When I am reborn, I just want to be a top student

Huahong Group.

As a leading wafer manufacturing company in China, Huahong was founded in 1996 and is the main enterprise undertaking the national "909" project. It is a pure state-owned enterprise.

Right now, a high-level meeting is being held in the conference room at Huahong's headquarters.

ASML's Chief Technology Officer landed in Shanghai and extended a cooperation proposal to them.

Not only lithography machines, but also a series of equipment and products such as photoresist are open for discussion.

The news immediately divided Huahong into two factions.

One group felt that cooperation was entirely possible, since ASML had finally lifted restrictions and was willing to sell equipment that was previously impossible to sell, so they naturally couldn't miss the opportunity.

The other faction believes that ASML is cutting its losses to survive and seize market share, so cooperation is not an option.

It's normal for such a large company to have all sorts of ideas.

For example, everyone has different opinions on this matter.

at the meeting.

"Galaxy Technology Semiconductor's lithography factory technology is not yet fully mature. Nobody knows whether it can reach the level of 7nm, 5nm, and 3nm process chips, or what the yield rate will be."

"Now that ASML is finally willing to lift restrictions and sell us more advanced lithography machines and other equipment, we should seize this opportunity. We can't afford to miss it."

An executive wearing gold-rimmed glasses said with a serious expression.

"Why wasn't ASML in a hurry last year or the year before? Why is it suddenly in such a hurry after the lithography factory was built?"

“Look at how badly ASML’s stock price has fallen in the US stock market. This means that global capital has abandoned ASML and is not optimistic about its development.”

"This is clearly a breakthrough in the lithography technology route, which has threatened ASML's development, so they are in a hurry."

"If they weren't in a hurry, why would they do this, given their usual style?"

"When did ASML ever come to our door to sell its lithography machines, or was it the chief technology officer who came to sell them to us?"

"As far as I know, Peter from Asma has gone to the Bald Eagle Federation and is lobbying."

"We have experience working with domestic semiconductor companies, and at this time, the most important thing we should do is support Galaxy Technology and rapidly expand the popularization and market share of lithography factory technology."

"As Mr. Wang, the general manager of Galaxy Technology, said, the biggest benefit of the breakthrough in cutting-edge technology is that our development is no longer subject to others, and we can provide more high-end jobs for the country."

"Therefore, I think we absolutely cannot meet with Dino, refuse ASML's lithography machine sales pitch, and immediately apply to our superiors to renovate our second-phase factory."

Another executive said this with great enthusiasm.

"Absurd! Science knows no borders. ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography machine can manufacture 3nm process chips."

"According to the theory of technological development, it would be ten times more difficult to upgrade from 28nm to 3nm than it is to break through to 28nm now."

"If we don't seize the opportunity to sell while ASML is in a panic, we won't have another chance once that time is over!"

"Buying ASML's lithography machines does not mean betraying Galaxy Technology, nor does it mean betraying the country."

"As long as our technology improves and the semiconductor industry develops, then we will have made a contribution."

"Business is business, and politics is politics; these things should not be confused."

Xu Xuenian, sitting at the top, also felt a headache coming on as he listened to the arguments among the many executives.

If he could, he wouldn't want to mention Dino's visit.

However, it's impossible to skip such a big event.

In a private company, the boss can make all the decisions with a single word, and the employees and executives can only keep quiet no matter how much they have objections.

But state-owned enterprises are different.

After everyone had shared their opinions, Xu Xuenian finally made a decision.

There is some truth to this from various perspectives.

But things in this world are never governed by logic.

Instead, it's about looking at where your interests lie and where your own interests are located.

As the person in charge of Huahong, Xu Xuenian's task is to ensure the company's development.

What is the purpose of improving Huahong?

Once you can figure out this problem, you'll know his decision.

"Everyone's points are very valid, so let me share my thoughts!"

When Xu Xuenian spoke, everyone stopped and listened attentively.

"I think this matter needs to be carefully considered."

"ASML's lithography machines are very good, and it is indeed the most advanced supplier known to date."

“Now, ASML’s chief technology officer is coming to pitch their products, saying they can provide us with extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, which sounds great.”

"But can Dino really do it? Does Asmai have the authority to do so?"

"Putting everything else aside, extreme ultraviolet lithography machines are indeed advanced, but what process are they being sold to us for? When can they be delivered? And at what price?"

"These things are still unknown, and no one is saying anything."

"Making a decision when everything is still unknown is undoubtedly irresponsible."

"Moreover, there is a major hidden danger, which is the existence of SIA. Can ASML really break through SIA's blockade and sell us extreme ultraviolet lithography machines?"

"Besides SIA, there is also COCOM. The West has always been wary of our cutting-edge technology research and development."

"Without the White Eagle Federation's approval, can the lithography machines be exported smoothly?"

"On the other hand, I think everyone is very clear about how important the lithography factory built by Galaxy Technology is to us."

"The reason ASML is in such a hurry is because we have a new technological roadmap."

“When we don’t have it, the West will offer a high price, even an exorbitant price, because we don’t have it, so we have no choice but to accept it.”

"But when we develop it ourselves, the price will come down."

"We must thank Galaxy Technology for their contributions in making Dino here; they are the biggest contributors."

"On a larger scale, lithography technology has already touched upon my country's voice in the field of high-tech technology and the struggle for leadership in the semiconductor industry."

"On a smaller scale, it's a competition in a market worth tens of billions, and also involves a huge market for chip intelligence."

"Given its significance, economic interests can be set aside; we need to focus more on its political implications."

"As a state-owned enterprise, we must unconditionally support domestic brands and self-developed technologies."

“It is our inescapable responsibility to encourage the development of our own semiconductor industry.” “Therefore, I think Dino’s promise is just a verbal promise and is something that cannot be fulfilled.”

"Hua Hong does not need to cooperate with ASML, and immediately rejects Dino's invitation to meet."

"At the same time, we will immediately report this situation to our superiors and propose a cooperation agreement with Galaxy Technology regarding the licensing of lithography factory technology."

After all that buildup, Xu Xuenian finally revealed his thoughts and plans.

Partnering with ASML would yield too little profit and carry too much risk.

On the contrary, cooperating with Galaxy Technology can be promoted externally as supporting domestic products, which is politically correct. Internally, the current yield rate of the lithography factory is already sufficient for their production requirements.

If ASML were to lose its mind and give them a 7nm lithography machine, they probably wouldn't be able to master the technology, the yield rate would be shockingly low, and the price of the lithography machine would be astronomical, making it a complete loss.

After Xu Xuenian made his decision, the executives who had originally wanted to meet with Dino all fell silent.

Everyone is welcome to express their opinions, but once a decision is made, orders must be obeyed.

Hua Hong quickly responded to Dino.

When he learned that Huahong, like Central International, had refused his meeting and had no intention of purchasing lithography machines, he was shocked.

Dino's heart was no longer filled with anger, but with immense confusion.

As a businessman, he completely failed to understand the actions of Central International and Huahong.

Logically speaking, this opportunity should be very good for them.

If it weren't for the incident at the lithography factory, he would never have come here, and he would not have intended to sell some restricted lithography machine products.

Now, Dino doesn't have many options left.

The top-tier wafer foundries in China are Central International and Huahong Technology.

The remaining second-tier small factories simply do not have the capacity to absorb ASML's advanced products.

This capability encompasses both financial resources and technological strength.

A single lithography machine costs at least a billion yuan, and sometimes several billion yuan. This is not only a huge financial burden, but also comes with technical requirements.

Dino sat in his hotel room, thinking for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and making a decision.

A second-rate small factory is a second-rate small factory. Even if it can't sell advanced lithography machines, it can still sell some other lithography machines.

His primary objective was not anything else, but to seize the market in advance.

As long as this goal is achieved, that's fine.

As for what happens to those small factories, that's none of his business.

however.

While Dino was having his secretary continue to extend invitations to other small factories, news of his arrival in the country broke.

It wasn't just the news of Dino's visit to China that was revealed; Dino's willingness to sell ASML's advanced lithography machines was also exposed, but was rejected by CNC International and Huahong Technology.

ASML's chief technology officer personally came to China to promote his company's products, only to be rejected.

This news is truly dramatic.

Upon seeing this news, Dino was immediately enraged.

This news was clearly leaked by either Central International or Huahong Technology.

Or perhaps a higher-level unit or department.

Otherwise, I would never know so clearly.

This was clearly meant to embarrass him.

What angered him was not the embarrassment of making a fool of himself, but that the revelation directly ruined his and Peter's plans.

The original intention was to seize the initiative and capture the Chinese market by lowering prices and breaking restrictions on the sale of advanced products.

As a result, not only did he fail to close a single deal, but he was also exposed.

He could already imagine how the Bald Eagle Federation would react to their actions.

This is something that can be done, but shouldn't be said.

At this time, netizens made all sorts of jokes, interpretations, and mockery of Dino's experience.

"What goes around comes around. I never thought that ASML would have to come to my door to sell its own products."

"Going door-to-door to sell is not shameful; what is truly shameful is being rejected."

"I've figured it out now. These Western companies have no shame at all. If we don't make a breakthrough, they impose all sorts of high prices and restrictions, as if they're afraid we'll make a technological breakthrough and they'll guard against us closely. But if we do make a breakthrough, they immediately lower their prices, trying to undermine our technology and seize the market."

"To be honest, the response from Central International and Huahong Technology was quite unexpected. They didn't agree but instead refused, and didn't even meet with them."

“Asmai has ulterior motives and is despicable. Why did he have to come at this time of year? It’s obvious he has ill intentions.”

"Asmai seems to be really desperate. Otherwise, why would he do this?"

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, now it's time for us to have the upper hand. Before, we had no choice, but now that we have a choice, it's time for them to pay back the debts they owe."

"ASML's stock price will probably fall further. It seems that the impact of lithography technology is greater than we imagined. Is it time to make a profit?"

"Is it true that Galaxy Technology is going to spin off a subsidiary for listing? We don't know how many shares will be split off."

"Don't even think about it. Given Galaxy Technology's earning power, the businesses it will launch on the stock market will definitely be those that don't make much money. There might not be much room for growth in the future."

"Who would take a business that can make a lot of money public? That would be foolish."

"I don't care about that. Are there any Galaxy Technology employees who can come forward and say whether your four-day work week and three-day rest policy, as well as your work-from-home policy, have been truly implemented? Is the employee stock ownership plan really being pushed forward?"

"My job in operations is listed as a pilot program for working four days on and three days off and working from home. These two measures are really a blessing for working people. After the trial operation, my happiness level has soared. I have more rest time, I feel more relaxed and comfortable at home, and my work efficiency has improved a lot."

"The employee stock ownership plan is not what everyone thinks it is, a free-for-all. Performance will also be assessed. Only employees who have truly contributed to the company can share the fruits of its development."

"Galaxy Technology is so rich, why doesn't it expand its scale? It would be so great to hire a few million employees."

"Let me make a bold prediction: in which field will Galaxy Technology achieve a breakthrough next?"

"..."

Netizens showed no sympathy for Asmedino's plight; instead, they were full of ridicule and mockery.

In the past two years, thanks to products like Douyin, Neihan, and Toutiao, there has been a constant stream of popular science information about the realities of the West. For example, the toilet water in Japan is undrinkable, the sewers in Aoyama Island City don't have the toolkits and messages of Germany, the cherry trees in the Bald Eagle Federal Palace weren't cut down by the cherry blossom god axe, and while Western Europe is very developed, it's not to the point where you don't have to go to work.

Through these popular science articles, the public's fascination with Western countries has been completely dispelled.

This situation is entirely expected. (End of Chapter)