The Northwest desert.
Sand and stone fly through the air, with dust clouds rising from the west.
A military-green jeep speeds across the rugged, uneven road.
Inside the vehicle.
Chu Yang leans back casually in the rear seat, the harsh sunlight striking his sharp, angular profile.
Though his youthful face bears a hint of exhaustion, his deep eyes are filled with joy and anticipation.
At that moment, the phone in his hand rings, and the voice of an old man, brimming with surprise, comes through: "Little Chu, the chip test results are in. It runs exceptionally smoothly in every aspect. You’ve truly worked hard these past three years. You’ve solved a monumental problem for our country!"
"From today on, we will no longer be held back by those foreign nations when it comes to high-precision chips."
"The word has come down from the top: one month from now, once the final work at the research base is concluded, the General Administration of Science and Technology will hold a celebration banquet in the capital."
"After the banquet, 'that person' will personally present you with the Huaxia Highest Science and Technology Award, as well as the National Scholar Medal!"
"However, due to confidentiality protocols, the presentation of these awards and medals will not be made public."
At this point, the old man sighs regretfully: "Little Chu, you’ve been wronged."
To serve the country for three years, only to ultimately remain hidden behind the scenes!
Perhaps others cannot fully grasp the hardship in this, but he understands it perfectly.
Because, back in his day, he had traveled the exact same path.
The old man continues: "Though I cannot let you bask in the glory that rightfully belongs to you openly, if you have any personal thoughts or wishes, I, this old man, will do everything in my power to help you fulfill them privately!"
Chu Yang laughs, his eyes filled with pride:
"President Wang, the design and production of the photolithography machine weren’t just my achievement alone. The academicians and professors at the base have also worked incredibly hard these past three years."
"It was tough on them to spend those three years in this desolate desert, cooperating with a young man like me to complete the research and manufacturing mission for the photolithography machine."
"I will attend the celebration banquet."
"As for wishes, I do have a small personal matter I wanted to trouble you with. I hadn’t even called you yet, and you called me first."
As he speaks, Chu Yang looks down with a gentle gaze at the color-printed A4 paper in his hand.
His eyes linger on the stunning face printed on the page.
"Speak. As long as it doesn't involve matters of principle, I will certainly satisfy your request!"
Chu Yang nods slightly: "Two weeks from now, Beijing University begins its term. I want an admission letter for a freshman in the Department of Economics and Management at Beijing University."
"What?" The old man on the other end of the line sounds bewildered, his tone becoming serious: "Little Chu, you aren't joking with me, are you?"
"Going to Beijing University as a freshman?"
"With your level of research, what could those teachers possibly teach you?"
"Didn't that fellow, Old Zhang, invite you to be an honorary professor at Huaqing University, and you turned him down? What on earth are you doing going to Beijing University now?"
"Your name will absolutely be on the list of academicians for the Chinese Academy of Sciences in this year’s selection."
"If you want to study other projects, you could just come straight to the Chinese Academy of Sciences!"
Chu Yang laughs: "You don't need to worry about that. Even if I go to Beijing University to study, the moment the country needs me, I will return immediately. My reason for going to Beijing University is simply to fulfill a promise made years ago."
Having said this, he looks down again at the photo on the A4 paper, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
"Fine." Seeing Chu Yang’s persistence, the old man doesn't press further: "The country has taken three years of your life; it is only right that you go to Beijing University and properly experience life."
"You are only nineteen. Staying with those old fogeys every day has made you seem so aged."
"It will be good to go to university and soak up the atmosphere of youth."
"I will have someone deliver the admission letter directly to your parents. Spend the remaining time before the start of the semester well with your family."
"But remember, even in front of your family, keep the confidentiality regulations in mind. I won't nag you over the phone about what should and shouldn't be said."
"You'll have plenty of time in the capital later. If you have the time, come by and visit me."
"I know you like tea. A business partner of mine sent me a good amount of top-tier, pre-Qingming Longjing tea this year. I’ll be waiting for you to come have some!"
"Understood." Chu Yang laughs: "When I have the time, I will certainly come over to have some of your excellent tea."
After the call ends, Chu Yang slowly picks up the A4 paper.
He studies every line and every column on it with nostalgic eyes.
Lin Qingxue, female, ancestral home in Qingyang, Xiangnan Province, attended Qingyang No. 1 High School. One year ago, during the college entrance examination, she scored 703 points, becoming the top science student in Xiangnan Province. Currently a sophomore in the Department of Economics and Management at Beijing University...
...
After reading the information on the A4 paper, Chu Yang closes his eyes, a flicker of exhaustion present, as memories of the past begin to flood his mind.
...
Three years ago.
In a study hall at Qingyang No. 1 High School.
Lin Qingxue, sitting next to him, passes a note to Chu Yang's desk.
"Chu Yang, when do you plan on falling in love?"
"At eighteen, what about you?"
"Then I'll be eighteen too."
"Where do you want to go for college?"
"Beijing University, I suppose. I’ll go to the Department of Economics and Management. Once I'm in a relationship, I’ll make sure to hold the financial power in the household. What about you? Why don't you come to Beijing University with me?"
"Alright. I’ve noticed your hands look very delicate."
"Really? Want to touch them? I’ll let you hold my hand after class ^o^"
...
After a long silence, Chu Yang slowly opens his eyes, a faint smile spreading across his lips.
He still remembers the way she looked at him, her head tilted, smiling brilliantly.
Perhaps, back then, he had truly fallen in love with her.
"Beijing University, sophomore in the Department of Economics and Management."
"It's been three years."
"Lin Qingxue, I’ve come to fulfill... the promise I made back then."