Chapter 397: Zhang Menglong is a Prophet
"Hui Rui, encrypt this information at an S-level. Only top-level authorization will allow access, and ensure all messages are confidential!"
Although Zhang Menglong seemed dismissive of the information, Zhou Lao was well aware of the consequences if such data were to be known by some foreign intelligence organizations.
No country wanted to see Huaxia become so powerful. Soon, large numbers of spies and even psychics would try to infiltrate Huaxia, and then the entire country would likely descend into chaos.
"I understand!" Hui Rui nodded solemnly.
"Today, we begin establishing Huaxia's Ninth Research Group," Zhou Lao announced another decision, "Academician Qian, you will lead this group. You will have free rein over the national scientific research resources, and I hope this information can be transformed into real national power as soon as possible."
Although Academician Qian had retired long ago, he was still at the forefront of scientific research. This important task was not only a recognition for him but also a challenge he relished.
"The rest of you may set up sub-research groups and choose technologies in your areas of expertise to focus your research. All personnel you recruit will also belong to this Ninth Research group, and they will be treated to the highest standard!"
"Zhou Lao, we have a problem," one of the academicians said.
"Academician Qiao, please speak."
"To be honest, many parts of this data have surpassed our current level of basic research theory and have branched into entirely new domains. It might take us a long time to fill these gaps, but having someone to guide us would certainly benefit our work."
"Hahaha!" Zhou Lao laughed, "You mean, you need a teacher, right?"
The expressions on the academicians' faces were sour. At their level, people would often beg to have them as teachers; when would they need someone else to teach them?
But Huaxia also had an old saying, "Let the most capable be the teacher." The person who had developed these technologies must know so much more academically and knowledge-wise than them, making them more than qualified to be their teacher.
"Menglong, look at this..." Zhou Lao felt somewhat embarrassed to ask, given he had already taken so much from Zhang Menglong, and now to ask him to join the research group…
"No problem," Zhang Menglong laughed, "If I can dedicate one day each week to answer questions from all the academicians, just organize the time."
Contributing to the country was something Zhang Menglong was very willing to do.
"Hahaha, great!" Zhou Lao was especially happy. With Zhang Menglong willing to help, the Ninth Research Group was truly like a tiger that had grown wings, "In that case, I will give you the title of scientific research consultant for the group, with treatment and rank according to the highest standards. This also reflects a bit of the country's sincerity."
"Since it's like this, then I won't be shy!" Zhang Menglong laughed, "There's one more thing I hope to get Zhou Lao's approval for."
"Speak!"
"You know we have just completed the development of the 2nm chip in two fields, and it will soon be launched on the market. I hope to have the right to set my own prices without any market or macroeconomic controls."
"You mean..." Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire
"Hehehe," Zhang Menglong laughed outright, "I am a conscientious businessman. Although my company is the only one in the world that can produce these 2nm chips, I will absolutely not engage in direct or indirect monopoly. But if some ulterior-motived people want our chips, regarding the price..."
"Hahaha! You little rascal are absolutely rotten to the core!" Zhou Lao instantly understood what Zhang Menglong was planning, "Okay, I will decide to grant you the right to set your own prices, but..."
"But what?"
"But those Western vampires who want the chips, we absolutely can't just give them away easily," Zhou Lao revealed a cunning smile, "and the price, it needs to be at least doubled!"
An elderly and a young man exchanged glances, then both revealed sinister smiles.
The academicians couldn't help but swallow a gulp of saliva. Although Mr. Zhou usually appeared amicable, he was notoriously venomous in his diplomacy, managing to insult representatives without using a single profanity—some even thought he was complimenting them.
As for Zhang Menglong, his cunning was almost universally recognized by every Huaxia person. The collision of these two individuals felt almost like they had met their matches too late in life.
"Ah, why did you have to provoke anyone but us Huaxia..."
...
"Breaking news! Huaxia's Silicon Moonlight has completed mass production of the 2nm chip, which, upon testing, reduced energy consumption to 40% of current top market chips and increased capability by 60%, yet the cost is only 10% more than the new 5nm products!"
The news shocked the entire world!
"What? Wasn't Huaxia just beginning to develop their own research? They only achieved mass production of the 22nm chip last year, how could they possibly have developed a 2nm chip now?"
"In our plans, it would take another three years to achieve mass production of the 2nm chip. How did they manage it?"
For most countries and manufacturers, it was merely shocking, as the core technology had always been controlled by developed countries who largely relied on imports; thus, they didn't care which country achieved mass production as long as they knew how much it would cost them.
However, this news plunged the Kaibong suppliers in Europe and America directly into a state of unrest.
"Huaxia people! Damn Huaxia people! They actually did it!"
"Zhang Menglong... He wasn't just joking around; he truly has the capability to develop high-end chips!"
"Boss, the Minister of the Department of Scientific Research just called to inquire when we would be able to achieve mass production of the 2nm chip," Mobai's secretary said with an ashen face.
The Minister's tone had been very somber, even bordering on dangerous.
"Bang!" Mobai smashed his fist on his desk, "Do they all have pig's heads on their shoulders? We just managed to achieve mass production of the 5nm chip last year. Not to mention 2nm, even the 4nm chips won't be mass-produced until next year at the earliest. Completing mass production of 2nm chips within three years would already be a great achievement!"
"Boss, but as you know, the people above don't care about anything else; they just want results!"
"Then tell them we can't do it!"
"Are we really going to report that back?" the secretary hesitated.
"What else can we do? Can I magically produce them?" Mobai said, "Huaxia's rise has been too fast; they should have foreseen this day coming. Qualcomm Electronics used to be the world's top chip factory; now, in the eyes of Huaxia people, we're just a pile of trash. If they want a 2nm chip, let them buy from Huaxia!"
As he spoke, Mobai's expression morphed into a grim smile, "Do you remember what that young Huaxia man, Zhang Menglong, once said?"
The secretary shook his head.
"He said that one day, we will be begging to buy their chips," Mobai initially thought it was just a sarcastic remark, "He really is a prophet, isn't he?"
Perhaps one day, that prediction will come true, but with Huaxia's current pace of development, that day would be at least ten years away or even longer. Yet, what he never expected was that, in just half a year, that day had already arrived.
"Don't forget what we have done," Mobai sneered, "We enacted a chip blockade against Huaxia, which caused significant turbulence in their domestic technology market. Huaxia has never been a country that swallows its broken teeth willingly. To buy their chips, it won't be easy."