61: Refresh! The system has directly rewarded you with a lithography machine!

When Lu Chen’s question, brimming with the air of a “money grubber”—“How much is the Academician's subsidy?”—clearly echoed in the solemn and majestic golden hall...

The expressions on the faces of the top leaders of Xia Nation standing behind him instantly froze once again!

They looked at the young man before them, who wore the Dual Academician Medal—an honor that would drive any researcher crazy—yet was concerned about the monthly subsidy of tens of thousands of yuan.

They felt their worldview had been severely refreshed, yet again!

What kind of divine creation is this kid, really?!

...After the conferment ceremony concluded.

Lu Chen returned to the Kunlun Mountain Underground Base again.

Only this time, his status was completely different.

From a nominal “Project Chief Director”...

...he became the Decision-Maker.

Thousands of the most elite scientists and engineers throughout the entire “pangu” team would now only obey his commands!

This feeling of having power in hand allowed Lu Chen to experience for the first time what it meant to have one's Words Become Law!

However, he did not indulge in this fleeting pleasure of power.

Because, he knew.

The greater the power, the greater the responsibility!

Xia Nation had staked all its hope on him!

He had to repay this heavy... trust with greater speed and stronger technology!

That same evening.

Lu Chen came alone to the Super Laboratory that was undergoing frantic expansion.

He looked at the brand-new instruments, designed personally by heavenly craft and filled with a sense of futuristic science fiction.

His eyes flickered with the light of anticipation.

He was waiting.

Waiting for that weekly, sacred “Refresh” moment!

[Ding—]

[Jinghai Time, Monday, 00:00]

[The future technology system has refreshed.]

[Injecting this week's Black Technology for the Host...]

Boom!

A massive torrent of cold information, filled with extreme precision and the beauty of industry, instantly flooded into his brain!

This time, it wasn't energy!

Nor was it materials!

And definitely not information!

Instead, it was the crown of all modern industry!

The cornerstone of the entire Information Age!

The true National Treasure, monopolized by the Western Alliance for decades!

[Injection complete.]

[This week's Black Technology: Complete set of 3-nanometer Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography Machine Manufacturing Technology (Full Version)]

Success!

Lu Chen suddenly opened his eyes!

From his profound, starry eyes, a terrifying light, brighter than a star, instantly burst forth!

A Lithography Machine!

And it was the world's most cutting-edge 3-nanometer EUV Lithography Machine!

With this!

Xia Nation's decades-long chip pain, caused by the Western Alliance's chokehold!

Will completely become history!

We will be able to produce our own high-end chips as we please!

We will no longer have to worry about anyone's opinion!

We will personally sever the Technological Hegemony upon which the Western Alliance relies for survival!

“Hahahahahahaha!”

Even Lu Chen's temperament, which had long been tempered by various Black Technologies until it was as still as an ancient well!

At this moment, he couldn't help but laugh uproariously toward the sky!

That hearty laughter echoed throughout the empty laboratory for a long time!

He knew!

Starting today!

Xia Nation, this Eastern Giant Dragon that had been trapped for decades!

Will completely break free from the last shackles binding its neck!

And truly soar into the sky!

“heavenly craft!”

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the heart that was practically leaping out of his chest!

And issued the command in an unprecedentedly impassioned tone!

[Present, Master.]

That ethereal, virtual figure instantly materialized before him.

“Immediately input the complete set of design blueprints and manufacturing processes for the 3-nanometer EUV Lithography Machine into your core database!”

“Then, with the highest priority! Immediately establish a brand new ‘Kua Fu Chip Project Team’ for me!”

[Command received.]

heavenly craft nodded.

Her wise eyes also sparkled with unprecedented excitement!

As a “Digital Lifeform” born in the world of data!

She knew better than anyone!

What chips truly meant for the Information Age!

They were the foundation of everything! The bedrock of every technological edifice!

And today!

Her Master would personally lay the strongest and most solid foundation for Xia Nation!

...The next day.

When the detailed report regarding the establishment of the “Kua Fu” Chip Project Team, rushed out overnight by heavenly craft, was placed before Long Weiguo.

Both of these top leaders of Xia Nation fell silent.

They looked at the familiar yet glaring terms on the report.

Lithography machine, chip, technological blockade—their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.

That was the eternal pain in the hearts of several generations of Xia Nation researchers!

It was also a perpetual thorn in the side of decision-makers like them!

They dreamed of owning their own high-end lithography machines!

They dreamed of breaking free from the Western Alliance's technological shackles!

But they also knew how difficult this was!

That was not a problem that could be solved simply with money!

It was the culmination of all cutting-edge technologies: optics, materials science, and precision manufacturing across all of modern industry!

Given Xia Nation's current industrial foundation... without twenty, or even thirty, years of Enduring Hardship, it would be impossible to catch up!

Yet now, Lu Chen, this eighteen-year-old youth.

As soon as he opened his mouth, he claimed he wanted the world's most cutting-edge 3-nanometer EUV Lithography Machine?!

And he only needed three months?!

This wasn't just launching a satellite anymore!

This was practically launching the Milky Way Galaxy!

“Lu Chen...”

Long Weiguo picked up the red, top-secret communication phone and asked hoarsely:

“How confident are you?”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

So long that Long Weiguo's heart almost sank to the bottom.

Only then did Lu Chen's calm yet absolutely confident voice slowly ring out.

“Chief.”

“Your question is incorrect.”

“Oh?”

“You shouldn't ask how confident I am.”

“Instead, you should ask...” A hint of pride, Looking Down on the World, curved his lips.

“How many units do you want?”