Kalin's expression was grim after hearing Zhang Tianxing's haggling. Accepting the price meant less profit, but refusing was difficult as research was at a critical stage and funds were running low.
After much deliberation, Kalin finally said, "Little Boss Zhang, I now understand why you're the top short-seller. Your calculation skills are unmatched. Alright, I accept this price."
Amazing. Upon hearing the agreed-upon price, Feng Changlun was thoroughly impressed with Zhang Tianxing. He had initially expected to pay the full price, never imagining Zhang Tianxing would secure the lithography machine at a discounted rate.
This was unprecedented. ASML was known for its arrogance. It seemed they were facing a severe cash crunch, or Kalin wouldn't have looked so displeased.
Zhang Tianxing must have hit their absolute bottom line, forcing them to accept with a heavy heart.
"Deal! It's been a pleasure doing business!" Zhang Tianxing extended his hand, and shook Kalin's.
Kalin forced a smile, "Little Boss Zhang, I hope not to do business with you again. We've barely made any profit on this deal."
"Haha, that's not how you should see it. We're friends now. Making a friend means opening more doors. There will be plenty of opportunities for cooperation in the future," Zhang Tianxing chuckled.
After the transaction was complete, Zhang Tianxing and Feng Changlun stood at the port of Amsterdam.
"Little Boss Zhang, where do we go next? Back to America or somewhere else?" Feng Changlun asked, glancing at Zhang Tianxing's profile.
"Our next stop is home. We're not going back to America," Zhang Tianxing said softly.
"What about the FBI's travel ban on you?" Feng Changlun asked in surprise.
"No big deal. I just won't go to America anymore," Zhang Tianxing replied nonchalantly.
What was so great about America? It only had a slightly more advanced technology.
It wasn't Zhang Tianxing's homeland. During his time studying in America, Zhang Tianxing had discovered a brutal reality.
That is, Chinese people found it incredibly difficult to get ahead in America. Not impossible, but those who did were usually elite individuals.
However, from a different perspective, becoming an elite in America was exceptionally hard. You needed to occupy an irreplaceable position to transition from a mere employee to an elite.
As long as one of your competitors was a white person, and you didn't have an absolute advantage, it was a foregone conclusion that the white person would prevail. Racial discrimination was rampant.
After spending time abroad, Zhang Tianxing finally understood one thing: Chinese people should stick to Chinese circles; they couldn't truly integrate into white circles.
Forcing integration would only lead to contempt or ridicule. Different circles require different approaches.
Even if you obtained a green card, there were still distinctions. They might smile at you daily, but a subtle sense of estrangement lingered beneath the surface, making you feel uneasy.
Feng Changlun nodded. Returning to China was a good choice. He would see what kind of platform Zhang Tianxing could provide for him.
He would soon find out if Zhang Tianxing's boasts would come true.
"Little Boss Zhang, after we return to China, will my independent research lab be established?"
"Absolutely. You'll have the personnel and the funds you need. However, you'll have to find the equipment yourself. No matter the cost, I will provide it," Zhang Tianxing agreed readily.
To make a horse run, you must first feed it well. Feng Changlun was a genius Zhang Tianxing had painstakingly persuaded to return from abroad; the development of chips depended on him. Otherwise, buying these lithography machines would have been in vain.
Zhang Tianxing was counting on these lithography machines to produce chips and make money.
This was the era of the internet. Computer chips, mobile phone chips, automotive chips, and chips for various home appliances – this market held immense potential, a vast expanse for fish to leap and birds to soar.
Feng Changlun and Zhang Tianxing exchanged a knowing smile; everything was understood without words.
Looking at the aircraft before him, Zhang Tianxing sighed, "Changlun, our country's industrial level lags far behind foreign countries. For instance, this jet airplane right here, our nation cannot produce it."
Feng Changlun nodded. "Indeed. Our country still produces propeller planes. We currently lack the technology for jet aircraft. That aircraft, for which China invested vast resources, failed to enter mass production after several test flights. It seems there are still technical challenges to overcome."
"The large aircraft project, a cornerstone of national strength. It appears China's path to becoming a powerful nation will undoubtedly be arduous," Zhang Tianxing lamented.
When there are no heroes, the mediocre rise to prominence.
"Little Boss Zhang, don't sigh too much. Rome wasn't built in a day. We should focus on what's in front of us first. A person's energy is finite. Let's tackle the technological bottleneck of chips first. After all, chips are a critical component, and we cannot allow America to control our lifeline." Feng Changlun said solemnly.
Science and technology are the primary productive forces. Backwardness invites attack; backwardness leads to sanctions.
Zhang Tianxing burst into laughter. "Excellent, Brother Changlun! The next step is up to our collaboration. Our ability to establish a foothold in the mobile phone industry hinges on your technical expertise. Tell me what you need, and I will fulfill it. My only requirement is this: among the many mobile phone manufacturers, China must have one of its own."
Zhang Tianxing and Feng Changlun roared with laughter, their palms meeting in a firm clap.
"Little Boss Zhang, a scholar dies for his confidant, and a woman adorns herself for the one who delights her. I will not fail to live up to your expectations. Just you wait and see, we will claim a significant share in the future mobile phone industry."
"I also want to show my classmates that returning to China offers great potential. We don't necessarily need to go abroad for better development. I want to set an example for them."
"Good, well said! Then this world will change because of you and me. Let time bear witness to our efforts and sweat," Zhang Tianxing said, applauding.
Well said. A strong youth makes a strong nation. The return of talent is the future of a country's development.
If all those who studied abroad chose to develop overseas, it would signify a fundamental problem with the nation.
In the 21st century, talent is paramount. With talent comes infinite possibilities; without talent, nothing can proceed.
Even the most skilled craftsman cannot cook without rice. Without capable artisans, even the most ambitious projects will yield no results.
Master's and doctoral candidates are meant for academic research, not to become mere laborers abroad. It is precisely through the efforts of generations that this nation becomes more prosperous.
A nation's strength is not the result of one person's efforts, but the culmination of several generations' endeavors.