Che Jingang, from Hainan Island, unexpectedly gained fame after numerous media outlets reported on a jet engine he built at home.

His fascination began in kindergarten when he noticed a crumpled paper ball fell in a parabola, while a paper airplane could glide gracefully. Che sought to understand how to make planes fly farther, more stably, and maintain altitude longer. This led him to transform every corner of his home into an airplane testing ground.

In second grade, Che successfully built his first model: an ultrasonic radar car. He then gradually moved on to more complex projects, including a robotic arm, model airplanes, and now, a jet engine.

On a social media account managed by his mother, which has 30,000 followers, Che shares his intense passion for "everything that can fly". He stated that he taught himself calculus and aerodynamics starting in third grade to pursue this dream. The student also learned computer-aided design (CAD) software, creating numerous two-dimensional and three-dimensional models, meticulously analyzing air pressure, temperature, and other technical factors before building his products.

Che fluently uses specialized terminology to explain the engine's manufacturing and testing process within his family's living space. For his latest jet engine, he spent eight months completing the initial design and personally arranged for complex parts to be outsourced.

Despite the initial failed test, the student remained optimistic, saying, "My initial goal was to accumulate knowledge, and I achieved that. Failure is fine; it motivates me to try again next time."

However, the story of this "rocket boy" has encountered some skepticism.

Che Jingang during engine construction. Photo: *SCMP*.

Many social media users have questioned Che's true academic abilities. They discovered he had saved tutorial videos for fifth-grade math, which some found inconsistent with his claims of mastering advanced calculus.

Suspicions intensified with information suggesting his father, Che Zhuming, is an aerospace engineer who participated in projects at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Many believe this achievement is actually a product of parental effort to "polish" their son's profile, making it easier for him to apply to prestigious universities later.

In response to the criticism, the boy calmly said, "It's normal for people to have doubts. I just need to focus on what I'm doing and let my abilities speak for themselves."

Nevertheless, many have expressed admiration and high hopes for the 14-year-old's potential. "I look forward to the day I see him build a real spaceship," one social media user commented.

Che's family stated they fully support their son's passion. They hired a private programming tutor and spend thousands of yuan on each project.

Khanh Linh (According to *SCMP*, Burakbaloch, *Globaltimes*)