Chapter 711: I Want to Leave a Lasting Legacy (2)
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Boss, is this technology a complete set or just a preliminary concept?”

“Of course, it’s a complete set. Who do you think is leading the way here?”

Lan Ling and Zhou Jilong nodded excitedly, but Lin Wu and Xu Yu wore strange expressions, looking at Zhou Chao.

“What’s with those expressions, you two?” Zhou Chao asked, noticing their odd looks.

Both avoided eye contact and remained silent.

“Lin Wu, speak up!”

Being called out by Zhou Chao, Lin Wu knew he had to speak up. He hesitated and said, “Boss, you said you’d take us to play with the complete set!”

Hearing this, Zhou Chao suddenly felt like a flock of crows was flying over his head. He grabbed the wireless mouse next to him and threw it at Lin Wu in frustration.

But Lin Wu caught it skillfully and obediently returned it to Zhou Chao.

Furious, Zhou Chao wanted to kick him out but blamed himself for not speaking carefully enough!

“Go stand by the door!”

Zhou Chao ordered, and Lin Wu quickly left the office.

Once Lin Wu was out, everyone’s attention returned to Zhou Chao.

“Boss, why don’t you let me handle this project? You know I’ve been in charge of research for so many years, and I’m very familiar with all aspects. Even if I have to stay in the desert permanently for this, I’m willing!”

“Boss, don’t listen to Zhou Jilong. He’s just a half-baked guy. I’m different. I’m versatile and have experience in agricultural studies. I’m much better than him!”

“Hey, Big Nose Lan, are you jealous of me? Rarely do we have such an opportunity, and you want to snatch it from me. You should know that you’ve just developed the lithography system, and now is a crucial time. You don’t have time to focus on research!”

“Big Head Zhou the lithography technology is mature now and can be mass-produced. Why do you still need to worry? It just happens that I haven’t been to the desert yet. It’s a good time for me to do some research and explore!”

The office became a battlefield between the two. Zhou Chao always thought that these researchers were generally gentle, but from today onwards, he realized how fierce they could be when provoked.

At least in terms of arguing, Zhou Chao felt he was no match for them!

Unable to tolerate their quarrel any longer, Zhou Chao lightly tapped the table.

“Enough, both of you! You’re both grown-ups, acting like kids over a project. What’s the big deal?!” Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, they stopped and resumed their formal demeanor.

Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, the two of them stopped, but the next moment, they resumed their previous demeanor as if nothing had happened!

Zhou Chao couldn’t help but admire their quick recovery!

“You two specialize in fields unrelated to desertification. Time is money for us now. As for fame and fortune, why make such a fuss over it?”

Though Lan Ling and Zhou Jilong remained silent, internally they screamed, “Boss, you may not care, but I do! This could be an achievement for the ages!”

Unfortunately, Zhou Chao couldn’t hear their thoughts.

“Zhou, how is the chip team you assembled doing?”

“They’re already immersed in research, but we’re feeling our way through, so progress is slow.”

“Later, inform them to halt all research. Additionally, I’ll have Xiao Guo carve out a subsystem for the most cutting-edge project. But first, reevaluate the personnel. Xiao Guo will assist on the side!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jilong, even though he was a bit slow, understood what was going on. Excitedly, he stood up and said, “Boss, do you know what size of chip we’re researching? Is it 3 nanometers or 2.5 nanometers?”

After all, these two levels of chips were already at the world’s cutting edge. He didn’t even dare to think about anything else!

Zhou Chao shook his head gently. “Neither!”

Hearing this, Zhou Jilong realized he had been overly hopeful. After all, the domestically developed chips were nowhere near the world’s top level!

Seeing Zhou Jilong’s disappointed expression, Zhou Chao smiled and said, “I haven’t finished yet. Why are you so disappointed?”

“Well then, Boss, what is it?” Zhou Jilong rubbed his hands nervously, feeling a bit uneasy now.

“1 nanometer!”

“1 nanometer!” Zhou Jilong immediately stood up with a “swoosh,” and even Lan Ling and Xu Yu beside him were no exception!

“Don’t get too excited. Stay calm. If something goes wrong, it’ll be on me!”

Zhou Chao quickly calmed them down. After all, they had already been shocked enough today, almost immune to surprises now!

“I originally planned to let each of you handle a project, but considering the importance of the desertification project, it’s not quite suitable for you two with only partial knowledge in this area. It would also delay your respective teams.

So, I’ve decided that both departments will jointly research the chip project to develop it as quickly as possible! Choose relevant personnel and conduct another review. Be careful not to make any big mistakes!”

After listening to Zhou Chao’s words, both Zhou Jilong and Lan Ling nodded vigorously.

Thinking back to their argument earlier, they both felt a bit regretful. In the end, neither of them had gotten what they wanted!

Then, they began discussing the chip research issue until Lin Wu knocked on the door at noon, interrupting them.

“Boss, it’s lunchtime. Why don’t you all go eat first and continue the discussion later?” Lin Wu poked his head in from outside the door.

“Got it!”

After acknowledging Lin Wu, Zhou Chao turned to the others and said, “That’s the plan. Implement it as soon as possible, and if you need any equipment, Xu Yu will procure it promptly!”

“Okay, Boss!”

“Alright, we’ve talked all morning. I’m starting to feel a bit hungry. Let’s go eat!”

With that, Zhou Chao stood up and headed outside, followed closely by Xu Yu.

Only Lan Ling and Zhou Jilong remained, walking at the back.

“Lao Zhou, why didn’t you ask the boss who he’s planning to assign the desertification project to for research?” Lan Ling muttered quietly.

Zhou Jilong gave him a disdainful look. “Why didn’t you ask?”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“I’m not curious!”

Lan Ling looked at Zhou Jilong in surprise. “Why not?”

“Because curiosity killed the cat!”

With that, Zhou Jilong took a few quick steps forward. It took Lan Ling a moment to react. “Big Zhou, but you’re the cat!”

Fortunately, when Zhou Chao and his companions reached the second-floor cafeteria, they encountered the two chip experts Xu Yu had mentioned earlier, one named Chen and the other named Yuan!

Interestingly, both of them used to work at SMIC. As for why they were here, hehe, it’s because Canghai Technology has a wealthy boss!

They sat down together to eat, and perhaps due to their surprise at Zhou Chao’s youthfulness, they were initially a bit reserved. However, with the arrival of Lan Ling and the others, Chen and Yuan became more lively.

While eating and chatting, the two also shared some of their experiences at SMIC, of course, nothing confidential.

From their words, it was also understood that Canghai Technology currently had the best treatment in the industry. Not only were the benefits good, but there were also various bonuses. Many people wanted to switch jobs, but there was simply no way!

A hint was dropped unintentionally, but the listener caught on. Zhou Chao gave Xu Yu a subtle glance, and Xu Yu instantly understood!

The meal lasted for more than an hour, and even the dishes on the table were replenished twice. Surprisingly, everyone had quite an appetite!

After the meal, Zhou Chao didn’t return to the office with Xu Yu and the others. Instead, he left directly with Lin Wu.

Before leaving, Zhou Chao instructed them to finalize the list of personnel by the end of the day.

Originally, Zhou Jilong and the others thought Zhou Chao would hand over the subsystem to them today, but to their surprise, there was no movement until Zhou Chao left.

They understood that such a valuable asset wouldn’t be handed over to them so easily.