Rebirth 98, the rise started from ripping off Microsoft

Chapter 682 Do you want to start a business?

At this time, Lin Benjian was not well-known, and he was only a senior director of TSM. Although he was in the management team, his position was not very high.

At this node in 2002, the lithography machine industry all over the world has fallen into a bottleneck stage. Moore's Law is about to fail, but the new generation of lithography machine technology route has not yet been established.

In particular, the beautiful country intends to bet on the extreme ultraviolet light route, so as to kick away the unsightly Connie and completely kill the semiconductor industry of the island country.

It can be seen that it is easy to implement, and extreme ultraviolet light is not so easy to deal with, and it is even more radical than Connie's 157nm F2 laser route.

ASML has been stuck on this key technical node for a long time, and they are so stuck that they are dying. Even they themselves don't know when they will be able to make a breakthrough.

On this day, Lin Benjian found his boss with the plan he had written.

"Mr. Jiang, this is my immersion lithography plan, please have a look."

The President Jiang he was talking about was called Jiang Shangyi, and he was the chief operating officer of TSM.

"Oh? Immersive lithography solution?"

Jiang Shangyi's eyes lit up, and he couldn't wait to open the folder.

However, after reading Lin Benjian's plan, Jiang Shangyi fell into silence.

There is no doubt that Lin Benjian is a talented person, and Jiang Shangyi also appreciates Lin Benjian, otherwise he would not have given Lin Benjian the opportunity to join TSM when he came to TSM to apply for a job after his entrepreneurial failure.

But right now, Lin Benjian's suggestion made him feel a little bit difficult.

He closed the folder, looked at Lin Benjian, and said, "Xiao Lin, what do you think about this plan?"

Lin Benjian didn't think too much about it. As a technical nerd, he chose to tell the truth, and the advice he gave was very simple: "I just think that the idea of ​​extreme ultraviolet light is correct, and if you want to reduce the wavelength of light, the light source is the best way to do it." The fundamental method. After all, even high school students know that water affects the refractive index of light."

Jiang Shangyi frowned slightly, then sighed, and said, "So, you suggest adding a layer of water between the lens and the silicon wafer to refract the original 193nm laser, and then directly cross the 157nm barrier and reduce it to 132nm? "

Lin Benjian nodded excitedly: "Yes, that's what I think."

Seeing that this subordinate hadn't realized the seriousness of the problem, Jiang Shangyi had to remind him: "Your method is only theoretically feasible. If you want to implement it in practice, you will need to invest a lot of money. Of course, the biggest problem is Not the technology itself, but the outside."

"external?"

The smile on Lin Benjian's face suddenly froze, and he asked suspiciously, "What do you mean?"

Jiang Shangyi didn't give a shit, and said directly: "The research and development direction of the world is towards 157 nanometers. Not only are many manufacturers and R&D units betting on this wavelength, but the global investment in 157 nanometers far exceeds US$10 billion. A single lithography machine Some manufacturers claim to have invested more than 7 million US dollars, and your idea of ​​immersion lithography runs counter to them. If you are right, then their investment will be in vain.”

Lin Benjian seemed to understand something, but he was a little unconvinced, and said: "What does it matter to us if their investment is in vain? If we are only followers, then I think the R&D department can be abolished, and we can just wait for others to develop it." After we get it, we can take it and use it.”

"That's what I said though."

Jiang Shangyi lightly tapped the table with his fingers, and first expressed his agreement with Lin Benjian, and then said: "So this is the most difficult part for me. I should be on your side because of the reason, after all, they spent so much money It proves that the road is not easy to walk. If we follow the method you said, maybe we will succeed in one fell swoop and overtake other cars on the curve. But we are a small company, and we cannot afford the huge pressure imposed on us by those big companies. Stress. Do you know what I mean?"

After his explanation, Lin Benjian finally understood.He was very depressed in his heart. He felt that according to such a statement, it was neither R&D nor R&D.Want to be a leader, but under pressure only dare to be a follower.

Lin Benjian felt a little aggrieved.

When he left Jiang Shangyi's office, Lin Benjian's expression was muddled and his thoughts were in a mess.

Back home at night, looking at the slightly deserted house, Lin Benjian sighed again, took out his mobile phone, and called his wife Huang Xiuhui who was still in the beautiful country.

Both of them are Chinese descendants born in Nanyue. Their family members fled from Xiangjiang to Nanyue during the Anti-Japanese War, and then settled there.

Lin Benjian is a Christian and speaks kindly, while his wife Huang Xiuhui is also a senior intellectual, gentle and virtuous, and has great insights into many things.

Lin Benjian told Huang Xiuhui what happened today.

After listening to Lin Benjian's words patiently, Huang Xiuhui asked softly, "Do you think your plan is better than theirs?"

Lin Benjian was taken aback for a moment, but then he said firmly: "I firmly believe that immersive lithography technology is the future of lithography machines."

Huang Xiuhui said without hesitation: "Since this is the case, then do it according to your ideas. The truth will never give way to the fallacy. If you give up now, then you will probably regret it for the rest of your life."

Seeing Huang Xiuhui's support, Lin Benjian was very moved.

Huang Xiuhui stood firmly by his side every time, giving him incomparable courage and wisdom.

Although he spoke softly, Huang Xiuhui's words brought great strength to Lin Benjian.

He figured it out all at once.The reason why I didn't stick to my own ideas when I was in the company today was because I was afraid of losing this hard-won job.After all, I am not young anymore, and it is reasonable to have a family and a career.

Huang Xiuhui's understanding and support made him let go of his hands and feet completely, strengthened his determination, and said: "Yes, if I firmly believe that I am right, then I should not give in. No matter what, I want to prove myself. It proves that the technical idea of ​​immersion lithography is correct!"

"Go ahead, I trust you."

"My wife I love you."

"I love you too."

In the days that followed, Lin Benjian took this "immersive lithography" plan and traveled all over the beautiful country, Germany, and island countries to lobby various semiconductor giants.

But it is a pity that his talent was not appreciated, so that he was rejected every time.

Just returned to TSM, he didn't have time to be disappointed and sighed, so Jiang Shangyi called to the office.

Lin Benjian came to Jiang Shangyi's office nervously and knocked on the door.

"Mr. Jiang."

He also thought that it was Jiang Shangyi who was dissatisfied with his behavior of selling the plan everywhere, and even planned to be laid off in his heart.

Seeing Lin Benjian walk into the office, Jiang Shangyi said kindly to Lin Benjian, "Xiao Lin, sit down."

Seeing Jiang Shangyi's uncharacteristic behavior, Lin Benjian's feeling that he was about to be laid off became even stronger.

"Ah good."

When Lin Benjian sat down, Jiang Shangyi said kindly, "Xiao Lin, are you tired from work recently?"

Lin Benjian stammered, "It's... not bad, it's pretty good."

Jiang Shangyi said: "I've been looking at your plan for several days, and I think your path should be easier to go through than theirs."

When Lin Benjian heard this, he couldn't believe his ears.He said with some surprise: "Mr. Jiang, did the company agree to my plan?"

Jiang Shangyi shook his head and said, "Don't think about it, it's impossible. I told you this to tell you that someone asked me to send you a message, telling you not to disturb the situation."

During this period of time, Lin Benjian ran around the world, attended various academic conferences in the field of optics, and actively promoted the application of immersion lithography technology.

This move was naturally resisted by some major equipment manufacturers, including Connie, an industry leader, and many American-funded companies.

Because once this technology is widely used, it will cause heavy losses to many equipment manufacturers or fabs investing in the dry 157nm lithography machine route.

And this is the pressure that Jiang Shangyi said before.

Jiang Shangyi's words made Lin Benjian stunned.

Although Jiang Shangyi told Lin Benjian before that if TSM adopts his plan, it is very likely that there will be pressure from peers and the supply chain.

Fortunately, the company has not decided to adopt it yet, and even Lin Benjian just went out to sell this plan, which caused dissatisfaction among these people.

Lin Benjian felt very aggrieved, but there was nothing he could do. Cutting people’s fortunes was like killing their parents. In front of those with vested interests, insisting on the truth would inevitably have a price, and the price was too heavy for him to bear.

"Mr. Jiang, technology is changing with each passing day. If new technology is stifled in the cradle just because of worries about this and that, how can this society progress? I just think that if my solution is the optimal solution, it can still help those companies. Reduce R&D investment. After all, they continue to advance on the wrong path, and the more money they will spend."

Jiang Shangyi waved his hand and said: "You don't need to tell me about this, I know what you have been doing during this time, don't you know what those people think? You are smashing their jobs and slapping their faces now .Even if one of them is attracted to your proposal, they must be wary of their friends. After all, in today's society, interests are intertwined, and everyone is a player in the supply chain. If you offend someone, you will be easily put on the wrong foot. That's fine, otherwise I will Not much to say, I hope you can understand. Go and do your work."

"Ok."

With a frustrated mood, Lin Benjian left Jiang Shangyi's office.

As soon as he went out, Lin Benjian's cell phone pinned to his waist rang.

"Hi, hello, is this Mr. Lin Benjian?"

Listening to a completely unfamiliar voice coming from the phone, Lin Benjian said suspiciously: "It's me, are you?"

"Hello, Mr. Lin, my name is Li Qiu, are you free to have a cup of coffee now? I'm just downstairs from your company. I want to talk to you about something you are interested in."

"I'm interested in?"

Lin Benjian glanced back and found that Jiang Shangyi's office door was closed, so he walked towards the elevator.

"Then wait for me."

After a few minutes, Lin Benjian saw Li Qiu.

"Hello, Mr. Lin."

"Hello."

The two found a place to sit down in the coffee shop at the corner of the street.

Lin Benjian asked curiously: "Mr. Li, are you here to see me?"

Li Qiu said: "I was entrusted by someone to come here to extend an invitation to you."

"invite?"

Lin Benjian shook his head slightly, and said, "Mr. Li, I'm sorry, but I have no plans to change jobs now."

Although he has encountered some setbacks and suffered some grievances recently, Lin Ben firmly believes that Jiang Shangyi has shown him the kindness of knowing him, and if he changes jobs like this, he will feel sorry for Jiang Shangyi.

Facing Lin Benjian's refusal, Li Qiu smiled: "Mr. Lin, a good bird chooses a tree to live in. You don't have to refuse so simply. Let me know what my conditions are?"

Before Li Qiu came, he had done a detailed investigation, so he said with confidence: "Mr. Lin was born in Nanyue and grew up in Saigon. After that, he studied in Hsinchu Senior High School in Taiwan Province. After graduation, he was admitted to Taiwan Provincial University. Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. Then went abroad for further study, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering of Ohio State University in the beautiful country. Am I right?"

Lin Benjian was a little upset when he heard Li Qiu narrate his life experience like a few treasures, and said, "You know me quite well."

Li Qiu heard the dissatisfaction in Lin Benjian's tone, and quickly clarified with a smile: "Mr. Lin, don't get me wrong, I have no ill intentions towards you."

"According to the information I have obtained, compared to Mr. Lin, your academic success is a bit unsatisfactory. According to the information, you have worked as a researcher, R&D manager, department Manager, staff, and later started his own business and became the general manager of a leading company."

"However, after eight years of hard work, your career fell short because of mergers and acquisitions by competitors and big companies. That's why you had to return to Taiwan and join TSM."

Lin Benjian was even more upset when his scar was uncovered like this, but he was still a kind person after all, facing Li Qiu's pressing every step of the way, he just replied: "Yes so what?"

Li Qiu glanced at Lin Benjian with a half-smile, and asked: Is Mr. Lin willing?
"What do you mean?"

"It is said that wherever you fall, you will stand up wherever you fall. After only one failure, Mr. Lin plans to give up starting a business, and is he willing to work for others?"

"This……"

Even Lin Benjian, who has such a firm mind, was disturbed by what Li Qiu said.

He originally thought that Li Qiu was recruited by a headhunting company, so he had already figured out how to refuse him. After all, Jiang Shangyi was kind to him, and TSM had a good prospect, and there was Meiguo as a godfather behind him, so the backing was so hard. , the future can be expected.

If you work here, you can live in peace and stability until you retire.

For a worker, this is already the best solution he can choose.

However, Li Qiu now gave him another choice, which is completely different from being a migrant worker in An An's stability - starting a business!
Beneath the gentle appearance, Lin Benjian also has his own ambitions and aspirations.

It's just that he used to understand his own powerlessness in front of capital, so he chose to be a laborer.

But now, he seems to have another choice.

There was a flash of light and flint in his mind, and Lin Benjian's heart was also slightly turbulent.He lowered his head, and in order to ease the embarrassment, he kept stirring the cup of coffee in front of him with a coffee spoon.

Li Qiu smiled, and did not expose Lin Benjian's thoughts, but hit the iron while it was hot: "Mr. Lin has had a bad nose recently, right? Maybe your thinking is right, but in front of capital, the most important thing is profit first, not money." Right or wrong. Instead of aimlessly seeking approval from others, why not prove yourself with practical actions?"

Lin Benjian suddenly raised his head, staring at Li Qiu with a pair of eyes, and the shock in his heart was even worse.

"What do you mean by that?"

He never expected that Li Qiu could not only investigate him thoroughly since he was a child, but also knew everything about the recent setbacks.

It can be seen from this that the network behind this person named Li Qiu is simply terrifying.

Having reached this point, Li Qiu stopped hiding it and said frankly: "It's nothing interesting, it's just that my boss has taken a fancy to your ability and talent, and wants to invest in your business and provide you with more benefits. The big stage allows you to do something according to your own ideas. For example, the plan in your hand, don’t you want to make it out and verify whether it is the optimal solution?”

Li Qiu's words were like the whispers of a demon, and they gave Lin Benjian a huge shock.

Start a business!

These two light words seem to have a magical power, which makes Lin Benjian's breathing become rapid.

He has lived a stable life all his life. Even in the eight years when he was the general manager of Leading Innovation, he took every step at a time. The final failure was a crime of non-war, and he lost to the capital.

However, Lin Benjian is no longer a child. He has been in the society for so many years and has a wealth of experience.And Jiang Shangyi first reminded him that this plan would be pressured by his peers, and later even directly sent a message that someone would not let him continue to do it.Now a mysterious boss suddenly appeared and said that he would support him in starting a business. He even wondered if it was fishing.

"Mr. Li, since you have investigated me so clearly, you should know that the plan in my hand is rejected by other big manufacturers. Can your boss withstand the joint pressure of these manufacturers?"

Li Qiu smiled and said: "I don't think you need to worry about this at all. My boss has not taken those manufacturers to heart. As long as you nod, my boss will invest money in you and give you full freedom to let You completely follow your own ideas and make the lithography machine you imagined."

"Your boss has a strong tone, claiming to be able to withstand the pressure of these international companies joining forces."

Lin Benjian couldn't help laughing: "I don't know if this is a big talk, so I'll just order it. How much is your boss willing to invest?"

Li Qiu shrugged slightly and said, "I don't know."

"I don't know? What do you mean?"

Lin Benjian's expression changed slightly, and the way he looked at Li Qiu was a bit wrong.

(End of this chapter)