Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 43：Second Class Merit

The news of the 118-second stable nuclear fusion at the northern base instantly ignited a firestorm among the senior leadership of the Dragon Country. An emergency meeting was convened, leading to several key decisions:

The news of the nuclear fusion achievement would remain confidential for the time being.Research funding and the deployment of additional scientific personnel to the northern base would be increased.Immediate application of controllable nuclear fusion technology to the country's fighter jets in preparation for the upcoming global military competition.Zhou Huaide would be awarded a First-Class Merit, bestowed with an academic title, and his military rank would be promoted by at least one level.

Zhou Huaide was the first to receive this recognition, yet he immediately declined the honors. Instead, he requested that the First-Class Merit be awarded to Jiang Fan and explained the reasons for his request to the leadership.

Upon hearing Zhou Huaide's report, the Dragon Country leaders convened another urgent meeting, this time focusing on Jiang Fan's personal recognition. Given concerns about his safety, they ultimately decided:

Jiang Fan would be granted the title of Professor.He would be awarded a Second-Class Merit (disguised under the premise of his development of solar photovoltaic panels).A personal bonus of 5 million yuan would be given to him.He would be incorporated into the national military system and granted the rank of Colonel.Jiang Fan would be added to the list of national-level confidential personnel.

Zhou Huaide was mostly satisfied with the rewards, though he felt that the Second-Class Merit was a bit of an understatement. However, these were the decisions of the higher-ups, and he had no power to change them.

Meanwhile, in the Happy District of Lingzhou City, a middle-aged woman, Li Guiqin, was happily carrying a basket filled with chicken, duck, fish, and meat. She greeted everyone she met with a warm smile. Passing by a pavilion where many people were sitting to cool off, she cheerfully greeted them:

"Enjoying the cool, everyone? Heehee..."

"Hey, it's Guiqin! Haven't seen you in two days, you look much younger!" someone remarked.

Li Guiqin beamed with pleasure at the compliment. "Thank you! But I have to rush home and cook dinner now—my son just came back. Let's chat some other time!" she responded with a smile, waving as she hurried away.

After Li Guiqin left, a few people at the pavilion began discussing her.

"Guiqin's son, Jiang Fan, is really impressive. I heard he invented something about solar energy!"

"This child has been smart and diligent since he was little, always excelling in his studies. I knew he'd make something of himself."

"I heard both Huaqing University and Dragon Country's Peking University are fighting over him. Those are the top schools in the country!"

"Guiqin and Lao Jiang are really fortunate to have such a brilliant son."

As the discussion continued, it became clear that everyone was full of praise for Jiang Fan. The contrast between the present admiration and the past when Jiang Fan had only scored 300 on a test was striking. At that time, people had dismissed him as someone who was clever in childhood but would amount to little in adulthood. Now, he had proven them all wrong.

However, amidst the praises, a discordant voice interrupted.

"What's so special about getting into a good school? My son just earned a Third-Class Merit in the military!" sneered the wife of Old Wang, who had never been on good terms with Li Guiqin's family.

She quickly pulled out her phone to show off a photo of her son in his military uniform.

"I hear it's especially hard to earn a merit these days. Only those who have made a significant contribution to the country can receive a Third-Class Merit! It's a highly prestigious honor."

"Old Wang's wife, your son is really something! I bet there's a handsome bonus that comes with it, right?"

"Of course! Old Wang's family will now be known as the family of honor!"

"By the way, isn't your son still single? My brother's daughter is also single and she's quite pretty. Maybe I could introduce them!"

"Your brother's family is from the countryside, isn't it?" Old Wang's wife responded, slightly dismissive.

...

In the mayor's office, Mayor Deng had just received an urgent phone call.

"Don't worry, leader. Understood. I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up, Mayor Deng quickly summoned his assistant.

"Xiao Li, make arrangements for me to visit the Happy District immediately."

An hour later, the sound of gongs and drums could be heard outside the entrance of the Happy District. The crowd gathered as they followed Mayor Deng into the neighborhood.

The noise quickly drew attention from the residents, who looked out to see who might be celebrating an event.

"Is there a celebration happening?" someone wondered.

"Wait a minute, doesn't the person in front look like the mayor?" another resident asked.

"Come on, the mayor wouldn't come to our neighborhood!"

"Wait... it really is Mayor Deng!"

Some residents quickly took out their phones and confirmed by comparing the photos.

As they were discussing Old Wang's son receiving his Third-Class Merit, the commotion outside grew louder, and they became curious. One resident approached the group to ask.

"Hey, what's going on at the entrance?"

"Great news for our neighborhood! It seems someone just received a Second-Class Merit, and the mayor himself is here to congratulate them!"

"A Second-Class Merit?"

The crowd was momentarily stunned. They had just been talking about Old Wang's son earning a Third-Class Merit. How was it possible that someone else was now receiving a Second-Class Merit?

"Isn't Old Wang's son the only one in the neighborhood who has served in the military? Could it be that he earned another Second-Class Merit?"

All eyes turned to Old Wang's wife, who was also feeling a bit excited. She recalled a phone call from her son a few days earlier, saying he had a surprise for her.

Could this surprise be the Second-Class Merit?

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that the mayor had come to congratulate her son.

"Old Wang's wife, don't tell me your son got another Second-Class Merit?" someone asked, eyes wide.

Old Wang's wife smiled broadly. "I think so! My son called me the other day and said he had a surprise for me. That little rascal, heehee..."

"I've heard that earning a Second-Class Merit is a big deal. It means a direct promotion in the military. Your son might even be a regiment commander or a division commander now!"

"A regiment commander or a mayor is a big deal!"

...

As the excitement grew, Mayor Deng and the drum team passed by the pavilion.

"Old Wang's wife, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and go!" someone urged.

Old Wang's wife quickly stood up, adjusted her clothes, and tidied her hair. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, she walked out in front of the mayor.

Having never encountered such a high-ranking official before, she was a little flustered. As she nervously approached, Mayor Deng noticed her and paused.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

Old Wang's wife, visibly nervous and excited, replied with trembling hands, "I... I am Wang Gang's mother!"

4o mini