Chapter 270: Hexagram Maxed Out
The ups and downs of life could not be more extreme than this.
The moment Qian Fei felt something wrong with his body, he realized trouble was brewing.
Wenchang, as China’s rocket launch base, has seen its launch frequency steadily increasing in recent years, with supporting capabilities for rocket launches also under simultaneous construction.
Among them, Tongji Wenchang Hospital, managed by the Tongji Medical College of Huake since its completion 14 years ago, has been responsible for the medical support at Wenchang Space Launch Site.
Here there is an astronaut zone, providing rest and adjustment for astronauts returning to Earth, with a series of professional equipment for measuring body metrics.
During their time at Tongji Wenchang Hospital, Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo mainly focused on recovery training and flight simulation training.
To become astronauts and reach this point today, both Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo have impeccable physical fitness.
Just like Buzz at 90 years old, appearing younger than most 70-year-olds, that’s what excellent basic conditions do.
So, when Qian Fei let out his first sneeze, he knew something major was wrong.
Sure enough, the checkup confirmed it was the most familiar illness at the time.
Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo felt like the sky was falling; the ambitions during the lunar flyby test, the fantasies during the moon landing simulation, all past glories turned into an illusory bubble.
Worse still, this thing could very well have aftereffects, delaying not just this time but possibly the next few as well.
“General Manager Lin, sorry, we were careless, we didn’t think…”
Lin Ran had no way to visit them in person, so he could only connect via video.
Seeing Qian Fei’s expression, Lin Ran felt just as bad inside.
He had indeed always planned to go into space himself.
From the moment he obtained the gate, Lin Ran had immediately used his university knowledge about astronauts to confirm his own physical condition.
In astronaut-related courses, Lin Ran learned many methods for testing the body.
Including limb positioning, repeated movement trajectory, and muscle control—these training subjects without props—Lin Ran had long confirmed that his physical fitness was absolutely better than any astronaut’s.
His degree of body control could even be called the best among humans.
With such physical endowment, plus the gate’s ability, it meant that if he became an astronaut, he would absolutely be the best.
It was just that in the past, Lin Ran’s vision for personally stepping up was after moon landing maturity, then going to the lunar front line as a scientist to command moon base construction work.
Not just to guide the work, but also to give himself stronger motivation.
Since he was leading humanity to the universe, staying on Earth every day without seeing it with his own eyes or feeling it firsthand—such motivation would eventually wither.
So in Lin Ran’s plan, he would go sooner or later; it was just a matter of time.
Unexpectedly, the Americans resorted to such a desperate move to stop China’s moon landing.
Rushing overnight to Wenchang, straight off the plane into a car without a moment’s rest, Song Nanping’s first words upon seeing Lin Ran were:
“General Manager Lin, we’ve investigated the matter thoroughly.
The medical personnel responsible for the astronauts were meticulously selected, all over 40 with sufficiently rich experience, but loopholes still appeared.
Our risk identification in the cryptocurrency area wasn’t thorough enough, leading to a nurse’s husband suffering massive losses from cryptocurrency involvement, prompting him to take desperate risks.
Her husband is already in Maple Leaf Country, and she was intercepted by us.”
Song Nanping was full of regret, feeling their work fell short.
Lin Ran waved his hand, “That’s how it is; the interests at stake are too great. The moon landing’s impact on the Donkey Party is massive, and with midterm elections next year, they won’t let us succeed at this time no matter what.
We anticipated it early, but didn’t expect that despite full preparations, they’d still find an opening.
But actually, it’s quite normal. Isn’t there a saying that goes like this?
Only a thousand days of thieving, no thousand days of guarding against thieves.
No matter how perfect, if the enemy wants trouble, they’ll always find an opportunity.
Learn from this setback and grow wiser.”
Lin Ran waved his hand, and Song Nanping said with a bitter smile: “Sigh, yes, a slip-up when success was just one step away.
The last ninety percent is the hardest of a hundred miles; our security team will fully strengthen related work going forward.
But the moon landing, it seems impossible for this Christmas.”
Song Nanping let out a long sigh after speaking.
He knew Lin Ran had met the big shot and promised him the moon landing would be completed this year.
Lin Ran raised an eyebrow: “Who said no moon landing?
We have 5 astronauts total; with two down, aren’t there still three?
Pick one as the command module cruise officer—I’ll go myself!”
Song Nanping could understand the first part, since everyone’s training content had always been the same; only Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo got the manned spaceflight opportunity.
But the latter part made no sense—what did “you go yourself” mean.
“You personally?” Song Nanping’s tone trembled.
Lin Ran nodded: “Exactly, half a month left—plenty of time.
Perfectly, Wenchang has training facilities; train on-site for half a month, and on Christmas, I’ll execute the mission as an astronaut.”
Song Nanping shook his head repeatedly, faster than a rattle drum: “No no no, General Manager Lin, Professor, please don’t joke.”
Lin Ran said seriously: “I’m not joking.
The more the enemy doesn’t want us to do it, the more we must.
Besides, in my view, Qian Fei or Zhao Jianguo are just safe choices—I’m the best choice.
On this Earth, no one understands moon landing better than me, theory or practice!”
Lin Ran spoke with a tone of “I’m going, it’s decided, no discussion,” nearly bringing Song Nanping to tears.
In his long life, he’d seen plenty of storms, but this was the first time facing such a tricky situation.
Lin Ran was about his son’s age; with his son, he’d already be wielding the stick, but this was Lin Ran.
Assigned to this job, after the moon landing went from pie in the sky to reality, Song Nanping’s arrangement was to block bullets with his own body if Lin Ran’s life was in danger.
Now the guy wanted to go to the moon and court death—how to block, how to stop?
He hurriedly said: “Professor, even if delayed a year, no one would think you’re bluffing.
Astronauts meeting an accident instead proves our moon landing is real.
October’s lunar flyby test fully proved we’re just one step from the goal.
You say no one knows moon landing better than you—that’s no issue, no one can challenge you there, but you don’t need to prove it by going yourself.
Professor, this idea is way too crazy.
If you’d trained before, it’d be debatable, but you’ve never trained—suddenly going to the moon.
I disagree, and the country won’t agree!”
For the first time, Song Nanping regretted not listening carefully during internal negotiation training, now unable to grasp the key points or convince Lin Ran.
Song Nanping always knew Lin Ran was the country’s treasure, Fields Medal level mathematician—not just among Chinese people, even including all Chinese people, few reached this level.
After witnessing the 2020 moon landing miracle firsthand, the treasure had upgraded to the Imperial Seal.
He not only knew it was an assignment from above to guarantee Lin Ran’s life with his own, he also endorsed it—Lin Ran couldn’t die; his contributions to the country now and in the future far outweighed his life.
Seeing Old Song like this, Lin Ran grinned:
“Old Song, relax, I never do anything without certainty.
Moon landing in a year and a half—who dared imagine before I did it?
Most people probably didn’t even dare think it.
Half a month for moon landing training? Piece of cake for me.
I’ve watched their astronaut training before; relax, no need to say more.”
Lin Ran waved him out: “My mind is set.”
Song Nanping left Lin Ran’s office with a bitter smile, thinking if he couldn’t convince Lin Ran, someone else would have to.
Anyway, no way.
The first call came from Songjiang side:
“Professor Lin, we know your obsession with moon landing—young man, great body, always wanting to see the moon yourself.
If I weren’t old, I’d want to go too.
But China has a saying: the gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. We support you going, after all, we’ve trained scientists as astronauts.
But first time’s risk is too high; I suggest slowing down—the moon landing window comes every year, go next year, still first person on the moon in the 21st century.
With Americans’ production mechanisms and production capacity, impossible to catch up in a short year.”
The voice on the phone was earnestly persuasive.
Lin Ran understood and said:
“Don’t worry, this isn’t reckless without preparation—it’s the most fitting decision under perfect timing, geography, and harmony, going with the flow.
Here’s the deal: I know what you’re worried about—my safety.
Before going up, I’ll definitely train; China Aerospace can send their elite astronauts.
We’ll train together for the moon landing; if they outperform me, I’ll back off.
If China’s astronauts can’t match me after just half a month as moon landing trainees, then I’ll execute the moon landing mission as originally planned.”
This is the advantage of private enterprise.
Rockets, lunar modules—all our own.
The other side could only negotiate in a consultative tone.
If he were with China Aerospace, even as chief engineer, he couldn’t be this willful.
After a moment’s silence, the phone replied with one word: “Fine.”
“Our company’s astronauts Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo have currently tested positive for COVID-19. Given this situation, the official moon landing originally scheduled for December 25 may face delay.”
Apollo Technology’s official Weibo post sparked conspiracy theories everywhere.
“How could Americans be so evil.jpg”
“No way, have Americans gone this insane?”
“Previously said they were anxious but it was fake; this time it’s real anxiety.”
“Damn, was waiting for the Chinese Christmas offensive; I say the Christmas offensive is toxic!”
“Nowhere for New Year’s Day holiday, just waiting at home for Chinese moon landing live broadcast—then this? Americans too evil.”
Meanwhile, China Aerospace’s two astronauts, Li Cong and Li Guang.
The pair were China’s third batch of selected astronauts, juniors to Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo.
The third batch selected 18 from 2500, then China Aerospace picked two from those 18.
China Aerospace leaders were already sullen for not finding a human computer—why only one Lin Ran?
They found even training couldn’t produce anyone at Lin Ran’s level.
Of course, this was also the leaders’ leaders’ demand: make Lin Ran recognize the gap, don’t think he’s omnipotent—no one can max both IQ and combat power.
Here combat power in quotes.
Li Cong and Li Guang had absolute confidence too; they couldn’t beat a scientist? That’s a joke.
But soon they couldn’t laugh.
First content: lunar terrain maps and spacecraft structural diagrams, with tablet computers and mission manuals in front of everyone.
Buzz Aldrin said: “Today we study moon landing program; next, Qian Fei will remotely explain steps from lunar orbit to landing.”
“Okay, first, we separate the lunar module from the command module, then ignite descent orbit insertion to lower perigee to 15 km. Then power descent, using descent engine to slow speed; in final approach, find suitable landing site and adjust.”
Qian Fei thought they were China Aerospace astronauts training for next year’s moon landing under him.
He felt a mix of sourness and relief inside, thinking maybe this is fate—don’t force what isn’t meant to be.
And China Aerospace astronauts were surely more professional than them.
Lin Ran was also seated, notebook in front; Qian Fei thought Professor Lin just wanted to listen along.
“In this process, parameters to monitor include altitude, descent rate, horizontal velocity, and fuel level, while watching for obstacles and terrain.”
“Also, the communication officer monitors systems, ready for manual control, maintaining communication with mission control center and command module pilot. Lunar orbit commander maintains orbit, conducts science observations, and handles emergencies.”
“Today we learn spacecraft systems, mission procedures, and lunar geology, ensuring familiarity with every step from launch to return.”
Buzz Aldrin corrected: “Qian, not today—two hours. Finish all content in two hours; no need to care about their comprehension.”
Location: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, simulator facilities
Characters: Commander Li, Astronaut Wang, Astronaut Zhang, simulator technician
Simulation hands-on began one day later.
Simulator shipped from Shanghai placed in a room, center a full-size lunar module model, surrounded by large screens simulating lunar surface and orbit views.
Buzz Aldrin said: “Okay, simulation starts; you each take turns.
Professor, you first.
You’re now in lunar orbit, preparing separation.”
Lin Ran: “Received. Initiate separation sequence.”
Simulator vibrated slightly, simulating separation movement.
“Separation confirmed. Begin descent orbit insertion ignition.”
“Ignition complete. Now entering power descent.”
Lin Ran adjusted controls based on simulation data, simulating landing, eyes fixed on screen’s height and speed data, hands steadily adjusting the control stick.
Training content included simulating spacecraft separation, orbital adjustment, power descent, and landing, practicing normal and emergency operations.
Li Cong and Li Guang didn’t know what to say—your private aerospace agency trains this wildly?
Their training started at two and a half years.
(Selected September 2020, training completion announced May 2023, exactly two and a half years)
For simulator operation: learn theory first, watch instructor demo, then hands-on; at start of hands-on, instructor watches; only after familiarizing each segment, connect for full operation.
Apollo Technology style—two hours theory, then straight to full hands-on—they’d never seen.
And Professor Lin’s fluid operation left them speechless—really no prior training?
“Successful return.” After successful return announcement, Lin Ran left simulator on Buzz Aldrin’s instruction.
Li Cong and Li Guang thought the simulator was too simple, hence the smoothness.
But when they tried hands-on, they found it wasn’t.
This simulator was brutally hard, few automatic parts, huge instantaneous computation demands aside, interface very outdated, not user-friendly, no modern software user design thinking.
But that was still okay.
Manual calculation segments—including orbital calculation, orbital maneuver timing judgment, celestial quick positioning—made them question life, thanks to Lin Ran.
Buzz Aldrin taught using straightedge and compass for quick determination; Lin Ran did it by eye.
Of course, that wasn’t the most deflating.
Most deflating awaited underwater physical training.
Wenchang built underwater training facilities these two years to simulate space’s low gravity.
“Today we practice extravehicular activity in the pool; adapt to moving in spacesuits, simulating moon’s low gravity.”
Everyone donned spacesuits and entered water.
Underwater, whether walking, jumping, or using tools—including deploying equipment and collecting samples—Li Cong and Li Guang found even physical segments they couldn’t match Lin Ran.
And they were military elites.
Finally, three days before moon landing simulation, they didn’t even want to participate, zero confidence.
Only because it was a mission did they force themselves to train.
That night Song Nanping saw final scores: China’s astronauts all above 80—very good for 12 days, worthy of elites among elites.
Lin Ran full marks, instantly making Song Nanping feel the gap: “No way, you maxed the hexagram?”
