Li Ming looked directly into the other person's eyes: "Sir, I am very grateful to the Star-Striped Alliance for the opportunity to study. However, no matter how difficult my homeland is, it is still my homeland. If she needs me, I should return. As for research conditions, even under the most difficult conditions, Dragon Country people can achieve success; this is our tradition."
A silence fell in the room.
"Mr. Li, you must understand," the consultant's tone became serious, "some technologies relate to national security. If you intend to take these technologies back to Dragon Country, that will be illegal."
"I understand," Li Ming replied calmly, "I will only take back my fundamental knowledge and patriotism. These two should not be on the prohibited items list, right?"
The consultant and the administrative staff exchanged a look, then said: "Alright, the interview is over. Please go back and await the final decision."
Similar interviews continued for two full days.
Eventually, the school and the Star-Striped Alliance Department of Education made a decision: some Dragon Country international students could leave the school but had to undergo luggage checks; another group of students, especially those studying "sensitive majors," were required to complete a series of "additional assessments," which was effectively a disguised delay.
Even worse, students like Li Ming, who studied aerospace engineering, were informed that their departure applications required "special approval," with an uncertain timeline.
In reality, this already constituted house arrest.
The situation reached a stalemate.
The international students united and refused to accept the unreasonable demands, but the American side also refused to budge.
Both sides were at a standstill for nearly two weeks until the appearance of an unexpected figure changed the situation.
Professor Qian, a highly respected figure in the Star-Striped Alliance academic community.
He had always kept a low profile and rarely participated in political activities.
But this time, he publicly stepped forward.
At a weekend professors' meeting, Professor Qian issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the school's discriminatory practices against Dragon Country international students and threatening that if this continued, he would make the matter public, letting the entire American academic community know how this prestigious school was trampling on academic freedom.
"It is their right and loyalty to their homeland for these young people to choose to return to serve their country," Professor Qian said, "As a university that advocates freedom and respect, we should support their choices, not set up obstacles."
As the most important person, Professor Qian's words carried significant weight.
Coupled with the fact that some liberal media began to pay attention to the incident, the school and the Star-Striped Alliance government finally conceded.
Under Professor Qian's mediation, the school agreed to release all Dragon Country international students who applied to return home, with only routine checks of their luggage.
As for the impounded notes and materials, most were returned, with only some deemed "sensitive materials" not being recovered.
Thus, in the third week after arriving in the Star-Striped Alliance, Li Ming and more than fifty other Dragon Country international students were finally permitted to embark on their journey home.
Before their departure, Professor Qian specifically came to see them off.
"Young people," he said to Li Ming and several aerospace students, "the future of our homeland rests on your shoulders. The Star-Striped Alliance people are worried about you taking away technology because they know the Dragon Country people have the ability to catch up. Go forth and build the New Long Country with your knowledge and talent!"
Everyone collectively thanked Professor Qian for his righteous assistance. Wang Dachuan, on behalf of everyone, bowed to Professor Qian in gratitude:
"Professor, we will not forget your help. If there's an opportunity in the future, you must also..."
Professor Qian smiled and nodded: "I look forward to that day."
...
After all that commotion, it felt like it was almost the beginning of the new year.
At the port, an ocean liner slowly set sail, carrying hopeful Dragon Country international students.
They stood on the deck, watching the gradually receding Star-Striped Alliance coastline, their hearts a mix of complex emotions and excitement.
"Finally, we're going home," Wang Deming said with emotion.
Li Ming looked up at the blue sky, taking a deep breath of the sea breeze: "Yes, the new journey has just begun."
In the cabin, everyone began discussing their plans after returning home.
Some wanted to teach at universities, some intended to enter research institutes, and others wanted to directly participate in industrial construction.
"Xiao Li, what about you? What are your plans?" Wang Dachuan asked.
Li Ming smiled: "I want to go to the aerospace Industrial Department and contribute to the nation's aviation industry."
"That's a great ambition!" Wang Dachuan patted his shoulder, "With your talent, you will surely achieve something."
Li Ming didn't say much, just nodded silently.
The atmosphere in the cabin grew more lively as everyone enthusiastically discussed their hopes and aspirations for the New Long Country, looking forward to returning to that newly reborn land and contributing to national construction with their knowledge and hard work.
...
The ship sailed for nearly a month before finally entering Dragon Country waters.
As the ship approached the port, the international students on deck spontaneously surged to the bow, eagerly craning their necks to gaze at the long-missed land.
Li Ming also stood by the railing, looking at the five-starred red flag fluttering in the wind at the distant port, his heart surging with emotion for a moment.
"Look! That's our national flag!" Someone shouted excitedly.
Everyone involuntarily straightened their backs, their eyes welling up.
Just a few years ago, this flag didn't exist, but now, it represented a brand new nation, a nation of their own.
Li Ming took a deep breath, savoring the moment.
"Hey, what are you spacing out about?" Wang Deming patted Li Ming's shoulder, "Look at you smiling; are you thinking of something good?"
"Nothing, just thinking that I can finally do something for my homeland, and I'm happy about it," Li Ming collected his thoughts and replied casually.
The ship slowly docked, and the port platform was already filled with a welcoming crowd.
A huge banner with the large characters "Warm Welcome to Overseas Scholars Returning Home for Construction" stood out prominently against its bright red background.
As the group stepped onto the soil of their homeland, enthusiastic applause and cheers immediately erupted.
Li Ming felt as if he were participating in a grand ceremony, every step filled with a sense of history.
"Welcome back, comrades!" A middle-aged man in a faded blue Zhongshan suit and square glasses walked forward, his voice clear and resonant, "I am He Zhiyuan, the team leader sent by the organization to welcome everyone."
He Zhiyuan appeared to be in his early fifties, with dark skin and wrinkles on his face that revealed traces of years of outdoor work, yet his eyes were exceptionally bright and sharp, exuding an air of capability and wisdom.
"comrades, you've worked hard!" He Zhiyuan surveyed everyone, "According to the arrangements, everyone will take a special train to the Capital, where work will be uniformly arranged by the relevant departments. Now, please follow me to the lounge for a quick bite to eat, and then we'll depart."
On the way to the lounge, Li Ming looked around, and everything he saw overlapped with historical images in his memory:
Simple port facilities, plainly dressed workers, and occasionally seen propaganda slogans, all exuded the unique atmosphere of that era.
"Team Leader He, how are things domestically now?" Wang Dachuan walked beside He Zhiyuan, asking impatiently.
He Zhiyuan put on an encouraging expression: "The domestic situation is gradually improving. The war has basically ended, and most regions have been liberated. Although imperialist forces still dream of strangling our young nation, under the leadership of the organization, the People's Army and the entire nation, united as one, have achieved decisive victory."
He paused, his tone turning serious: "However, everything needs to be rebuilt! Industry, agriculture, science and technology, education—everything needs construction. Especially our weak industrial foundation, many key technologies are still controlled by others, which is why the nation places such importance on you, the talents returning from overseas study."