Chapter 288 April in the Human World: I watched him build a tall building, I watched him entertain guests, I watched his building collapse.
What is April in the human world?
It's the delicious taste of snails and knife fish from Jiangnan.
It was the rose bushes that Director Lu pruned that sprouted new flower buds.
The poem by the renowned architect Lin Huiyin describes the blossoming of trees and the murmuring of swallows between the beams—it embodies love, warmth, and hope.
Amidst this beauty and hope, Wang Xiao headed north to the capital.
Don't get me wrong, she wasn't there to urge the electronics market to speed up its progress.
Even a capitalist like her has basic common sense; she wouldn't believe that Rome wasn't built in a day.
She went to Beijing to have her leg checked again.
It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. Since you fractured your bone in January, it's time to check on the recovery progress.
However, after arriving in Beijing, before visiting the traditional Chinese medicine doctor, she first went to the Badachu High-Tech Development Zone.
Uh, does she want to move into Badachu again?
No, no, she was just visiting.
What are we visiting? We're visiting Shougang Electric.
China's first 6-inch integrated circuit production line has achieved mass production of downstream processes at Shougang NEC Electronics Co., Ltd.
Shougang Nippon Electric is located in the Badachu High-Tech Development Zone.
Good heavens, as soon as he entered the company, the row of simple, bright gray-white buildings looked like upright chips, making Wang Xiao stare at them intently.
What is industrial aesthetics? This is one of its stylistic exemplars.
If we were to personify it, it would definitely be aloof and ascetic, a stark contrast to the fiery steel mill.
Ironically, it's a hybrid of Shougang Group and NEC. This shows that extreme heat can turn into cold.
Today, Shougang Electric is not cold.
The spring sunshine was bright and the warm breeze was intoxicating. The carbon dioxide exhaled by the crowded people alone was enough to make one feel dizzy.
How can I not feel dizzy?
Do you know what a 6-inch integrated circuit production line means?
This signifies the most advanced level in the country.
This means that Shanghai Philips' 5-inch production line, which went into operation in 1992, has already been left behind by others. No wonder the representative of Shanghai Philips looked so serious.
Director Feng of the Ministry of Science and Technology sighed, "Oh dear, now I understand, we're not people who can eat at the same table."
He then turned to look at Wang Xiao and joked, "So, Mr. Wang? Still planning to get into wafer fabrication?"
As a member of the Ministry of Science and Technology, he toured the entire factory.
Shougang Electric's office building, upstream process workshops, downstream process workshops, and power plant are all connected by corridors, forming a closed whole.
The interior is kept at a constant temperature year-round, and the daily cost of water and electricity alone reaches over ten thousand yuan. That's more than the Ministry of Science and Technology's annual tea allowance.
This is before the upstream processing plant is even in operation. Once the upstream processing plant starts operating, wow, the daily water and electricity costs alone will probably amount to 200,000.
They say that working on integrated circuits is a money-devouring industry, and it certainly lives up to its reputation.
Wang Xiao laughed and said, "Of course we will. Beijing can accommodate Quanjude, can accommodate the Manchu Han Imperial Feast, and naturally it can also accommodate the big bowls of tea and the braised pork offal on the street."
Director Feng laughed heartily: "You're quite open-minded."
While they were talking, the auspicious time arrived.
The much-anticipated top leader of Shougang Group, Secretary Zhou, also made a dazzling appearance.
He was over seventy years old, but he looked vigorous and had the air of someone who could borrow another five hundred years from heaven.
Indeed, the aura of a leader is fully displayed in him.
Wang Xiao believed the rumors that no one could hear him wherever he went were true; after all, not many people would dare to speak boldly under such a pair of eyes.
Looking at the banner in Chinese and Japanese that read "Congratulations on the official commissioning of the 6-inch chip production line," Ivanov sighed softly, "The Soviet Union has truly been abandoned."
Such a level of production was unattainable even before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Wang Xiao didn't take it seriously: "Everyone is taking different paths. The Soviet Union's goal was to resist electromagnetic pulses, so they took the vacuum tube route."
She reached out and patted Ivanov's hand, which was resting on the back of her wheelchair, encouraging him, "Don't forget, what we need is people."
On the surface, they introduced the Soviet Union's outdated chip manufacturing technology, but in reality, what they wanted were the people who mastered the technology.
So what if our technology is temporarily lagging behind? As long as there are people who can create technology, we can create even greater achievements.
So what if these scientists haven't built a 6-inch production line yet? A brilliant mind means endless possibilities.
Yu Min, the father of the hydrogen bomb, also wanted to do theoretical physics.
As a result, the country needed him, so he changed careers and still managed to achieve miracles.
Technology is static, but people are dynamic.
As long as there are people, countless miracles can be created.
Ivanov was once again gripped by anxiety and said with a wry smile, "Perhaps Chinese scientists can create a miracle right now."
The longer the Soviet Union has been dissolved, the fewer advantages it has inherited.
Originally knowing nothing about the chip industry, he learned some things after Wang decided to enter the industry.
For example, Tsinghua University made a breakthrough in 1 megabit Chinese character memory technology in 1991.
His hands began to tap up and down unconsciously. He always couldn't control himself like this when he was nervous.
But this time, the back of his hand was covered.
Wang Xiao covered his hand and said seriously, "Because it's too little."
"From a probabilistic point of view, out of a hundred researchers, only one person can achieve a real breakthrough."
"So when the base number becomes ten thousand, then one hundred people can make it out."
"China has too few people making chips, so we have to rely on the Soviet Union."
Ivanov's anxious heart finally calmed down.
As a pragmatic businessman, he was never afraid of being used. What he feared was not having any value to be used.
His Marxist traits and businessman's blood told him that the essence of maintaining the world is interest.
People only come together for the same goal.
He placed his free hand on the back of Wang Xiao's hand and finally revealed a presentable smile: "Wang, then let's look forward to our miracle."
Secretary Zhou's Tangshan accent made the loudspeaker hum loudly: "From the blast furnaces of Shijingshan to the silicon wafers of Badachu, Shougang workers will always be the strongest screws for the Party and the country!"
The Japanese representative behind him bowed slightly in greeting.
His speech has ended; the next step is the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Her viewing position wasn't ideal, and since she was in a wheelchair, even with her efforts to lift her head, she could only see the upper half of Secretary Zhou, who was wearing a dark blue Zhongshan suit.
He stood side by side with the Japanese representative in front of the red carpet. In a flash of silver light, the cut red ribbon fell into the cloisonné tray held by the hostess.
The entire ceremony has come to an end.
The crowd surged forward like a tidal wave, with countless people trying to get closer to Secretary Zhou.
Wang Xiao looked at Director Feng, who had been pushed back to his side by the crowd, and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Director, please act as an intermediary and introduce me to Secretary Zhou. He is a senior figure whom I greatly admire."
In the warm and sunny April weather, Director Feng, who was also wearing a Zhongshan suit, was already sweating profusely.
He shook his head vigorously, refusing with a wry smile: "President Wang, you think too highly of me. What kind of person am I? Secretary Zhou wouldn't have time to bother with me."
Wang Xiao raised his eyebrows: "You're underestimating yourself. You're a leader in the Ministry of Science and Technology. Even a local official has more power than a county magistrate."
As the crowd moved about, Director Feng kept making room for people, waving his hand without hesitation: "Forget it, we know our place. Even the Ministry of Finance can't control Shougang, how dare we, the Ministry of Science and Technology, try? Hey! Don't end up getting a cold shoulder."
He gestured in the direction of Secretary Zhou and said in a low voice, "This is someone who can sit on equal footing with the elderly."
He then pointed to the side, "This old man's son has to be his vice president in Hong Kong."
Only now did Wang Xiao get a clear look at Young Master Zhou's face; this was the first time she had ever seen him in person.
To be honest, Zhou Gongzi is tall and handsome. It's not an exaggeration for female reporters in Hong Kong to praise him as handsome and call him a macho man.
At this moment, Young Master Zhou did not turn his gaze away from Wang Xiao's stare.
That's true. People who have been the center of attention for years are used to being the center of attention.
Wang Xiao looked away and then asked Director Feng, "Could we visit Shougang Electric's factory?"
This time, Director Feng's answer was still a refusal: "No way, there are too many people, and Secretary Zhou is the kind of person who makes a fortune quietly, he won't open it to visitors."
That's such a pity.
So Wang Xiao nodded, let out a long sigh of regret, glanced at the slogan "Let Chinese chips shine in the world" one last time, and then said goodbye and left.
Director Feng did try to persuade them to stay: "Have a meal before you leave. Even if Shougang is stingy, they still provide us with meals."
Wang Xiao smiled and shook her head, turning her gaze away from the Shougang factory. Behind the glass corridor, she saw workers moving silently. The tight protective suits had turned everyone into worker ants.
"No, I need to go see a doctor about my leg."
Director Feng stopped being polite and said seriously, "Then you can't be afraid. You need to start training as soon as possible. Young man, be bolder."
When this was brought to the traditional Chinese medicine clinic, the old doctor said the same thing.
He took Wang Xiao's pulse, examined her leg, and then criticized her bluntly: "Young people these days have a big problem: they love themselves too much. Look at you, the fracture happened in January, and how many steps have you taken since then?"
He shook the X-ray film in his hand and shook his head. "If a person doesn't move, their meridians won't be open, their blood and qi will be insufficient, and their bones won't grow properly."
Wang Xiao admitted, very sincerely: "Yes, I am indeed afraid of mistreating myself."
"You have to give up something to gain something." The old man earnestly advised, "Use it or lose it; the less you use it, the less useful it becomes."
He put the X-ray film back in the plastic bag and picked up a pen to write a prescription.
It's not a calligraphy brush but a fountain pen, which shows that even the old Chinese medicine doctor who watches movies keeps up with the times.
"You were fine before, but now you need acupuncture. Otherwise, if this continues, it's not just that your bones won't heal properly, your muscles will also atrophy."
The biggest problems for modern patients are the minor ones that have solutions.
Wang Xiao could even laugh and talk about other things: "Doctor, have you thought it through? Your bone-setting ointment should go global."
The old doctor shook his head and handed the prescription for acupuncture to the solicitous Ivanov.
“Young lady, my ointment has been passed down for five generations. It’s all about controlling the heat by hand and judging the color by eye.” He lifted the coarse cloth curtain, revealing the medicinal herbs drying in the backyard. “Look at this astragalus. It has to be harvested three days before the first frost. If it’s a day earlier, it’s too tender; if it’s a day later, it’s too tough.”
Yang Tao had been like a shadow all day, not finding a chance to speak. Now she was eager to show the boss the results of her hard work.
She pointed to the enamel mug in the corner: "Doctor, look at this. Our company can help you find someone to invest in building a GMP factory using vacuum freeze-drying technology..."
The old doctor didn't know what a GMP factory was, nor was he interested.
He just shook his head and gestured to the cars outside the window: "No matter how fast a car goes, it still needs four wheels to touch the ground."
Yang Tao was a little anxious.
Previously, the boss had proactively contacted Mr. Zhao in Singapore, who directly resolved the job prospects for the skilled workers in Beijing, putting her under tremendous pressure.
She felt an invisible whip urging her on, telling her to hurry, hurry, and hurry up. Otherwise, the boss would have to take matters into his own hands again.
The young woman blurted out, "Then, sir, have you considered the problem of this technique being lost? Passing it down from generation to generation is very dangerous. If something happens, it will all be lost. Yes, Mafeisan (麻沸散), that's how Mafeisan was lost."
The old Chinese medicine doctor smiled, his white eyebrows trembling as he said, "Mafeisan (a type of anesthetic) has been lost, but now we have anesthesia machines. To put it bluntly, nothing in this world is indispensable; the earth will keep turning no matter who is gone. That's the way of nature."
He gestured for Wang Xiao to lie down on the bamboo bed, disinfected her skin with alcohol swabs, and personally performed acupuncture. He even solemnly reassured Wang Xiao, "Don't worry, even if this traditional Chinese medicine clinic is gone, there are still people who can cure your leg."
Yang Tao felt she still had the capacity to continue and wanted to keep up the good work.
The boss stopped her, saying, "Sir, you're right. Everyone has their own destiny, and we can't force it."
The old Chinese medicine doctor beamed: "That's right. Your leg will definitely get better after you met me; this is your destiny."
Yang Tao had no choice but to shut her mouth in frustration.
What to do? She's so old and still has no ambition, she can't force her.
But if you say that the old Chinese medicine doctor lacks ambition, this Chinese medicine clinic has added a new service: Chinese massage therapy.
Everyone was allowed to enjoy themselves, and then they had a medicinal meal at the herbal cuisine restaurant next to the TCM clinic—yes, this restaurant is also a derivative service of the TCM clinic.
Even before ordering, a handsome young man with delicate features took everyone's pulse before allowing them to order.
Based on their service attitude and technical skill, everyone felt that it was reasonable for their dishes to be three times more expensive than those elsewhere.
Is what you're drinking chicken soup? You're clearly drinking thousands of years of traditional medical civilization.
As the sun set and twilight descended, the group, feeling that even their breath carried the fragrance and efficacy of medicine, finally left the traditional Chinese medicine clinic with satisfaction.
Ivanov believed that this medicinal diet was not as unbearable as traditional Chinese medicine soup, and he could eat it often in the future.
Wow, traditional Chinese medicine is truly amazing. He didn't even say anything, but just by taking his pulse, the doctor knew he had been worrying about the country and its people too much, which had taken a toll on his mental and physical well-being, and that he needed to replenish his energy. Otherwise, his long-term lack of sleep and proper diet would affect his health.
The bodyguards silently turned their heads away. If their boss was like this and still complained about not eating or sleeping well, then there were very few people on Earth who could say they slept soundly and ate well.
Don't you see that after the boss only called China, he's gained some tender little fat on his chin?
Fortunately, their female boss was still able to indulge him: "That's right, you should eat more tonics. We'll follow the recipe from now on."
The driver listened and thought to himself, "Rich people really know how to enjoy life; they treat themselves so well."
For a working-class guy like him, spending even a penny more would feel like letting down his wife and children.
It's rush hour right now, and Beijing is packed with people and cars, so the intersection ahead is already congested.
The driver stopped the car and waited for traffic to resume.
Wang Xiao turned his head and glanced at the building next to him, which had the sign for Donghu Hotel hanging on it.
She was delighted; she had thought that only Wuhan had the East Lake Hotel, but she hadn't expected that Beijing also had one.
It's quite well-built, a traditional Chinese-style glazed tile archway.
Drivers are quick-witted. As soon as he saw the boss staring at the Donghu Hotel, he immediately switched into his know-it-all mode: "This is Shougang's."
"Oh." Wang Xiao was genuinely curious and started gossiping, "Shougang's guesthouse? It looks pretty high-class."
The driver chuckled, "It's not just not low, you can't tell from the outside. Behind these trees are all small villas. They have everything you could want for eating, drinking, and entertainment."
Since the traffic jam was already happening anyway, Wang Xiao asked with great interest, "What's inside?"
The driver chuckled, "We have everything you could want. What five-star hotel? I don't think it can compare to this Donghu Hotel. It's always the best place to entertain leaders."
Just as Wang Xiao was about to speak, Yang Tao blurted out, "Hey, is that Young Master Zhou?"
Neon lights flashed as a tall, middle-aged man walked out of the hotel.
The lights illuminated his face, and it really was Young Master Zhou. He got into a luxury car.
It's a bit of a mystery, really. As soon as he got in the car, the traffic in front of him started moving, and the luxury car began to drive off.
Ivanov couldn't help but admire, "No wonder it's his territory."
Wang Xiao laughed and said, "Wrong, it's Shougang's territory, not his."
Their Volga sedan also started moving, following right behind Mr. Zhou's car.
Don't misunderstand.
Neither Wang Xiao nor Ivanov had any interest in following Zhou Gongzi.
There's only one road leading to the overpass, so if they want to get onto the bridge, they have to follow behind.
As the traffic flowed, the cars that had gathered in one place gradually dispersed.
The main traffic arteries of Beijing have finally been restored to normal operation.
Just as the luxury sedan in front was about to drive onto the overpass, the jeep following Wang Xiao and his Volga sedan suddenly accelerated.
Everyone initially thought the government-plated jeep was trying to overtake, and even the driver couldn't help but curse, "Is it in a hurry to be reborn?"
As a result, the jeep blocked Mr. Zhou's luxury car.
Several uniformed men got out of the car, politely knocked on Mr. Zhou's car door, and showed their identification.
The streetlights were dim, and even with their military binoculars, the bodyguards sitting in the Volga sedan couldn't make out which department their identification belonged to.
But this department was clearly of a high caliber, because Mr. Zhou neither cursed nor ignored it, but obediently got out of the car.
The cold light from the car's xenon headlights shone on his face, illuminating his slightly furrowed brows and making his complexion appear snow-white.
He was driven away in the jeep without saying a word.
After the car started moving, Ivanov sighed regretfully, "My God, he didn't resist!"
Comrade Ivan had to admit that he had expected a fierce chase, such as a high-speed car chase or a battle between the two sides.
There was nothing.
This is like watching a movie that abruptly ends without any of the expected scenes or shots.
Wang Xiao almost rolled his eyes: "What the hell is he running away from! Without his status as the second son of Shougang, he's nothing."
It's not that she's being mean, but rather that Zhou Gongzi's life trajectory fully demonstrates that the world is a huge makeshift operation.
As a prominent son of a high-ranking official, when he was at the height of his power, even the most elite second-generation rich had to work for him. He was riding high and had seen it all.
As a result, he was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, which was later changed to life imprisonment. After being released on medical parole due to illness, he was actually scammed by a fake second-generation rich kid while doing business.
Don't ask why he can do business even though his illness is too serious to go to jail.
That's not the point. The point is that this well-informed, genuine second-generation rich kid, who used to be among the very top, was actually fooled by a few thugs and genuinely believed that the other party had an amazing background.
Clearly, the idea that you won't be fooled if you're knowledgeable is simply not true.
Ivanov chuckled and nodded repeatedly, winking at Wang Xiao: "That's right, the advantage is domestic."
Then his smile faded, replaced by a mocking sneer. "Someone like that should be sent to Siberia to dig potatoes. Where would you send him? Xinjiang? Or Mongolia?"
Wang Xiao spread his hands: "You ask me? Who am I supposed to ask?"
Ivan was destined to have regrets, because the same crime can have vastly different outcomes for different people.
But Wang Xiao wasn't particularly angry.
The fact that Mr. Zhou was completely fooled by the fake second-generation rich kid after being released on medical parole due to illness proves that his era has already passed.
The reason he was deceived was precisely because the boomerang backfired on him.
He had enjoyed all sorts of privileges, so he was fascinated by them.
So even if the other party's lies are full of loopholes, and he is blinded and confused by the special power, he will still plunge in headfirst, turning his life into a living joke.
As the car drove onto the overpass, Wang Xiao rolled down the window halfway. The evening breeze in April, carrying the fragrance of unknown flowers, drifted into the car and invigorated everyone.
She greedily inhaled the fragrance of the flowers, her gaze fixed on the flashing signs outside.
That must have been a video rental store or something, because the sign advertised "The Deer and the Cauldron," a film starring Tony Leung and Andy Lau, which was an old movie from the 1980s.
Seeing the smile on her lips, Ivanov asked curiously, "Is there something good?"
Wang Xiao nodded: "Yes, I saw Wei Xiaobao."
Ivanov laughed heartily.
He had also read "The Deer and the Cauldron," and found it extremely interesting.
What does Wei Xiaobao represent? He represents that nothing is impossible in this world.
All those who are high and mighty are just like you; they are ordinary people.
So don't be afraid, don't be apprehensive.
Just do it, anything is possible.
Wang Xiao closed the car window and said seriously, "He has seven parts luck and three parts courage. What we need is twelve parts courage."
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Demystify; don't apply filters to anyone or any group.
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