Reinventing the Millennium

"Professor Hu, actually the reason why I came here today is not just for the ice core."

Faced with Hu Zhengming's clear rejection, Fang Zhuo did not panic, but said things against his will more and more calmly.

It’s for the ice core, it’s for the ice core, it’s all for the ice core!

He smiled slightly and continued: "Bingxin is a latecomer in the world's semiconductor industry. As young semiconductor newcomers, the two engineers around me have some doubts about the development of the industry and want to ask Professor Hu for advice."

"As for the company's position and the company's requirements, those are secondary."

"Professor must also know that Mr. Qiu Ciyun is in charge of the ice core. I am not responsible for the operation. I only try to provide financial guarantees."

Fang Zhuo said with a smile: "I can only memorize the Fin Field-Effect Transistor. If you really want me to talk about the gate length of 18nm, the channel width of 15nm, the fin height of 50nm, or the short channel effect of planar transistors that causes leakage, I It’s absolutely impossible to talk about it.”

Hu Zhengming was stunned and laughed.

Did he even read his own paper carefully and write down the data?

It's quite painstaking.

"Please take a seat, Mr. Fang, and these two young engineers." After chatting for a few words, the professor finally had normal greetings and asked the three guests to sit down and drink tea. "Mr. Fang is so young and funny. To my surprise, I heard that Mr. Fang was behind this international exchange at the University of Science and Technology of China?"

Fang Zhuo pondered: "It should be said that it is more of the efforts of the University of Science and Technology of China and the leaders. I did not play a big role in it. Of course, the ice core settled in Luzhou. Whether it is the leaders of Anhui Province, the University of Science and Technology of China and our company, they all hope that the ice core will be settled in Luzhou." We can work together to build a wafer foundry."

“This is our common wish. Based on this, the leaders of HKUST also hope to take the opportunity to let more capable experts lead semiconductor-related majors and students. Professor Hu’s academic achievements are so dazzling, so he is naturally the candidate that HKUST most wants to work with. .”

"There is indeed a shortage of domestic semiconductor talents. As an enterprise, we can clearly feel this."

Fang Zhuo introduced the next two assistants sideways: "Like Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai, one is a young talent from the Institute of Semiconductors of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who I worked hard to borrow into the company, and the other is this year's outstanding graduate of Xidian , and it was only after I made a trip in person that I confirmed it.”

He sighed: "The talent gap is too big. There is really a long way to go in this aspect in China. Today I also have the opportunity to visit Professor Hu, so I will let our newcomers from Bingxin come and ask some questions in person."

Hu Zhengming nodded and glanced at the two young engineers. Compared to Mr. Fang, who also looked very young, these two seemed much shy.

He came to the University of Science and Technology of China from the University of California, so he naturally knew that there was an ice core here, and he also knew the general situation of this project. Especially recently, he had some explicit or implicit contact hints, and he also had a rough impression of the richest man in the Mainland behind the ice core.

Now, after meeting me, this impression has changed, and I feel that this person is indeed quite magnanimous.

"There is no rush when it comes to talent. I came to HKUST for exchanges, and I am also willing to do something that will pass on the legacy. As for the ice core, Mr. Fang, as I said just now, I would rather do academic research now, not to mention , I also have a non-competition agreement with TSMC." Hu Zhengming softened his tone, but his attitude remained firm.

Fang Zhuo nodded without being impatient: "Professor Hu, I know this situation."

He joked: "Ice cores are a long-term thing, and so is the domestic semiconductor industry. Although I don't understand technology, I understand Professor Hu's mood very well. No, even coming here to visit is planning to pass on the legacy."

"I thought that even if I return without success during this trip, I would still be able to help the Ice Core engineers solve my problems and learn something."

Hu Zhengming laughed.

He suddenly made a comparison in his mind with Zhang Zhongmou, whom he had mentioned before when they met.

Although Ice Core and TSMC are worlds apart, there is no comparison between President Fang and Zhang Zhongmou's achievements in this field, but because of the astonishing wealth of this young president, it is not impossible to compare.

Zhang Zhongmou has a tough character and strong actions, while Mr. Fang in front of him is very gentle, and his words and conversation make people feel like spring breeze.

Hu Zhengming put away the comparison in his heart, looked at the two shy and embarrassed young engineers, and said: "Teachers, you are here to teach people and solve their doubts. I came to HKUST to be a teacher. I have not been here for more than half a month." I often see people in the classroom who are very enthusiastic about semiconductors.”

As for who those social figures are.

Everyone here knows it.

Hu Zhengming felt that he was already doing well in this area. He did not hide his secrets in class, and he answered questions in detail when he met some people in the society. He was also a kind of helper.

Fang Zhuo smiled: "Yes, I thank Professor Hu on behalf of those friends."

He turned to the two ice core assistants who came with him this time and said: "If you have any academic doubts, just ask the professor. There are not many opportunities to open a small stove like this. I will drink tea and listen to those awkward words." Terminology."

An outstanding graduate of Xidian and a researcher borrowed from the Institute of Semiconductors of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the two young people did not waste time and really asked about some difficult technical nodes that Fang Zhuo could not understand at all.

Hu Zhengming was a little surprised. Several of the questions were the same ones he had discussed in class in the past week.

However, these two people were strangers to each other, and they probably had never been to HKUST to attend classes.

So, it seems that the interior of the ice core is organized for secondary discussion and digestion.

Hu Zhengming still did not hide his secrets and talked about the doubts of the young engineers in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

As the former CTO of TSMC for nearly four years, Hu Zhengming has a commanding perspective on the mainland's technology that is more than one generation behind. What's more, he is also a highly accomplished master in the field of semiconductor technology today, and his professional abilities are second to none. .

He got excited and talked about the development and prediction of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

The young engineer listened carefully and with some difficulty to the insights of this American academician and professor at the University of California.

There was only the professional chatter of three people in the living room for a while.

Fang Zhuo drank tea silently, feeling that if Professor Hu could not be invited into the ice core, it would be good to keep preaching like this.

It is a pity that Professor Hu’s exchange at HKUST is here for four months within a year, and he will still return to the University of California for the rest of the year.

He quietly thought about his contacts so far. From the overall impression, the professor's impression was indeed more academic.

In order to lobby Professor Hu Zhengming, Fang Zhuo read almost all relevant materials and information, and naturally also thought about why Hu Zhengming left TSMC.

Academic research is definitely a very important reason, just like the two clear rejections of ice cores in the previous words.

But in addition, it may also involve the personnel atmosphere of some corporate power changes.

Zhang Zhongmou, the head of TSMC, is now 73, and it is time to choose a successor.

Although Fang Zhuo knows that this person is probably in good health, both he and the company must consider the next leader. The impact of this may be the reason why Professor Hu's favorite disciple Liang Mengsong left TSMC.

Judging from this, Professor Hu’s return to the University of California may not be without this factor.

Apart from academic research and power change, financial considerations may be at the bottom of the list.

Fang Zhuo knew that the company founded by Professor Hu had a very good acquisition price. Not counting TSMC's four-year salary and stocks, he probably had tens of millions of dollars in his own account.

For a 57-year-old man, this is quite abundant whether it is family wealth or personal needs.

If what we see today is that Hu Zhengming still has an entrepreneurial orientation and tendency, then Fang Zhuo will talk about the risks and benefits of the future development of ice cores. But after this contact, it is obvious that the old professor wants to engage in academics, and ice cores can provide material material It's not attractive.

57 years old and 37 years old are completely different states of life.

At the very least, Hu Zhengming should be like this.

Fang Zhuo's thoughts wandered. Hu Zhengming was like this, but his younger brother Hu Zhengda didn't seem to be like this.

The exchange between old professors and new employees is coming to an end.

Fang Zhuo's tea also cooled down.

Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai raised questions, and the answers they received could not just be verbal, but had to be digested. They also knew what the purpose of this trip was, and they consciously stopped asking questions when Professor Hu was exhausted.

When Fang Zhuo saw that the professor was about to add new tea, he rushed to help put it on, and then said sincerely: "I heard from my friends that the professor worked hard in class. For what I just saw, I have to thank you again."

Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai also said thank you.

Seeing that these three young people were all sincere, Hu Zhengming felt comfortable in his heart. He smiled and said: "Mr. Fang, you're welcome. I still receive a salary from the University of Science and Technology. As long as you don't let me receive a salary from Bingxin, I will be happy." You are welcome to bring your young friends to my place for a chat."

"When people get old, they are always willing to be with young people. When I say the fire is passed down from generation to generation, that's not just talk."

Fang Zhuo couldn't laugh or cry, and pretended to be angry: "Professor Hu, I didn't say anything today. You have rejected me like this three times. I originally gave my heart to the bright moon. Is the professor's heart really made of stone? You don't want salary, I Can I still force it on you?"

Hu Zhengming smiled: "Someone really forced money on me. I think Mr. Fang will be quick."

Fang Zhuo laughed a few times and felt that the old saying is really good, people are really strong without desire.

After he finished laughing, he shook his head: "Professor, has anyone ever talked to you about the story of ice cores settling in Luzhou?"

Hu Zhengming nodded: "I heard that the leaders of Hui Province personally invited Mr. Fang to raise funds on site, so Mr. Fang decided on the ice core."

Fang Zhuo frowned inwardly and decided to skip the explanations and emotions caused by this matter, and said: "That's exactly what happened. Moreover, after the ice core settled in Luzhou, it received more treatment than the leader promised. This time, I came to see the professor. Good news."

Hu Zhengming took a sip of tea and said with a smile: "Then I am all ears."

Fang Zhuo said this without any hesitation or tact, and said directly: "A few days ago, I went to the capital to meet with the leaders, and also communicated with the provincial leaders. The recommendation of our foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences can just meet the deadline. All leaders are willing to help and believe that Professor Hu’s contribution to semiconductors is worthy of this honor.”

Foreign academicians are elected every two years. Recommendations are due on the 31st. The list will be announced at the end of the year and will be officially awarded the following year. I just happened to catch up a few days ago.

Hu Zhengming looked surprised, not because of the foreign academician's honor, but because of the connections that the young CEO could leverage.

only……

Hu Zhengming, who is an academician of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, shook his head slightly: "Does Mr. Fang use this as a condition for the ice core invitation?"

Fang Zhuo remained silent and acquiesced.

Hu Zhengming suddenly smiled, with a bit of mischief and pride in his expression: "If I want it, I don't have to bother Mr. Fang so much. I will get this honor sooner or later. I just let nature take its course."

Okay, I’ve passed this.

Fang Zhuo just frowned slightly, never mentioning how much effort he had put in these days, and said decisively: "Yes, I think so too, so the recommendation list has been reported today. This is our ice core's comparison." Thanks to Professor Hu for teaching and enlightening me."

Hu Zhengming was really surprised now.

He could imagine the high cost involved, but did this young CEO just say this?

Fang Zhuo took a sip of tea and relaxed his eyebrows: "Professor Hu, Bingxin is hungry for talents. When I was raising funds, I persuaded various institutions to set up a 10% option pool. As of now, the one with the most is Qiu Ciyun, President Qiu. With 0.8%, if the professor is willing to come over, I can now make the decision to set aside 2% as CTO options.”

From the current perspective, the value of this 2% can be over 20 million, but it cannot be cashed out immediately, and there will be a time limit.

This is a very sincere condition.

For example, when SMIC was first established, Zhang Rujing raised funds, and his personal shareholding as chairman was only slightly different from this number. Now Fang Zhuo has promised options without blinking an eye.

At this moment, Hu Zhengming saw the determined look on the young CEO's face, and felt a little dazed, feeling like he was seeing Zhang Zhongmou again.

He shook his head, unmoved: "Mr. Fang, it's not about shares or money. I can feel Mr. Fang's sincerity, but I only go to the front line of the company to serve my academic institute. That's not what I pursue. .”

Okay, one more thing.

Fang Zhuo had no hope for the conditions of the share options, and was not worried when he heard this. Instead, he asked: "Professor Hu, does what you are pursuing conflict with Bingxin?"

"I know you have a non-compete agreement, and what Bingxin wants is not to invite you here now. If I'm not mistaken, the end of next year is when the TSMC e-sports agreement expires. Isn't nearly two years enough for you to do academic research? "

"Perhaps then you will need academic verification from companies. Can't ice core be an option?"

Hu Zhengming didn't want to tell lies and was silent for three seconds: "What I want to verify are first-line or even experimental research. It is difficult for ice cores to meet this requirement."

Fang Zhuo did not amplify his words when he heard this, but just said: "I know that FinFET is targeting 25nm. At present, it will take nearly ten years for the industry to reach this level, and then FinFET can be truly verified."

“What the ice core will look like ten years from now is what we’re trying to determine now.”

"Whenever Professor Hu needs to verify his research or academics, Bingxin will try his best to help. If Professor Hu needs to go to other companies for academic research, Bingxin will never stop him and will not let you sign a non-competition agreement."

"Perhaps, the professor feels that the position of CTO requires too much work, but it is okay not to come to Bingxin with this position. If you can serve as a corporate consultant, we will also be very grateful."

Fang Zhuo's posture was very low.

Hu Zhengming was silent. He could indeed feel the sincerity and expectations of the other party.

However, this was still not enough to shake his decision.

Hu Zhengming and the young CEO looked at each other and shook their heads slightly: "Mr. Fang, I'll think about it. It's still early anyway, and I still have a long-term non-competition restriction."

The enthusiasm and sincerity of young people are like burning flames.

Although he didn't intend to change his decision, he didn't want to pour cold water on it immediately.

Pass on the fire from generation to generation, impart knowledge and resolve doubts.

Hu Zhengming is also willing to see the mainland's semiconductor industry develop, but he loves academics more and wants to shine in the academic field in the last stage of his life.

He doesn’t feel the need to force himself, not to mention that the exchange activities at USTC are already a form of support.

Fang Zhuo sighed softly and said: "Professor Hu, no matter what, Bingxin always welcomes professors to join. Whether it is a position or an option, what I said will always be valid."

"Actually, professor, I don't know anything about semiconductors at all. The reason why I entered this industry was because I witnessed a chip scam in Shanghai and met President Zhang Rujing. I felt that the domestic industry was weak and decided to do it."

"The project requires a lot of funds. I think I can earn it from other fields and persuade institutions to invest together."

"The project requires orders. Although there is no production capacity yet, I have contacted Changhong in China and plan to try to leverage the upstream of the industrial chain."

"Projects need talents. If I can do it, I will go and find it."

"However, there are a large number of talent gaps in the entire domestic industry chain. As the professor said, the process of passing the torch from generation to generation must be difficult for the semiconductor industry, but I am still inexplicably confident and willing to contribute."

"As confident as I am are the young people who gathered at the ice core at the same time."

"SMIC is in trouble now and may collapse suddenly, but Bingxin is still developing actively. Even if the SMIC flag falls, the flame in the hearts of young people will not go out."

"I'll take it, and so will young guys like them."

Fang Zhuo's words were not impassioned, but rather straightforward, as if telling a fact.

He pointed at Bingxin's assistants Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai. The two young people's faces were full of recognition and excitement.

Hu Zhengming listened quietly, the balance in his heart never tilted.

"Today I came with the expectation of Bingxin. Even if Professor Hu is unwilling, I will not be disappointed. The professor has unparalleled influence in business and classroom, in industry and in academia."

"I respect the professors, and they both respect and appreciate them."

Fang Zhuo pointed at the two young people again: "Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai, representing Bingxin and young people like them in the semiconductor industry, brought gifts to the professor. They are not expensive, so I hope you will accept them."

Hu Zhengming declined politely.

Liu Mingde first took out a photo and document: "Professor doesn't remember me, but I am always grateful to you. I am the student who won the first Hu's scholarship in Jintan No. 1 Middle School. This is my first semiconductor article." paper."

Hu Zhengming was stunned and looked at the old photo. It was indeed a souvenir of the first Hu Scholarship Award Ceremony.

This is a scholarship established by my father, myself, and my younger brother at the middle school in my ancestral home.

The photo shows his father seven years ago.

He looked at the Liu Mingde in front of him in surprise. The high school student in the photo had changed. He was now a researcher at the Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and was also seconded to the ice core.

Hu Zhengming was moved in his heart, looked at another young man, and said hesitantly: "Xiao Xu?"

He remembered that Xu Kaihuai, whom Mr. Fang introduced just now, was an outstanding graduate of Xidian.

Xu Kaihuai also submitted his paper: "Professor Hu, thank you. I received the third Hu Scholarship. I have always been grateful to you. I will follow your example when I am in my hometown."

This example is not just words, but a real commitment to the semiconductor industry.

Hu Zhengming had no idea that Mr. Fang, who had repeatedly laid out conditions, would be so painstaking. The two young colleagues who had just been chatting for a while turned out to be from the same hometown.

Two high school students who received Hu scholarships also devoted themselves to semiconductors and joined the ice core.

The emotion, amusement, relief, and shock in his heart were mixed together. He took two copies of the young man's first paper and nodded at Fang Zhuo twice. He didn't know what to say for a while: "Mr. Fang, you, You..."

"The domestic semiconductor industry is weak, and young people are willing to join in. I am very moved and admired. I can only do my best to lead them forward." Fang Zhuo said, "The professor has always said that the fire is passed down from generation to generation. This is what domestic The legacy of semiconductors is passed down from generation to generation, and it is also the words and deeds of professors, and I want to thank the professors on their behalf."

Hu Zhengming put down the two papers and looked at the two young semiconductor engineers from Jintan. He was still surprised and shocked by Fang Zhuo's not annoying savvy.

The Hu Scholarship was established in the name of the three of them when my father returned to his hometown to visit relatives in 1997. The year before last, he came back to present the award in person. He was 82 years old at that time.

Hu Zhengming's willingness to come to the University of Science and Technology of China for exchanges this year was also due to his father's physical condition. The old man always wanted to return to his roots after falling leaves.

"I accepted the gift. I will show it to my father to see how ambitious and promising our young people in Jintan are."

"The domestic semiconductor market is huge, the industry is weak, and the clampdown is deep."

Hu Zhengming looked at Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai and said earnestly: "We must keep studying, we must study diligently and think hard. Since we have chosen this path, don't be afraid of hardship and fatigue, and don't lose hope."

The two young men responded respectfully.

After Hu Zhengming gave these two instructions with a different attitude, he looked at the silent young CEO and said angrily: "Mr. Fang, Mr. Fang, you are really trying your best."

"Professor Hu, it is a good thing to pass on the torch from generation to generation. Young people are devoted to the bright moon. I can only think hard for fear that I will not be able to do well in the ice core business." Fang Zhuo looked serious.

Hu Zhengming scolded slightly: "Ten years earlier, no, five years earlier, I wouldn't have ignored you."

When people reach an age, they feel that every step is a return journey.

At that time, I was still very ambitious, and now I often want to inherit something.

Young people are full of energy, like the sun at eight or nine o'clock in the morning.

This vigorous and upward force seems to be able to ignite a world when it falls on the semiconductor industry.

Hu Zhengming looked at Fang Zhuo, Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai, and couldn't help but shake his head. These young people were much more powerful than he was before.

"Mr. Fang, I will think about it."

Hu Zhengming still gave the same answer, but the meaning was different.

Fang Zhuo showed a restrained smile and held his hands: "Professor Hu, Bing Xin was waiting for you. I walked over to welcome you. The provincial leader said to me at that time, 'As long as you want it, as long as I have it.' "

"Our ice core is like this now. As long as you ask for it, professor, I will have the ice core."

The old professor held the young CEO's hand. He couldn't tell what his emotions were. He just felt that the morning sun was sometimes too bright and dazzling.