8: Chapter 8: Let's see what it's really like.

One percent.

To an ordinary person, this number might seem insignificant.

However, to Lin Yuan, its symbolic meaning was far beyond what any words could describe.

This was the first step in breaking the deadlock.

It was also the first, and most critical, chip he had won in this crazy gamble where he had staked his life!

He knew perfectly well just how much weight the two men sitting across from him carried.

One was a confidant at the core of power, accustomed to the winds of authority.

The other was a leading academic figure who held the reins of the Xia Country scientific community.

Did he think he could make them believe a massive lie like an "undergraduate student conquering the theory of the Photolithography Machine" with just a few words?

That was simply a pipe dream.

At most, their current state was one of skepticism.

In fact, the "belief" they did have was mostly built on a forced logical consistency regarding Elder Long's unusual behavior.

Yet, this tiny, ethereal sliver of trust, when fed back to the system, directly raised the confidence level by a full one percent!

The reason was simple—

Weight!

The weight of these two men's identities was simply too high!

The resources they controlled and the authority they represented were at the very top of the pyramid in this country, and even the world.

In the system's judgment, a single thought from them was enough to outweigh the blind belief of thousands upon thousands of ordinary citizens.

This fully proved the correctness of Lin Yuan's initial assumption.

Taking the high-level route, using a powerful name to bolster his own, and leveraging the country's power to snowball—this was the fastest and most aggressive shortcut to making a lie become reality.

Once this path was opened...

What would a Photolithography Machine matter?

Controlled Nuclear Fusion, Space Elevators, and even Interstellar Fleets would no longer be unreachable fantasies!

Behind the desk, Chen Jingshan slowly took off the reading glasses from his nose, pulled out a soft velvet cloth from his pocket, and wiped the lenses unhurriedly.

His movements were steady, and every detail exuded a scholarly aura that was rigorous to the bone.

The atmosphere in the office grew increasingly heavy with his movements.

Beside him, Lin Jixian's fingers tightened slightly around his teacup, and even his breathing subconsciously slowed down.

To Lin Yuan's surprise, Chen Jingshan did not impatiently ask what his so-called "theoretical results" were, as an ordinary person might.

For a leading academic figure, this reaction seemed somewhat unusual.

It also left many of the explanations Lin Yuan had prepared in advance with nowhere to be used.

But after a moment's thought, Lin Yuan understood the old Dean's considerations.

Science has never been something that can be talked into existence.

No matter how extravagant the theory is, the truth must ultimately be revealed in the laboratory, amidst cold instruments and tedious data.

What is true cannot be made false.

What is false, naturally, cannot be made true.

Chen Jingshan had lived for more than half a lifetime and had seen geniuses as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river, as well as no small number of academic frauds.

He didn't need to use words to puncture or verify anything.

He only needed to give Lin Yuan a stage.

A stage that was high enough, difficult enough, and cruel enough.

Is it a mule or a horse? Take it for a spin, and its true nature will naturally become clear.

"Click."

Chen Jingshan put his clean reading glasses back on, and his gaze fell on Lin Yuan again, carrying a deeper meaning.

"It's a good thing for young people to have drive."

The old man's voice was gentle, but it carried a force that allowed no retreat.

"Since you've set your sights on the Photolithography Machine and claim to have some theoretical results..."

"...then I naturally won't let talent go to waste, nor will I stand in the way of any heart that wants to shine."

He paused for a moment, as if quickly filtering information in his mind, and after a while, he said in a deep voice:

"The Third Microelectronics Equipment Research Institute under the Academy is the lead unit for the Photolithography Machine project. Currently, it is fully tackling the Core Light Source System of the Extreme Ultraviolet Photolithography Machine."

"That is the institute currently facing the deepest bottlenecks and the greatest pressure in the entire project."

"I intend to have you report there."

Having said that, his eyes looked directly into Lin Yuan's with a torch-like intensity.

"Comrade Lin Yuan, how do you feel about that?"

Beside them, Lin Jixian's gaze shifted between the two.

He didn't interject; he would never overstep his bounds regarding specific scientific research arrangements.

Facing Chen Jingshan's scrutinizing gaze, Lin Yuan didn't show the slightest panic; instead, he smiled.

"I couldn't ask for more."

Four words, crisp and neat.

There were no grand declarations, nor any superfluous explanations.

But that confidence etched into his bones made both Chen Jingshan and Lin Jixian nod inwardly.

Regardless of whether this kid's theoretical results were real or fake, his composure—unmoved even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him—made him worthy of Elder Long's high regard.

"Good."

Chen Jingshan slapped the table, setting the tone.

"Since you have this courage, I, as an old man, will naturally support you fully."

He looked at Lin Jixian, his tone carrying a hint of consultation.

"Director Lin, as for Comrade Lin Yuan reporting to the Third Research Institute, I will arrange for someone from the Academy to take him there."

"What do you think?"

Lin Jixian was a smart man and immediately understood Chen Jingshan's meaning.

If he were to personally escort Lin Yuan to the Third Research Institute, it would be equivalent to labeling Lin Yuan as someone with 'connections to the very top.'

Which of the researchers at the Third Institute wasn't proud and aloof?

They might be polite on the surface, but who knows how they would marginalize him in their hearts.

This would not be conducive to Lin Yuan truly integrating into the team, nor to the subsequent development of scientific research.

"Dean Chen's consideration is thorough."

Lin Jixian put down his teacup and nodded with a smile.

"I'm just a guide today. Now that the person is in your hands, the subsequent arrangements are naturally up to you."

Chen Jingshan nodded with satisfaction and then pressed the internal intercom button on his desk.

"Xiao Luo, come in for a moment."

Before long, the office door was gently pushed open.

Luo Yang walked in quickly, his expression respectful.

"Dean."

Chen Jingshan pointed to Lin Yuan, who was sitting on the sofa.

"Xiao Luo, put aside what you're doing for now."

"Personally take Comrade Lin Yuan to the Third Microelectronics Equipment Research Institute and find Old Wei to handle the onboarding procedures."

When Luo Yang heard the words 'Third Microelectronics Equipment Research Institute' and 'Old Wei,' his eye twitched slightly.

But his good professional conduct made him nod and accept the order.

"Alright, Dean."

Chen Jingshan added another instruction.

"Tell Old Wei that Comrade Lin Yuan is a Young Researcher specially approved by the Academy, with remarkable research in the field of Photolithography Machines."

"As for his work arrangements, the institute should grant him the highest level of freedom, and the Academy's resources will also be significantly tilted in his favor."

As soon as these words were spoken, the shock in Luo Yang's heart intensified.

He couldn't help but glance at Lin Yuan out of the corner of his eye, feeling an unprecedented curiosity about this young man.

"Understood. I will certainly convey your words exactly as you said them."

Luo Yang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the shock in his heart, and respectfully accepted the order.

Then, he turned to Lin Yuan and said:

"Researcher Lin, I'll take you there now."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Lin Yuan rose calmly and first bowed slightly to Chen Jingshan behind the desk.

"Thank you for the arrangements, Dean Chen."

Chen Jingshan waved his hand, his gaze filled with high expectations.

"Go on, young man."

"The scientific and technological backbone of Xia Country must ultimately be carried by your generation."

"I'm waiting to see your results."

Lin Yuan nodded heavily and then turned to Lin Jixian.

"Brother Lin, I've really troubled you today."

"Why say such things?"

Lin Jixian stood up and patted him heavily on the shoulder with a warm smile.

"Work hard at the institute. If you have any difficulties in life or encounter any problems you can't solve, remember to call your big brother."

"I certainly will."

Lin Yuan promised and then turned toward the door.

Luo Yang had already pulled open the heavy wooden door of the office and stood aside with a 'please' gesture.

Lin Yuan stepped forward and walked out of this office that represented the authority of the Xia Country scientific community.

Outside, the corridor was deep.

A technological storm that was about to overturn the world's perception was quietly brewing, with him at its center.