Chapter 148: Red Star Electronic Research Institute

Minister Zhao's eyes lit up: "That's right! That area is a full twenty thousand square meters, the terrain is secluded, and the transportation is convenient—it is perfectly suited to be converted into a research and development base!"

The Military leader seemed very satisfied with this plan: "We can send engineering troops to assist with construction and speed up progress. At the same time, we will dispatch special forces to be responsible for security work to ensure absolute safety."

An old academician from the Academy of Sciences raised another important question: "How will the organizational structure of the research base be set up? Which department will it fall under for management?"

The conference room fell silent for a moment; this was indeed a sensitive issue.

For such an important project, all parties hoped to have a certain degree of dominance, but no one was willing to completely hand control over to others.

Just as the atmosphere became slightly awkward, Li Mingyuan proposed a compromise:

"The research base can adopt a joint structure, with a leadership committee composed of the Military, the Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Industry, and the Rolling Mill, with major decisions discussed and decided collectively by the committee. Daily operations will be the responsibility of a technical director; I am willing to take on this position and report to the committee."

This proposal seemed to balance the interests of all parties well, while also ensuring the independence and systematic nature of the research work.

The Military leader, the old academician from the Academy of Sciences, and the representative from the Ministry of Industry exchanged glances and all nodded slightly, indicating their approval.

Minister Zhao added: "To ensure the smooth progress of the work, the research base should have a certain degree of administrative independence, allowing it to report directly to higher authorities without being interfered with by too many administrative layers."

The Military leader thought for a moment and said solemnly: "Considering the special nature and importance of the project, I suggest that the research base report directly to the highest decision-making level, obtain special authorization, and be able to mobilize resources across departments."

This proposal received unanimous approval from everyone present.

A research base directly under the high-level authorities, jointly led by multiple departments, and possessing special authorization would be able to maximize the gathering of resources and accelerate technological breakthroughs.

The old academician from the Academy of Sciences suddenly thought of a question: "This research base should have a formal name; it can't always be called 'the base'."

"Electronic Technology Research Institute?" someone suggested.

"Computer Research and Development Center?" another person proposed.

Li Mingyuan shook his head: "These names are all too specific and easily expose the direction of our research. I suggest using a code name that is both concise and reflects our goal."

"What code name would be appropriate?" Minister Zhao asked.

Li Mingyuan thought for a moment and said solemnly: "I suggest naming it the 'Star Project'. Because our goal is to illuminate the path of future technology just like the stars."

There was a chorus of admiration in the conference room; this name was both poetic and full of grand ambition, perfectly summarizing the nature and goal of the project.

"Let's call it the 'Star Project'!" the Military leader decided, "Next, we need to formulate a detailed implementation plan, including personnel organization, facility construction, resource allocation, and other aspects."

Minister Zhao immediately took up the conversation: "I suggest establishing a preparatory group with representatives from all parties to jointly formulate the plan. The preparatory group can start work immediately to ensure that a preliminary plan is produced within a week and substantive construction begins within two weeks."

This proposal was passed unanimously.

The atmosphere of the meeting became more enthusiastic, and representatives from all sides began to discuss specific personnel arrangements and resource inputs.

The previous tense confrontation had vanished, replaced by a shared expectation for the future and a positive attitude toward cooperation.

The Military leader looked at the people discussing excitedly and suddenly said softly to Li Mingyuan: "Chief Engineer Li, I must admit that today is one of the most shocking days of my military career. The technologies you displayed are beyond my imagination."

When the meeting ended, the representatives from all sides left with full hearts of excitement and expectation, promising to implement their respective tasks as soon as possible.

Before leaving, the Military leader specifically instructed his accompanying staff officer to report today's situation to the high-level authorities immediately and apply for special authorization.

After everyone had left, only Li Mingyuan and Minister Zhao remained in the conference room.

Minister Zhao let out a long breath, as if he had unloaded a heavy burden: "Mingyuan, you really gave me a huge surprise today. You had this move prepared long ago, didn't you?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "I suppose you could say I was prepared."

"Then why didn't you bring out these blueprints from the beginning, instead of waiting until the situation was tense to reveal them?" Minister Zhao asked curiously.

Li Mingyuan's gaze became profound: "Minister, some achievements are disclosed too early, which is actually detrimental to their development. Only when all parties fully realize the importance of the technology can we obtain the greatest support and understanding."

Minister Zhao nodded thoughtfully: "You have considered this very thoroughly. However, were these blueprints really designed by you alone? It's too incredible."

Li Mingyuan did not answer directly, but said: "Behind every technological breakthrough, there is the accumulation and thinking of countless predecessors. I am just standing on the shoulders of giants and seeing a little further."

Minister Zhao looked at him deeply, as if wanting to see through the heart of this young man: "Regardless, the 'Star Project' will be an epoch-making project. I am honored to participate in it and witness the creation of history."

The two walked out of the conference room and stood in front of the Rolling Mill's gate, looking at the factory area under the setting sun.

Not far away, that idle area that was to be converted into the "Star Project" research base appeared exceptionally tranquil in the afterglow of the sunset.

Starting tomorrow, that place would become a busy construction site, and thousands of workers, engineers, and scientists would work together to build a cradle of technology that would change the fate of the country.

"Minister," Li Mingyuan said suddenly, "let's start the preparatory work tomorrow. Time is tight, and every day is precious."

Minister Zhao nodded, a firm light flashing in his eyes: "Good! Tomorrow morning, I will gather the key personnel of the factory and start the preliminary preparation work."

……

Three days later, in Li Mingyuan's office at the Rolling Mill.

"Mingyuan! Mingyuan! Great news!" Minister Zhao rushed into the office like a college student who had had too much to drink, waving a red-headed document in his hand, his face flushed with excitement.

Li Mingyuan was focusing on debugging a small circuit board at his desk; hearing the sound, he looked up and couldn't help but smile at the sight of Minister Zhao.

In this era, there was probably only one thing that could make a dignified minister lose his composure like this.

"Was it approved?"

"Approved! It's all approved!" Minister Zhao plopped into the chair opposite Li Mingyuan and swung his large hand, spreading the red-headed document on the table.

"Not only was it approved, but it was also given special authorization! It is directly named the 'Red Star Electronic Research Institute', and it can mobilize resources across departments!"

Li Mingyuan picked up the document and browsed it carefully, a satisfied smile flashing in his eyes.

"Fifty million!" Minister Zhao held up five fingers, almost jumping up in excitement.

"A special allocation of fifty million in special funds! This is equivalent to the total annual output value of ten medium-sized factories!"

Li Mingyuan chuckled inwardly; in his era, fifty million would only be enough to buy a few apartments inside the Second Ring Road.

But in this era of material scarcity, this was indeed an astronomical figure.

"Minister, don't be happy too soon," Li Mingyuan put down the document and reminded him, "The funds are in place, but the real challenge has just begun. A Computer cannot be made by simple assembly; we need to build a top-tier team."

Minister Zhao patted his chest: "Don't you worry about that. The high-level authorities have already issued a strict order, and elite technical personnel from all over the country are rushing here. Many people packed their luggage overnight and set off before they could even say goodbye to their families."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of roars suddenly came from outside the window.