Chapter 313: To Long Country, They Can't Build It

"It is very simple—technology exchange must be two-way," Chen Ming said calmly.

"Long Country is willing to share a portion of Integrated Circuit Technology; in exchange, we hope Beijixiong Guo can provide primary theoretical data."

Arlov's expression froze instantly, as if someone had poured a basin of cold water over his head:

"This... this is impossible! This technology is top secret and will absolutely not be shared externally!"

Chen Ming remained calm: "We understand the sensitivity of this technology, so we are only requesting the most basic theoretical data, not the complete manufacturing process."

"Even basic theory is impossible!" Arlov raised his voice, "Deputy Minister Chen, you are making an unreasonable demand!"

Chen Ming was unmoved: "Then it is a pity; it seems we cannot reach a technical cooperation agreement. Please convey to your country's leadership that Long Country is willing to cooperate on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, but we do not accept one-way extraction."

Arlov stood there stiffly, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

He had originally thought Long Country would yield under pressure, never expecting the other side to propose such bold conditions.

After a moment of silence, Arlov managed to control his emotions:

"I need to report this... unexpected proposal to my country. However, I must warn Deputy Minister Chen that this request will very likely be rejected."

Chen Ming smiled slightly: "Of course, major decisions require careful consideration. We will patiently await your country's reply."

After Arlov left, Chen Ming immediately reported the situation of the talks to the higher-ups.

Just as expected, the Beijixiong Guo Special Envoy was shocked by Long Country's request, but did not directly refuse, choosing instead to return home to report.

……

In Beijixiong Guo, an emergency meeting was underway.

Deputy Chief Gromov frowned after hearing Arlov's report: "Long Country actually dares to make such a request? They are too arrogant!"

Popov was furious: "This is simply an insult to us! This technology is our top secret; it is absolutely impossible to share it with any country, even a so-called ally!"

Intelligence Director Kuznev appeared much calmer:

"Although Long Country's request is bold, it also shows that they are no longer that obedient little brother. This is a signal worth noting."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexei pondered: "From a diplomatic perspective, the change in Long Country's attitude is directly related to their recent military successes. The Graphite Bomb and Integrated Circuit Technology have given them unprecedented confidence."

Gromov mused for a moment: "The question is, how should we respond? A direct refusal might lead to further alienation of Long Country; but accepting their conditions involves nuclear secrets..."

Medford suddenly spoke up:

"Everyone, from a technical perspective, what Long Country is asking for is only primary theoretical data, not the actual manufacturing process. These theories are actually not top secret in the international academic community; it is just that Long Country's scientists lack the relevant training and background knowledge."

"More importantly," Medford continued,

"Even if we give them this data, with Long Country's current industrial and technological level, it is impossible for them to actually manufacture it in the short term.

They lack key materials, precision instruments, and core technology; these are things that theoretical data cannot provide."

Gromov became interested: "You mean we can give them some basic theory, but don't have to worry about them quickly mastering the actual manufacturing capability?"

Medford nodded: "Exactly. There is a huge chasm between theory and practice. Without actual engineering experience and special materials, one cannot manufacture a Mushroom Egg based on theory alone."

Popov remained dissatisfied: "But what if they find a solution? The Long Country people's recent performance has been too unexpected."

Medford laughed: "Comrade Popov, you overestimate them. This is not a simple weapon like a Graphite Bomb; it requires a complex industrial system and technological accumulation. Long Country will need at least 10-15 years to catch up to us, and by then, we will have already developed more advanced technology."

Kuznev was thoughtful: "From an intelligence perspective, if we can acquire Long Country's Integrated Circuit Technology while infiltrating their research institutions through so-called 'technical cooperation,' it is advantageous for us."

Gromov finally made a decision: "Fine, let's do it. We can provide some basic theoretical data; in exchange, we demand that Long Country provide the complete Integrated Circuit Technology and allow our experts to participate in their research projects."

He sneered: "The Long Country people want it? Let them dream. Even if we give them a pile of formulas and theories, they still won't be able to build it. Yet we can acquire truly valuable Integrated Circuit Technology from them. This deal is a win for us."

Popov snorted disdainfully: "Indeed, the Long Country people will never understand that manufacturing this thing requires not only theory, but also decades of technological accumulation and the experience of countless experts. They think they can build it just by getting a few textbooks? Too naive."

A burst of meaningful laughter erupted in the conference room.

In the eyes of the Beijixiong Guo leadership, this "technical exchange" was undoubtedly a win for them—trading theoretical data that the Long Country people could not actually apply for tangible, usable Integrated Circuit Technology.

……

After the Beijixiong Guo Special Envoy left, the Long Country scientific community fell into a tense and busy atmosphere.

Li Mingyuan knew that Beijixiong Guo would definitely accept the deal—not because they were generous, but because they thought they were taking advantage of the situation.

These calculating fellows must think that even if Long Country obtained the nuclear theoretical data, they still couldn't build a Mushroom Egg, yet they could acquire practical Integrated Circuit Technology from it.

"Naive." A cold smile tugged at the corner of Li Mingyuan's mouth, but he had no time to think about this now.

At the Northeast Military Industrial Base, in the temporarily constructed Third Generation Integrated Circuit laboratory, the lights were burning bright.

Although it was late at night, the researchers were still busy at their respective posts.

"Chief Engineer Li, the Lithography Machine has finally been calibrated!" An engineer with a face full of exhaustion but eyes shining with excitement ran into Li Mingyuan's office.

Li Mingyuan stood up immediately: "Let's go, let's take a look!"

In the center of the laboratory, a simple Lithography Machine made from a modified precision machine tool was running.

Although the exterior was crude and it was practically a "homemade cannon" compared to the precision equipment of later generations, in this era, it was already a technological miracle.

"The precision has reached 5 microns, barely enough," the lead engineer said while wiping his sweat,

"According to your design, this is sufficient to produce Third Generation Large Scale Integrated Circuit."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Start trial production of the first batch of Chips immediately; I want to see the finished product within a week."

"A week?" The engineers looked at each other, "Chief Engineer Li, this... is too tight, isn't it? Under normal circumstances, it would take at least several months..."