Chapter 214

In fact, there is no significant difference between second-generation transistor computers and third-generation small-scale integrated circuit computers.

The revolutionary wave of integrated circuits swept across the world, paving the way for a leap in computer performance. As small-scale integrated circuits became more sophisticated, the transition from second-generation large-scale general-purpose computers to third-generation computers was just around the corner.

With the official launch of the new computer project, the atmosphere throughout the institute was completely ignited. Optimizing the second-generation computer became the unspoken core mission. This is the unique charm of scientific research—like-minded people working tirelessly and joyfully towards the same goal.

Within the macro framework established by Liu Guangqi, the massive computer system was broken down into countless modules, each tackled by a different team. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, each module was continuously filled in and improved. Any difficulties encountered were immediately verified; if the problem remained unresolved, Liu Guangqi was consulted. The necessary electronic components for testing were also quickly custom-made by relevant manufacturers. The project progressed steadily and rapidly.

From then on, the research institute underwent a complete transformation. The entire building resembled a tightly wound precision clock, operating at high speed from dawn till dusk. In the corridors, groups of three to five researchers would often huddle around a small blackboard, enthusiastically discussing the feasibility of optimization plans. The lights inside the building often remained on all night. Occasionally, someone would come out to get water, their steps hurried, muttering technical terms that were difficult for outsiders to understand.

The weighty task of optimizing the second-generation machine and producing six more units was like a powerful magnet, firmly drawing everyone's attention. Liu Guangqi stood outside the computer laboratory, watching the almost frenzied scene of work, feeling gratified but not disturbing it. He understood that at this stage, his focus should temporarily shift back to the Ministry of Machine Building.

His work style has long since broken with convention. The ministry has opened a special channel for him—the integrated circuit CNC workshop is just starting out, and the construction of the fully automated production line still requires a significant investment of time. He is like someone carrying two beams on his shoulders, indispensable to both. Time is precious, but talent is even more precious. Therefore, Liu Guangqi's destination depends entirely on the progress of the project; this privilege is enjoyed only by him within the Ministry of Machine Building.

At lunchtime, the canteen of the First Ministry of Machine Building was bustling with people. Inside the window, the head chef had just brought out a large plate of glistening, slightly trembling braised pork, its rich aroma instantly overpowering the stir-fried vegetables beside it, filling the entire hall. Liu Guangqi had gotten his food—a plate of braised pork, a dish of greens, and two steamed buns—and had just sat down in a corner, before even picking up his chopsticks, when he heard a familiar, smiling voice behind him:

"Guangqi! I've finally found you. Come and sit down."

Turning around, Liu Guangqi saw it was Director Lin. He was also carrying a lunchbox with simple dishes, clearly having prepared it himself. Liu Guangqi's heart stirred slightly—this superior was usually very busy with official duties, and his assistant would bring his meals to the office; he rarely went to the cafeteria himself. Although the two had a good personal relationship, it was indeed rare to see them dining together in such a public setting.

Liu Guangqi smiled and said, "Director Lin? What brings you to the cafeteria today?"

"What, you're allowed to come, but I'm not?" Director Lin joked, but gestured for him to follow.

Liu Guangqi smiled knowingly. It seemed the leader had something to discuss.

Director Lin led Liu Guangqi directly to the quietest corner of the canteen, where only one table stood. The intention couldn't be clearer. The previously noisy colleagues from the ministry instantly understood: a young officer who had just been about to sit down seemed to suddenly remember something urgent and quickly moved his plate elsewhere; several people at the next table, who had been talking loudly, immediately lowered their voices, exchanged glances, and tacitly shifted the topic from trivial matters to official business. In a short while, a vacuum formed around the table where Director Lin and Liu Guangqi were seated—a distance just wide enough to prevent them from hearing each other's conversation while maintaining the necessary respect.

The canteen was still bustling with noise, the aroma of food mingling with the clinking of bowls and plates, creating a lively atmosphere. Director Lin slowly swallowed the food in his mouth.

Director Lin put down his chopsticks very gently, but it made Liu Guangqi across the table stop picking up food.

"The appointment has been made."

The voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the surrounding noise. Liu Guangqi held his chopsticks without moving, and heard the other person continue, "Starting next month, I won't be working at General Machinery Division anymore."

Liu Guangqi paused slightly.

It was only then that I realized it was already the end of June; time had slipped away more than halfway without me even noticing.

"This time you're able to get promoted—" Director Lin's gaze fell on his face, "Ultimately, it's because of the confidence our department has built up over the years. Especially you, Guangqi, I have to thank you."

Liu Guangqi didn't respond, but listened quietly.

"Your work on integrated circuits and the computer projects you assisted the Institute of Computing Technology in advancing are remembered by the ministry leaders. Even if I am transferred, no one can take these solid achievements away from me."

These words were like a ray of light, suddenly shining into Liu Guangqi's heart. Director Lin's promotion was not only a personal matter, but also a silent affirmation of all his technological achievements over the years.

"With your words, I feel at ease," Liu Guangqi said with a smile.

The noise in the cafeteria seemed to recede into the distance. Director Lin looked at him, his eyes filled with the relief of an elder seeing a junior grow up: "Even after I leave the department, I will still be in charge of the technical aspects. Your CNC workshop and fully automated project will remain priorities, and resources will continue to be secured. We won't let anyone hold us by the throat."

As he spoke, he picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it in Liu Guangqi's bowl: "Work hard. You're a key technical member of the department now, and your responsibilities will only get heavier in the future." He paused for a moment, then added: "I'm still in the department, and I can still see the world. Even if my position changes, no one will try to obstruct me—and no one would dare to."

A few words, spoken lightly and casually, yet carrying great weight.

Looking at the glistening, reddish-brown piece of meat in his bowl, Liu Guangqi suddenly understood the full meaning of this meal. It wasn't just a farewell; it was a handover. Director Lin was reassuring him and giving him a firm promise—after all, a change of superior could change everything.

Although he had expected it, Liu Guangqi still felt a surge of indescribable emotion when he actually heard it.

Five years have passed. From a greenhorn fresh out of school to the director of the research department who can now speak for himself in the ministry; his former team leader, Wang Jianguo, is now the deputy director of Hongxing Factory, capable of handling things independently; and now, his superior, who has always protected him, is about to enter the ministry and become a vice minister.

Everyone around him was moving forward, and he himself was not stopping either. It was just that the change came suddenly, leaving him somewhat dazed.

Liu Guangqi put the piece of meat into his mouth, and when he looked up again, the slight look of surprise on his face had disappeared, replaced by a bright smile.

"Director, congratulations." He straightened his expression, but his tone revealed a hint of liveliness. "With your promotion, won't I be able to stand taller in the ministry? My backing will be even stronger."

"You little rascal!" Director Lin laughed out loud, pointing at him twice with his finger, unable to hide the amusement in his eyes any longer.

He knew perfectly well who Liu Guangqi was truly relying on, but hearing the other party say this still warmed his heart.

The previously heavy atmosphere was gently dispelled by this joke. The two looked at each other and smiled; much more needed to be said.

After the meal, Director Lin patted Liu Guangqi on the shoulder and turned to leave. Liu Guangqi watched the receding figure, then looked down at the empty bowl he had left.

The deputy minister position—this door to higher positions—was not open for just one person. From that moment on, the path beneath his feet became ever wider.

---

In the integrated circuit CNC workshop of the First Ministry of Machine Building, there was a knock on the office door.

A young clerk peeked halfway in, his eyes quickly scanning the room before finally landing on Liu Guangqi, who was bent over his desk examining blueprints. His eyes lit up instantly.

Just as Liu Guangqi was about to leave, a familiar voice called out to him from behind. Turning around, he saw the minister standing by the door, beckoning him. "Guangqi, wait a moment, come and sit in my office." The minister's tone was calm, but it made several cadres around him who wanted to go up and exchange pleasantries stop in their tracks.

They exchanged glances and naturally made way for him. Liu Guangqi responded and walked over, following the minister through the dark red carpeted corridor towards the minister's office. Several staff members they encountered along the way stopped and nodded respectfully in greeting.

Upon entering the office, the minister pointed to the sofa against the wall and said, "Sit." He then sat down in the large chair behind his desk, picked up the enamel mug on the table, and took a sip of tea.

"Today's meeting went fairly smoothly." The minister put down his teacup and looked at Liu Guangqi. "Comrade Zhendong has taken office, and your work will be more coordinated from now on. He has mentioned to me several times that he is very concerned about your situation."

Liu Guangqi nodded slightly, "With Minister Lin's guidance, we are indeed more confident in carrying out our work."

"It's more than just guidance." The minister leaned forward slightly, tapping his fingers lightly twice on the smooth tabletop. "Several leaders in the institute have reviewed the reports your research department submitted last month. The feedback has been very positive. Especially considering that you were able to raise the integration level to another level in such a short time, that's quite an achievement."

He paused for a moment, as if considering his next words. "Guangqi, the situation is different now. The higher-ups have high expectations for our department, and the pressure is immense. The direction your department is working on is crucial right now. We might be given more responsibilities soon, including pilot production and personnel training, in addition to technological breakthroughs. You need to be mentally prepared."

The faint sound of car horns drifted in from outside the window, but the office remained unusually quiet. Liu Guangqi sensed the weight in the minister's words and understood that it was not just trust, but a heavy responsibility.

"Minister, rest assured, everyone in the department is determined. As long as the task is clear, we will do our best to complete it."

The minister's face showed satisfaction as he leaned back in his chair. "The specific arrangements will be officially announced by the ministry in a few days. I just wanted to give you a heads-up today." He paused, his tone softening, "But don't be too tense. Ask for any resources that need coordination or support you require. The ministry will do its utmost to ensure your needs are met."

After briefly explaining a few more work-related details, the minister said, "That's all for now. Go back and talk to the key personnel in your department, give them a boost."

Liu Guangqi stood up to take his leave. Stepping out of the minister's office, the corridor was deserted, save for the soft hum of the overhead fluorescent lights. He walked steadily toward his office, already pondering where to begin his remarks at the upcoming departmental meeting.

Colleagues slowed their pace and tacitly kept their distance, their eyes sparkling with a hint of curiosity.

Liu Guangqi followed with a calm expression, but a ripple of emotion stirred within him.

Being left alone at this critical juncture usually signifies two possibilities—either an unexpected opportunity or a hidden test. He's been focused on tackling the technical challenges these past few days and shouldn't have broken any rules. Therefore, it's most likely the former.

The minister's office was simply furnished, yet exuded a strong industrial atmosphere. One wall was crammed with well-worn technical books and manuals, their edges worn and frayed. Hanging in the center of the wall was a calligraphy scroll with bold, vigorous strokes, bearing the four characters "Self-reliance".

"Please sit down."

The minister personally picked up the thermos, poured a cup of hot tea, and pushed it over. The enamel cup made a clear, crisp sound as it hit the table.

"Speaking of which—" the minister smiled and cut straight to the point, "the successful formation of that mushroom cloud in the Northwest owes much to the technical support you provided during your secondment to the Institute of Nuclear Theory."

Liu Guangqi paused in mid-air, holding the teacup.

"Now, you've also succeeded in developing small-scale integrated circuits." The minister's tone was full of praise. "The significance of this is not only that it allows the second generation of computers to operate with less burden, but it also paves the way for our CNC workshop. The ministry and the academy committee have all seen these contributions."

As he spoke, he opened a drawer, took out a brand-new certificate, and steadily pushed it in front of Liu Guangqi.

"Given your age and experience, pursuing an administrative promotion would be too complicated, and there's a lot of opposition. It's not necessarily a good thing for young people to rise too quickly; it can easily lead to an unstable foundation. So let's hold off for now."

These words sounded like words of comfort, but Liu Guangqi sensed a hidden meaning in them.

"However—" the minister changed the subject, tapping lightly on the cover of the certificate with his fingertip, "Technical recognition is absolutely essential. This is the most tangible affirmation of your contributions."

"Upon recommendation by the ministry and special approval by the academy, you are hereby promoted to Level 4 Engineer."