Sunlight on a winter noon filtered through the colored glass windows, casting a warm glow across the spacious hall of the Steam Engine Research Institute. Dozens of craftsmen, apprentices, and researchers stood neatly in rows, their faces etched with exhaustion yet glowing with excitement. Before them stood Xia Huai'an, resting a hand gently on a half-man-high steam engine model, his fingers lightly brushing across the gleaming copper cylinder.
"Everyone!" Xia Huai'an's voice rang out clear and powerful. "Just moments ago, the one hundred and seventh steam engine model successfully operated. This is a milestone in the industrial history of Huaxia!"
A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd. Some excitedly patted their comrades on the back, while others secretly wiped away tears of emotion.
Chapter 193