Chapter 17: Heroes Emerge in Youth!

"Sole credit!"

What a monumental achievement this was. A flicker of astonishment crossed Xu Dongguo’s eyes. With the phrase "sole credit," Sun Yongguo had effectively sealed the status of Su Dingping’s contribution. The implication was crystal clear: the success of "Operation 951" belonged entirely to Su Dingping; the rest of them had no part in it.

For such a major, high-stakes project, the mere fact that a young man had been allowed to participate was incredible enough. That he should be credited with the sole achievement was even more unheard of. It was not that Xu Dongguo was unwilling to believe it, but that he had never encountered such a thing in his life. Yet, Sun Yongguo’s tone was so firm, leaving no room for ambiguity. He did not believe Sun would deceive him on a matter of such gravity.

"When exactly did this young comrade join 'Operation 951'?"

"Chief, Comrade Su Dingping did not participate in 'Operation 951'."

Xu Dongguo’s brow furrowed. If he hadn't participated in the operation, how could he claim the sole credit?

Sun Yongguo explained, "Chief, according to information provided by Comrade Zhang Gongnong, Comrade Su Dingping joined this senior graduation design review five months ago, specifically at the request of Comrade Zhang."

After hearing Sun’s explanation, Xu Dongguo’s heart surged with waves of emotion.

"Chief," Senior Colonel Zhang added, "before you arrived, we all inspected his work. There are no errors. Comrade Su Dingping has essentially mastered the core technology of the 956E."

The others chimed in one after another.

"Chief, this is the 956E model that Su Dingping reconstructed almost perfectly based on photos and related information."

"Chief, these are the designs, theories, and parameter blueprints for all the core technologies of the 956E."

Listening to all of this, Xu Dongguo understood. Su Dingping and the 335th Research Institute had been working independently—it was no wonder Sun Yongguo said Su deserved the sole credit.

At this moment, Su Dingping, who hadn't uttered a single word, had become the absolute focus of the room. Xu Dongguo looked at Su again, his gaze now transformed. If Zhang Gongnong hadn't specifically requested Su’s participation and trusted him enough to hand over the office keys for unrestricted research, would they have missed out on such a talent?

By relying on nothing but a photograph, he had researched relevant materials, performed reverse engineering, and successfully cracked the core technology of the 956E! If word of this got out, it would cause an absolute sensation.

Whether it was the Russian Bear, the beautiful country, or the nations of the East and the West, they would undoubtedly use every possible means to abduct Su Dingping. If they couldn't take him, they would certainly do everything in their power to destroy him.

What a talent! A true treasure for our Navy!

Thinking of this, Xu Dongguo was filled with emotion. A few hours ago, he had been wavering over the exorbitant price of 1.8 billion US dollars. Now, he saw the future of the Navy.

"Young comrade, you’ve worked hard these past five months." Xu Dongguo patted Su Dingping on the shoulder, his expression full of concern. He didn't ask how Su had overcome the countless difficulties; asking about the suffering was meaningless.

"Young comrade, our Navy always rewards merit! Ask for whatever reward you want; as long as it is within my authority, it can be done!"

"Reporting to the Chief, I did not study the 956E for the sake of a reward," Su Dingping said earnestly. "I believe that if Westerners can do it, we Chinese are no less intelligent; we can do it too! So, I just went ahead and did it."

Xu Dongguo was visibly stunned for a moment. "What spirit! A hero among the youth! But rest assured, the recognition you deserve will not be lacking!"

He turned to Sun Yongguo and said, "Comrade Sun, draft an application for a military merit award as soon as you return, and I will approve it immediately! Furthermore, the expenses incurred for this research must be reported in full! We will reimburse the young comrade for every cent!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Yongguo looked a bit awkward.

"What is it, Comrade Sun? Are you encountering difficulties? Don't worry about the costs being too high; I will find a way to cover them for our young comrade."

"Chief, that’s not it," Sun Yongguo said with a bitter smile. "Comrade Su Dingping never asked our institute for a single cent, nor did he apply for any research funding from the school."

Even the usually composed Xu Dongguo couldn't help but change color. No funding? Who conducts scientific research without funding? Research is a bottomless pit; how could he pay out of his own pocket? What kind of family could afford such a drain? Not even a billionaire’s son could keep this up!

Xu Dongguo pulled Su Dingping aside, his tone softening significantly. "Comrade Dingping, tell me the situation. Was your funding application rejected? No matter who blocked you, tell me, and I will handle it for you today! Speak freely; I’ve got your back!"

After a long pause, Su Dingping said, "Reporting to the Chief, all the drafting paper I used—about three tons—was applied for from the school in Professor Zhang’s name. I didn't spend any money."

"The instruments were from our laboratory, and oh, I borrowed some equipment from a few other labs. I looked up the data on Professor Zhang’s computer and in the school library. I still didn't spend any money..."

Seeing Su Dingping listing these things as if they were nothing, Professor Li and the others looked at each other, so embarrassed they wished they could dig a hole in the ground with their toes.

"Oh, I remember, I did spend some money. Making these molds cost something."

He spent money! Finally, he spent money! Xu Dongguo breathed a sigh of relief. Professor Li and the others also eased up slightly.

"A little bit. But the scholarships the school has given me over these years are quite substantial, and with the prize money from the competitions I’ve won, it was almost enough. After all, I only made a model, so it’s normal that it didn't cost much! If we go to the factory to start production, that will certainly cost a lot!"

Professor Li and the others, who had just caught their breath, turned beet red, feeling like they might cry. Zhang Gongnong felt both proud and awkward.

Xu Dongguo didn't know what to say. If Su Dingping had spent hundreds of millions, he wouldn't have even frowned before approving it. But how much did these scholarships amount to? It felt petty to even reimburse them. Xu Dongguo had never imagined that while he usually worried about excessive expenses, today he was troubled by how little had been spent.

He decided to think about this carefully once he returned. However, he realized one thing: Su Dingping was not just a talent; he was a national treasure! For a Navy whose budget was always stretched thin, such a treasure was invaluable! He had to be kept!

"Chief, once we fully master these technologies, we will certainly be able to build our own modernized warships!"

Sun Yongguo’s words hit home for Xu Dongguo. It meant the 1.8 billion US dollars could be saved, and they wouldn't have to put up with the arrogance of the Russian representatives. Western nations never wanted China to master the core technologies of modern naval warfare, but now, that barrier had been broken!