everyone in the audience joined in.

Amidst the crowd, Lin Hui exclaimed in surprise, "My God, I thought he was just going to talk about technology, but I didn't expect him to have even built an air defense radar! This is unbelievable!"

The atmosphere in the auditorium was warm and harmonious. However, at that moment, they were unaware that a black reconnaissance plane was once again flying over the Jiangnan Arsenal.

In the laboratory, a small white dot appeared on the radar screen invented by Wu Zu.

A researcher happened to be passing by and witnessed this scene.

"Huh? What's going on? The radar has detected a new signal?"

Suddenly, he remembered the news he had heard a few days ago, and his heart tightened.

"Oh no, could it be that the US is up to something again?!"

So he immediately ran towards the auditorium.