Chapter 103 - 103: 5nm Semiconductor Lithography System
“Lao Jiang, please, let us take a look to confirm its authenticity.” Lao Yang and Lao Li hurried over to the computer, meticulously examining the information.
Xiao Yang observed how these three individuals, whose ages combined exceeded two hundred years, were now brimming with excitement like children.
Time passed unnoticed for an hour. Eventually, Lao Jiang and the others reluctantly looked up from the screen, exchanging glances.
“It’s authentic!” All three of them exclaimed at the same time.
“Xiao Yang, where did this information come from? Even the most advanced technology from ASML doesn’t compare to this. And I noticed that all the patents in this document are not held by ASML. Do you realize what this signifies?” Lao Jiang looked at Xiao Yang with excitement.
“Lao Jiang, I can’t disclose how this came about. Now that the three of you have confirmed its authenticity, I’ll report it to the higher-ups. As for this information, I’m entrusting it to you, Lao Jiang. Please arrange the manufacturing process as quickly as possible.”
“Rest assured, we’ll immediately set the plans in motion and manufacture one as soon as possible. We know the nation needs this, and the sooner we produce it, the sooner we can break free from the blockade of Western countries.”
“Lao Jiang, I’ll head back to report on the work.” Xiao Yang left the meeting room, where fully armed guards were stationed. He walked out directly, knowing he couldn’t control these matters now. The arrangements had been made at the top level. His current tasks were to report on the work and find a protective shield for Zhou Chao.
Leaving the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiao Yang drove to a heavily guarded compound, Four Seasons Courtyard. He walked in without any resistance from the guards at the entrance, indicating he was a familiar presence here.
Upon entering, he spotted an elderly man writing in the courtyard.
“Grandpa.” Xiao Yang greeted softly, then stood quietly by his side.
After a while, the old man put down his pen.
“Your brother has truly made a good friend!” The old man couldn’t help but sigh.
“Grandpa, could you please explain how this matter is being handled at the higher levels?” Xiao Yang was eager to understand the arrangements made by higher authorities, as they directly impacted Zhou Chao’s interests.
“The Chinese Academy of Sciences will lead the research and development. If everything goes smoothly, they will publicly announce the success of the development. Unfortunately, someone will have to remain behind the scenes.” “Grandpa, it’s for his protection. He also wishes to keep a low profile in all of this.” Xiao Yang realized it was good news.
“Understood, don’t worry. He won’t be treated unfairly. After the successful development, the country will establish a company with government funding, and he will hold a ten percent stake. Additionally, his security clearance will be upgraded to the highest level of secrecy. In the future, you’ll be responsible for liaising with him. By the way, when you leave, please take the notebook from my desk and give it to him!” Seeing the old man beginning to practice calligraphy again, Xiao Yang turned and walked into the house.
“Notebook? What notebook?” Xiao Yang entered the old man’s room with a puzzled expression and saw a blue notebook on the desk. He walked over and picked it up.
“Zhou Chao, Special Advisor to the Security Department!” Xiao Yang smiled as he held the notebook. At least this was national recognition of Zhou Chao, and there was no need to investigate where those things came from anymore.
“You’ve hit the jackpot this time, my boy. Let’s see how you’re going to thank me.” Xiao Yang placed the credentials in his bag and walked out.
“Grandpa, I almost forgot to mention something.”
“Hmm, what is it?”
“Zhou Chao’s girlfriend is Jiang Li, the granddaughter of Lao Jiang.” Hearing this, even Lao Xiao put down his pen.
“Lao Jiang’s granddaughter? Does Lao Jiang know about this?”
“He doesn’t know. When I was at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, I forgot to mention it. Lao Jiang doesn’t know that the lithography system information comes from his future grandson-in-law.”
“Let’s leave it at that for now.” Afterward, Xiao Yang left Four Seasons Courtyard. He had work to report.
Soon, he arrived at an office.
“Sir, the initial assessment from the Chinese Academy of Sciences indicates no issues. They’ll manufacture the product as soon as possible.” Xiao Yang stood straight, reporting on the earlier events at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“Well, your grandfather must have told you. Just tell that young man to be patient. The country won’t let him down.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll convey the message exactly. By the way, there are also two neasts heads he gave me.”
“Just go directly to the Palace Museum, handle the handover, and say that they were donated by a patriotic individual.”
“Understood.” After speaking, Xiao Yang left the office. It was already past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Shaking his head helplessly, he realized he had given Zhou Chao quite a runaround today.
Xiao Yang drove straight to the Palace Museum. By the time he arrived, it was already past 4 o’clock. He hadn’t even had lunch, spending the day on the move.
As he got out of the car, Xiao Yang, accompanied by his two subordinates, carried the boxes to the office of the director of the Palace Museum.
“Director Li, hello. Here are my credentials.” Xiao Yang handed his credentials to Li, the director of the Palace Museum. Li’s spirits visibly lifted upon seeing him.
“Chief Xiao, what brings you here?”
“Director Li, I’m just here on orders to hand over two items.” After speaking, the two individuals following Xiao Yang placed the boxes they were carrying on the table.
Director Li examined them for a moment before opening the boxes, revealing two beasts heads.
“These are the rooster and dog beasts heads.” Director Li looked at Xiao Yang in shock.
“Yes, that’s correct. When you find the time, you can make an announcement. Just say they were donated by a patriotic individual.”
Director Li understood Xiao Yang’s words instantly and didn’t ask further questions. He promptly locked the two items in a secure cabinet.
“Director Li, I’ll take my leave now.” After saying that, Xiao Yang left the office and headed towards Zhou Chao’s house.
Meanwhile, what was Zhou Chao up to at that moment?
“Lin Wu, charge with me! There’s only one person left on the other side. Throw a smoke bomb, gogogo!” Zhou Chao, Lin Wu, Wang Feng, and Xiao Wu were all sitting on the sofa, playing a game.
“Nice, we finally got a chicken dinner. Lin Wu, you claimed to be good with guns, but you spent the whole afternoon as target practice. Even Xiao Wu is better at this!”
“Hey, Boss, the guns I use aren’t the same as the ones in the game. Can you blame me?” Lin Wu’s face turned red as he tried to defend himself.
“Hahaha, a noob is a noob. Come on, let’s have another round and see who’s the best.” Zhou Chao called everyone to play another round. Just as he was about to start, the doorbell rang.
“Boss, I’ll get it,” Xiao Wu said and rushed out. He returned shortly with someone in tow.
“Oh, Brother Yang, you’re back.”
“Haha, look at you lounging around and playing games while I’ve been running around all day. Your optimistic plans are quite impressive.” Xiao Yang glanced at Zhou Chao, who was casually sprawled on the sofa, clearly showing his frustration.
“My bad, Brother Yang. 1’11 make it up to you by drinking with you tonight.”
“Sure, I have something to discuss with you.”
“Alright, let’s go upstairs and talk.” After speaking, the two of them headed upstairs..