122: Strategic cooperation

Long Xiangdong's car picked up Li Xiuwu, and together they headed to Xian Jiaotong University to meet Qiu Lianhai.

"Professor Qiu, this is our boss, Li Xiuwu," Long Xiangdong introduced Li Xiuwu.

"You..." Qiu Lianhai looked at Li Xiuwu in surprise.

It was no wonder he was so astonished; Li Xiuwu was simply too young.

He had heard of the Panda Core Chip Research Laboratory, which had reached a strategic cooperation with Xian Jiaotong University. The funds involved were no small amount. He never expected its boss to be this young.

"Since ancient times, heroes have emerged from among the youth," Qiu Lianhai sighed with such sentiment.

Whether it was chips or Lithography Machines, these were not industries that could yield returns in a short time; most people wouldn't invest in such areas.

Especially someone as young as Li Xiuwu. At his age, not squandering money was already commendable.

"Professor Qiu, you flatter me. I just have some ideas; I can't compare to your unwavering dedication and deep research," Li Xiuwu replied.

"What more can an old bone like me achieve? The world belongs to you young people. Seeing you willing to invest in chips and Lithography Machines makes me feel hopeful for the future," Qiu Lianhai said with a smile.

"Old Lü said you're interested in investing in Lithography Machine research. What are your thoughts?"

Without much small talk, Qiu Lianhai directly asked Li Xiuwu for his ideas.

"Professor Qiu, I want to establish a Lithography Machine Research Laboratory, acquire a Lithography Machine, and conduct targeted reverse engineering," Li Xiuwu said, without specifying the exact model of the Lithography Machine.

Qiu Lianhai nodded after hearing this. It was a very practical idea—no grand promises, no directly setting an unattainable goal.

In fact, this was exactly what the domestic Lithography Machine industry was doing. Having something to reference was better than starting from scratch.

Even if copyright issues needed consideration, one had to first understand the existing copyright situation.

"Currently, the most advanced domestically is the 8-inch Dry Lithography Machine. Can you obtain one?" Qiu Lianhai inquired.

The state-supported Microelectronics Lithography Machine Research Laboratory also only had 8-inch Lithography Machines.

What they could assemble were also 8-inch Lithography Machines, but a large number of components needed to be purchased from overseas.

Even this Lithography Machine, which lagged two generations behind the world, was difficult to purchase, requiring layers of approval from overseas countries.

Xian Jiaotong University didn't have such equipment. This equipment was too precious; there were too few domestically, and it was impossible to allocate any.

"Professor Qiu, I purchased a Motorola Chip Factory in Tianjin. The factory has an 8-inch Dry Lithography Machine."

"Oh," Qiu Lianhai's eyes lit up. He sensed Li Xiuwu's sincerity; at least he wasn't conspiring with him to defraud subsidies.

During this period, the state provided policy subsidies to tech companies, leading many companies to set up research laboratories just to extract state benefits. In reality, they had few researchers and only aimed to claim policy subsidies.

But in an instant, he frowned again: "The Lithography Machine in your factory is already in operation; it can't be dismantled."

"That Lithography Machine certainly won't be dismantled," Li Xiuwu said. Once the Chip Factory was running, it made money, and Li Xiuwu couldn't stop it.

Seeing Qiu Lianhai's gaze on him, Li Xiuwu smiled and said, "Professor Qiu, here's what I think: our factory's Lithography Machine will undergo regular maintenance. This maintenance process is our opportunity to learn."

"Additionally, I'll use overseas connections to purchase some advanced components for research."

"Professor Qiu's team can hold positions at my company, receive a salary, and my company will provide some equipment and experimental funding. We can share technology."

In Li Xiuwu's view, existing technologies discovered during reverse engineering could be shared. Once foreign technologies were fully understood, they could each develop new technologies or engage in technology copyright cooperation.

Qiu Lianhai felt that Li Xiuwu's cooperation method was very sincere, and a complete Lithography Machine available for observation was itself an important resource.

The two discussed the establishment of the research laboratory. Qiu Lianhai could provide some conveniences from Xian Jiaotong University.

"Professor Qiu, pleasure working with you." After a morning of discussion, they basically reached a cooperation intention and finalized the general direction of cooperation.

"The younger generation is formidable," Qiu Lianhai said as he shook hands with Li Xiuwu.

He was very satisfied with this cooperation discussion, but such matters weren't so simple to achieve. He needed to conduct a background check on Li Xiuwu to assess whether he could meet the provided conditions.

"Professor Qiu, it's noon. Let me treat you to a simple meal," Li Xiuwu invited Qiu Lianhai.

"Haha, coming to Xian Jiaotong University, and you want to treat me? Come, let's try our university cafeteria together," Qiu Lianhai said, not accepting Li Xiuwu's invitation but instead taking him and Long Xiangdong to the Xian Jiaotong University cafeteria.

Professor Qiu got four dishes and sat down: "Conditions are humble; please forgive us."

"Professor Qiu, you're upholding the older generation's style of hardship and simplicity. We young people aren't as good; we love to indulge and still need to learn from you," Li Xiuwu said, not too concerned about the food. He had eaten both good and bad; the Xian Jiaotong University cafeteria was quite decent.

"If you can enjoy, enjoy well. Who doesn't want a good life? We're just used to it," Qiu Lianhai waved his hand, refusing Li Xiuwu's flattery.

"I see you have a good foundation. Where did you study? Would you like to come to Xian Jiaotong University for graduate studies?" Qiu Lianhai asked while eating, as if chatting casually, inviting Li Xiuwu.

In his exchanges with Li Xiuwu, he found that Li Xiuwu wasn't just a simple investor; his own knowledge was very extensive, especially with deep insights into chip applications and computer systems.

"Graduate studies?" Li Xiuwu looked up.

"I don't have that idea for now. I'll finish my undergraduate studies first," he replied.

He felt that whether he attended school now had little effect on him personally; he was unlikely to participate in specific research.

Qiu Lianhai looked at Li Xiuwu, feeling a bit regretful. Such a good kid, why did he go to Beijing Film Academy for art school?

After finishing the simple cafeteria meal, Li Xiuwu bid farewell to Qiu Lianhai.

After seeing off Li Xiuwu, Qiu Lianhai pondered for a while and began writing a report... Li Xiuwu returned to the hotel and saw Liu Yifei holding a laptop watching a drama.

Liu Yifei put down the laptop and came over to take the file bag from Li Xiuwu's hand. "You're back. Have you had lunch?"

"I ate at the university. Didn't you go out for a stroll?" He changed his shoes and walked in.

"I didn't know where to go," Liu Yifei shook her head. In Xian, she was unfamiliar with the place and people. Without Li Xiuwu by her side, she didn't know where to go.

"I'll take you to see this ancient city this afternoon."

"Great!" Liu Yifei immediately perked up, a smile appearing on her face.