89: Chapter 89 Hardcore Strength Triumphs Over Political Intrigue

Outside the thermal tile project review meeting room of the National Academy of Materials Science.

Zhao Qiming stood by the window at the end of the corridor. The cigarette between his fingertips had burned to the end, and he only snapped out of his daze when it burned his finger, irritably stubbing out the butt in the soil of a potted plant on the windowsill.

He was a senior project review expert at the academy and one of the leaders of the "New Aero-engine Turbine Blade Heat-resistant High-temperature Thermal Insulation Tiles" special project.

The funding for this project wasn't the largest in the academy, but the technical threshold was extremely high. It represented the development direction of aviation power for the next decade and was of great significance.

Originally, everything was under control. Long Zaitian's "sincerity" had long been delivered. Zhao Qiming was to use his status and influence as a review expert to ensure Fanxing Technology wouldn't even pass the preliminary screening, leaving the opportunity for Jinfeng Materials, which was controlled by the Long Group.

Zhao Qiming had thought this was a sure thing. Fanxing Technology? A small private company that had been established for less than a year and had suddenly become popular by picking up scraps and getting lucky. Regardless of whether their technology had made a breakthrough, he could eliminate Star of Fortune just based on their lack of qualifications. He planned to kick Fanxing out directly during the preliminary review meeting using high-sounding reasons such as "weak technical accumulation," "lack of major engineering verification cases," and "questionable team background."

But who would have thought that plans can't keep up with changes.

First, Fanxing Technology signed a core strategic supplier agreement with Keyu Aerospace, and their name was directly added to the supporting list for national key projects.

Next, that unbelievable lithography machine transaction shocked the industry, giving Fanxing Technology the aura of a "mysterious technical dark horse." Recently, although the Long Corporation itself was mired in trouble, positive rumors about Star of Fortune's "Xuanniao" superconducting material and information from national-level seminars continued to reach the academy.

The name Fanxing Technology was no longer unknown in the materials science and high-end manufacturing circles; it was now a dark horse within the industry.

This led to there being no suitable reason to eliminate Star of Fortune directly during the summary of the project's preliminary review materials.

"Old Zhao, what are you looking at?" Professor Liu, also a review expert, walked over and followed Zhao Qiming's gaze to the lush pine and cypress trees in the courtyard below.

Zhao Qiming withdrew his gaze, sighed, and lowered his voice: "Old Liu, what do you think of the companies that were shortlisted?"

Professor Liu pushed up his glasses and said seriously, "I've taken a rough look at their application materials. The performance indicators provided by Fanxing Technology are simply terrifying. Although it's hard to believe, they attached some non-classified, excellent data from Keyu Aerospace regarding their materials in extreme thermal shock testing as supporting evidence. The atmosphere in the academy is a bit subtle right now; it seems even the Dean has asked about this project, telling us to 'seek truth from facts and choose the best.'"

"The Dean even asked about it?" Zhao Qiming's heart sank, but his expression remained unchanged. "The Dean is busy with a myriad of affairs; he probably just mentioned it in passing. For this kind of specific technical review, it still depends on us old-timers to keep watch. What's the use of boasting about high performance indicators? Engineering is the key! Jinfeng Materials has a complete verification platform and years of data accumulation; their qualifications are much more complete."

Professor Liu smiled noncommittally. "Well, we'll see the truth at the meeting. Things are different now than they used to be."

The meeting began. Around the oval conference table sat seven or eight review experts, as well as personnel from the project management department. The Dean did not attend in person, but the Vice Director in charge of scientific research sat in as an observer, which made Zhao Qiming feel even more pressure.

The presentations for each unit's proposal were conducted in the order determined by drawing lots. The representative from Jinfeng Materials spoke in a steady and unremarkable manner; the technical route was mature and conservative, and the data was detailed but lacked highlights, emphasizing "stability and reliability" and "controllable risks." When it was Fanxing Technology's turn, Lin Hao's presentation was concise and confident, pointing directly at the pain points without piling up technical jargon.

"Our materials have already been verified. Although we are a new company, all of Keyu Aerospace's thermal insulation materials have been put into practice, providing sufficient data support," Lin Hao said finally, his calm gaze sweeping over the experts present, lingering for a moment on Zhao Qiming's face.

Zhao Qiming sneered in his heart. He cleared his throat, preparing to launch an attack.

"The data is very beautiful, and the concept is very novel." Zhao Qiming picked up Fanxing's application materials, his tone carrying the characteristic pickiness and skepticism of an expert. "But, young man, materials science isn't writing science fiction. These performance breakthroughs you mentioned have approached or even exceeded the theoretical limits of currently known materials. How can you guarantee the stability and repeatability of the process? Most importantly, aero-engine blades are related to national security and countless lives. What do you have to prove their long-term reliability? As far as I know, Keyu only recently started cooperating with you, right? You're relying on just a few short-term tests?"

The questions were sharp and hit the mark. The meeting room fell silent, and everyone looked at Chen Fan.

Lin Hao was well-prepared and spoke unhurriedly: "Director Zhao's questions are very professional. Regarding the physical mechanisms, the specific details involve core technology, so I apologize that I cannot elaborate here. However, in terms of process stability, we have already built a preliminary small-batch production line, and product consistency data can be verified at any time. As for long-term reliability..." He paused. "We are well aware of the rigor required for aviation materials. Therefore, one of the core parts of our proposal is to suggest establishing a joint verification mechanism with your academy. All tests would be conducted under your academy's leadership and supervision, and we can bear all the preliminary verification costs and risks. If we fail, we will automatically withdraw and compensate for any project delay losses caused. We dare to propose such conditions precisely because we have absolute confidence in our technology."

Using retreat as a means of advance, they even proactively offered to bear the verification risks and costs! This statement moved many of the experts present. This was no longer just confidence; it was almost arrogance, but behind that arrogance was the support of true capability.

Zhao Qiming's face turned somewhat unsightly. He hadn't expected the other party to be so tough and kick the ball back to him. Just as he was about to continue making things difficult by bringing up "team qualifications" and "past performance," the Vice Director, who had been listening in silence, suddenly spoke.

"Little Zhao," the Vice Director's voice was calm but carried the weight of authority, "technical questioning is necessary for an expert review, but we must also give new technologies and new teams a chance to grow. The fact that Fanxing Technology could obtain core supplier status from Keyu means they have already passed extremely rigorous assessments. The proposal they've put forward for joint verification and self-assumed risk seems very sincere to me, and it reflects a highly responsible attitude toward the project."

The Vice Director nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "This project is a key link in the development of national aviation power. What we want is technology that can truly bring breakthroughs, not a 'safe bet' that is just steady and unremarkable. I think Fanxing Technology's proposal, while bold, has clear logic, is well-prepared, and shows a sincere attitude. Their background of cooperation with Keyu is also a bonus. Specific technical details can be discussed in subsequent specialized demonstrations. But at this stage, I believe Fanxing Technology is fully qualified to enter the next round of in-depth review and even become a key focus of consideration."

The Vice Director had made the final call! Although he didn't directly announce the results, his inclination was already obvious.

Zhao Qiming opened his mouth, his back instantly drenched in cold sweat.

The Dean's instruction to "seek truth from facts and choose the best" and the Vice Director's current attitude both pointed clearly to one thing: this project required real talent and technology that could truly break through. Any backroom deals or prejudice had to make way!

After the meeting ended, Zhao Qiming returned to his office despondently, locked the door, and slumped into his chair. He knew that this time, he would be unable to fulfill Long Zaitian's request.

His hands trembled as he wanted to send a message to Long Zaitian to explain, but he put it down dejectedly. What was there to explain? The tide had turned.

Just as he walked out of the academy, Lin Hao called Chen Fan.

"Fan Zi! It's done! The feedback from the National Academy of Materials Science was excellent, and the Vice Director personally spoke up in support! It's almost certain that we'll enter the next round of in-depth review, and there's a high probability we can take it directly!" Lin Hao said excitedly to Chen Fan. "That old fellow Zhao Qiming still wanted to make things difficult during the meeting, but he was shut down on the spot by the Vice Director! It was so satisfying!"

Chen Fan was reviewing the equipment installation progress chart for the "Xuanniao" production line. Hearing this, he looked up with a smile that suggested he had expected this. "It was to be expected. Our technical proposal is solid, Keyu's endorsement is effective, and what the country needs most right now is a 'catfish' that dares to break through and can solve problems. Long Zaitian's attempt to use the old-fashioned network of relationships to block our way will no longer work."

He put down the blueprints and walked to the window. "This is just the beginning. We've severed another of the Long Corporation's arms. Winning this project won't just bring in substantial orders; more importantly, we will officially enter the core R&D system for national aviation power materials. That is more important than how much money we make."