Chapter 419: Honest and aboveboard
The next day, Su Mingchang went to find Xia Qingzhang. When they met, he first praised Gu Siqing, "Xiao Si is really an extraordinary child. He has a unique perspective and foresight. He is also a lucky star."
He told her about Gu Siqing's casual remark, Han Zhengping's successful experiment, and her proposal to develop a photolithography machine. Finally, he said, "Old Xia, you got such an outstanding granddaughter for free. Just be happy."
It was a free find. When they were recognized, Gu Siqing and her sisters had already grown up.
Xia Qingzhang was naturally happy. No parent would be unhappy when their child was praised. He said, "You're not bad either. The grandson you got for free is also very good."
Su Mingchang pointed at him and scolded him with a smile, "You old man, you won't suffer any loss at all."
Xia Qingzhang snorted, "Why should I suffer a loss?"
After joking around, the two of them got down to business. Su Mingchang said, "You're a politician. Do you think Xiao Si is right? When our country becomes strong, the West will inevitably try to restrain us."
Xia Qingzhang turned serious. He said, "This is inevitable. The US is a hegemon. It would be fine if we always depended on it, but would we?"
Of course not. When have Chinese people ever been dependent on others?
"So, that day will definitely come." Su Mingchang said.
Xia Qingzhang picked up his cup and drank his tea. Su Mingchang asked again, "How much do you know about the research on lithography machines at the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"
Xia Qingzhang frowned slightly. He was not in charge of this area, so naturally he did not understand. So he said, "I don't know."
"When I was planning to set up a laboratory in the United States, I learned about the research on photolithography machines at the Chinese Academy of Sciences." Su Mingchang said, "When Professor Deng was leading the research, the technology of photolithography machines was not inferior to that of foreign countries."
Xia Qingzhang hummed, "Mr. Qian and Mr. Deng have made tremendous contributions to the country's military and technology."
Without that group of scientists who returned to China, there would be no two bombs and one satellite, and there would be no stability in China today.
"Yes, they are both people worthy of respect from everyone in China," Su Mingchang brought the subject back to the topic, adding, "But after Mr. Deng's death, research on lithography machines stagnated. There were many problems, such as insufficient funding and the research team's impatience."
Xia Qingzhang hummed again, waiting for his next words, and then he said, "I want to take over the research of photolithography machines."
Xia Qingzhang looked at him in silence for a long time before saying, "How do you want to take over?"
"The price is set by the country." Su Mingchang said.
There was another silence. Xia Qingzhang looked at Su Mingchang seriously and said, "Old Su, if you come to see me, you should be mentally prepared. This is not as simple as just spending money."
In fact, if Su Mingchang wanted to obtain the lithography machine technology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he only needed to spend money. Although he was not in charge of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he also knew that there were many people in the Chinese Academy of Sciences who were busy with their own business.
"Old Xia, our Su family does things openly and honestly. I don't want to be accused of stealing state property because of something in the future." Su Mingchang picked up the cup and took a sip of tea. He continued, "As for the conditions proposed by the state, I don't think the state will make it difficult for me. After all, our interests are the same."
"You're right about that." Xia Qingzhang said, "I'll bring this up this afternoon. Wait for the news."
"good."
Gu Siqing learned from Han Zhengping that Su Mingchang bypassed the Chinese Academy of Sciences and directly negotiated with the country to take over the research and development of lithography machines. She couldn't help but say that the Su family did things in an open and honest manner.
But then again, the Su family is not short of money, and has never thought of going against the country, so why would they want to make private deals with certain people in the Chinese Academy of Sciences?
If it is later discovered and accused of stealing state-owned assets, it will be a waste of time.
But think about how much state-owned assets flowed into the pockets of certain individuals in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s hateful to think about it.
He admired the Gu family's openness and integrity, but the Qi family was extremely anxious. Qi Xiunian had been thinking about how to monetize his lithography technology for the past two years, but suddenly heard that the Su family wanted to buy the technology.
If the country is sold to the Su family, how can he make a profit from it?
"Are the Su family fools?" Qi Hang's father, Qi Tianheng, said angrily, "Wouldn't it be easier to talk to you? Maybe it would save us money."
Qi Xiunian sat there, eyes narrowed, silent. Qi Tianheng was a little anxious, as was Qi Hang. Their family was eager to profit from their lithography technology. Although Qi Xiunian's salary was several times higher than that of an ordinary worker, it still couldn't compare to what a businessman could earn.
"Grandpa, what do you think we should do?" Qi Hang asked.
If the country makes a deal with the Su family using lithography technology, then they will no longer have the final say on this project, and it will not be easy to profit from it.
Qi Xiunian was silent for a long time, then opened his eyes and said, "Hasn't the Su family made any deals with the country yet? Perhaps there's still room for a return. No one can resist the benefits."
After he said this, Qi Hang and Qi Tianheng's expressions relaxed a lot. Qi Hang asked, "What do you think we should do next?"
Qi Xiunian looked at him and said, "I can't go talk to Su Mingchang directly. You and Han... are called Su Zhengping now, right?"
Qi Hang nodded.
Qi Xiunian added, "Your relationship with Su Zhengping is already like this, so it's not a good idea to contact him for the time being."
His words plunged the room into silence. After a moment, Qi Xiunian added, "Isn't Wen Dandan close to Gu Siqing? Let Wen Dandan give Gu Siqing a heads-up and find out what the Su family is thinking."
"But... I have already broken up with Wen Dandan." Qi Hang said.
"Breaking up doesn't mean we'll never contact each other again. It's okay to ask her for a favor, right? Give her some money." Qi Xiunian said.
Qi Hang was a little embarrassed, but after a moment's hesitation, he finally agreed. Now only Wen Dandan could help them get the upper hand.
After they discussed it, Qi Hang went to the school to find Wen Dandan. When they met, he said with a melancholy face, "How are you now?"
Wen Dandan felt a little disgusted when she saw his expression. People just can't be compared. Only by comparing them can one realize how hypocritical the person in front of them is. Although Gu Xueqiang wasn't as educated as him, he treated people sincerely, and was steady, honest, and trustworthy.
"That's fine. Just say whatever you want to say. I have something else to do." Wen Dandan was a little impatient.
Seeing her attitude, Qi Hang frowned and said, "Actually, I really didn't want to break up with you at that time."
"I'm the one who wants to break up with you." Wen Dandan said.
Qi Hang: “…”
I'm really getting to know Wen Dandan less and less. Where did she learn all this? She speaks so directly, leaving no room for maneuver.
In the past, if someone spoke to him like this, he would definitely turn around and leave, but now she needed help from Wen Dandan, so she could only suppress her anger and continue talking to her.
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