"So, I think, with all the time, effort, and funds we would have to invest, it would be better to just directly import the lithography machines, etching machines, and other equipment we need from ASML," Liang Song continued. "Although the prices seem high, it's still much more cost-effective than investing in our own R&D."

"I know it's difficult!" Yi Anguo retorted.

Liang Song was suddenly at a loss for words. He wasn't completely ignorant; he knew such a scenario wasn't just possible, but highly probable.

"But you don't need to be too anxious. Things have to be done one step at a time; you can't bite off more than you can chew. This is just my personal view," Yi Anguo added. "It's true that the idea of 'buying is better than building' has merit, but only on the premise that you *can* buy it—that others are willing to sell to you. Once they refuse to sell, you can't get it even with all the money in the world. At that point, you're at their mercy. If we invest in independent research and development, we might not be able to catch up in the short term. But even if we can't fully catch up, we can still close the gap!"

"We might not be able to build the most advanced lithography machine, but if we can make one that's just a step behind, we can still capture the low-to-mid-range market," he went on. "Our domestic market is so large that even the low-to-mid-range segment is enough for us to thrive on. We can then reinvest the profits into more R&D. Technology always progresses."

Liang Song nodded and said, "You're right. I was being too negative and taking too much for granted."

"However, if we want to invest in a lithography machine factory, we'll likely need to find Zhang Jing. He is very familiar with Texas Instruments, which was one of the first companies to ever produce lithography machines. Although they can only produce machines for the 90-nanometer process now, their technological foundation is still very strong. Texas Instruments simply doesn't prioritize lithography machine production. If they did and invested in R&D, they could improve very quickly.

"As for ASML in the Netherlands, they actually have many ethnic Chinese engineers. After all, ASML's breakthrough with immersion lithography was the result of a collaboration with my former company on the island. I can try to find some people to bring over, but developing our own lithography machines is incredibly difficult. It requires cooperation from many suppliers. It's nearly impossible for a single company to establish the entire upstream and downstream supply chain on its own.

"I know there's a domestic company, Shanghai Microelectronics, whose goal is to develop lithography machines, but their progress is extremely slow. They're facing too many difficulties, namely a lack of talent and technological blockades. The national leadership certainly takes this issue seriously, which is why Shanghai Microelectronics was established with state funding, national effort, strong technological support, and multi-party cooperation. If we also jump into developing lithography machines, I'm worried it will be an arduous and thankless task!"

"Walking on two legs is always faster than walking on one. Competition breeds progress!" Yi Anguo said after a moment of thought. "Besides, a tiny island nation has several companies that produce lithography machines. For a country as large as ours, having two such companies is no cause for concern about market saturation. And beyond the domestic market, isn't there a vast international market as well?"

Seeing that Yi Anguo was determined, Liang Song reluctantly said, "Alright then. I'll find the right opportunity for the company to enter the microelectronics industry."

"Hmm, that's not urgent for now. Let's focus on getting the wafer fab and integrated circuit chips up and running first," Yi Anguo said with a nod. "President Liang, I've said before that I won't interfere in the company's operations. What I just said were merely my personal thoughts and suggestions. You should still follow your own ideas and plans to develop the company. Don't let me influence you!"

Yi Anguo felt it was better to clarify, lest Liang Song read too much into it.

If Liang Song were to just up and leave at this point, it would be a huge problem. After all, the company has already been established, the factory is under construction, deposits have been paid for numerous machines that are now being custom-built and shipped, and one and a half billion US dollars have already been invested. If everything suddenly halted now, the relevant departments in Shenzhen would surely panic. That's just not how things are done.

"I understand! Thank you for your trust, Mr. Yi. I will not let you down or betray that trust. I am confident that I can make Huaxin Corporation a great success, enough to catch up with and even surpass the island's Baoji Electronics," Liang Song said, moved.

"Good! I believe you have the ability to do it," Yi Anguo nodded and affirmed. "And rest assured, I will never hold you back financially. No matter how big you grow, I will continue to invest and provide financial support. One and a half billion US dollars is just the first installment. As development requires more capital, I will continue to invest."

"Haha! With that promise, all my worries are gone," Liang Song said with a happy laugh. "Truly, as long as you're willing to pour money into R&D, there's no technology that can't be developed and no barrier that can't be broken. The only prerequisite is a continuous stream of funding. If you can really provide that, then perhaps creating a lithography machine more advanced than ASML's isn't impossible. It would only be a matter of time."

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