Chapter 269: I’ll Go There Personally
“No, is this job recruiting people or Superman?”
The next evening, it was Li Yiqing’s turn to lie in bed playing Genshin Impact, while Xu Xian returned to the dorm with a speechless expression.
As soon as he entered the dorm, he turned on his mic, seemingly wanting to vent all the pent-up anger from the interview during the day:
“No, can any human really pass this interview?
Has China Aerospace gone completely crazy after seeing Brother Ran successfully complete the lunar flyby test recently, offering a million annual salary to recruit Superman?
The screen suddenly fills with numbers, then you only get five minutes to complete a standard space orbital calculation within five minutes, without even giving you a pen or a sheet of draft paper, just to solve a second-order ordinary differential equation in vector form.
You ask if it’s a bit too difficult, and they say it’s the most basic requirement, without increasing the difficulty right away; originally, it was going to start with second-order ODEs involving three independent variables.
wcnm! I got pissed just seeing that guy, wanted to punch him twice; mental calculation of partial differential equations as if it were abacus mental math—abacus mental math is just addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; if you asked abacus mental math experts to calculate ordinary differential equations, they’d just glare.
Second-order ODEs are just the starting point, the most basic requirement.
Would someone who can mentally calculate second-order ODEs in five minutes, a human self-walking computing machine, need to come here for a mere million annual salary?”
Xu Xian was unusually angry, feeling that if they couldn’t afford it, they shouldn’t put on a monkey show.
Mathematics undergraduates have great career prospects; at the graduate level, whether switching to coding, finance, or other science and engineering fields, they are eagerly sought after by mentors, and even big companies love recruiting math department undergrads to train slowly.
Xu Xian even had a classmate who majored in math as an undergrad, then went to Germany for a PhD in philosophy.
“Hahaha, do you know what the second round is if you pass the first?” Li Yiqing asked.
Xu Xian was shocked: “Someone passed the first round?”
Li Yiqing nodded: “I heard a junior from the class of 2019 passed; the second round is similar to the first, which you’ve experienced, but the computational load increases sharply.
Calculate the standard two-body problem involving three independent variables, with time as a variable, also second-order ODEs, but with an added variable.”
ODEs: Ordinary differential equations.
Space orbital calculation mainly relies on ODEs.
(The image shows online notes from the University of Connecticut’s aerospace engineering on orbital mechanics and celestial dynamics, with referenced textbooks including “Fundamentals of Celestial Mechanics,” “Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students,” “Introduction to Hamiltonian Dynamical Systems and N-Body Problems,” “Applied Mathematical Sciences” Volume 90, etc.)
“I estimate the next step is to add vectors, then multi-body problems, then include combustion parameters, even consider perturbation terms—damn, this isn’t recruiting people.
You’re right, this is recruiting human computers!” Li Yiqing couldn’t help but complain: “What got into China Aerospace?”
This was a complaint delayed by a full day; he wanted to vent yesterday, but if he hadn’t seen Xu Xian go through this torment, he would have turned on his mic long ago.
“Recruiting a big shot who can mentally calculate ordinary differential equations at this level, is a million enough?
Isn’t this just like trying to recruit the fastest runner in all of China with a million? Why wouldn’t they do something else that’s more profitable than your million?”
Before Li Yiqing finished, Xu Xian interrupted: “They must have been stimulated; have you seen the recent news?”
Li Yiqing nodded: “Of course, the biggest news hotspot lately is the Apollo Moon Landing, right?
Ran Shen and they are launching a Christmas offensive on Christmas Day.
Plus the successful completion of this lunar flyby test, everyone thinks there’s no obstacle left before China’s moon landing—it’s a done deal, unless the Americans master Zenith Star technology and actually dare to shoot down the rocket.
Ran Shen choosing to bring Aldrin along is brilliant—not only attacks the heart, but also blocks the Americans’ path of shooting down the rocket; shooting down their own moon landing merit, no president dares take that risk.”
Xu Xian said wistfully: “You forgot, for this moon landing test, all the notable big shots from China Aerospace went to Wenchang to observe on site.
After on-site observation, they came to Yenching University to hold an absurdly bizarre recruitment fair.
There must be a reference point; with a reference, they’d arrange such outrageous interviews—think about who they saw in Wenchang that stimulated them, leading to this kind of interview?”
Li Yiqing said weakly: “You mean Ran Shen mentally calculated orbital calculations in five minutes on site, stimulating China Aerospace’s big shots, so they want to recruit a god who can rival Ran Shen themselves?
Even for Ran Shen, his instantaneous computation ability isn’t that outrageous, right?”
Li Yiqing said uncertainly.
Before, he would have definitively concluded: humans simply can’t do it.
But this guy Lin Ran completely solved the twin prime conjecture on the front foot, and pushed manned moon landing to the final step on the back foot—these achievements all exploded in just two short years.
So with Lin Ran, Li Yiqing dared not say “impossible.”
Li Yiqing’s words interrupted Xu Xian’s recollection; he was still recalling his elliptic partial differential equation, which Brother Ran solved for him via remote video conference in three moves and five strokes—thinking of that, he became even more convinced of his judgment:
“Exactly, ninety-nine percent it’s Brother Ran; Brother Ran stimulated all of China Aerospace’s big shots.
I even dare say Brother Ran’s on-site performance was probably even more exaggerated than this.
If the interview difficulty is 100, Brother Ran showed at least 150, so China Aerospace’s big shots think a pervert like Brother Ran is probably the only one in the nation.
So I’ll lower the threshold to two-thirds of Brother Ran; two-thirds, I want one, that’s not too much, right?”
What Xu Xian couldn’t guess was that Lin Ran performed at 1000 points, China Aerospace lowered the difficulty to 100 points, yet found that even at Yenching University, the best math university in China, everyone could only reach 30 points.
The success of Apollo Technology’s lunar flyby test and the upcoming moon landing were simply a sweet dilemma for Bilibili.
The dilemma was that this year alone would exhaust all 1.2 billion; 1.2 billion is no small cash flow for any company.
The sweetness was that as the moon landing possibility increased, higher-end partners came to negotiate cooperation.
Just to occupy a small slot in the moon landing live broadcast room, the starting price is 100 million; less than 100 million, no talk.
Of course, this 100 million needs to be split with Apollo Technology, after all, it’s Apollo Technology’s official live broadcast room.
And ads for the moon landing documentary sold out to eternity, from opening to end credits, even densely packed in the middle, all ads.
For example, when interviewing Apollo Technology employees wearing Nike, Li Ni would contact Nike’s marketing department to ask if they want to advertise; if not, the documentary would block the Nike logo.
If they pay, then keep it.
Just around the moon landing, Bilibili had already recouped costs.
When interviewed, Chen Rui claimed this was Bilibili’s most worthwhile deal, and the return for persisting in building a youth culture community.
Bilibili frequently hyped on social media, touting how profitable the cooperation with Apollo Technology was, to return to the Hong Kong Stock Market for listing with a good valuation and premium.
Right, the Nasdaq investigation stopped, but Apollo Technology is too hot—hot enough that Mr. President and the former president mention this company every few days.
The former president even retweeted a Twitter with the little TV logo, forcing Bilibili and the capital behind it to seriously consider: as long as cooperating with Apollo Technology, targeting is inevitable, just a matter of early or late.
Might as well directly return to the Hong Kong Stock Market.
Not just Bilibili enjoying this sweet dilemma; as the head of Apollo Technology’s business department, Li Xiaoman was in Shanghai, with tech companies coming to negotiate cooperation having worn out the threshold of Kunshan Apollo Technology building.
So much so that the investment circle joked: any itinerary without Kunshan lately can’t count as a first-tier tech company.
“General Manager Li, Xiaomi already shows great sincerity: moon landing co-branded model, one-time 100 million authorization fee.” Xu Fei was Xiaomi’s marketing head and chief marketing officer.
She felt exhausted because negotiation was a marathon; Xiaomi hoped to take the lead.
Li Xiaoman shook her head: “If it’s just phone authorization, without exclusivity agreement, then 100 million is indeed enough.
But you want to sign an exclusivity agreement—smartphones, tablet computers, electronic products can only cooperate with Xiaomi—then 100 million is too little.
I won’t say more; this money, I believe Nubia and Black Shark can both fork out.”
Xu Fei frowned: “How can they compare to Xiaomi?
General Manager Li, you also need to consider the empowering effect on your brand from the co-branding partner.
Cooperating with Xiaomi targets global, nationwide youth; we two naturally have a cooperation foundation, both walking the ultimate cost-performance route.
Back then Xiaomi dropped smartphone prices to 1999, and your company dropped the moon landing threshold from hundreds of billions USD to 1 billion RMB, both embodiments of ultimate cost-performance.
Cooperating with Nubia or Black Shark gives no brand momentum boost beyond money.
While cooperating with Xiaomi is mutual win-win.
Moon landing has timeliness, but with Xiaomi, we keep releasing moon landing alliance models, leveraging our massive marketing system, China’s first moon landing will keep being recalled in everyone’s minds.
That’s something other manufacturers can’t do.”
As chief brand officer, Xu Fei spoke convincingly.
Li Xiaoman frowned: “Who said it’s one-time?
We moon land this year, reusable rocket next year, then use reusable Saturn V for moon landing the year after; our corporate image can be more tech-laden than Huawei.
Our cooperation is us empowering Xiaomi, not Xiaomi empowering us, okay.
Smartphone market has countless brands, but moon landing—SpaceX can’t, NASA can’t, now globally only Apollo Technology can.”
Li Xiaoman glanced at her watch and said: “Sorry, General Manager Xu, I think you may need to think more; I have to go to the next meeting.”
Li Xiaoman got up and left, without even a glance lingering on the other.
As soon as Li Xiaoman turned, Xu Fei, who had been maintaining a smile, immediately became sullen.
“Buzz, how are you feeling now?”
Only one month left until the final moon landing; astronauts Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo were doing final adjustments at Tongji Wenchang Hospital.
Short-term consecutive twice manned spaceflight missions are grueling for any astronaut, especially with a third right after.
Only Aldrin was doing final preparations.
Though in Apollo Technology’s internal plan, there were no task requirements for Aldrin, he didn’t think so himself; he still demanded himself according to astronaut standards from 60 years ago.
“Professor, thank you very, very, very much.” Aldrin turned to look at Lin Ran.
Strictly speaking, he’d been in China just one year.
This one year was like a dream to him—wonderful like a dream; the fantastical drift of the boy in the movie was fake, but his lunar fantastical drift was real.
At this moment, Aldrin was immensely grateful to himself from a year ago for having the courage to bet his entire fortune, his heart still that 1960s youth full of longing and persistence for space.
“Professor, with your ability, you didn’t need to cooperate with me at all, didn’t need me to pull investment; you could casually raise enough funds from the market.
You gave me the opportunity; my help is negligible.” Aldrin said sincerely.
Got all the gold coins squeezed out and still has to say thanks.
As mentioned earlier, Pony spent 50 million USD from Aldrin to buy 30% shares.
Aldrin had just that 50 million USD plus 19% Apollo Technology shares; he’d signed a will with a Hong Kong lawyer leaving it all to Lin Ran, not a cent to his children.
After the will was reported by Hong Kong reporters, Aldrin’s children far away in America cursed even harder, all sorts of abuse on Twitter.
Lin Ran smiled: “Buzz, I help you, you help me.
You having this opportunity is due to my merit, and also your persistence for the moon.”
A smile appeared on Aldrin’s face:
“Yes, this is an unbelievable opportunity. When I first stepped on the moon in 1969, that moment changed my life and the course of history.
To have the chance to go back again, especially at my age, my current feeling is both humble and excited.
Professor, before meeting you, I never thought I’d have this day, but thanks to technological progress and renewed interest in space exploration, we’ve finally reached today, just one step away from moon landing.”
Aldrin paused, a smile on his face as he recalled memories of the first moon landing.
He felt excitement and tension intertwined, anticipating the upcoming journey.
“Professor, if I’m not in good condition, let me die on the moon.” Aldrin emphasized again.
Lin Ran grinned and said: “Okay, Buzz, if you really want to die on the moon, I’ll definitely have Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo find you a suitable spot.”
Aldrin laughed: “I’m really looking forward to it.
Professor, personally, to step on the moon again, see it with my own eyes, measure it with my feet, touch it with my hands—I really feel this life has no regrets.”
After a silence, Aldrin broke it:
“No, I do have a regret: Professor, why didn’t you appear earlier.
I won’t get to see your grand blueprint for moon development become reality—that’s probably my biggest regret now.”
Lin Ran’s Tim interview statements on moon development were also widely circulated on Twitter.
Not to mention Aldrin, he definitely knew.
On Twitter, Lin Ran’s grand blueprint not only got no recognition but was heavily criticized.
To foreigners, what right does one Chinese company have to develop the moon?
The moon is humanity’s moon; you go up there is one thing, but saying adding another enclave 380,000 km away for China—did all humanity agree?
The country with the most population—India, agreed?
So Indian netizens opposed most strongly.
“China wants to treat the moon as its ‘enclave’? The moon is humanity’s, not some country’s! India won’t agree! #MoonForAll #StopChina”
“@isro, speed up! Can’t let China dominate the moon, we must prove India can too! #ISRO #LunarRace”
Of course, Indian netizens knew India alone was difficult, so also comments like:
“China’s expansionism endless, the world must unite to stop it! #GlobalUnity #MoonBelongsToAll”
Indians want to stop it, feel a bit lone, so add the whole world!
“As an Indian, proud of ISRO’s achievements, but China madman Randolph’s moon base plan and possible claims are worrying; we need to protect the moon from territorial disputes!”
And even funnier:
“Randolph is an Indian-descended student; his contributions have India’s part—we should have shares in Apollo Technology!”
News of Nilanjan’s arrest didn’t leak outside at all, only sporadic messages in Stony Brook University’s Line group, like ripples quickly calming.
Back at Wenchang Aerospace Center, Lin Ran said:
“Buzz, don’t deliberately die on the moon; I still look forward to seeing you back on Earth!”
Aldrin said seriously: “Rest assured, Professor, I’ll come back alive.”
Half a month later, at Wenchang Aerospace Center, Aldrin saw Lin Ran again; he wasn’t sure what Lin Ran wanted with him.
Lin Ran’s face was heavy: “Buzz, let me tell you some bad news.”
Aldrin instinctively thought of an accident with the moon landing: “What? Saturn V malfunctioned?”
Lin Ran shook his head: “No, not Saturn V, but your original companions, Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo—both had issues.
For some reason, both infected with virus.”
Aldrin stood stunned, unable to calm his mood for a moment.
The old man, at 91 years old, delaying a year meant who knows what accidents.
A year has its year’s accidents.
Lin Ran continued:
“Of course, there’s also good news, and a task for you.”
Aldrin immediately perked up: “Professor, tell me.”
Lin Ran said decisively: “Half a month left; I’ll familiarize with Ben Yue Hao operation. This time I’m not at control center as commander; I’ll go personally!”
