Interrupted by Ye Chen's words, Chen Yinuo paused, then held up her phone, displaying a Douyin (TikTok) page to Ye Chen. "You mean this?"

Ye Chen, who was eating snow lotus bird's nest soup, finally saw the screen clearly. He was taken aback. "Tong Zhen?"

"Oh? You recognize this legendary figure!" Chen Yinuo was slightly surprised.

"What... what's going on?" Ye Chen gestured at the phone screen.

"Don't you remember his story? Back in our freshman year, the sociology professor gave a lecture in the auditorium, using him as a prime example of a talent who chose to work overseas. As a gifted scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he carried the hopes of countless Chinese people. His decision to pursue opportunities in the United States caused a societal uproar. The internet was filled with criticism, and even our professor used him to illustrate a point about national responsibility, eliciting strong reactions from everyone." Chen Yinuo recounted the distant past.

Ye Chen also recalled the lecture. The atmosphere was indeed charged. The professor's words had stirred up strong emotions. It was no exaggeration to say that if Tong Zhen had been present, the passionate students might have verbally attacked him.

Ye Chen hummed in acknowledgment. "Hmm?"

"But more than a decade later, the story has completely changed! The once-criticized Tong Zhen had been working diligently for all those years. After obtaining a position at ASML for eight years, he declined further opportunities there and chose to return to China! Now, both ASML and the US are issuing warnings, threatening sanctions against any company that collaborates with or accepts him!" Chen Yinuo said, her voice filled with emotion. "This is an unbelievable turn of events. Everyone thought he had betrayed the nation's expectations. Who could have imagined he was enduring such criticism for a greater purpose? Now, platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Toutiao are full of stories about him. The top trending topic on Weibo is '#WeOweTongZhenAnApology#.' Many popular Douyin videos related to Tong Zhen have hundreds of thousands, even millions, of comments, almost all expressing apologies. This is in stark contrast to the previous condemnation."

Chen Yinuo continued, "With Tong Zhen's return, everyone sees hope for domestically produced advanced lithography machines. After all, he was a chief researcher at ASML for several years. His return likely means he's bringing back cutting-edge technology and expertise. Otherwise, ASML and the US wouldn't be so furious. Besides the apologies, people are also worried about whether Tong Zhen will have the opportunity to contribute. He still holds a foreign citizenship, so our government won't openly embrace him, which is in line with their usual approach. And companies capable of collaborating with Tong Zhen will likely be hesitant due to the threat of sanctions."

Chen Yinuo furrowed her brow. Although she considered herself an ordinary citizen, as a Chinese person who had received higher education in China, she deeply desired to see China break through technological barriers and escape the situation of being dependent on others.

However, the government's cautious approach and companies' fear of sanctions had led to some pessimism online.

Unexpectedly, Ye Chen smiled knowingly. "I just met and talked with Tong Zhen."

Chen Yinuo was stunned. Thinking she had misheard, she asked, "You said you met with who?"

"Tong Zhen."

Ye Chen decided to be upfront. "Before going to see the Old Secretary, he told me he wanted to introduce me to a talented individual. I didn't think much of it at the time. After the meal, when Tong Zhen appeared, I realized who the Old Secretary meant."

"So, what did you talk about?" The Old Secretary's involvement, Ye Chen's meeting with Tong Zhen, especially at this critical juncture... Chen Yinuo suddenly had a thought, but it seemed too incredible.

"Lithography machines! 5nm lithography machines! Just as you said, Tong Zhen did return with core technology and confidence. He estimates that in three to five years, he can build a domestically produced 5nm lithography machine that can rival ASML and be at the forefront of the world!" Ye Chen put down his spoon.

"And then?" Chen Yinuo's heart raced.

"I provide the funding, he leads the research, the Chinese Academy of Sciences provides talent, and we can recruit from any university in China!" Ye Chen said casually.

"Just that simple?" Chen Yinuo was dumbfounded.

"Simple?" Ye Chen shook his head and smiled. "This means at least several billion yuan in R&D investment each year. The process will take at least three to five years, meaning a total investment of at least tens of billions, even over a hundred billion yuan. During this period, there will be no profit. Moreover, there's no guarantee that a 5nm lithography machine can be built. Tong Zhen is confident, but it's not a certainty. So, with such investment and risk, how many companies can afford it?"

"Then, you... you agreed to collaborate?" Chen Yinuo's mouth was dry.

"Of course! Putting aside the fact that a 5nm lithography machine would be a national treasure, the future is undoubtedly a technological era. If we want to build our dream, we must plan ahead. Lithography machines are crucial. They are the key to high-end chips. How could I miss this opportunity? Even if Tong Zhen doesn't succeed in building a 5nm machine, it doesn't matter. I will still make this multi-billion yuan investment!"

Ye Chen's expression turned serious. "No matter what, I will invest."

Chen Yinuo felt a sense of strategic vision emanating from her husband.

After a moment of surprise, she asked, puzzled, "Even if he doesn't build the machine, you'll still invest? What does that mean? Are you taking a gamble? Or are you simply contributing to national technological development?"