In the sweltering summer of 1988, the cicadas' incessant chirping filled the air, making the campus of Gucheng Middle School vibrant and lively. Tall camphor trees spread their dense green shade, and dappled sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees, and also eased the anxiety of the graduating students who were studying hard at their desks. In the classroom of Senior Three (1), the scratching sound of pens on paper rose and fell, forming a tense yet orderly symphony of exam preparation.

Chen Nian sat upright by the window, dressed in a faded blue and white school uniform, his posture as straight as a pine tree. His profile was distinct, with a high nose bridge, and his features inherited the gentleness of Lin Wanqiu and the heroic spirit of Chen Tingzhou. However, at this moment, his clear and bright eyes were focused intently on the draft paper on the table, his brows slightly furrowed, his expression carrying a thoughtful seriousness. The draft paper was densely covered with formulas, diagrams, and some ingenious mechanical structural diagrams, the ink varying in shades, showing that he had been studying it for quite some time.

With only a month left until the college entrance examination, the classroom was filled with a strong atmosphere of preparation, and the students were making the most of every minute to review their academic subjects. However, Shen Nian'an always took time to work on his "little inventions" after completing his assigned review tasks. This dedication to technological innovation stemmed from his strong interest in mathematics and physics since childhood, and was inseparable from the careful guidance and support of Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou.

As early as when Shen Nian'an was in junior high school, Lin Wanqiu discovered his extraordinary talent in mathematics and physics. While other children were still struggling to solve equations, he could already independently study junior high school math olympiad problems; while other children had a rudimentary understanding of circuit principles, he could already assemble simple radios from scrap parts. Lin Wanqiu knew that interest was the best teacher, so she didn't force her child to study by rote like other parents. Instead, she fully supported Shen Nian'an's hobbies, buying him a large number of popular science books and math competition problem sets. She even specially asked someone to buy a set of simple physics experimental equipment from the provincial capital.

Shen Tingzhou also often took time to discuss problems with Shen Nian'an. A former military officer, he had considerable knowledge of mechanics and circuits, and could always explain complex principles to Shen Nian'an in simple terms, guiding him to think about problems from different perspectives. With the encouragement and support of his parents, Shen Nian'an's talents were fully developed; his math and physics grades consistently ranked among the top, and he won numerous awards in school math and physics competitions.

After entering high school, Shen Nian'an's horizons broadened. He was no longer satisfied with simple theoretical learning and small-scale experiments, but began to focus on practical problems in life, wanting to use his knowledge and skills to develop products that could solve real-world difficulties. Once, he accompanied Shen Xiaogang to help at the "Natural Flavor" planting base and discovered that the base's irrigation relied entirely on manual labor, which was not only inefficient but also wasteful of water resources. Especially during the dry season, employees had to work under the scorching sun, watering the fruits and vegetables bucket by bucket. This was not only hard work, but also often resulted in uneven watering, causing some fruits and vegetables to grow poorly.

Seeing his employees drenched in sweat, Shen Nian'an felt a surge of responsibility. He wondered if he could design an automatic irrigation system that would save manpower, make efficient use of water resources, and ensure even irrigation of fruits and vegetables. Once this idea took root, it became unstoppable. From then on, Shen Nian'an became obsessed, researching a vast amount of relevant information, studying irrigation technology and circuit principles, determined to turn his idea into reality.

"Nian'an, thinking about your invention again?" His deskmate, Li Ming, leaned over, his face showing a hint of admiration. "The college entrance exam is only a month away, and you still have the mind to do this? Aren't you afraid it will affect your grades?"

Shen Nian'an raised her head, a determined glint in her eyes: "Don't worry, I've already made a study plan, it won't affect the college entrance exam. I've been researching this automatic irrigation device for several months, and now it's just missing the last crucial part, which I want to perfect as soon as possible."

Looking at the complex structural diagram on the draft paper, Li Ming couldn't help but exclaim in amazement: "You're amazing! You actually designed an automatic irrigation device yourself. I heard that the province is holding a youth science and technology innovation competition recently. If you submit this invention, it will definitely win an award!"

"A science and technology innovation competition?" Shen Nian'an's eyes lit up. He had indeed heard his teacher mention it before, but he had been busy perfecting his invention and hadn't had time to pay attention.

"Yes!" Li Ming said excitedly, "This competition is highly prestigious. Winning not only gets you a certificate and prize money, but it also adds points to your college entrance exam! Many top universities value the results of this competition. With your talent, you shouldn't miss this great opportunity!"

A thought struck Shen Nian'an. His initial intention in developing the automatic irrigation device was to help solve practical problems at the planting base. However, if he could gain recognition through the competition, it would not only boost his college entrance exam score but also allow more people to learn about the device, potentially helping even more farmers solve their irrigation problems. With this in mind, his resolve strengthened.

After school, Shen Nian'an couldn't wait to tell Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou about her idea of ​​participating in the science and technology innovation competition.

By this time, "Natural Taste" had developed into a well-known food company in China, and Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were busier than ever before, but they never neglected their children's care and education. The living room was spacious and bright, with various certificates of merit that Shen Nian'an had received from childhood hanging on the wall, and the bookshelves filled with books and Shen Nian'an's experimental equipment.

Lin Wanqiu was preparing dinner in the kitchen when she heard Shen Nian'an's words. She immediately stopped what she was doing and a gratified smile appeared on her face: "Nian'an, Mom supports you! Your invention can help the planting base solve the irrigation problem, which is a very meaningful thing in itself. If you can participate in the competition and let more people see your achievements, that would also be a good thing."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!