After Yu Tu brought Qiao Jingjing to the hotel where he was staying at the base, he hurried off to work overtime. It turned out that the chief designer personally picking her up was indeed a fleeting occurrence, while being constantly busy and rarely seen was the norm. However, Qiao Jingjing didn’t feel much of a letdown. She had mentally prepared herself before coming, as the launch of the Shenzhou probe was imminent, and their work was bound to be intense and demanding.
She had been exhausted from filming nonstop for days, so she first took some time to rest and relax properly before happily starting her vacation.
It had to be said that the base was an excellent place for a vacation. Not only was the air fresh and the scenery beautiful, but meals and accommodation were also provided. Moreover, she could move around freely without needing to wear a mask or anything when going out. Although she inevitably attracted a few extra glances on the first day, everyone quickly grew accustomed to her presence.
Qiao Jingjing first explored all the areas of the base that were open to her on her own, and then she started rallying friends in the family group chat, calling on everyone to form a group and explore the small town outside the base together.
The family group chat suddenly became lively. After all, visiting the base wasn’t the same as joining a tour group, and the base didn’t organize many activities. With their family members busy working, the visitors inevitably felt a bit bored. But as soon as Qiao Jingjing arrived, the atmosphere changed instantly—she became the de facto tour group leader!
Soon, despite his busy schedule, Chief Designer Yu started receiving various comments from his colleagues.
Some were appreciative, like Academician Xiao.
"Your wife is wonderful. Since she arrived, my wife, Professor Zhao, hasn’t complained about being bored at all. She’s out having fun every day, but when she comes back in the evening, she drags me to look at photos. Xiao Yu, I have a small suggestion about the photos—do you think you could talk to Xiao Qiao? For example, does she really need to take ten photos of Professor Zhao in the same spot? My old eyes are failing me, and I honestly can’t tell which one looks better."
Of course, there were also complaints.
"Before, when I went back, my wife would always have a nourishing soup simmering in the rice cooker for me. But since your wife came, all I get are takeout snacks from outside. Once, I even got back before they did."
Yu Tu relayed the colleagues’ complaints to Qiao Jingjing, but she had her own reasoning: "When we’re having fun, you can focus on your work without any worries. Otherwise, you’d feel guilty for not having time to spend with us, and that would add so much psychological pressure."
With such an understanding wife, what could Yu Tu say? Of course, he passed his wife’s reasoning on to his colleagues and generously told them not to thank him.
The colleagues: "...That kind of makes sense, but something still feels off?"
After a few days of fun, however, Qiao Jingjing began to feel concerned about Xiao Hu and his wife. One night before bed, she asked Yu Tu, "Xiao Li seems to have been unhappy all along. What’s going on between her and Xiao Hu?"
Yu Tu replied very simply, "Xiao Li was hospitalized due to illness recently, and Xiao Hu was too busy."
He didn’t need to say more for Qiao Jingjing to understand.
"Then, should I do something?" Qiao Jingjing wasn’t sure either, as it seemed inappropriate to say or do anything.
"No need," Yu Tu said after a moment’s thought. "If Xiao Li feels that being with Xiao Hu requires too much sacrifice and it’s making her unhappy, we can’t encourage her to keep sacrificing."
Qiao Jingjing sighed. Teacher Yu’s views on marriage and love were sometimes so rational they bordered on coldness. Logically, she agreed with him, but Xiao Hu and Xiao Li were both such good people.
She leaned into Yu Tu’s embrace. "It’s a good thing I’m busy too, or I might have ended up blaming you."Yu Tu didn't speak, gently stroking her long hair. Qiao Jingjing quietly nestled against him as his movements gradually slowed. After a while, the sound of his even breathing reached her ears.
He had fallen asleep.
Jingjing gently extricated herself to let him sleep more comfortably. She played with his hair and fingers for a while before closing her eyes contentedly.
Soon, the day of the rocket launch arrived.
The viewing area for family members was arranged at the square in front of the Command and Control Center building - one of the best viewing spots and also the closest place to the aerospace personnel.
After dinner on Saturday evening, they followed the staff to the viewing area early. Quite a few people had already gathered there, arriving even earlier than them.
The logistics staff member responsible for them pointed at the building behind them and said, "This is the Command and Control Center. Your family members are inside this building right now, probably all feeling quite nervous."
He added with some regret, "Originally, we planned to arrange for everyone to watch from inside the Command Center, but it was canceled due to some special reasons."
"It's fine, this place is good too," one family member said with a smile. "It's just a bit crowded, and it seems not everyone here is from the base? Jingjing will need to keep her mask on."
Jingjing, wearing a mask, waved her hand. "I can take it off after it gets dark. Actually, even if I take it off now it should be fine. Everyone is watching the rocket, they won't pay attention to me."
Indeed, at this moment the massive Long March 7 rocket already stood at the distant launch pad. Everyone was watching it with excitement and anticipation, not finding the waiting process boring at all.
As they chatted, the launch time gradually approached. The voice of the commander came through the square's broadcast system.
"Two minutes to launch."
The slightly noisy crowd immediately quieted down, everyone holding their breath as they watched the distant rocket.
"One minute to launch."
"Fifty seconds."
"Forty seconds."
"Thirty seconds."
"Twenty seconds."
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, ignition!"
With the commander's order, the massive white rocket body lifted off from the launch tower amid smoke, soaring into the sky with tremendous roar and fiery tail, maintaining stable posture as it ascended.
The moment of liftoff was met with extreme silence from the crowd. Everyone stared intently at the night sky. As the rocket flew higher and farther, cheers gradually rose from the square.
When the rocket became a speck of light in the sky, the cheers turned into sustained, enthusiastic applause, with shouts of "The launch was successful!" rising one after another.
Jingjing also felt excited but was still anxious. She took out her phone and opened the CCTV live broadcast.
Compared to the live scene, the broadcast seemed somewhat calmer. The screen mostly showed real-time dynamic simulations of the rocket's flight, occasionally switching to the command hall and CCTV studio.
Reports kept coming through the broadcast: "Wenchang optical radar tracking normal, telemetry signal normal, Wenchang flight normal." "Tongguling tracking normal, telemetry signal normal."...
These were reports from various monitoring stations across the country sequentially updating the rocket's flight status.
Unconsciously, the family members gathered around Jingjing, all watching her phone and listening carefully to the reports.
At about three minutes, booster separation occurred.
Next, successful first and second stage separation.
Fairing jettisoned.Finally, about ten minutes in, the secondary engine shut down, and the spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket!
The Shenzhou probe successfully entered its predetermined orbit.
Qiao Jingjing let out a long sigh of relief, a genuine smile spreading across her face. The family members gathered around her to watch the live broadcast cheered.
Brother Wang said, "I don't really understand—does this mean it's a success?"
It could only be said that the launch was successful; the Shenzhou probe's journey in space had just begun. But no matter what, it had successfully set off.
Professor Zhao, who was more knowledgeable, patiently explained to Brother Wang.
Qiao Jingjing looked up at the infinitely deep night sky, then turned her gaze to the brightly lit command building behind her.
The probe, which carried the hard work and dreams of Yu Tu and many others, had already left Earth and was flying through space along its predetermined orbit. How must Yu Tu be feeling right now? Probably even more excited and proud than she was.
But then again, maybe not. Since being promoted to chief designer, Teacher Yu had become increasingly composed and reserved. Perhaps after a brief celebration, he was now calmly staring at real-time data analysis.
She suddenly really wanted to see him, to be with him.
It was then that the family members noticed that the crowd watching the rocket launch had long since dispersed. Only they, the family members, remained in front of the command building.
"Everyone's gone."
"Should we head back too?"
Qiao Jingjing withdrew her gaze from the distance and suddenly remembered Yu Tu's instructions before he left in the morning. She quickly said, "Wait a moment. There might be an interview later. Let's watch it before we leave."
As she spoke, the live broadcast cut from the CCTV studio to the command hall, where a CCTV reporter began conducting on-site interviews.
The first person to be interviewed was none other than Xiao Hu.
Qiao Jingjing immediately handed her phone to Xiao Li. "Quick, look—Xiao Hu is being interviewed."
Xiao Li was momentarily stunned, her eyes fixed on the phone screen. The reporter asked Xiao Hu quite a few questions, and he answered each one calmly and unhurriedly. Usually the most inarticulate person, he now spoke eloquently in front of the camera, exuding a professional charm.
Xiao Li watched, completely captivated.
The interview with Xiao Hu lasted a long time. Afterward, the reporter interviewed Academician Xiao, the chief scientist of the Shenzhou probe, who answered questions about the probe's significance and scientific goals. Finally, a highly respected senior in the aerospace field was interviewed.
With that, all the interviews concluded, and the camera cut back to the CCTV studio. The family members were still eager for more. Someone asked Qiao Jingjing, "Why wasn't your Yu Tu interviewed?"
Qiao Jingjing already knew that Yu Tu had arranged for Xiao Hu to take the interview opportunity, but she playfully replied, "Maybe the reporter interviews whoever catches their eye."
Everyone laughed. "Then Yu Tu should've been the obvious choice."
Xiao Li was still staring blankly at the phone. Qiao Jingjing wasn't in a hurry to take it back. She glanced at the command building behind her and came up with a new idea. "How about we wait here for them to come out and go back together?"
The suggestion was immediately met with approval, and everyone nodded. However, some were a bit worried. "When will they come out?"
Brother Wang said, "I don't know, but if we go back, we'll just be waiting anyway. Do you think any of us can sleep?"
The family members, still exhilarated from watching the rocket launch, shook their heads. "No way we can sleep. We might as well chat here with everyone.""Can we wait here?" Qiao Jingjing asked the staff member.
The staff member nodded, "You should be able to, just don't wander off."
So it was settled. Their current location was too central, so the group moved further toward the edge, finding a spot that was somewhat distant yet still offered a view of the main entrance. They browsed news on their phones and chatted while waiting for their family members to emerge. About an hour later, people began trickling out, but there was still no sign of Yu Tu and the others.
Professor Zhao, being more experienced, remarked, "These are probably the ones responsible for the rocket launch. Those in charge of the probe will definitely come out later."
After a while, Academician Xiao was the first to emerge. He was quite surprised to see them waiting and, pointing at Qiao Jingjing with a laugh, said, "Was this your idea?"
Qiao Jingjing grinned playfully, "Yes."
"I knew it. You young couples are full of clever ideas and quick wits. Wait a little longer; today's launch went very smoothly, so it shouldn't be too late."
Qiao Jingjing couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the lively and adorable assessment the old academician had of Yu Tu.
The staff escorted the two elderly people away first. Gradually, others left after reuniting with their families, until only Qiao Jingjing and Xiao Li remained outside the building.
Qiao Jingjing was starting to feel a bit drowsy from waiting when she finally saw Xiao Hu come out. Xiao Hu was both surprised and flattered to see them and asked Xiao Li in disbelief, "Were you waiting for me?"
Xiao Li felt a little embarrassed by his reaction, so Qiao Jingjing spoke up for her, "Who else would we be waiting for? Where's my Yu Tu? Why isn't he out yet?"
"He left with me, but it seems someone stopped him to talk. He should be out soon." Xiao Hu scratched his head, "We'll wait with you and leave together."
"No, no, no." Qiao Jingjing was utterly exasperated. Couldn't Xiao Hu spare a little intelligence for emotional intelligence? "Don't interrupt my and my Yu Tu's alone time."
Just as she said this, she caught sight of a figure descending the steps of the command building out of the corner of her eye. Qiao Jingjing quickly said, "I see him. You two go ahead. Bye, bye, bye. Hurry up and don't be third wheels."
Before Xiao Hu and his wife could react, she ran off. She quickened her pace toward Yu Tu but saw him stop by the roadside after descending the steps, taking out his phone as if to turn it on.
Their phones were all turned off inside. Now that he was out, he was turning it on—was he going to call her?
Qiao Jingjing immediately stopped as well and switched her phone to vibrate. However, after a moment, Yu Tu was already on a call, but her phone remained completely silent.
This was just too much.
Who was he calling?
Qiao Jingjing detoured through the grassy area nearby, approaching Yu Tu from behind. Just as she got close and was about to startle him, she heard him say.
"The Sou Shen probe still has many challenges ahead, but so far, we have lived up to the trust placed in us."
Qiao Jingjing froze in her tracks. She knew who he was talking to—it was Guan Zai.The birth of the Sou Shen spacecraft was fraught with twists and turns. The initial proposal was jointly designed and demonstrated by Guan Zai and Yu Tu. Later, Guan Zai left his post for two years due to illness, and Yu Tu took over most of his responsibilities. Subsequently, the project was shelved due to national strategic planning and was only revived the year before last, with Yu Tu directly appointed as chief designer. Yu Tu initially refused, citing Guan Zai’s return, but Guan Zai scolded him harshly upon learning of this. Due to technological advancements, the final design of the Sou Shen had fundamentally diverged from their original proposal. Moreover, Guan Zai’s health at the time was still insufficient to bear such demanding work, making Yu Tu undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
In the end, Yu Tu accepted the appointment and set even higher demands upon himself.
He had never forgotten Guan Zai’s earnest entrustment at the hospital.
For a moment, Qiao Jingjing felt both heartache and pride as she gazed at the man’s straight-backed silhouette under the night lights. This man, with his ideals and sense of responsibility, would always shine as brilliantly as the stars in her eyes—unmatched in all the world.
Her phone began to vibrate. Snapping back to reality, Qiao Jingjing realized Yu Tu had ended his call with Guan Zai and was now calling her.
Not wanting him to see her tear-filled eyes, she quickly ducked behind a nearby coconut tree and answered the call.
“Did you see it?”
“Yes.” Qiao Jingjing brushed away the lingering ache, covering her phone as she cheerfully replied, “Congratulations on the successful launch.”
“Mm.” Yu Tu chuckled softly and called her name, “Jingjing.”
“When the spacecraft separated from the rocket, everyone was applauding. It suddenly reminded me of what you told me long ago—‘You’ve already seen more stars than any other rabbit.’ Today, I’m truly going to see even more stars.”
“Thank you.”
Qiao Jingjing froze, gripping her phone. The ache she had just pushed away surged back with overwhelming intensity. Her eyes stung fiercely, and for a moment, she found herself speechless.
After a long pause, she stepped out from behind the coconut tree and said, “Turn around. I’m behind you.”
Yu Tu turned and saw her, his face breaking into a sudden smile. “Still so mischievous, even at your age.”
He put away his phone and walked toward her. Only when he stood before her did he notice her damp eyes. Reaching out to wipe her tears, a wave of remorse washed over him. He pulled her into his embrace and whispered, “You’ve been through so much.”
Qiao Jingjing shook her head, buried in his chest. There had been hardships, and occasionally, minor grievances, but none of that was why she suddenly felt like crying now.
These overwhelming tears were for the countless nights he had worked late at his desk, for the words he had just spoken to Guan Zai—“I have lived up to your trust”—for the persistence, glory, and dreams of a group of people.
For more stars.
For more distant galaxies.
(The End)
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