38: Chapter 38 A Ridiculous Farce?

The next day.

Xia Country, National Press Conference Hall.

Under the bright lights, a routine press conference was underway.

Halfway through the proceedings, a reporter from a mainstream domestic media outlet was given the opportunity to ask a question.

He stood up, adjusted his glasses, and posed a question that struck directly at the most sensitive nerve in the room.

"Mr. Spokesperson, we have noticed that there has been intense domestic and international attention recently regarding our country's movements in the semiconductor field."

"In particular, there are rumors circulating online that our country is sparing no cost to purchase a large quantity of cutting-edge scientific research equipment, and there is speculation that this is related to the independent research and development project for the Photolithography Machine."

"Could you please confirm the authenticity of these reports?"

As his voice fell, all the camera lenses in the press hall were aimed squarely at the spokesperson on the podium.

He did not answer immediately, but instead scanned the press section.

That composure made the heartbeats of everyone waiting for an answer skip a beat involuntarily.

Under the gaze of countless people, he smiled.

"Regarding the question you raised."

The spokesperson spoke into the microphone, every word clear, unhurried and steady.

"First, regarding the purchase of equipment, this is a normal commercial activity and scientific research investment; I have no further information to provide."

With that one sentence, he deflected the question.

Just as many people felt a hint of disappointment, his tone suddenly shifted.

"However, regarding the independent research and development project for the Photolithography Machine that you mentioned..."

He paused deliberately.

This brief silence, transmitted through the live broadcast signal, tugged at the hearts of countless viewers in front of their screens.

"...I can provide a direct response."

"Xia Country is already putting all its efforts into advancing the research and development of an independent Photolithography Machine."

"And, what I can tell everyone is—"

"The project is progressing very smoothly."

Within five minutes of the press conference ending, this short video clip of the Q&A had been edited into countless versions and swept through every corner of the Xia Country internet.

"The officials confirmed it! We're actually doing it!"

"Very smoothly! These four words are enough to bring tears to one's eyes!"

"I knew it! First the theoretical breakthrough, then buying equipment, and now the officials are stepping in directly! This is a whole set of combined tactics!"

"Where are those people who were mocking us before? Come out and walk a few steps? Does your face hurt?"

"The state has personally stepped in to set the tone, who dares to chirp now?!"

Countless emotions of ecstasy, excitement, and pride converged into a torrent, washing over every social media platform.

And those voices that had previously been loudly predicting failure were silenced under this heavy blow from the authorities.

Replacing them were a batch of "rational, objective, and neutral" opinion leaders who emerged.

"Official involvement is a good thing, but everyone needs to stay calm. The Photolithography Machine is the pinnacle of modern industry and cannot be conquered overnight. We must remain rational and not be overly optimistic."

"That's right, you have to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time. It's too early to pop the champagne now."

"Exactly, the officials said 'smoothly,' but that's just diplomatic language. We don't know what stage it's actually at. Don't let your hopes get too high, or the disappointment will be even greater."

As soon as these posts appeared, they were immediately drowned out by a surge of rebuttals.

"Oh, who was it that said we were daydreaming yesterday? Now you're starting to be 'rational' today?"

"I get it. Yesterday you were the defeatists, and today the 'theory of quick victory is undesirable'—you're always standing in an invincible position, right?"

"The speed at which these people change their faces is faster than the head chef at the Sichuan restaurant downstairs from my place!"

"Hilarious. The state didn't even say we reached the summit, just that progress is smooth, and these people are rushing out to tell you not to pop the champagne. What? We can't even be happy? Does our joy hinder your breathing?"

For a time, the entire internet was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Research Building No. 7, Chief Engineer's Office.

Lin Yuan leaned back in his chair, his fingertips gently sliding across his phone screen, smiling as he browsed through the nationwide frenzy of public opinion.

From the message he sent yesterday to today's precise "reporter question" at the press conference, and now the entire internet in an uproar.

The whole process was smooth and fluid, accomplished in one go.

The country's reaction speed and execution were even faster and more vigorous than he had anticipated.

The reporter who asked the question was clearly arranged in advance.

This Q&A was a carefully planned announcement to the whole country and even the entire world—

Xia Country is serious this time.

This storm was blowing stronger and stronger in the direction he had hoped for.

Meanwhile.

On the other side of the Blue Planet, in an exquisitely decorated top-floor office, the atmosphere was as heavy as ice.

A blond, blue-eyed man slammed a document onto the expensive solid wood desk.

"Idiots, a bunch of idiots!"

His chest heaved violently, and his bright blue eyes were bloodshot.

"Who can tell me how these things were sold?"

"Where are our technological barriers? Where are our export control regulations? Have they all become waste paper?!"

The subordinate standing in front of the desk lowered his head, his forehead covered in cold sweat, not even daring to breathe loudly.

"Sir... the Xia Country people this time... offered too high a price."

The subordinate's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum.

"The price they offered was three to five times the market price, and they settled in full directly. No one could refuse that..."

"Plus, they utilized hundreds of unrelated shell companies and research institutions, striking simultaneously from dozens of different countries and regions. Every order looked like just an ordinary commercial purchase."

"By the time our information security department realized something was wrong and pieced all the clues together... the goods had already been loaded onto ships."

The muscles on the blond man's face twitched a few times, and he slumped back into his leather chair, rubbing his throbbing temples.

He, of course, understood how fragile so-called "bans" were in the face of massive profits.

But he just couldn't swallow this insult.

"They think they can build a Photolithography Machine just by buying a few pieces of equipment? Wishful thinking!"

The man snorted coldly, regaining a bit of composure.

"They must be bluffing! Trying to use this method to cover up their technological incompetence!"

"Yes, sir, we think so too," the subordinate quickly agreed.

"I don't want what you think."

The man tapped his fingers on the desk.

"I want to see the experts' report."

"Immediately! Organize our top expert team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Xia Country's actions this time!"

"Yes!"

The subordinate, as if granted amnesty, bowed and backed out of the office.

Less than two hours later, an assessment report jointly signed by several top physicists and engineers was delivered to the blond man's desk.

Looking at the conclusions in the report, the man did not get angry again; instead, he laughed—a laugh mixed with contempt and mockery.

He immediately dialed an internal extension.

"Get our media friends moving."

"Give the core points of this assessment report to the whole world for free."

"I want the whole world to get a good look at what a ridiculous, overreaching farce the Xia Country people are staging!"