Chapter 180: Carefully Arranged
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Semiconductor fab? What’s the size, 6 inches or 8 inches?” Ye Zhengfeng wasn’t particularly surprised since China had been leading in the production of 6-inch wafers. However, there was still a gap compared to the most advanced 12-inch wafers on the market. Currently, only SMIC had the capability, although the production volume was still limited.
“Neither! I’m manufacturing something that I can’t easily disclose to you.”
“You aren’t planning to manufacture 12-inch wafers, are you?” Ye Zhengfeng looked incredulously at Zhou Chao. He couldn’t quite grasp this piece of information.
Peng City, being a developed and modern metropolis, was home to many large electronic factories. As the head of Peng City, Ye Zhengfeng fully understood the value of a wafer fabrication facility. If Zhou Chao could indeed produce 12-inch wafers, it meant that a billion-dollar factory would rise in Peng City.
“Absolutely, I’ve already got two production lines and the necessary technology. I originally planned to wait for the steel plant to be completely relocated to the Northeast, and then I’d build the wafer fab there.”
“Two production lines! I didn’t see that coming from you! You’re quite the surprise package, able to handle a significant project without making a fuss. 1 might just have to call you a clever strategist! You’ve been silently accomplishing something substantial!” When Zhou Chao heard Ye Zhengfeng’s analogy, he couldn’t help but smile, realizing the magnitude of his achievements.
“Who will be in charge on your side?”
“Lin Wu and Zhou Jilong! Lin Wu has been with me for a long time, and I trust him for security here. Zhou Jilong is a tech genius, so there’s no issue with wafer production.”
“What about the Northeast? Aren’t you going to assign someone there too?”
Zhou Chao pondered for a moment and then spoke, “When the time comes, 1’11 send two more individuals over there. One will assist Li Wei, and the other will handle security. The main reason is that the situation there is currently very critical, and there’s a sense of urgency from higher-ups.”
“Right, you need to plan these things yourself. Also, 1 hope you’ll set up your wafer fab as soon as possible. After all, this thing is quite scarce. I still hope for an early production start, considering that there are only a few places worldwide capable of producing it.” Ye Zhengfeng expressed his desire for prompt action regarding the wafer fab.
“By the way, there’s already an announcement from higher-ups about the 5nm lithography machines. When the time comes, try to get a few of them and research the chips. This way, you’ll have a complete industrial chain!” Ye Zhengfeng, at that moment, seemed to envision Zhou Chao’s future blueprint.
“Uncle Ye, you’re aware of how many vital organizations and departments require those lithography machines, aren’t you? And when it comes to domestic tech companies, they’re all quite envious. Adding a few more machines would be wise. The annual production volume of technology by the Chinese Academy of Sciences is so limited that you could count it on just two hands!”
Ye Zhengfeng couldn’t disagree with Zhou Chao’s words. After all, lithography machine production was complex, and that’s why it was so scarce nowadays.
“I know you have the capability. Sometimes, I wonder, if you had the strength and the background back then, would you have developed and produced them yourself?”
“If I said I hadn’t thought about it, I’d be lying. Plus, I don’t have the right researchers on hand, and handling it would be like holding a hot potato. But there are plenty of benefits in passing it on, and it frees me up to focus on my own projects. So, why not seize the opportunity?”
Ye Zhengfeng nodded in agreement. “You’ve got a clear perspective, especially when it comes to significant decisions.”
“Growing up under the red flag, such dedication is a given,” Zhou Chao responded, feeling a bit embarrassed by Ye Zhengfeng’s praise.
“All right, go have a chat with Li Wei. It’s getting late, and you should brief him on everything,” Ye Zhengfeng said, checking the time. It was already past three in the afternoon.
Zhou Chao nodded and headed out.
“Boss, Mr. Zhou!” Lin Wu and Li Wei, who were sitting in the living room, stood up and greeted Zhou Chao as he emerged from the study.
“Please, have a seat. I came out to discuss something with Li Wei.” Li Wei immediately straightened his posture.
“I hope you can go to the Northeast as soon as possible to take over the steel plant. Also, arrange for the equipment from Ansteel to be transported there. Do your utmost and complete the resumption of production as quickly as possible. As for production matters, I’ll have Zhou Jilong arrange for two research personnel to go with you. Additionally, I’ll send someone to assist you.”
“Don’t worry, Boss. I’ll get things organized as soon as possible.”
“Good. Concerning the Ansteel employees, it’s all voluntary. Those willing to go should be arranged there uniformly. You need to implement this quickly.”
Lin Wu sat on the side, watching the intense conversation between the two, unable to interject. He also wondered if the boss had other plans since he hadn’t been assigned any tasks yet.
Soon, Zhou Chao briefed Li Wei on everything, and Li Wei was called back into the study by Ye Zhengfeng. As for the specifics of their discussion, Zhou Chao wasn’t privy to it. However, when Li Wei emerged, he wore a look of responsibility.
“Boss, I’ll take my leave now. I’ll make a plan as soon as 1 get back.” Unconsciously, Li Wei had changed the way he addressed Zhou Chao, shifting from “Mr. Zhou” to “Boss”, indicating a shift in his mindset.
“Alright, when you’re prepared, give me a call. I’ll provide you with the relevant documents.”
“Understood, Boss!” With that, Li Wei opened the door and left. Lin Wu watched him with envy in his eyes.
“Lin Wu, for the time being, you’ll be with me. We’re planning a trip to Hong Kong Island soon!”
“Got it, Boss!” Zhou Chao smiled at Lin Wu, who seemed less enthusiastic.
“Don’t worry; you’ll be plenty busy when the time comes,” Zhou Chao added, shaking his head in resignation.
Just as the two of them were engrossed in their conversation, the door swung open, and a petite figure entered.
“Big Brother, when did you arrive?” The newcomer was none other than Little Mango. She quickly ran over, and Zhou Chao caught her in his arms.
“You little troublemaker!” Aunt Wang, who followed behind, saw Little Mango darting around and scolded her without much patience.
“Hehe, Big Brother, did you bring me a gift?” Little Mango asked cheerfully.
“Of course, Big Brother brought a gift!” Zhou Chao revealed the white teddy bear he had bought earlier. Little Mango’s face lit up with joy.
“Xiaochao, could you watch Little Mango for a while? I’m going out to buy groceries,”
Aunt Wang said as she prepared to leave with her basket.
“Aunt Wang, you don’t have to do that! Let’s go out to eat later. I didn’t have a chance to wish you a Happy New Year during the holidays, so let me take care of it today!”
“But…” Aunt Wang was about to say something when Ye Zhengfeng, who had come out of the study, interrupted her.
“We’re not cooking today. We’re going out to have some fun. My precious daughter, what do you say?”
“Yes! We’re going out to have fun today!” Little Mango’s childish voice brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
“It’s almost time; let’s get ready and go!” Zhou Chao checked the clock and realized it was getting late, and they’d likely reach their destination around dinner time!
Zhou Chao made a call to Qian Jin to ensure everything was arranged at the hotel they were heading to. Since he wasn’t familiar with the hotel’s manager, he left it to Qian Jin to handle.
“All right, let’s go!” Ye Zhengfeng waved his hand, and everyone headed outside..