59: The life-saving straw of Daxia's industrial base, the replicator

Chapter 59: Da Xia's Lifeline for its Industrial Foundation – Replicating Industrial Mother Machines?

“They can get any kind of technology?”

Zheng Lixing’s face was solemn as he asked, “Old Zhang, what technology should we choose this time?”

In the past, he might have thought this ‘Mysterious Organization’ was exaggerating, just joking around.

But after the previous two incidents, even if the ‘Mysterious Organization’ were to say they could steal the complete set of Controlled nuclear fusion ignition and power generation technology, Zheng Lixing would largely believe it.

Although it was impossible for Eagle Country to develop Controlled nuclear fusion with its current technology, perhaps the Mysterious Organization had stolen from an ‘alien’ home?

After all, people with such outrageous, god-like methods might truly be able to do it.

“Is there any technology Da Xia still lacks?” Zhang Yuli frowned. “This is not an easy choice. Which technology would be better to select?”

It wasn’t that he couldn’t think of what technology Da Xia lacked, but rather that there were simply too many technologies missing.

It seemed like he wanted every single one, and each appeared extremely important, making any choice seem not quite right.

“Shouldn’t we respond the same way as before this time?”

“Just say any technology is fine?” Zheng Lixing was also unsure, so he suggested sticking to the old method.

Upon hearing this.

Zhang Yuli shook his head slightly, dismissing the idea. “It’s not appropriate. Since the other side has repeatedly asked us to propose what technology we need, if they can get it…”

“Refusing again this time would probably be a rash move.”

One or two times, it was easy to say they were worried about putting the other party in a disadvantageous situation by forcefully requesting a specific technology.

But if the other side had already asked several times and they still refused, the ‘Mysterious Organization’ might think Da Xia didn't trust them enough.

They already managed to get B-2 Spirit Bomber technology; how could you still say you’re afraid of them being in danger?

That didn't sound like goodwill, but rather a taunt.

“Then how about—”

Before Zheng Lixing could finish, Zhang Yuli seemed to guess his thoughts and waved his hand decisively. “Moreover, this technology must be chosen carefully. Simply trying to fool the other party is absolutely unacceptable.”

Asking the Mysterious Organization to acquire an ordinary technology would also make them feel untrusted, even that Da Xia didn’t believe in their capabilities.

This would be a huge obstacle to future cooperation between the two sides, and the goodwill and trust that had been so hard to build would be ruined in an instant.

So, regardless of whether they thought the ‘Mysterious Organization’ could get it, this time they had to seriously specify a suitable technology.

Zhang Yuli quickly replied:

‘Da Xia lacks too many important technologies. Please allow us to consider for a moment what technology we truly need. Please wait a few minutes.’

He was worried that the ‘Mysterious Organization’ might close the communication channel if they didn’t reply for too long.

【No problem.】 The email replied again after a few tens of seconds.

Zhang Yuli, however, paid no attention to this, his entire mind plunged into deep thought.

As the Director of the Xia Academy of Sciences, he knew all too well which technologies the entire Da Xia lacked. Even after categorizing them by several levels of urgency, the top few were still difficult to choose, and others like EUV lithography machine technology were clearly too difficult.

“Is it medical equipment like MRI? Or scientific research equipment like ultra-precision transmission electron microscopes and secondary ion mass spectrometers?”

“Both of these are very important right now, or core technologies in materials and chemical engineering?” In Zhang Yuli’s mind, names of various technologies flashed by.

Although these technologies were all urgently needed, he still felt they weren't quite right.

“Old Zhang, aren’t we undergoing a manufacturing transformation?”

Zheng Lixing, seeing his conflicted expression, interjected at the right moment, “High-end manufacturing processing equipment should be what Da Xia needs most urgently right now, right?”

Hearing this, Zhang Yuli’s rapidly working brain paused, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

“Exactly, high-end processing equipment is the most important thing right now.”

In 2009, Da Xia was at a critical period of transitioning from low-end processing and manufacturing to high-end manufacturing.

Low-end, labor-intensive manufacturing, such as sewing sweaters, making clothes, and producing screws for others, was no longer enough to make Da Xia prosperous.

Only high-end manufacturing with high added value, such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, could truly lead to development.

And all of these rely on various precise, high-end automated production equipment. However, whether such equipment could be purchased always depended on the whims of foreign countries. Da Xia not only had to pay extra, but was also restricted by the ‘Wassenaar Arrangement,’ which prohibited them from importing high-end precision processing equipment.

What technology is most needed?

What is most needed right now is this type of top-tier industrial equipment technology that could save over a billion people in Da Xia.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yuli quickly typed out several technology names.

‘These are the technologies we currently need most urgently. Can your organization provide them?’

‘1. Ultra-precision CNC machine tool machining center technology.’

‘2. Vacuum forging machine technology.’

‘3. Ultra-high power, high-precision laser cutting machine technology.’

‘4. Automatic precision vacuum high-pressure casting technology.’

‘...’

‘Finally, please be sure to pay attention to safety. Our side can provide any possible means of support. Please abandon the mission at any time if necessary.’

He elaborately listed ten types of top-tier equipment related to high-end manufacturing, each of which Da Xia urgently needed to acquire.

Finally, he still added the usual supplementary note: even if the technology wasn't acquired, personal safety must always be the top priority.

Watching him send it.

Zheng Lixing next to him couldn't contain his excitement.

“Old Zhang, do you think the ‘Mysterious Organization’ can get these technologies?”

Zhang Yuli’s eyes flickered, then he nodded firmly. “I believe in them, they definitely can. If they can’t do it, then we will do it ourselves!”

“This is a problem we must face.”

It’s impossible for over a billion people in Da Xia to do labor-intensive work their entire lives; manufacturing will inevitably undergo transformation and upgrading.

So, regardless of success, Da Xia must overcome these technologies.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Looking at the various technology names sent in the email.

“A total of ten high-end manufacturing processing technologies?”

Lu Ze stroked his chin in thought. “It seems the LLNL Laboratory doesn’t have equipment like vacuum high-pressure casting… but it should have CNC machining centers.”

After all, a laboratory is not a processing plant, so some equipment specifically used for mass production on assembly lines would naturally not exist.

However, high-power laser cutting machines and CNC machine tool machining centers, known as industrial mother machines, are occasionally needed to process materials within the laboratory and should be found in the D-level Area.

Lu Ze stood up and stretched his limbs, thinking, ‘I’ll go take a look this afternoon and call Lucy along.’

After all, he was unfamiliar with the laboratory, making it hard to find things, while Lucy should be quite knowledgeable about where these items were placed.

At that time, he would decide which one to replicate based on the achievement rewards for these industrial equipments.

Whichever is best, that's the one he'll choose!

A few hours later, it was nearing lunchtime.

In the main building’s rest area (rest area) of the LLNL Laboratory, on the same familiar sofa.

Lu Ze held a publication, carefully studying advanced foreign technology, exclaiming, “Tsk, Eagle Country’s stuff is still the most exciting; pictures are so much more direct than text!”

“Whoa, this move is called ‘Buddha’s Palm’? Good heavens, there’s even a move called ‘Striking the Ox Through the Mountain’? Eagle Country people really know how to have fun!”

“You can even play like this? Is this even free to watch?”

Suddenly, he seemed to realize something; “This magazine seems to cost money, right?”

Although he picked it up as a leftover item from the table, that didn't negate the fact that it cost money.

Instantly, Lu Ze felt that the publication in his hand wasn’t so appealing anymore. Couldn’t this kind of ‘technology’ be free, with a spirit of dedication to all humanity? They even charged money!

Then, he saw Lucy rushing over in a hurry, quickly putting away the periodical so she wouldn't see it.

However, Lucy wasn't in a hurry to clock in.

Instead, she directly yelled, “I almost starved to death! Lu Ze, do you have anything to eat?”

It had been over ten hours since her last meal, and she felt like she was going to starve.

“I have a few chocolate bars; you can eat those for now. We’ll go to the cafeteria later.” Lu Ze pulled out a few chocolate bars and tossed them to Lucy.

He watched Lucy finish all the chocolate bars in one bite, then weakly slumped onto the sofa next to him, waiting for the cafeteria to open.

“Lucy, are you free to accompany me to the D-level Area this afternoon?”

Lu Ze smiled as he extended the invitation, “I’ll treat you to lunch at the cafeteria.”

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