photolithography machine
In the history of chip development, lithography machines are an indispensable existence.
It can be said that if there were no lithography machines, there would be no chips.
The production technology of lithography machines is also one of the important factors that seriously restrict my country's chip production.
Now Huang Haiyan and her assistant girl have brought back the lithography machine, which has greatly encouraged everyone in Gaoxi Company from top to bottom.
The return of the lithography machines has given everyone some confidence in overcoming this difficult time.
There is nothing more inspiring than a lithography machine!
After Huang Haiyan returned, she reported her journey to Jian Jianan and the others: "Our journey has been truly arduous, even more arduous than the 81 trials and tribulations that Tang Sanzang and his three companions endured on their pilgrimage to the West! You have no idea, every time we think we can succeed, reality strikes us head-on without hesitation."
Jian Jianan knew their destination.
When Huang Haiyan and the other person were about to leave, Jian Jianan had a short talk with both of them.
"Where is your first destination?" asked Jian Jianan.
Huang Haiyan smiled and said, "Let's go to Hong Kong first and ask some companies there. I haven't forgotten that Gao Xi made his fortune in Hong Kong. It was thanks to the agency business with the big boss there that Gao Xi was able to get his first pot of gold."
When looking for their destination, they divided their goals into two directions.
When they turn their attention to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan become one of the alternative destinations.
There are many foreign-funded enterprises and high-tech companies in these two places.
If a breakthrough in chip technology can be found in China, then Hong Kong and Taiwan are very likely to be the two regions.
Secondly, they did not ignore foreign countries.
Western countries have imposed technological sanctions on Chinese companies, but they are not completely inflexible.
A family of three will have different tastes, not to mention an alliance composed of more than a dozen countries!
Huang Haiyan is bold by nature and is not panicked in the face of these things. She has already thought of a way to get something out of their hands.
"Xiao Zhang and I went to Hong Kong first. As I just mentioned, several chip companies have their headquarters in Hong Kong, but Xiao Zhang and I went there at an unlucky time. The lithography machines that we had just placed orders for had already been bought, and the orders were delivered just a few days before we arrived." Huang Haiyan took a sip of water.
Xiao Zhang added, "It's just nonsense. They're just trying to put us off! They just don't want to sell to us!"
Although Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the motherland in 1997, there are still many stubborn people, and everyone's ideas cannot be changed in a short time. When Huang Haiyan and Xiao Zhang first arrived in Hong Kong, they encountered obstacles everywhere and were covered in dust every day.
"People look down on us. When they hear us speaking Mandarin, their noses almost turn upside down. But when they face the foreigners speaking English, they put on a humble and kind face. Tell me, we are all from the same country, when did they learn to change their faces?"
Jian Jianan found it funny. As a member of the first group of free travel groups to Hong Kong, Jian Jianan had a deep understanding of this matter. Indeed, in Hong Kong, there was a small group of diehards who were extremely xenophobic.
They treat mainlanders and foreigners in two completely different ways.
From these words, we can imagine how great the difficulties Huang Haiyan and Xiao Zhang are facing.
That means you have money in your hand but you can’t spend it!
"Then we went to Taiwan. But the price they offered was inappropriate. It's no exaggeration to say it was exorbitant. We are in a critical period and every penny must be saved. They are not the only ones with lithography machines. Even if I throw money in the water, I can hear it ringing. I don't want these people who take advantage of the situation to make a big profit!"
Xiao Zhang is young and hot-tempered, and quite emotional. She gets extremely angry when she thinks about how those people, who are obviously sellers, are impatient with her and would make clicking sounds if she asks more than two questions.
Huang Haiyan and Xiao Zhang hit a wall in two places in a row and were disappointed. After reviewing the situation, they decided to turn their attention abroad and give it a try.
The third destination was set in Japan. It was this time that they successfully completed the mission and brought back the lithography machine that they most needed under the current situation.
Jian Jianan was very curious. Time was tight and the task was heavy. They had no time to explain everything to the Jian family while they were on the road. Now Jian Jianan really wanted to know what happened to them along the way.
Huang Haiyan recalled that it was thrilling and exciting, and sighed, "Oh, it's hard for me to act like this at such an old age!"
Huang Haiyan and Xiao Zhang did not take action immediately after arriving in Japan. They learned from the two previous failures and decided to stay put when they first arrived, collect information about the surrounding environment, and then wait for an opportunity to act.
While they were collecting information, the two gradually discovered the target company.
It is a very famous technology company, and their semiconductor technology has reached the world's leading level in the past decade.
However, since the 1980s, when it has attracted more and more attention internationally, it has also been treated like several companies in the current domestic telecommunications industry, and has been suppressed and treated differently by Western countries, both openly and covertly.
After that incident, the company fell into decline and never regained its former glory.
Huang Haiyan judged that this company was definitely lacking in technology and funds, and that this company might have a common enemy with them. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, so they might be easier to talk to.
Huang Haiyan made a prompt decision and decided to try to get closer.
But she did not act rashly and reveal all her cards at the first opportunity. Instead, she sent Xiao Zhang to contact him first.
Xiao Zhang took advantage of his previous trip and pretended to be a businessman who had just come here from Hong Kong. He wanted to purchase a lithography machine from your company for his family's business.
Although it was the first time for the two to act together, their performance was seamless and was not exposed.
Afterwards, Huang Haiyan often felt lucky that she did not rashly step forward to reveal her identity, but resorted to acting. Otherwise, she would definitely not be able to complete the task. No one would know why she was rushing forward when she was already being sanctioned. After being hit on the left cheek, she still raised her head eagerly and offered the right cheek, as if she was afraid that others didn't know how easy it was to hit her there!
When Huang Haiyan said this, the most thrilling part had passed, so she simply stopped to rest and let Xiao Zhang explain what happened next.
Xiao Zhang sighed. Her only dissatisfaction with this trip was that she couldn't buy a new lithography machine. "Sister Haiyan and I put in a lot of effort, but the one we brought back after spending all our money is only a second-hand one."
Xiao Zhang's tone was full of disappointment, but more of a sense of guilt for failing to live up to Jian Jianan's expectations of her.
Huang Haiyan had already patted her shoulder to comfort her, and Jian Jianan didn't care. How could this be considered a mistake?
"That's already great. Honestly, when I sent you out, I didn't expect you to be able to resolve this urgent situation all at once. Of course, this isn't to say I don't trust your abilities, but the magnitude of the issue we're facing is simply too great. It's a battle between nations, and it's beyond the realm of individual ability. What can a handful of us possibly accomplish?"
"But now, you have given me and all the employees of Gaoxi a big surprise. You brought back a lithography machine, which is something that can bring our entire company back to life!"
"It's okay to spend some money, it's nothing. Money can buy good things. The current situation is that we have money in our hands but we can't spend it!"
Jian Jianan's words immediately made the little girl happy and encouraged her to cheer up again.
After Xiao Zhang left, Huang Haiyan teased Jian Jianan, "Oh, our young President Jian, your charisma remains as strong as ever!"
"You're the only one who talks too much! Alright, alright, finish this glass of water and get out there to arrange work. Look at that girl, she's younger than us, and she's more thoughtful than us. Even though she's young and doesn't have enough work experience, she'll definitely catch up in a few years!"
With the good news about the lithography machine, Jian Jianan felt a lot more relaxed. He even had time to joke around.
Huang Haiyan knew she was joking and didn't take it seriously. After going out like that, her personality had become wilder. Look at her, she didn't even button the top button of her shirt.
Huang Haiyan casually opened the collar of his shirt and while arguing with Jian Jianan in an annoying way, he talked about the next work arrangements.
First of all, the fact that Gao Xi has a lithography machine must be made known. Not only must it be said, but it must be said loudly. Letting everyone know this news will give you a bit of confidence, right?
As expected, as soon as the news was announced, everyone in Gaoxi who heard the news immediately became excited, as if heavy rain had finally fallen on the thirsty earth all night.
The first second-hand lithography machine that Huang Haiyan and her colleagues received was delivered to Gao Xi's own R&D department on the night they returned.
An Qingdai didn't sleep the whole night and worked with the entire team to study.
This is a photolithography machine! Something they had only seen in textbooks before, but now it appeared in front of their eyes in real life!
Are those tiny chips worth millions produced from these big guys?
Now that they have this big guy, they should be able to completely solve the current predicament, right?
Unexpectedly, An Qingdai and her team thought things were a little too simple.
It’s not enough for them to have a lithography machine, they also need chip technology that can keep up with this lithography machine!
The first batch of chips produced by second-hand lithography machines were put into use immediately, but they were not tested.
The pass rate is less than 30%.
Gao Xi's first attempt to independently produce chips ended in failure.
An Qingdai handed the report to Jian Jianan and explained what happened in detail. She looked depressed and her head kept nodding lower and lower. If there hadn't been a table in front of her, Jian Jianan estimated that her head would have dropped to the ground.
Jian Jianan found it amusing and softened his voice to comfort him, "It's okay. This is our first experiment. Look at other companies. Is there anyone who's progressing faster than us? Compared to others, our progress is already very fast."
This is the truth, not something Jian Jianan made up specifically to comfort An Qingdai.
Other telecommunications companies that also suffered devastating losses all came up with different solutions and paths from Gao Xi.
Other companies either follow Mr. Zhang around all day long, and are satisfied as long as he slips something through his fingers.
Or, seeing that the chip supply cut caused by technological sanctions cannot be resolved in the short term, and that profits are getting smaller and smaller day by day, they simply give up on this path and turn to developing other products, transforming and upgrading, and no longer sticking to electronic equipment.
Although the words sound nice and they say they haven't given up, they are just temporarily reducing the scale of chip investment for the sake of the current predicament.
But how is doing this any different from giving up?
Gao Xi faced the same dilemma. Jian Jianan did not choose any of the paths like the two people above. She was determined to find a third path that belonged only to her.
Even though profits are visibly decreasing every day, expenses are not decreasing accordingly.
In such a huge predicament, Jian Jianan took on most of the pressure alone and did not fire any employees unless they resigned voluntarily.
There was no document issued stating that salaries would be cut, but several managers, represented by Huang Haiyan, took the initiative to tell Jian Jianan that they would be owed their annual salaries for this year and would receive them after the company overcame the difficulties.
As for Jian Jianan herself, she hasn't received a salary for nearly half a year.
As the largest shareholder and leader, in addition to dividends from shares, he also receives a considerable salary income every year.
Under such circumstances, all the high-paid employees are united and work together, constantly striving for the company.
There is less money, but there is no sign of a reduction in investment in R&D.
Not only has it not decreased, Jian Jianan is actually increasing his investment!
When the first photolithography machine was handed over to An Qingdai's team, Jian Jianan sent Xiao Zhang to lead a group of people to purchase the second photolithography machine.
He said he wanted to buy a second lithography machine for Shan Jixin’s team to use for research.
But this time, Xiao Zhang and his team's mission was not completed so smoothly.
Xiao Zhang called Jian Jianan and said, "No, Mr. Jian! We don't know who leaked our information and from where. The Japanese already know we're using fake identities. They said they won't sell it to us, no matter how much money we offer!"
Jian Jianan covered his head with his hands in pain. It was really a headache. He didn't expect that the second-hand lithography machine he bought as a joke last time would become their only popular item!
Xiao Zhang hung up the phone with a determined look on his face.
She has been in Gaoxi for several years. During these years, Huang Haiyan has always been with her. Huang Haiyan is a good leader who is serious and responsible in her work and upright in her behavior. Xiao Zhang has learned a lot by following her.
One of them is, never give up.
What was a rejection like that? Wasn't it just that the supplier she had previously worked with found out about her identity and stopped selling to her because of discrimination?
Wouldn't she look for a second one?
There are so many high-tech companies in the world, she just can't believe that all companies are like this ungrateful company, with discrimination clearly written on their faces.
Although only a few Western countries have issued written documents to impose a technological blockade, the consensus on curbing my country's technological development is firmly written in the unspoken common understanding of many countries.
Once their identities as mainland Chinese were exposed, the Japanese company that had sold them the lithography machines immediately changed its attitude. They were still polite, but politely asked them to leave.
Xiao Zhang rolled up her sleeves. The person next to her glanced at her expression and asked in doubt, "Sister Xiao Zhang, what should we do now?"
Xiao Zhang rolled up his sleeves to the top of his arms and cleared his throat: "Come on, follow me, let's go back and scold him!"
It's impossible not to scold these bastards to vent my anger!
Only after you have let out some steam will you be more motivated to take the next step!
Because of this little incident, Jian Jianan, as the sponsor of Shan Jiqing's chip laboratory, could no longer provide them with a lithography machine.
However, Shan Jiqing was very understanding. His girlfriend had been under a lot of pressure recently, so he offered to bring his team to Gao Xi's place and borrow it from her when An Qingdai and the others were not using it.
Faced with this request, Jian Jianan naturally had no reason to refuse.
Because of this, the two of them spent more and more time together.
Even if these two people meet, they don't get along sweetly with each other. The reason is simple: they are too busy.
Both of them are very busy people, one is busy with the company and the other is busy with an experimental project. They don’t even have time to eat together.
Even during meal time, Jian Jianan would hurriedly tell the people around him something he had just thought of that needed to be added.
Therefore, it is a great pity that lovers cannot communicate with each other even though they are in the same room.
However, the two of them have no time to care about so much at the moment. For them, there are more important things than this.
Shan Jiqing and his entire team moved into Gaoxi. With the addition of their team, the R&D department was assisted by God. The two different teams communicated with each other and generated new ideas every day.
As long as they are given some time, they will definitely give Gao Xi a big surprise in return.
Just as the two teams were getting used to each other, good news came back.
It’s good news for Xiao Zhang and the others.
Xiao Zhang took his people abroad to buy lithography machines again, but encountered difficulties in Japan, so he had to move to other places.
Jian Jianan knew the importance of this matter. Even in his busy schedule, he took time and energy to deal with them and tried every possible way to seek help from others.
Her mentor in college, Lan Jingru, had heard about the hardship faced by the student company and had been paying attention to the relevant news for a long time, and had provided them with great help in this matter.
She also asked for the latest news from the friends and colleagues that Jian Jianan met during her short year-long study abroad trip.
With the help of various parties, they found another new way to purchase lithography machines.
Although it cost a huge amount of money and effort, and after much persuasion, the other party finally agreed to provide a lithography machine. Of course, it was also a second-hand one, not a brand new one.
But for Xiao Zhang and his team, this can be considered a successful mission.
Thanks to everyone's joint efforts, the second lithography machine was shipped back to China as quickly as possible and went to where it should go.
The second lithography machine was given to Shan Jiqing's laboratory.
Now, in addition to the necessary teaching tasks, Shan Jiqing and his team are all staying in Gao Xi.
It seems like he wants to live and die together with Jian Jianan.
Seeing this look, Shan Jiqing's sworn enemies were talking about it. Some people even said, "Is he going to marry into the family?"
Some people who get to the heart of the matter say, "Chip research won't take too long. This major project typically takes five years. They're expecting to overcome several years of technical difficulties in just a few months or even a year. That's impossible."
Other people's pessimism does not affect those who are actually doing things.
Jian Jianan and her like-minded people who share her philosophy are not the kind of people who will change their minds when faced with setbacks. They will not turn back until they hit a wall, and they are united in moving towards their set goals.
There is only one way to make them change their minds, and that is after they have achieved their set goals.
However, bad news came one after another.
Kiki went bankrupt.
When hearing the news, Jian Jianan was also extremely surprised.
Qiqi is also one of the largest companies in the communications industry.
Jian Jianan and his founder are close friends regardless of age difference. The two have most of the same ideas, so even though they are competitors, they respect each other.
This company is also one of the very few companies that did not follow Guanyou in surrendering and selling shares.
"They have been holding on for too long and under too much pressure. I believe they have tried their best, but there is no way. In the face of the tide of the times, they still can't hold on."
Jian Jianan was very emotional. If the lips and teeth are separated, the teeth will be cold. Such a large company, which is one of the best companies like Gao Xi, can't hold on now. What about their Gao Xinxi? Can he still hold on?
Huang Haiyan wanted to comfort her, but for a moment she was overwhelmed by the unspeakable shock of the news and was speechless.
Instead, it was Xiao Zhang, who had just returned with her second lithography machine, who spoke. After experiencing the ups and downs abroad during this period, she became much more positive and lively, and was no longer afraid to express her opinions in front of many people.
"Mr. Jian, Sister Haiyan, what are you worried about? Do you know what I've been through? Yes, I've encountered tremendous difficulties. Foreign countries block our technology, and even money can't buy it. In just a few months, I've witnessed the ugliness of human nature. Greed, insatiable desires, and exorbitant demands are written on everyone's face. But so what? At the same time, I've also seen the kindness of human nature. So many, so many strangers have come to help me. They only listened to our purpose. Even though they didn't know each other before, even though they were strangers, they were willing to provide me with convenience in a foreign country, some small help within their ability."
"It was precisely because of these seemingly insignificant little helps that I was able to bring back this second lithography machine. When I first set out, although I was so ambitious, I actually knew in my heart that this was an unlikely task."
Xiao Zhang shrugged and said, "So, you can see the final result. With the help of so many people, we were able to bring back the second lithography machine."
Jian Jiananbei burst into laughter and said, "What you said makes sense."
Huang Haiyan was also encouraged and regained her previous state: "Yes, although the difficulties are great and the road ahead is long, there are so many good people and so many people who agree with our ideas. Although everyone doesn't know how to get through this difficult time, they are willing to help us."
Huang Haiyan nudged Jian Jianan and said, "Mr. Jian, you must be tired after not sleeping for three days and three nights. Go home quickly. Sister Qin called me and said that she and Uncle Jian have prepared a big meal at home and are waiting for you!"
Jian Jianan took a bus back home. As soon as she opened the door, she saw the three people in the family turning their heads towards her.
As if facing a formidable enemy.
Jian Jianan burst out laughing, and couldn't help but be amused. As he walked in to put his things away, he asked, "What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that?"
She smoothed her hair with her hands and said, "Everyone seems to be quite present today. Is there any family meeting going on?"
Jian Yangping, Su Qinxuan, and the busiest Jian Jiabei, these three people appeared at home in unison today. It is hard to say that something big has not happened.
Su Qinxuan quickly waved to her daughter, asking her to come over and sit down. "It's okay, it's okay. Nothing serious happened at home. We just missed you. Mom and Dad missed you, and your brother missed you too, so we asked you to come back and have dinner with us."
Jian Jianan sat down at her seat. Her father, Jian Yangping, poured her a bowl of soup as usual and called her, "Hurry up and drink it. I've been cooking this soup for several hours today. I went to the market early in the morning to buy the freshest ingredients!"
Jian Jiabei looked at his sister for a long time. "You've lost weight. You've really changed since the last time I saw you. The company must be very stressful, right?"
Although it is a question, it does not sound like there is any question to be asked, and the meaning of the words is very certain.
Jian Jianan's Gao Xi had a big problem, and this was something everyone knew. The three members of the family were very worried when they heard it.
They all knew the biggest factor affecting Jian Jianan's company, but they were not professionals in the relevant field and could not help much. Seeing their daughter getting thinner day by day, the three of them felt very sad.
A few days ago, Huang Haiyan sent a message saying that Jian Jianan was under a lot of pressure these days. It was no wonder. She was obviously the one under the most pressure, but she couldn't express her true thoughts. When others looked sad, she had to come out and comfort them.
Jian Jianan returned home and had a rare warm dinner. During this dinner, the three people who knew Gao Xi did not directly mention Gao Xi's future to her. They did not talk about the difficulties he was facing now or what he would do in the future. They only talked about family matters.
Jian Yangping was concentrating on adding more soup to his daughter's bowl, asking her to drink more and more.
Su Qinxuan picked up some vegetables for her daughter and said, "Eat more vegetables! These are choy sums grown in our own vegetable farm. They are so tender!"
Jian Jiabei kept pouring meat for his sister: "Eat some meat, meat is an important source of nutrients. If you don't eat more meat, how can you have the energy to maintain Gao Xi? Leading a large company is hard work. You are so thin, I am afraid that you will faint in the meeting."
Jian Jianan accepted his family's kindness and just nodded in agreement with a smile no matter what they said.
Dinner ended quickly, and Su Qinxuan asked, "Are you staying at home tonight?"
Jian Jianan waved his hand: "No, I'm going back to the villa. Xiaoqing drove to pick me up. We can go back at the right time, and it will be convenient for me to sort out the planned experiments for this period of time."
My parents and brother could only nod disappointedly.
The word "home" is always a safe haven and a charger for Jian Jianan.
Although none of the three mentioned the actual topic, they all used practical actions to prove one thing to Jian Jianan: Dad, Mom and brother will always be your solid harbor.
Jian Jiabei sent his sister out. Before getting in the car, he patted her shoulder and wanted to say something but then closed his mouth. "Nannan, your family is very worried about you. I heard Mom and Dad discussing whether to give you some financial support a while ago!"
Jian Zhangnan said in surprise, "They told me that during the Chinese New Year, but I refused! Gao Xi doesn't just want the immediate money. This little money is just a drop in the bucket for us. If we can't find a way to solve the problem from the root, we can only use a steady stream of money to fill the hole. But the money will eventually run out, and this approach won't work."
Jian Jiabei wiped his nose and said, "Yes, we all know. But we all want to help you."
He looked deeply into his sister's eyes. Jian Jianan narrowed his eyes and gently hugged his brother, "I know, I know everything."
You guys have helped me a lot.
She let go of Jian Jiabei and looked him in the eye. "But brother, think about all the great achievements I've made since I was a child. Don't you believe me?"
Jian Jiabei recalled it and was actually convinced by her.
"Okay, okay, okay. I believe you. Our money-loving Nan Nan will definitely find a way!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
