That evening, Dong Haoming, the president of Northwestern Polytechnical University, was working late in his office. He had been busy with various tasks, and it wasn't until nearly 9 PM that he finally wrapped things up. As he finished, he recalled a call he had received earlier that afternoon from Zhang Yunsong, the chairman of AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China).
Zhang Yunsong had inquired about the progress of the third-generation avionics system development. Dong Haoming assured him that the project lead, Zheng Jingzhi, was diligently working with his team to achieve significant breakthroughs as soon as possible.
Thinking it over, Dong Haoming decided to head over to the Department of Aeronautics to check on the real progress himself. He knew that Zheng Jingzhi often worked late into the night in the lab, so he didn't call ahead. Instead, he and his secretary, Qian Yizhou, walked directly to the department.
When they arrived at the testing building, Dong Haoming noticed that the lights were still on in about a dozen windows, indicating that many researchers were still working overtime. He entered the building and made his way to Zheng Jingzhi’s lab. Sure enough, Zheng Jingzhi was still hard at work.
Quietly entering the lab, Dong Haoming watched for a while before Zheng Jingzhi noticed him. “President, you’re here? You startled me!” Zheng Jingzhi said with a smile.
Dong Haoming smiled back. “I didn’t want to disturb your work.”
“Professor Zheng, Chairman Zhang Yunsong of AVIC called me today to ask about the project’s progress. So, I thought I’d come by and see for myself.”
Zheng Jingzhi responded, “There’s nothing surprising to report. Everything is proceeding step by step.”
Dong Haoming then asked with a smile, “Is Xiao Zhang working on the avionics system program?”
“I saw that he applied for a bunch of materials the other day, spending over 110,000 yuan in one go.”
Zheng Jingzhi shook his head. “He’s currently busy developing our own chip. He said that the chip is the foundation for whether the avionics system can meet the standards.”
Dong Haoming was surprised. “Developing a chip? Isn’t he a programming expert? How did he end up making chips?”
Zheng Jingzhi then explained some of the recent work Zhang Zhipeng had been doing in the lab. After listening, Dong Haoming was deeply moved. Zhang Zhipeng’s approach seemed like a detour, but it appeared he was laying a solid foundation for scientific research. Moreover, he had already made significant progress in a short time. Could he really succeed in developing the chip?
With this thought, a sense of excitement stirred in Dong Haoming’s heart. Zheng Jingzhi continued to talk about how Zhang Zhipeng had been working tirelessly, not even returning home for several days.
Dong Haoming was filled with admiration. This young man was so dedicated and hardworking! Isn't this the model of the new era? Since the economic reforms, while the market has invigorated the economy, it has also corrupted people's hearts. The profit-driven mindset has even seeped into universities. A young man like Zhang Zhipeng is truly rare.
“Professor Zheng, let’s go check on him together,” Dong Haoming suggested.
Zheng Jingzhi glanced at the time; it was already past 9 PM. “Alright, let’s go now. I’m just worried he’s overworking himself. Work can’t be done in a day; it’s best to have a balance between work and rest.”
With that, Zheng Jingzhi led Dong Haoming to Zhang Zhipeng’s lab. When they arrived at the lab door, they peered through the glass observation window and saw Zhang Zhipeng still busily working on a machine.
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Zhang Zhipeng was manually machining parts for assembling a photolithography machine using a small hand-operated lathe. The lens, in particular, had already been completed.
His skills in lens manufacturing had reached an advanced level, and he had even mastered the entire process of producing top-tier photosensitive lenses. Now, he was working on manufacturing and assembling other components needed for lithography machines, which required the skills of both a machinist and a lathe operator.
All he had to do was operate the machines, steadily improving through continuous practice, and his skill progression bar was rapidly advancing.
"I already came by once after 7 o'clock earlier, and at that time, he was already busy nonstop," someone remarked.
"Judging by this, he’s barely taken a break, working straight for two or three hours," Zheng Jingzhi said with admiration.
Zhang Zhipeng’s tireless work ethic left him deeply impressed once again.
Dong Haoming was also deeply moved by Zhang Zhipeng’s wholehearted dedication to his work.
After a moment of silence, Dong Haoming said, "Only those with great ideals in their hearts can work so tirelessly."
He glanced at his secretary, Qian Yizhou, and said, "Yizhou, write an article about Comrade Zhang Zhipeng’s deeds. Let's make sure it's well-publicized in the school newspaper and on the school broadcast."
Qian Yizhou readily agreed. After jotting down the principal’s request in his notebook, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "Principal, actually, the work he’s doing now has already been done by domestic research institutions long ago. It’s just repetitive research, wasting resources."
"He could totally build on others’ research results and conduct his own research."
"Besides, it seems to me that manually making chips is too costly, neither scientific nor practical."
Qian Yizhou voiced his doubts.
Dong Haoming shook his head and said, "Our chip technology lags far behind, at least 10 or 20 years behind the West!"
"Right now, we want to import advanced chips to use in our fighter jets’ avionics systems, but we can’t because the West is always guarding against us!"
"Therefore, I believe Comrade Zhipeng’s work is extremely meaningful!"
"There’s nothing better than having our own!"
"We are forging our national defense sword to deter potential enemies and opponents! Only when the sword is in the hands of a just nation can the world become more peaceful!"
Though his voice was not loud, Dong Haoming’s words were firm and powerful.
Zheng Jingzhi nodded and said, "The principal is absolutely right! In fact, every one of us in scientific research is a swordsmith for the nation!"
While they were talking, Zhang Zhipeng finally finished an important component in the laboratory.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced at the skill experience bar in his mind.
The skill progress bar for lithography machine manufacturing technology had already reached 37%.
Besides lenses, the lithography machine also required a light source system for exposure.
Finally, everything needed to be assembled and tested, so there was still a long way to go.
Zhang Zhipeng sat down on a chair in the laboratory to take a break and drink some water.
Outside the laboratory, Dong Haoming and Zheng Jingzhi exchanged a glance, and Zheng Jingzhi gently knocked on the door.
Hearing the knock, Zhang Zhipeng felt a bit puzzled.
He checked the time—it was already 9:21 p.m.
It was quite late. Who would be coming at this hour?
Zhang Zhipeng walked over and opened the door.
"Teacher, Principal?"
Zhang Zhipeng was quite surprised.
He hadn’t expected the principal to come to see him so late.
Dong Haoming smiled warmly and said, "Good evening, Comrade Zhipeng! I came to check on you."
"May I take a look inside your laboratory?"
Naturally, Zhang Zhipeng quickly nodded and said with a smile, "Please come in, Principal."
He knew he had been working intensely for some time, but he didn’t realize it would prompt the principal to personally come to see him.