Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 507 - 322: Harvest Time Is Coming

Two more days passed quickly, during which Qi Yun received two intelligence briefings, but they were all worthless.

However, he didn’t idle these past two days, visiting Xiao Hanguang, Director Fu, and others, making some personal connections.

Originally, he planned to meet Minister Lan to report on work, but unfortunately, the latter went to Fujian Province, so they didn’t meet.

At 4 PM, in a certain Kongjun Base in the eastern suburbs, amid deafening engine roars from the sky, a total of six Boeing 747 cargo planes from South Korea landed on the runway one after another.

Qi Yun, Fu Wentao, and three scientists recruited by the latter waited near the tarmac.

Once all planes were stationary, Kongjun Base personnel first boarded with specialized equipment for checks, and upon confirming safety, they directed cranes and hydraulic loading platforms to approach slowly.

The cargo planes’ cabins contained dozens of containers, filled with parts for EUV lithography machines, a single assembled machine weighing nearly 200 tons.

There are over a hundred thousand precision components, with assembly alone taking several months.

Each container was meticulously transported to a special warehouse, where the three scientists donned anti-static suits and began inspections.

Every container had a barcode; scanning it pops up the components info on a tablet, allowing them to verify the consistency of the shipment with ASML’s records.

However, to fully ascertain operational capability, it requires TSMC engineers to come and assemble the equipment.

Qi Yun wasn’t terribly worried, though, as the equipment’s delivery argues against sabotage; if exposed, the United States would surely trouble them.

Although Christophe might have swayed some people, it would only be a few key figures.

Additionally, the payment of 500 million USD came from the Fu Family; neither Christophe nor Samsung would dare play tricks.

Otherwise, they’d face the Fu’s retaliation, whose influence in Europe trumps ASML’s in a single industry—they can sway local governments.

"Main optical lens set, production date 2025.02.15, vibration peak 0.04G... data consistent with factory report."

...

Meanwhile, Qi Yun and Fu Wentao were invited into the base bigwig’s office for tea; the mission came directly from above, conferring high confidentiality, so even the bigwig didn’t inspect the planes when they landed.

"Mr. Fu, Comrade Xiao Qi, the base has limited conditions—please excuse us," the bigwig courteously poured tea for them.

Fu Wentao nodded, speaking lightly, "Thank you, Major Ma. It’s us troubling you."

Qi Yun appeared less relaxed, glancing at the gold star on the bigwig’s shoulder, handling the cup with caution: "Thank you, Sir. It’s an honor to drink tea you’ve personally poured."

"To be honest, I had dreamed of joining the army, but unfortunately..."

His belief is to never hesitate to boast when needed, and never be ashamed to flatter, since saying nice things cost nothing—better flatter first and check efficacy later.

Sure enough, the bigwig laughed heartily: "Oh, Comrade Xiao Qi, you’re too modest. I’ve seen news reports on your deeds; not wearing a uniform doesn’t matter—as long as you’re contributing to the Country."

Qi Yun hastily nodded obediently: "Yes, Sir, you’re right."

"..."

Unnoticed, exterior light waned, until Fu Wentao received verification results and they both rose to leave.

On departure, the bigwig shook hands with them each, Qi Yun feigning reluctance: "I haven’t heard enough of Sir’s guidance; why don’t we exchange contacts, and I’ll visit when Sir’s free."

The bigwig laughed, lightly tapping his hand: "Alright, when I’m on leave, I’ll get in touch—I enjoy interacting with young people like you."

They exchanged numbers as the bigwig saw them out of the office.

Once outside the main building, Fu Wentao glanced sideways at Qi Yun, a smile playing on his face: "Small talk leading to another contact, all over a tea break?"

"Nice pace, keep it up—if I ever fall from grace, I’ll count on you."

Qi Yun feigned exasperation: "Come on, big brother, you’re undermining me."

"With your stature, even if you fell from grace, wouldn’t you still cut a figure wherever you go? Tagging along with me seems unnecessary."

Fu Wentao burst into laughter, pointing at him: "With that statement, I’ll insure it does pay off calling me big brother."

Grinning widely, Qi Yun rubbed his hands: "That’s great."

Chatting, they arrived outside the special warehouse, where the three scientists awaited.

"Fu, sir, initial checks confirm it’s an EXE5200B EUV lithography machine, supporting 2nm and below processes, matching TSMC’s current model."

Fu Wentao nodded slightly: "Great, thank you three; remember this must remain confidential, tell no one."

The trio nodded uniformly: "Yes, Mr. Fu, rest assured, we know this equipment’s national significance."

...

Leaving Kongjun Base, Fu Wentao glanced at his watch, immediately calling a number.

"This is Fu Wentao. When can the leader meet me?"

"Okay, let’s do tomorrow morning then."

After hanging up, he turned to Qi Yun: "Tomorrow at nine we’ll report together."

Qi Yun nodded: "Alright."

"Okay, when will TSMC send engineers?" Fu Wentao asked.

"Mr. Wei secretly organized a team, departing the day after tomorrow via Fujian Province, so we’ll need to receive them."

Fu Wentao rapped his knees lightly: "Using Fujian Province is clever, discreet—I’ll notify customs there."

"Sure." Qi Yun replied, gearing to speak further when his phone rang suddenly.

Checking the screen, he turned to Fu Wentao: "Salaman finished the diplomatic event; asks when we can meet."

Fu Wentao pondered a few seconds: "Let’s go now; it’s not convenient for my car to be seen—have him send the embassy car."