The train driver in the courtyard

The next day.

The Red Star Computer Institute is bustling with activity.

Early in the morning, Deputy Director Peng Yunyou brought the logistics staff to clean the floor of the institute spotlessly.

The slogans on the walls also glowed with new brilliance after being repainted. The entire institute has been completely renewed and is filled with a vigorous and progressive atmosphere.

At 8:30 in the morning, a black sedan drove slowly and stopped steadily in front of the Red Star Computing Institute.

Li Aiguo had sharp eyes and spotted the familiar car at a glance.

He hurriedly walked forward with a warm smile on his face, and opened the car door swiftly: "Teacher, welcome to the Red Star Computing Institute to guide our work! All of us researchers have been looking forward to your arrival for a long time."

Before Liu Guozhang's shiny black leather shoes touched the ground, his eyes had already climbed up along the seams between the newly laid bricks to the top-floor window of the institute.

"Great! You have managed the institute in such an orderly manner in just a few months."

"Teacher, this is all thanks to your help." Li Aiguo said with a smile: "You are like the magic needle that stabilizes the sea. With you around, we feel more at ease."

"You are good at everything except being too modest. Our Railway Research Institute can only provide some supplies at most. What really matters are the researchers."

As the leader of the Railway Research Institute, Liu Guozhang is very aware of the importance of teamwork and talent.

The two were chatting, and Li Aiguo was about to lead Liu Guozhang into the research institute.

At this time, three cars were driving slowly towards them from a distance.

Sedans were not uncommon these days, but the one leading the way obviously attracted everyone's attention.

Even the sister-in-law who was breastfeeding her baby across the street forgot about the baby for a moment, and the baby cried in anxiety.

the reason is simple.

The front grille of this car adopts the traditional Chinese fan shape, and the rear lights use big red palace lantern elements, which is unique.

The logo above the hood is three red flags fluttering in the wind, which is very dynamic.

"Hongqi CA72!" Liu Guozhang, who had participated in the National Conditions Ceremony, couldn't help but blurt out.

Information about Hongqi CA72 quickly emerged in Li Aiguo's mind.

This is the first true luxury car with a number in the country and is a symbol and milestone in the automotive industry.

In August 1958, the first Hongqi CA8 luxury car was successfully trial-produced. After continuous testing and improvements, it was officially put into production in September 72.

Currently, there are only more than 72 Hongqi CAs in the country, most of which are used to carry out foreign affairs missions.

Which leader is riding in this Hongqi CA72?
Three cars slowly stopped at the gate of the Red Star Computing Institute under the attention of everyone.

Opening the car door to welcome VIPs is a technical job. Generally speaking, VIPs like to sit behind the driver's seat.

However, sometimes you will inevitably encounter people who do not play by the rules.

However, Li Aiguo did not make the mistake of some people who opened the wrong car door.

He looked through the car window curtains and saw at a glance that the person sitting behind the driver's seat was an assistant.

Reacting quickly, he quickly walked around the front of the car and steadily opened the rear door on the passenger side.

The person sitting in the Red Flag car was Minister Teng!
"Congratulations, patriotic comrades. You have achieved significant results in just half a year! Your efforts and contributions have brought honor to the country and pride to the nation!"

Minister Teng stretched out his hand and shook hands tightly with Li Aiguo.

"Thank you for coming! Your arrival makes our Red Star Computing Institute more prosperous." Li Aiguo was excited.

He remembered that Minister Teng's official car was a black Jim 12 sedan. This Red Flag car must have been "borrowed" from somewhere?
What happened next also confirmed Li Aiguo's guess.

Four comrades in gray Zhongshan suits got out of the two cars behind.

Before Li Aiguo could react, Deputy Director Peng Yunyou took a breath and said, "It's Director Feng, Director Yan, Director Zhao, and Deputy Director Qian."

Among these four people, the only person Li Aiguo was familiar with was Deputy Director Sanqiang.

He once met this big shot in the domestic physics community in Qian's laboratory.

Comrade Sanqiang is only the deputy director.

What are the identities of the other three people?

At this time, Deputy Director Peng Yunyou demonstrated his skills and quickly whispered an introduction to Li Aiguo.

"Deputy Director Qian is the director of the Institute of Physical Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His main research areas are: thermodynamics, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, catalysts and spectroscopy."

"Director Yan Qici is the director of the Institute of Applied Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His main research areas are: optics, spectroscopy, crystallization, and metals."

"Director Zhao Jiuzhang is the director of the Institute of Geophysics. His research areas include meteorology, earthquakes, geomagnetism, and physical prospecting."

"Director Feng Depei is the director of the Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, and his main research is on the chemistry and biology of citrinin."

Hearing this, Li Aiguo took a breath.

They are all big guys.

I think the biggest purpose of Minister Teng bringing these bigwigs from research institutes here this time is to support the Red Star Computing Institute.

Currently, the Red Star Computing Institute is having a hard time in the domestic academic circle because it is being targeted by the Academy of Sciences.

These scientific leaders appear here to make their attitude known to certain people.

For a moment, Li Aiguo became even more excited.

"What a coincidence! Haizi is holding a symposium today. These comrades from the scientific community learned that the Red Star Computing Institute has achieved great success, so they came to congratulate us."

Minister Teng explained the matter in a calm tone.

"Thank you!" Li Aiguo knew in his heart that this was no coincidence, but the result of Minister Teng's painstaking efforts.

At this time, the four directors had already walked over. Li Aiguo nodded heavily at Minister Teng and quickly walked up to them.

"On behalf of the Red Star Computing Institute, I welcome you! Thank you so much. Your arrival has brought us great encouragement and support."

Li Aiguo's words were not just for show.

After all, Mr. Guo is the president of the Academy of Sciences and the nominal leader of these directors.

Their presence here has gone against Mr. Guo's wishes.

Li Aiguo will always remember this friendship.

Director Feng held Li Aiguo's hand tightly and said, "Red Star Computing Institute is a domestic research institute. We are all working for the country's scientific and technological development, and we should work together. We must not distance ourselves from each other because of sectarian prejudice."

Director Qian nodded: "Computers are related to the development of science and are closely related to various disciplines.

I hope that the Red Star Computing Institute can become a driving force for the development of other disciplines in China and make greater contributions to the country’s scientific and technological progress.”

Director Yan smiled and said, "Young comrade, you are the first person in China to attract a group of Russian researchers. I am an earth repairer, I am not afraid of anything. At worst, I can go back to repair the earth."

The most excited person was Director Zhao of the Institute of Geophysics: "Patriotic comrades, American meteorologists have begun to use electronic digital integrators to forecast the weather.

I hope that the research results of your Red Star Computing Institute can also help those of us who work in weather and meteorology."

Although these directors did not mention the dispute between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Red Star Computing Institute, their appearance says it all.

Li Aiguo naturally welcomed these directors warmly.

After introducing the Chinese and Russian researchers respectively, Li Aiguo brought Minister Teng and the four directors to the outside of the lithography room.

The reason why the name "photolithography room" is used instead of "photolithography machine" is simple: this thing is too big.

Because of the light source problem, Li Aiguo adopted the concept of later photolithography factories, using multiple light source conversions and adding eleven lenses and high magnetic deflectors to filter the light.

"Minister, directors, we need to change clothes first." Li Aiguo did not take the few people directly into the lithography room, but took them to the locker room.

Looking at the white raincoat handed over by Li Aiguo, Minister Teng was a little confused: "Aiguo, is the roof of your lithography room leaking?"

"Minister, the lithography machine is a high-precision machine with nanometer-level precision. During operation, any speck of dust may cause the processor to fail."

Li Aiguo explained as he changed his clothes: "So, we built a closed workbench inside the photolithography room, equipped with a high-efficiency air filtration system. At the same time, this also requires everyone entering the photolithography room to wear dust-proof clothing and gloves."

"So this is the laboratory's rule. Okay, okay." Minister Teng put on his heavy raincoat without saying a word.

Director Qian seemed very interested in the raincoat: "Aiguo, the dust-proof suit should be specially made. Why did you think of using a raincoat?"

"I've inquired, and a set of special dust-proof clothing costs at least fifty yuan, but this raincoat is produced by our small collective factory under the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, and the selling price is only five yuan." Li Aiguo said with a smile.

"What a good kid who is thrifty and manages the household well." Director Zhao, the oldest of the two, praised: "Another point is that this raincoat can be reused. The dust-proof clothing produced by Lanzhou Chemical Industry will break down after a month of use at most."

Director Qian looked at the raincoat and felt that it was a good deal.

Even if the raincoat is eliminated due to aging, it can still be distributed to researchers for use as real raincoats.

"Aiguo, our Institute of Physical Chemistry is preparing to conduct several high-precision experiments. Can you help us order a batch of raincoats? Fifty sets first?"

"Of course, I will contact the umbrella factory tomorrow." Li Aiguo agreed immediately.

"We want eighty sets too."

"Return it to our Institute of Applied Physics. We need thirty sets."

In a short while, more than a hundred sets of raincoats were ordered.

Looking at this scene, Minister Teng was a little dazed for a moment. Could Li Aiguo, this kid, make a raincoat and make flowers?

At this time, Director Zhao of the Geophysical Institute suddenly raised his hand: "We want 150 sets!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes were fixed on him.

Director Qian wondered, "Old Zhao, as someone who does geological exploration and meteorological research, do you need this kind of dustproof clothing with excellent dustproof performance?"

People who drink coffee look down on those who eat garlic, people who play rock music look down on those who play pop music, and there is also a chain of contempt in the scientific community.

Mathematics despises physics, physics despises chemistry, biology and chemistry despise each other.

Engineering is despised by all subjects.

The Institute of Geophysics is an engineering discipline.

Director Zhao was already old, but his face turned red little by little: "We can use it as a real raincoat, right?!"

Li Aiguo gave a thumbs up: "Among us, the only one who is of any real use is Director Zhao."

"Yeah!" Director Zhao raised his face with a proud look.

Minister Teng: “.”

Director Qian: “.”

Director Yan: “.”

******
Several people put on raincoats and entered the photolithography room. A huge machine occupied most of the warehouse, and seven or eight researchers in raincoats were doing the final inspection.

Seeing several people coming in, Professor Xia Zhongsu came over and reported: "Aiguo, the lithography machine is working normally! It can be started soon."

Li Aiguo turned his head and looked at Minister Teng: "Minister, please give the order."

Minister Teng was slightly stunned and instantly understood Li Aiguo's intention.

If this lithography machine can really run smoothly, the first 4004 processor it produces will become the world's first transistor microprocessor.

And I will also leave a unique mark in the history of computer development.

Minister Teng took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Turn on the machine!"

On the operating table, a young researcher stretched out his golden finger (not a golden finger) with slightly trembling hands and pressed the start button.

The various mechanical devices inside the machine began to operate in an orderly manner, the gears meshed with each other, and the chains were transmitted precisely, making rhythmic clicking sounds.

A specially made high-power light bulb lights up, and the strong light passes through the carefully polished quartz lens to form a bright and pure beam of light, which shoots directly onto the photolithography mask on the workbench.

In the 1950s when materials were scarce and technological breakthroughs were difficult, this lithography machine, which embodied the hard work of countless scientific researchers, was like a bright light in the darkness.

At this moment, all eyes are focused on this lithography machine.

Li Aiguo, Minister Teng, Professor Xia Zhongsu and other researchers all held their breath and stared at the operation of the machine without blinking.

As the light beam moves, the photoresist undergoes a wonderful chemical reaction under the irradiation of the light beam, and the pattern is etched onto the silicon wafer little by little (of course, this is invisible).

When the last step was completed, the entire lithography room fell into a brief silence, as if time had stopped.

Li Aiguo took out the 4004 processor and installed it into the prototype that had been prepared long ago.

The indicator lights on the prototype flashed rapidly, and a researcher entered a series of programs using a cassette.

"The program starts running!"

"The program ran successfully!"

"Oh my god, three seconds!"

"This procedure, which would have taken at least ten minutes using the 103 machine, can now be completed in three seconds."

The researcher stood up suddenly, clenched his fist and shouted: "Success!"

This shout broke the calm, like a stone thrown into the lake, causing a thousand waves.

Seven or eight researchers in raincoats instantly cheered, hugged and high-fived each other, their faces filled with tears of happiness and pride.

"This is our victory, and the victory of Chinese computers!"

Minister Teng's eyes were moist. He held Li Aiguo's hand tightly and said in a trembling voice: "Aiguo, we succeeded. It's all worth it!"

The directors of several research institutes couldn't help but join in the carnival.

Li Aiguo therefore learned that Comrade Sanqiang sang very well, Director Zhao, who was already old, could actually dance ballroom dance, and Director Yan was very strong.

At this time, the loud speaker of the Red Star Computing Institute suddenly sounded: "Dear researchers, in the process of developing the 4004 processor, under the command of **, we finally succeeded! To celebrate this great victory, everyone will get an extra chicken drumstick at noon today!"

In an instant, the entire Red Star Computing Institute was in an uproar.

Cheers and laughter intertwined together, echoing in every corner of the institute for a long time.

In this world, people’s joys and sorrows are not shared.

The Red Star Computing Institute was immersed in a sea of ​​joy, but the atmosphere inside the Academy of Sciences was very serious.

Mr. Guo looked at several leaders with a gloomy expression.

"The director of the Institute of Geophysics, the director of the Institute of Physical Chemistry, the director of the Institute of Applied Physics, and the director of the Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry. Now he is heading to the Red Star Computing Institute."

"Have they forgotten that the Red Star Computing Institute is the enemy of our Academy of Sciences?"

A leader said, "You may be worrying too much. I have learned about the 4004 processor. The performance parameters of this processor are too advanced. It is impossible to successfully develop it."

Another leader nodded and said, "Yes, the Americans' technology is dozens of times more advanced than ours, and they are hundreds of times richer than us. How can Li Aiguo, a guy who used to be a train driver, come up with something that they haven't come up with?"

The third leader echoed: "You are worrying too much. I think these four directors have been led astray by Minister Teng. When the time comes, you should have a good talk with them."

Mr. Guo also realized at this time that he was too nervous.

But it is understandable. As the relationship between the Russians and the University of Tokyo became increasingly strained, all the efforts made by Mr. Guo in his early years were in vain.

Now he urgently needs to produce some results to prove that as a cultural person, he is capable of managing a huge academy of sciences.

There are two projects that are of most concern in the cutting-edge fields: one is mushroom growing and the other is computers.

He couldn't do anything about the mushrooms, so his only hope was the computer.

It was at this time that the Red Star Computing Institute proposed to develop the 4004 processor.

"Yeah, how could they possibly succeed? I'm a little scared of myself."

Before he could finish his words, the phone rang.

Mr. Guo picked up the phone and said "Hello", his face suddenly darkened.

"What? The 4004 processor has been successfully developed? The operating speed reaches 6 times per second?"

"This, how is this possible?"

The phone slipped from his hands and Mr. Guo sat down on the ground.

"How can a minicomputer run more than ten times faster than a vacuum tube computer?"

"Is it true that the transistor processor proposed by Li Aiguo is more advanced than the vacuum tube computer?"

Seeing Mr. Guo's distraught look, several leaders looked at each other, and no one dared to say a word at this time.

At this time, Deputy Director Chen of the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences stood up and whispered, "President, the parameters related to the 4004 processor are all announced by the Red Star Computing Institute itself. Could it be that some comrades are exaggerating in order to win honors?"

His meaning was very clear. There might be something fishy about the data parameters released by the Red Star Computing Institute.

Mr. Guo felt that Deputy Director Chen was judging others by his own standards.

He knew those rough guys on the railway. These people had low educational levels but were very honest in character.

They announced a calculation speed of 6 times per second, so the running speed will definitely not be less than one time.

Although Deputy Director Chen's suspicion was pure nonsense, it gave Mr. Guo a new idea - to measure anything from the perspective of the people.

A computer processor is a successful scientific research result only if it can play an effective role and provide assistance to people's lives and production.

Not only Mr. Guo is confused, but even the leaders present are confused.

This cannot be blamed on their ignorance, but rather the current research on computers is all about crossing the river by feeling the stones, and no one has a clear idea of ​​what is beneath the water.

Thinking of this, Mr. Guo took a sip of tea and criticized Deputy Director Chen.

"We must trust our comrades and pay attention to unity. Xiao Chen, this kind of thinking is unacceptable. You should be more careful in the future."

Then, ignoring Deputy Director Chen's repeated apologies, he continued, "We can't just listen to one side and believe it. We still have to distinguish clearly whether this 4004 processor is real gold or someone's fancy article."

The leaders understood what Mr. Guo meant. They looked at each other and nodded.

"We suggest that the Red Star Computing Institute explain the role of the 4004 processor."

Mr. Guo looked at a young official and said, "You should immediately send a letter to the Red Star Computing Institute in the name of the Academy of Sciences."

After the officer left, Mr. Guo looked at Deputy Director Chen and said warmly, "Xiao Chen, the development progress of the 107 machine should be accelerated."

"Don't worry, we will complete the task with quality and quantity!" Deputy Director Chen wiped the sweat from his forehead and was impressed.

This is what wrist is.

******
noon.

The Red Star Computing Institute held a grand banquet to entertain Minister Teng and four directors.

The three main dishes of pork stewed with vermicelli, radish with lard, and braised tofu with lard, as well as plenty of white flour steamed buns, won the praises of the four directors.

"As expected of Big Brother's research institute! They are so rich."

Minister Teng picked up the sweet potato cake and toasted the researchers one by one. The researchers' faces turned red, and it was unclear whether they were drunk or excited.

Li Aiguo had only one feeling - Minister Teng was too much of a drinker.

After the dinner, Minister Teng left early because he had to go to Haizi to report on his work.

Li Aiguo chatted with the four directors for a while and prepared to see them off.

At this time, Deputy Director Peng Yunyou hurried in with a document.

"Aiguo, the Academy of Sciences congratulates us on the successful development of the 4004 processor."

"They are well-informed." Li Aiguo took the document and prepared to put it aside.

Seeing that Peng Yunyou's face was not right, Li Aiguo picked up the document and took a look at it.

"Oh, explain the purpose of the 4004 processor. You are indeed an old fox."

Peng Yunyou looked at the four directors and asked in a low voice, "Should we suspend our publicity work for a while?"

When doing things, Li Aiguo always adheres to the principle that even good wine needs to be marketed at a remote place.

As long as there are results, we must promote them vigorously.

After the successful development of the 4004 processor, the Red Star Computing Institute received applications from Renren Daily, Renren TV, and the railway propaganda department, asking them to come to the Red Star Computing Institute for interviews.

"Propaganda work continues as usual. As for the purpose of the 4004 processor?"

Li Aiguo held the document and smiled at Director Zhao Jiuzhang: "Director Zhao, you mentioned before that foreign countries have begun to use computers to predict the weather. Can you tell me what is going on?"

******
"Self-reliance creates miracles! Good news from my country's scientific research front - the Red Star Computing Institute has developed the world's top computer processor, breaking the US monopoly"

"The 4004 processor is praised as the world's most advanced computer processor with a computing speed of more than times, contributing to the construction of socialism"

"The Perseverance of Railway People - Comrade Li Aiguo led the youth commandos to fight for 300 days and nights, the victory of mass wisdom and collectivist spirit"

The world's first transistor processor! The Red Star Computing Institute has completed the goal of catching up with the Eagle Super Magnesium ahead of schedule - breaking the fallacy that China has not been able to produce precision devices for 20 years, and writing a magnificent chapter of independent innovation

The next day, several top domestic newspapers published explosive news on their front pages.

For a time, people in Beijing and across the country turned their attention to this computer research institute which had just been built less than a year ago.

In the courtyard, Yi Zhonghai held the newspaper, wanting to cry but unable to cry: "It turns out that Li Aiguo is a computer expert, not a swindler. Jia Dongxu has misled me!"

(End of this chapter)