Chapter 17: Replicating the Top‑Tier Chip

The charging experiment came to a pause, and Qin Hao had just stepped out of that special room; before he could even catch his breath, a group of military doctors in white coats surrounded him.

Various professional medical devices were quickly arranged on his body.

From electrocardiograms to brainwaves, and then routine blood tests and trace element analysis, the thoroughness of the examinations rivaled the pre‑flight medical check for astronauts.

Qin Hao felt a bit helpless, but he also understood the organization's caution.

He complied with the doctors' instructions, and occasionally joked with his familiar Cheng Haitang: "Old Cheng, this whole setup—anyone who doesn't know might think I'm mutating."

Cheng Haitang gave him a withering glance: "Stop talking nonsense; ensuring all your bodily indicators are normal is our top responsibility."

After a series of meticulous examinations, the results showed Qin Hao's condition was good, even healthier than before, with all physiological indicators at peak levels.

The military doctors clicked their tongues in amazement, gaining new insight into Qin Hao's system.

Immediately afterward, the refined biologist from the earlier meeting, accompanied by Academician Qian Bowen, approached Qin Hao with a mix of anticipation and a hint of embarrassment.

"Comrade Xiao Qin, sorry to disturb you."

The biologist adjusted his glasses and said, "We would like… with your consent, to take some of your hair and blood samples.

The main purpose is to study whether, after the recent high‑intensity energy extraction, any benign changes have occurred at the cellular level that we have not yet understood…"

Hearing that, Qin Hao smiled.

"I thought it was some big deal, but no problem—just tell me how much you need."

He rolled up his sleeves, very straightforwardly.

He has always respected scientists who devote themselves to the nation.

The biologist and Academician Qian Bowen exchanged a glance, both exhaling in relief, their faces breaking into satisfied smiles.

Securing Qin Hao's cooperation would undoubtedly be a huge boost to their subsequent research.

Just one day later, when Qin Hao was taken again to a newly built independent suite inside Liu Xia Hydropower Station, he was genuinely startled by the sight before him.

This was no temporary charging station; it was clearly a luxuriously decorated, fully equipped presidential suite.

In the center of the room stood a large bed that exuded high tech while also radiating a touch of warm comfort.

The bed's material was special, with a warm, smooth feel; its headboard was linked to precise circuitry, cleverly concealed within the bed's design, showing no abruptness at all.

"Xiao Qin, this is the custom‑made 'charging bed' for you."

Cheng Haitang introduced it with a smile.

"From now on, if you rest on it each night, it will automatically charge you without affecting your daytime activities."

Qin Hao stepped forward, reached out to touch the surface, and then tried lying down. The mattress's firmness was just right, causing an involuntary relaxation.

"The nation's efficiency is truly beyond words!" Qin Hao exclaimed sincerely, "This bed feels more comfortable than a five‑star hotel."

General Liu Zhijun added from beside him:

"All facilities in the room have undergone special treatment to guarantee absolute safety and privacy. Daily necessities are fully provided; any request can be made at any time."

Li Donglai was also present; he looked at Qin Hao's satisfied demeanor and nodded:

"Comrade Xiao Qin, for the next three days, you'll stay here to adapt and undergo continuous charging.

The Rote Commissioner side also needs to, based on this test's data and your condition, promptly finalize the detailed follow‑up plan."

"Alright."

Qin Hao had no objections; for him, this arrangement was essentially a paid vacation with top‑tier board and lodging.

So, over the next three days, Qin Hao lived a billionaire's life in this luxurious 'charging suite.'

During the day he read books, learned some basic scientific knowledge recommended by the researchers, or browsed internal networks for news to stay informed of domestic and international affairs.

In the evening he simply lay on the comfortable charging bed.

The three days passed in the blink of an eye.

When Qin Hao checked the system interface again, the number in the energy reserve column had undergone a dramatic change.

【Energy Reserve: Ten Thousand Points】

172,800,000 points!

Even though he had anticipated it, Qin Hao's heart still skipped a few extra beats at the sight of the number.

This is only the three‑day result; at this rate, the hundred‑billion target can be reached soon.

That morning, Cheng Haitang came to the room personally, her face bearing a hint of solemnity.

"Xiao Qin, get ready; the Rote Commissioner and several academicians want to see you. There's an important task that requires your cooperation."

Qin Hao nodded, with a vague suspicion brewing in his mind.

Soon, he was "escorted" by Cheng Haitang and General Liu Zhijun to a heavily guarded laboratory.

The laboratory's interior was brightly lit, with various precise instruments shimmering with a faint glow.

The Rote Commissioner, Academician Qian Bowen, Academician Li, and several top‑level experts with unfamiliar faces had already been waiting there.

On the dust‑free workbench at the center of the laboratory rested a black object about the size of a fingernail.

"Comrade Xiao Qin, come take a look at this," Academician Qian Bowen gestured for Qin Hao to approach.

Qin Hao stepped closer, his gaze landing on the black object. It resembled a chip, yet the circuit patterns on it were so complex and delicate that they far surpassed any electronic component he had ever seen.

"This is the major problem we are currently facing."

Academician Li explained beside him, his tone carrying a hint of heaviness and anticipation,

"This is currently the world's most advanced 4‑nanometer lithography chip sample, originating from Yingjiang Guo.

We obtained this piece through special channels, but reverse‑engineering and replicating it is extremely difficult, especially certain key structures and material processes; we cannot break through in the short term, nor dare to damage it recklessly."

"Our Yanhuang Guo's chip industry has always been constrained by others; this is a thorn stuck in our throat!"

An elderly expert with graying hair and reading glasses said with heartfelt anguish.

Luo Lao's gaze deepened: "Xiao Qin, we would like you to try and see whether your system can replicate this chip."

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the laboratory tightened instantly.

Everyone's gaze focused on Qin Hao, full of anticipation.

If even this cutting‑edge creation, a crystallization of human technology, can be duplicated, its significance for Yanhuang Guo's technological development would be revolutionary!

Qin Hao looked at the crystal before him, then glanced at the eager eyes of the surrounding scientists.

He inhaled deeply, without hesitation: "I'll try."

Under the guidance of Academician Qian Bowen, Qin Hao put on special gloves, carefully extended his right hand, and gently touched the cold crystal.

【Target item: 4‑nanometer lithography crystal, replication energy required: 5,000 points】

【Proceed with replication?】 Five thousand points of energy!

Qin Hao felt a slight stir; this consumption, compared with his current energy reserve of over one hundred million, was merely a drop in the bucket.

"Replication possible," Qin Hao answered confidently, then silently whispered in his mind: "Replicate!"

Almost the instant the thought settled, a black crystal identical to the original appeared in Qin Hao's hand.

From appearance and texture to the minute coding on the surface, the two crystals placed side by side were indistinguishable to the naked eye!

"Is… is this finished?"

A young researcher rubbed his eyes, hardly believing it.

Academician Qian Bowen and Academician Li leapt forward almost simultaneously, donned high‑magnification lenses, carefully lifted the newly appeared crystal, and repeatedly compared it with the original sample.

"Pattern identical! Packaging perfect!"

"Edge cut… exactly the same!"

"Encoding… not a single discrepancy!"

The two eminent scientists' voices trembled slightly with excitement; they exchanged a glance, each seeing incredulous ecstasy in the other's eyes.

Luo Lao also hurried forward; though he was not a technical expert, the expressions of the two academicians gave him the answer in his heart.

His hand also clenched gently from the excitement.

"Quick! Begin the test!" Academician Qian Bowen decided on the spot.

The pre‑prepared testing platform sprang to life, and the new crystal was carefully installed.

Everyone in the laboratory held their breath, eyes fixed on the testing platform's display.

A few minutes later, the technician overseeing the test suddenly looked up, his voice wavering with extreme excitement,

"Report! Crystal performance test passed! All parameters… all parameters match the original sample perfectly!

Even… even under certain high‑load operations, stability is a shade better than the original sample!"

Boom!

The entire laboratory was instantly engulfed by overwhelming joy and cheers!