Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 70：Desolate Mountains and Wilds

In the mountains of Ling'an, located 100 kilometers northwest of Kyoto, towering peaks stretch endlessly across the landscape. Each mountain is adorned with a diverse range of trees: fiery red maple forests, golden-leafed poplars, and dense, verdant pine groves. From above, the entire mountain range appears as a patchwork of vibrant colors, a sight both breathtaking and surreal.

In a low-lying valley between two connected peaks, a man and a woman, both clad in hiking attire, walked through the towering pine trees. The man, noticing that they were alone, flashed a sly grin, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. Taking advantage of the woman's momentary distraction, he pounced, grabbing her and beginning to fondle her in an unrestrained manner.

The woman, startled, quickly attempted to pull away, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Darling, what are you doing? We're in the wild!"

But the man persisted, his voice dark and suggestive as he whispered in her ear. "Today, let's experience nature..."

The woman, now understanding his intent, felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "This... this isn't right. What if someone sees us?"

"Don't worry, my little treasure. We're in the middle of nowhere. No one will find us here."

With that reassurance, she reluctantly stopped resisting, giving in to his advances. They tangled together, having just removed a jacket, when suddenly, a group of soldiers in camouflage burst forth from the surrounding trees, rifles raised.

The soldiers, with their faces painted and weapons in hand, moved swiftly and silently, encircling the couple. The man, hearing the noise, froze, thinking it might be an animal, but when he turned, he was met by the chilling sight of fully armed soldiers, their rifles aimed directly at him.

Panic surged through him as he trembled uncontrollably, falling to his knees in fear. Meanwhile, the woman, eyes still closed and lost in the moment, didn't realize what was happening. Noticing her husband's stillness, she coyly urged him, "Darling, hurry up! I'm waiting for you..."

The man, jolted by her voice, turned to her in shock. Shame overtook him, and he quickly shook her, trying to snap her out of her daze. At that moment, one of the new recruits, unable to contain his laughter, let out a chuckle.

The woman, now fully aware of the situation, opened her eyes, only to see a ring of soldiers surrounding them, their guns pointed straight at them. Terrified, she froze, trembling with fear.

The captain of the squad emerged from the trees, and one of the soldiers rushed to report the situation. After a brief interrogation and verifying their identities, the captain issued a stern warning before allowing them to leave.

As the couple hurriedly fled, the new recruit, imitating the woman's words, called out playfully, "Darling, hurry up! I'm waiting for you!" The soldiers erupted into laughter.

With a serious expression, the captain barked, "Enough laughing! Get into position and stay hidden!" The soldiers dispersed, fading into the trees as the captain walked deeper into the forest.

After about twenty minutes, he arrived at a secluded mountain hollow. Here, a massive stone cavern awaited him, its interior expansive and otherworldly. The cavern, hollowed out from a 500-meter-diameter mountain and extending 30 meters underground, resembled a small world of its own. Looking over the railing, three enormous cylindrical machines could be seen, surrounded by hundreds of white-coated scientists bustling about.

This was the national rocket propulsion research facility, where advanced rocket engines were being developed. These engines, which powered rockets into space, were integral to space exploration. The United States and Russia currently led the world with 500-ton propulsion capabilities, while China's engines only reached 300 tons, a noticeable gap.

The propulsion system's power determined the success of space missions. The larger the thrust, the greater the weight they could carry into space. As the elderly scientist Long Lao stood among a group of researchers, he carefully examined a report on an experiment that had failed due to instability in the fuel mixture. Despite this setback, he remained hopeful.

"We've made progress," he explained to his colleagues, "we've discovered a new fuel combination. The plan to introduce advanced borosilane still holds promise. Let's continue our research."

Though the experiment had not been a total success, it had revealed a potential new fuel that could significantly improve rocket performance. If successful, China would develop a 500-ton propulsion system, reaching the pinnacle of global rocket technology.

After finishing his briefing, Long Lao bade his colleagues farewell. He had been working tirelessly here for over ten days, and the strain on his body had taken its toll. Initially, he had suffered severe abdominal pain by the fifth day, but he had endured, relying on painkillers to see the experiment through.

Finally, the work was complete, and Long Lao descended in an elevator to the surface, where the captain of the squad was waiting for him. "The vehicle is ready, sir. We can depart at any time."

"Good. Let's go," Long Lao replied.

The two made their way to the military jeep, and Long Lao settled in, with the captain following suit. Their mission was simple: to escort Long Lao back safely. The vehicle began its journey, navigating the rugged terrain without the aid of roads, relying on the driver's skills to maneuver through the mountainous landscape.

Meanwhile, by the roadside, a couple sat, exhausted from their hike. The woman, irate, vented her frustration. "This is all your fault! You insisted on climbing wild mountains. We nearly got caught, and now we're lost!"

The man, equally deflated, wished he had never ventured into the wilderness. Just then, a military jeep appeared in the distance. The man waved frantically, hoping to hitch a ride.

When the jeep stopped and the rear window rolled down, the couple's faces turned pale with embarrassment. The man recognized the captain immediately.

"What happened this time?" the captain asked.

The man, flustered, explained their situation.

"You'll have to wait here. A vehicle will be along in about ten minutes to pick you up," the captain instructed. He hadn't allowed them to ride with him, prioritizing Long Lao's safety.

"Next time, don't go looking for trouble," the captain added, before signaling for the driver to leave.

The couple stood in stunned silence, exchanging uncomfortable glances.