Chapter 213
The shouts of newsboys and peddlers were hoarse, but were instantly drowned out by the clamor of the crowd: "Extra! Just released! Our own ** has gone to heaven!" "Comrade! Give me a copy! Quick!" People rushed to hand over coins and snatch the still-wet paper. Some didn't even have time to look closely before holding the newspaper high or sticking it to the handlebars of their bicycles, ringing a string of crisp bells, and speeding off to spread the good news to farther places.
The crowd surged through Dongdan and Xidan, and finally, countless people who had gathered spontaneously moved slowly in a common direction—the building that represented the country's solemn image to the outside world, standing quietly amidst the increasingly rousing clamor.
After picking up Zhao Mengyun, Liu Guangqi didn't urge the guards to return immediately as usual. He took his wife's hand, and the two joined the bustling crowd, walking slowly along the long street. Every face around them radiated genuine and fervent joy, and looking at this scene, Liu Guangqi couldn't help but smile.
That deafening roar shook the heavens!
It signifies that our homeland has truly stood tall, not only because of the power of its weapons, but also because it provides the most profound protection to every ordinary person. From this day forward—our homeland no longer needs to fear any technological constraints, nor does it need to live at the mercy of others!
On the street, many young people who looked like college students were carrying stacks of newspapers with the ink still wet, handing them out to everyone they met.
"Comrade! Please take a look!"
"Our own mushroom cloud has taken off! We achieved this entirely through our own research and development in less than ten years!"
Just then, a girl with braided pigtails ran briskly up to Liu Guangqi and forcefully shoved a newspaper into his hand. Her fingertips brushed against his palm, bringing with them a burning heat.
"Comrade, look!"
"The West once asserted that we wouldn't be able to build that cloud even in twenty years, but we responded to their contempt in less than ten years!"
The girl's eyes were dazzlingly bright, and when she smiled, she revealed two cute little tiger teeth.
Liu Guangqi took the newspaper, smiled and nodded: "Okay, thank you for bringing this good news."
"You're welcome!"
The girl beamed with a bright smile: "This is the source of our country's strength, and everyone should know it!"
After saying that, she disappeared back into the crowd like a nimble fish, waving the small red flag in her hand, creating a bright splash of color in the surging crowd.
Liu Guangqi unfolded the newspaper.
Although he had already read the relevant reports at the ministry, this piece of paper, imbued with the atmosphere of everyday life and the enthusiasm of the people, carried a completely different weight. He carefully read through the news article, which he had already flipped through several times, word by word.
Zhao Mengyun stood quietly by her side, watching her husband's rare display of childlike innocence. He didn't utter a word, but the overwhelming emotions he couldn't suppress were already conveyed through their tightly clasped fingers.
Suddenly, she seemed to understand something.
She finally understood where her husband had gone on those two sudden business trips.
Zhao Mengyun gently reached out and placed her hand on Liu Guangqi's hand that wasn't holding the newspaper; the warm touch quietly spread.
"What's wrong?"
Liu Guangqi snapped out of his daze and turned to look at her.
Zhao Mengyun shook her head, her eyes slightly shimmering, and a gentle smile curved her lips: "It's nothing, I just feel that the sky is exceptionally clear today."
There's no need to ask further questions or make things clear.
She understood why her husband had been absent during that time, understood his unspoken busyness, and understood that the nationwide jubilation also contained her husband's hard work.
Looking into his wife's clear eyes, Liu Guangqi felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that, as intelligent as she was, she had already vaguely sensed something amiss.
"Let's go back."
Liu Guangqi clenched his fingers, held his wife's hand tightly, and led her towards home. "I'll cook for you today and make you a nice meal."
Zhao Mengyun smiled, "Haven't you cooked in a long time?"
"Today was worth it!"
The facts are clear!
The blooming of the first mushroom cloud in our community is undoubtedly an inspiring moment for all its members.
That earth-shattering roar stirred the souls of every member of the community in a way that words cannot fully describe.
Overnight, all the pent-up frustrations, doubts, and blockades that had been suppressed vanished without a trace along with that magnificent, rising mushroom cloud.
In the streets and alleys, in factory workshops, and in the fields, the sounds of people chatting enthusiastically can be heard everywhere.
This applies to courtyard houses as well.
As soon as the steel mill's closing bell rang, the residents of the compound, unusually, did not quarrel over trivial matters. After some discussion, the three elderly men in charge of the compound moved their radios into the courtyard and broadcast news about the rising mushroom cloud, almost as if they were convening a general meeting of the entire compound, inviting all the neighbors to come and listen.
Yan Bugui huddled next to the radio, hands tucked inside, listening to the impassioned words on the broadcast while muttering under his breath, "Old Liu, shouldn't we all share the electricity bill for this radio?"
Before he could finish speaking, Sha Zhu retorted:
"Uncle, look what day it is today! This is a joyous occasion that brings honor to our community and makes us proud!"
"You're really going to haggle over this little bit of electricity?"
Yan Bugui was taken aback, his lips twitched, but he ultimately remained silent.
In the dim light of dawn, Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong spotted Yan Bugui's figure in the distance and exchanged a knowing glance. They were already used to their old neighbor's frugal habits, so they said nothing more.
As the morning mist dissipated, a new day dawned. The entire nation seemed to have undergone a silent baptism, and everyone's spine stood as straight as a pine tree weathered by frost.
As dawn broke, Liu Guangqi headed towards the Institute of Computing Technology. Before even reaching the gate, he saw the guards standing at the sentry post. Their figures appeared even more imposing than usual, like steel spikes deeply embedded in the earth, carrying a quiet yet resilient strength. As he passed, the guards saluted solemnly, their gazes intense. In those eyes, besides the fortitude of soldiers, burned a fervent flame—they understood better than anyone the significance of last night's thunderclap, and they knew the weight of this hard-won victory.
The air in the research institute felt refreshed. Previously, the only sounds were the soft rustling of turning pages and hurried footsteps, everyone's face etched with tense focus. Now, a restrained joy flowed through the corridors. The barely concealed radiance in people's eyes and brows brightened the entire space.
Good morning, Chief Engineer Liu!
"You've arrived, Chief Engineer Liu!"
Colleagues encountered along the way stopped to greet them. These greetings carried a warmth unlike any other – a closeness born of shared glory, a deep-seated respect. In this strictly disciplined and confidential unit, unrestrained displays of joy were forbidden, but the relaxed brows and shining eyes spoke volumes. What better news than a momentous event to bring such radiant smiles to the faces of these researchers, who spend their days surrounded by data and whose motto is rigor?
Liu Guangqi nodded in response to each greeting. This silent resonance is a unique celebration for those who toil in the dark.
Soon after, Professor Lu Hai convened a meeting. The long table was filled with researchers, and between the stacks of documents in front of each person, colorful paper tags peeked out, their ink stains densely recording the trajectory of their thoughts.
Professor Lu Hai surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping over each focused face, a mixture of satisfaction and expectation in his eyes. "In recent days, under Comrade Guangqi's systematic guidance, our institute's theoretical research on small-scale integrated circuit technology has matured."
He paused slightly, his voice steady: "The 109C model—as a continuation of the second-generation transistor computer—carries our dream of catching up with the world's forefront. From the vacuum tube era of the 103 and 104 models, to the miniaturization exploration of the 107 model, and now to the optimization and upgrade of the 109 series, every step has embodied countless days and nights of hard work."
As Professor Lu Hai spoke, everyone's gaze turned to the young man sitting to the side.
"Now," Professor Lu Hai raised his hand slightly, "please let Comrade Guangqi outline the technical context for us and plan the next steps in our practical work."
Liu Guangqi calmly rose and unfurled a roll of design drawings, hanging it up. The complex circuit diagram** was marked by a striking red arrow that ran throughout, ultimately pointing steadily to the core area of the drawing—the circuit crosstalk optimization node.
The meeting room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"We have sufficient theoretical reserves," Liu Guangqi said, his fingertips lightly touching the blueprints, his voice clear and firm, "but even the most exquisite blueprints on paper ultimately need to be verified in reality."
His gaze swept over every pair of eyes that were watching him: "I propose that we immediately begin pilot production—to build our own new computer based on small-scale integrated circuit technology."
He tapped the red arrow lightly with his fingertip.
"The goal is clear: to surpass the IBM-7090 across the ocean in computing power."
After the words were spoken, the conference room fell silent for a moment, then something intense and fiery spread through the air.
Liu Guangqi pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, "Before the Spring Festival, we'll complete three sets of equipment. We'll learn as we go, thoroughly understanding the processes and intricacies." He paused briefly, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips. "I still have some ideas on hand that need time to develop."
This number was a decision he made after careful consideration. In the early days of the Ministry of Machine Building, manpower was stretched thin, and he had to do everything himself; now that the Institute of Computing Technology is full of elites, with so many top minds at his disposal, the goal should naturally be set higher.
But he never expected that these scholars, immersed in the world of scientific research, would harbor such an astonishing level of dedication.
No sooner had Liu Guangqi finished speaking than Professor Lu Hai abruptly raised his hand and slammed his palm firmly on the conference table: "Three units is too conservative! At least six are needed!"
Liu Guangqi was slightly taken aback.
There was no commotion in the conference room; instead, a low, suppressed excitement rippled through the room. Several researchers' eyes lit up instantly, exchanging eager glances.
Professor Lu Hai turned to Liu Guangqi and spoke quickly and clearly: "Comrade Guangqi, you may not fully understand the current situation."
"Currently, only we and the Northwest region in the entire country possess second-generation computers. The East China Institute hasn't made a complete breakthrough yet and is still in the critical stage. Dozens of key research groups across the country are all eagerly pointing to the machine in our institute!" He pointed his index finger and forcefully tapped the wooden tabletop in front of him.
"Even project teams from neighboring provinces are lining up to apply for computing time, and some project leaders are practically stationed at the institute's gate every day—just to secure a few hours of computing resources. When things are urgent, three machines? That's practically the same as standing still! Our Institute of Computing Technology doesn't have the habit of slacking off!"
Before he could finish speaking, a middle-aged researcher wearing thick glasses immediately chimed in, "Professor Lu is right! If we grit our teeth and put in the effort, we have every chance of getting six units in three months!"
"Yes, let's book six channels!"
Liu Guangqi blinked unconsciously. He, a young man in his early twenties, had become the most cautious among this group of seniors whose average age was over forty? He suddenly felt that he didn't seem to be there to lead a project, but rather to have stumbled into the territory of a group of workaholics.
But then I thought about it again. Since the export machine tool program was launched, various key projects have indeed sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Most of the research and development process relies on computer-aided calculations, and time is indeed of the essence.
"Alright! Six stations it is!" Liu Guangqi made the decision decisively, a smile playing on his lips, the fighting spirit of youth quietly ignited within him. Would he possibly back down before these seniors?
He then turned to several researchers specializing in microelectronics: "Regarding electronic components, I believe there is still room for improvement in the manufacturing process. The stability and performance of transistors must be taken to the next level. I will come up with new technical solutions later." He then exchanged in-depth opinions with the person in charge on several key manufacturing processes, clarifying the directions that need to be focused on for breakthroughs next.
After the meeting, the crowd gradually dispersed, but the atmosphere throughout the Institute of Computing Technology remained vibrant. Researchers gathered in the corridors, engaging in heated discussions, gesturing wildly and using technical jargon frequently.
Liu Guangqi stood alone, a sense of awe welling up inside him: This is the advantage of the Institute of Computing Technology—once an instruction is given, the team can quickly break down tasks and execute them efficiently; this cohesion is astonishing.
Here, the optimization work for the second-generation computer quickly unfolded in full swing. Most of the people in the institute had participated in the research and development of large-scale general-purpose computers and had a thorough understanding of the overall architecture. Now, with the addition of small-scale integrated circuit technology brought by Liu Guangqi, the successful improvement of the 109C-type computer was almost just around the corner.