Zhao Bingkun's grip was truly strong—Zhang Zhipeng felt like his hand was being squeezed by a massive iron clamp.

With a smile, Zhang Zhipeng said, "Director Zhao, it's everyone's duty to solve the country's problems. I'm honored to be able to help."

Standing nearby, Dong Haoming added with a grin, "Well said, Xiao Zhang. Contributing to the country is the highest honor!"

"Director Zhao, should your Commission of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense perhaps allocate a bit more research funding to our university in the future?"

Taking advantage of the situation, Dong Haoming began requesting additional funds. Research funding was extremely tight, and with so many researchers vying for limited resources, one had to seize any opportunity to secure more.

Zhao Bingkun waved his hand decisively and said, "We'll allocate an additional 5 million yuan to your university!"

"However, this money must be earmarked specifically for Xiao Zhang's lab project!"

This meant a dedicated 5 million yuan grant for Zhang Zhipeng's research! Zhang Zhipeng was overjoyed. In an era where being a "ten-thousand-yuan household" was a big deal, 5 million yuan was a substantial amount.

However, he had an even greater goal in mind.

Zhang Zhipeng asked, "Director Zhao, who do you plan to entrust with the production tasks?"

"How about this: I could take charge of establishing a chip production factory under the umbrella of Northwestern Polytechnical University, dedicated to producing advanced CPUs and memory for the country. What do you think?"

Without hesitation, Zhao Bingkun laughed and replied, "I think that's an excellent idea. With you, the inventor, at the helm, the quality of the CPUs produced will certainly be more reliable."

Dong Haoming, deep in thought, remarked, "Xiao Zhang, are you suggesting you want to start a private company and be your own boss?"

"I'm afraid that might not be feasible, as the country currently doesn't seem to allow private entities to enter high-tech industries like chip manufacturing. We mustn't make any mistakes."

Zhao Bingkun shook his head and said, "President Dong, you're mistaken. The country has already opened up almost all industries except for a few sectors like military manufacturing, which remain under state control. Chip manufacturing is included in those open sectors."

"However, given the significant impact chips have on the national economy, public welfare, and defense industry, if Xiao Zhang wants to take the lead in establishing a company, it would probably be necessary to form a joint-stock venture. In this case, Xiao Zhang could hold a significant portion of the company's shares, with Northwestern Polytechnical University and our commission also holding shares. This approach would be the most prudent and would also respect intellectual property rights."

Zhang Zhipeng knew that under the current national policies, Zhao Bingkun's suggestion was indeed the most appropriate course of action. He had never intended to establish a fully private company anyway. As long as he could earn enough to live comfortably, he was satisfied. What mattered to Zhang Zhipeng was that his intellectual property was valued.

Dong Haoming chuckled, "It seems you are both eager to see Xiao Zhang's CPU invention mass-produced as soon as possible."

Zhao Bingkun nodded vigorously and said, "Yes, mass production is urgent! Our major military enterprises are in desperate need of it!"

"Having Xiao Zhang lead this enterprise is also a way to encourage his initiative and enthusiasm."

"The country has already called for it: We need to let some people get rich first!"

"These pioneers can then help others get rich too!"

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Right now, the treatment of senior intellectuals is frankly too low. Missile scientists earn less than those selling tea eggs—if that's not an imbalance between mental and manual labor, what is?"

"Why should highly educated and skilled intellectuals be content with a life of poverty? The country encourages those with knowledge and ability to take the lead in development."

Dong Haoming laughed, "Director Zhao has a deeper understanding of national policy. It seems I've fallen behind the times."

At this moment, Zhao Yougui chimed in from the side, "Director Zhao, the memory chip that Comrade Zhang Zhipeng developed is also incredibly powerful. We tested it, and it’s indeed eight times more advanced than the most cutting-edge memory chips currently available worldwide! This will greatly enhance the performance of our military products!"

"My suggestion is that it should also be mass-produced as quickly as possible!"

Zhao Bingkun burst into laughter, "Haha! So many good news in one day!"

"Xiao Zhang, you're truly a national treasure!"

Zhao Bingkun was genuinely thrilled.

He repeatedly patted Zhang Zhipeng on the shoulder, so much that Zhang Zhipeng started to feel pain.

Zhang Zhipeng quickly waved his hand and said with a smile, "Director Zhao, in front of so many leading figures in science and technology, I wouldn't dare to call myself a national treasure."

"I'm still just a beginner."

"I need to keep learning and improving."

Zhao Bingkun was very pleased with Zhang Zhipeng's attitude.

He laughed and said, "You're young and talented, and even though you've already achieved remarkable results, you remain humble and cautious. That's a great attitude!"

"Xiao Zhang, I'm growing more and more fond of you."

"But you need to give me a timeline. When can we start mass-producing domestic CPUs and memory?"

"Would one year be enough?"

Zhao Bingkun knew that the road from lab prototypes to industrial mass production can sometimes be quite long.

Because to move from lab samples to mass production, an entire supply chain needs to be built!

So many pieces of equipment and machinery have to be custom-made and fine-tuned.

And that doesn't even include building factories and training workers.

Getting all of this done in a year would be no easy task.

Zhang Zhipeng smiled and said, "As long as the necessary resources are available and I get strong support from all sides, I’m confident we can achieve mass production in six months!"

Dong Haoming, standing nearby, couldn’t stay calm.

"Comrade Zhipeng, that's a bit too ambitious. In such a short time, it might be difficult to even get the equipment and factories ready, right?"

"I know you've made a lot of small-scale chip manufacturing equipment yourself, but industrial production equipment involves many more considerations. It's completely different from lab equipment."

"Don't promise something you can't deliver and end up being a laughingstock to Director Zhao."

Zhao Bingkun, standing beside them, waved his hand with a smile and said, "A laughingstock? No way!"

"I won't laugh at Xiao Zhang!"

"I believe that if Xiao Zhang says six months, he must have confidence in it!"

"The national defense industry is in great need of the two products Xiao Zhang has invented!"

"I will coordinate with various parties and give Xiao Zhang the green light!"

"Hmm! I'll make a special request to the higher-ups for initial investment!"

"Xiao Zhang, go ahead and estimate how much funding will be needed to achieve mass production."

"I'll help you secure the necessary funds."

"We'll allocate money from different sources and strive to get these products mass-produced as soon as possible!"

Zhang Zhipeng smiled and said, "Okay! I'll do the calculations and give you a figure."

Dong Haoming said, "We should hold a meeting later. The budget will likely need to be detailed, with an itemized estimate by a budget specialist."

Zhang Zhipeng nodded and said, "The principal has thought this through more thoroughly. I agree."

Zhao Bingkun rubbed his hands together, suddenly remembering something: "Xiao Zhang, what do you plan to name your CPU?"

Zhang Zhipeng straightened up and said, "I've already thought about it on the way here. I think 'Loongson' would be a great name."

Zhao Bingkun's eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Hmm! Not bad! That's a good name! Loongson it is then!"