Chapter Fifteen: Feeling Somewhat Remorseful Toward Him

Inside the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs.

Ye Guhong and several other key leaders received Zhao Zizhen’s report immediately.

Upon reading that the lithography machine had successfully operated, they could not help but feel a surge of excitement.

For many reasons, the lithography machine had blocked countless paths.

But now, that path was finally cleared.

Just in terms of chips alone, it would save billions, even hundreds of billions, annually!

How could anyone not be thrilled?

Moreover, possessing a high-end lithography machine meant holding the capital to challenge cutting-edge technology itself!

This was of paramount importance!

“That individual has made an enormous contribution to our country!” Ye Guhong clenched his fist tightly.

Even he found it difficult to fully grasp the profound impact this lithography machine would have on the entire scientific research field of Shangxia!

It was an immeasurable contribution.

At the very least, it saved the nation two to three decades.

Two or three decades—Ye Guhong dared not imagine the magnificent leap the entire country would soon embark upon!

“Such a pity. He has done so much for us, yet we still don’t even know his name! Otherwise, he deserves a distinguished medal of honor!” The second-in-command, Tang Wensheng, spoke with some excitement, though mostly regret.

A contribution like this was worthy of eternal remembrance.

The third-in-command, Han Zhaoyu, took a deep breath and asked Ye Guhong, “Elder Ye, should we announce the lithography machine breakthrough to the public?”

The atmosphere instantly grew heavier.

Ye Guhong’s expression also turned serious.

They had no hesitation in announcing matters related to cultural relics.

But when it came to the lithography machine, caution was imperative.

Relics, though important, ultimately could not provide powerful technological strength—they were more symbolic.

But the lithography machine was different; it was a tangible source of technological power.

And technological power could be transformed into military power!

The phrase “fall behind and suffer defeat” had held true throughout history, regardless of era.

That truth held now, as well.

That was why Western countries had long imposed technology blockades on high-end lithography machines.

Now, thanks to Lin Yang breaking through that blockade, a great joy had arrived.

Yet, if mishandled, it could quickly spiral into a grave crisis.

At present, Shangxia occupied a delicate position in the eyes of Western nations.

Though its rapid development in recent years had made the West increasingly wary, it had not yet reached a truly fearful level.

If they suddenly announced a major breakthrough in lithography technology—

Never mind the immediate suspicion such a revelation would arouse in Windmill Nation—the breakthrough alone would force Western countries to elevate Shangxia’s threat level to the maximum.

While not necessarily to the point of war, it would undoubtedly trigger a barrage of retaliatory measures.

Likely economic sanctions, interference in business cooperation.

Although domestically unfazed, such actions would still exact a heavy cost and cause significant losses to many multinational corporations.

It could even trigger a series of negative chain reactions.

While currently unafraid, the nation was not yet strong enough to face the entire world as an enemy.

Hence, in many respects, they deliberately held back, unwilling to provoke global antagonism too soon.

Therefore, regarding the lithography machine...

“Not yet,” Ye Guhong said gravely, clenching his fists tighter. “Ultimately, it is because we are not strong enough. We must endure—just endure a little longer!”

Announcing the creation of a high-end lithography machine would certainly allow them to vent their frustrations, but momentary satisfaction meant little.

At this position, the bigger picture must take precedence.

Now was simply not the time.

Tang Wensheng and the others fell silent immediately.

They understood these truths as well, and each felt a pang of discomfort.

Become stronger!

Become even stronger!

At this very moment, this thought became their shared yearning.

Shangxia still needed to grow mightier!

“In the end, we owe that person a debt—we cannot reveal his true heroic deeds to the world for admiration.”

After a moment of silence, Tang Wensheng sighed deeply.

Ye Guhong’s eyes flickered, and he said earnestly, “I believe he would understand. He called twice without ever revealing his identity—he is clearly not one who seeks fame or fortune.”

“That may be so, but we still ought to let the world revere him,” Han Zhaoyu added.

“That is only natural. But presently, our strength is insufficient to act as we please. This time, we have failed him,” Ye Guhong nodded, then lifted his gaze slightly. “However, I believe that with his help, the day when we can is not far off. When that day comes, I will personally apologize to him.”

No matter how Lin Yang obtained the lithography machine’s schematics, the fact remained: with his assistance, the machine had been built.

His actions had contributed immeasurably to the nation.

By rights, such a monumental contribution should be remembered forever.

Unfortunately, they could not yet announce the matter publicly, leaving Ye Guhong and the others feeling they had let Lin Yang down.

Even if Lin Yang’s name remained unknown, the world should at least know that the lithography machine was made possible by a mysterious hero.

But now, not even that acknowledgment was possible, deepening Ye Guhong’s shame.

Alongside his remorse burned an even stronger desire to strengthen the motherland!

To have a compatriot make such a great contribution, yet be unable to celebrate it—it was a source of shame for Ye Guhong and everyone present.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast to their complex emotions, Lin Yang was in high spirits.

When Zhao Zizhen and the others successfully operated the lithography machine, he received a series of system notifications.

He had completed the second phase of the lithography machine mission and earned a reward of one hundred National Treasure Points.

With this addition, his total National Treasure Points reached 320.

The reason his points hadn’t increased over the past few days was that he hadn’t completed any relic repatriation missions in other parts of Little Eagle Territory.

Though some ancestral relics had been scattered abroad, their numbers were few.

Most were held by wealthy elites in major metropolitan areas, so failing to complete related missions in smaller cities of Little Eagle Territory was unsurprising.

He opened the National Treasure Points store in the system and began considering what to redeem next.

“Congratulations, host. With your assistance, Shangxia has successfully acquired its first advanced lithography machine. You have helped elevate your nation’s technological development by one notch—a milestone achievement. You have earned one achievement point.”

Just as Lin Yang was making his selection, another system alert sounded in his ear.

“Manufacturing an advanced lithography machine truly holds milestone significance?”

Receiving an achievement point so unexpectedly surprised Lin Yang.

Especially because he noticed the system’s choice of words!