Chapter Twenty-Four: This Is Drawing the Sword

"What?"

Zhao Zizhen's words instantly sparked a chorus of gasps. Ye Guhong’s eyes widened in shock. "Old Zhao, what are you saying? What do you mean by that? Are you joking? You’re telling me he has already mastered the technology for a 0.1-nanometer lithography machine?"

"I am not joking!" Zhao Zizhen shook his head earnestly. "I have roughly gone through the manufacturing manual for this 0.1-nanometer machine. Every detail is incredibly exhaustive. This is absolutely not something that could be produced in just a few days. Even if he had thought of it in that time, it would be impossible to compile such detailed documentation in just a few days!"

As he spoke, he subconsciously pointed to the email content. "The text-based manual alone is thousands of pages long, not to mention the diagrams, some video clips, and various detailed annotations and explanations. How could anyone finish all of this in just a few days?"

"Even if he didn't eat or sleep, it still wouldn't be enough time. As you all know, creating instructional material requires extreme rigor in logical structure. If he had only just researched this within the last few days, he would never have had the time to organize it into such meticulous detail and then compile it into a comprehensive tutorial to send over."

Zhao Zizhen’s words caused the expressions of Ye Guhong and the others to turn grave.

"So, Old Zhao, what you mean is..." Ye Guhong asked, sounding somewhat uncertain.

"I am certain that he must have mastered the corresponding technology for the 0.1-nanometer lithography machine long ago!" Zhao Zizhen stated firmly.

"As for why he is only sending it now, my guess is that when he was in school, he didn't have the time or the opportunity to see an actual lithography machine. He couldn't be entirely sure of his own theories. So, he took advantage of his study abroad trip to the Windmill Country to see a real machine. Once he confirmed his hypotheses, he finally felt certain, and only then did he take these past few days to organize it and send it to us!"

Ye Guhong exchanged glances with the other officials and couldn't help but ask, "But if that is the case, why didn't he just send the 0.1-nanometer manufacturing manual directly? Why did he send the Windmill Country’s machine manual first?"

"As for that... I can guess the reason from the detailed annotations on his 0.1-nanometer manual," Zhao Zizhen said with a smile.

"He was likely worried that we in the country lack the relevant experience in manufacturing advanced lithography machines. So, he sent the Windmill Country’s 3-nanometer manual first to let us practice. With the 3-nanometer machine, we can manufacture some of the components needed for the 0.1-nanometer version. He is guiding us; he probably feared that if he had sent the 0.1-nanometer manual all at once, we wouldn't have been able to handle it at all!"

"This..."

Ye Guhong and the others felt a complex wave of emotions wash over them. To think that he had been so thoughtful! Such a sincere heart—how precious and rare it was!

"Old Zhao, if what you say is true, then he is even more of a treasure to our entire Shangxia nation. You focus on manufacturing the lithography machine as quickly as possible, and we will do our best to ensure his safety in Little Sakura," Ye Guhong said, suppressing his excitement.

"Manufacturing it is definitely no problem, but I would like to ask: if we successfully build the 0.1-nanometer lithography machine, should we announce it, or should we keep it hidden as we did last time?" Zhao Zizhen asked slowly.

Ye Guhong did not answer immediately, falling into silence, clearly deep in thought. Last time, they had concealed the development of the 3-nanometer machine partly because they were not strong enough yet, and partly because they did not want to arouse suspicion from the Windmill Country.

Now, if a 0.1-nanometer machine were developed, while the Windmill Country might not necessarily suspect them, announcing it to the world would likely have even more severe consequences! The 3-nanometer machine alone was enough to trigger renewed global hostility toward Shangxia. If they suddenly announced they possessed a 0.1-nanometer machine, it might provoke some countries into starting a war!

With this thought, Ye Guhong took a deep breath and clenched his fists. "We must endure a little longer. We will continue to develop in silence and only announce it once our military capabilities have caught up!"

For any nation in the world right now, a 0.1-nanometer lithography machine is something worth starting a war over. Therefore, they had to be patient.

"Very well, I understand," Zhao Zizhen nodded.

Ye Guhong also nodded helplessly. "It is a pity. If he had researched advanced military technology this time, we wouldn't need to hide anything. For now, we must keep the news secret and wait to announce everything together later."

The shame he felt in his heart deepened once again.

Zhao Zizhen chuckled, "If what he said earlier wasn't just to tease us, then given his talent, I suspect that with a little effort, it won't be hard for him to research even more powerful military technology. Perhaps next time he’ll give us a surprise!"

Ye Guhong’s eyes lit up. "You’ve reminded me. The next time he calls, we might as well ask him if he has any interest in researching military technology. We can give him our full support!"

He immediately began to look forward to it.

Beside him, Tang Wensheng’s expression suddenly changed. "Old Ye, we just received the latest news. A minute ago, the Little Sakura Academy of Science announced a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion research. During the experiment, they utilized the latest technology to develop a new type of intercontinental missile, with three times the power of their previous model!"

"This is the intelligence report passed back from Little Sakura!" He handed the dedicated device to Ye Guhong.

"Hmm?" Ye Guhong’s expression shifted sharply as well. After reading the report, he said in a deep voice, "Little Sakura’s research capabilities have always been at the forefront globally. Now that they have made another breakthrough and are deliberately announcing it with such fanfare, I fear there is an ulterior motive. We must be very cautious!"

Tang Wensheng looked grim. "Which country wouldn't keep a breakthrough of this level confidential? Little Sakura is announcing it on purpose, and they even mentioned 'jointly creating a beautiful East Continent' and are organizing a summit, inviting every nation on the continent. This is a pointed remark—are they trying to lead the entire East?"

"I fear it’s more than just a remark; they are drawing their swords!" Ye Guhong snorted coldly.

"Then, should we attend?"

"Go? Why wouldn't we? Besides, that young man is currently in Little Sakura. We must go!" Ye Guhong said without hesitation.

As he spoke, something occurred to him, and he blurted out, "He went to Little Sakura, and immediately after, they announce a technical breakthrough. Could it be that he knew something in advance?"

A heavy silence descended upon the room. A moment later, Tang Wensheng asked, astonished, "Old Ye, that... that’s not possible, is it?"