Reinventing the Millennium.

Chapter 478 Passing on the Torch (Three in One)

"Professor Hu, in fact, my visit today is not all for Bingxin."

Faced with Hu Zhengming's explicit refusal, Fang Zhuo didn't panic, and spoke against his will 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: "Ice Core is a latecomer to global semiconductors. The two engineers around me, as young semiconductor newcomers, have some doubts about the development of the industry and want to ask Professor Hu for advice."

"As for the position of the company, the requirements of the company are secondary."

"Presumably the professor also knows that Qiu Ciyunqiu is in charge of Bingxin's side. I'm not in charge of the operation. I just try to provide financial guarantee."

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

Hu Zhengming was taken aback for a moment, and then laughed.

Is this because I have read my paper carefully and memorized the data?

It was a lot of hard work.

"Please sit down, Mr. Fang, and these two young engineers." The professor finally had a normal greeting after chatting for a few words, and let the three guests sit down for tea, "Mr. Fang is so young and funny. My expectation is that Mr. Fang is the one behind the University of Science and Technology of China’s international school exchanges?”

Fang Zhuo pondered: "It should be said that it is more the efforts of the University of Science and Technology of China and the leaders, and I have not played a big role in it. Of course, the leaders of Anhui Province, the University of Science and Technology of China and our company 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 powerful experts lead semiconductor-related majors and students. Professor Hu's academic achievements are so dazzling, he is naturally the candidate that HKUST most wants to work with. .”

"Domestic semiconductor talents are indeed quite lacking. 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. , I made a trip myself to confirm it.”

He sighed: "The talent gap is too big. There is really a long way to go in the country. Today is also a chance to visit Professor Hu. I will let our ice core newcomers come to ask some questions face to face."

Hu Zhengming nodded, and glanced at the two young engineers. Compared with 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, he had a hint of explicit or covert contact recently, and he also had a rough impression of the richest man in the mainland behind the ice core.

Now, this impression has changed after seeing him, and I only feel that this person is indeed quite magnanimous.

"There is no rush for talents. I come to HKUST for exchanges, and I am willing to do something to pass the torch on. As for Bingxin, Mr. Fang, as I said just now, I want to do academic research more now, not to mention , I also have a non-competition agreement with TSMC." Hu Zhengming's tone eased a little, but his attitude remained firm.

Fang Zhuo nodded without impatience: "Professor Hu, I know about this situation."

He joked: "Ice core is a long-term thing, and the same is true for the domestic semiconductor industry. Although I don't understand technology, I understand Professor Hu's mood. No, I even plan to pass on the torch when I come to visit."

"I thought that even if I return without success this time, the engineer of the ice core will sort out my doubts and learn something."

Hu Zhengming laughed.

He suddenly made a little comparison in his mind with Zhang Zhongmou whom he had mentioned at the meeting.

Although Bingxin and TSMC are worlds apart, the achievements of Mr. Fang and Zhang Zhongmou in this field are not comparable, but because of the astonishing wealth of this young president, it is not impossible to compare them.

Zhang Zhongmou has a tenacious personality and acts forcefully, while the President Fang in front of him is very gentle, and his speech and conversation make people feel like spring breeze.

Hu Zhengming put away the comparison in his heart, looked at the two shy and cramped young engineers, and said, "Teacher, it's also a good idea to preach and teach. I came to HKUST to be a teacher this time. It’s not uncommon to see social people who are enthusiastic about semiconductors in the classroom.”

As for who those social people are.

Everyone here is very clear.

Hu Zhengming felt that he had done a good job in this area. He didn't hide his secrets in class, and he answered the questions of some social people in detail.

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

He turned his head and said to the two Bingxin assistants who came together this trip: "If you have any academic doubts, you can ask the professor. There are not many opportunities for this kind of small talk. 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. Some of the questions were still discussed in class in the past week.

However, these two people are very fresh, and they should have never been to HKUST to attend classes.

Well, 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 way.

As the former CTO of TSMC for nearly 4 years, Hu Zhengming has a high-level perspective on the technology that is more than one generation behind in the mainland. What's more, he is still a high-achieving master in the field of semiconductor technology today, and his professional ability is not second-hand. .

He chatted excitedly, and also talked about the development and forecast of semiconductor manufacturing process.

The young engineer listened carefully and with difficulty to the insights of the American academician and UC professor.

In the living room, there were only three professional exchanges in the living room.

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

It's 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 time.

He quietly thought about the contact he had made so far. From the overall feeling, the feeling given by this professor is indeed more academic.

In order to lobby Professor Hu Zhengming, Fang Zhuo read almost all relevant materials and information, and naturally 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 speech.

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 knew that this person might be quite healthy, 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.

Based on this, Professor Hu's return to the University of California may not be without this factor.

In addition to academic research and power changes, money considerations may be the last.

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

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

If what you see today shows that Hu Zhengming still has the orientation and tendency of the enterprise, then Fang Zhuo will talk about the risks and benefits of Bingxin’s future development. is not attractive.

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

At least, Hu Zhengming should be like this.

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

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

Fang Zhuo's tea also cooled down.

When Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai asked questions, the answers they got could not just stay in words, they had to go back and digest them. They also knew what the purpose of this trip was, and consciously stopped asking questions when Professor Hu's talk was fading.

Fang Zhuo saw that the professor was going to add new tea, so he took the first step to help change it, and then said sincerely: "I heard from those friends that the professor did his best in class. What I saw just now, I have to thank you again."

Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai also thanked them.

Seeing the sincerity of these three young people, Hu Zhengming felt at ease, and said with a smile: "Mr. Fang, you're welcome. I still receive the salary of the University of Science and Technology. As long as you don't let me receive the salary of Bingxin, I'm very happy." You are welcome to bring your young friends to chat with me."

"When people are old, they are always willing to be with young people. When I say pass the torch from generation to generation, that's not just talking."

Fang Zhuo didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and pretended to be angry, "Professor Hu, I didn't say anything today. You have rejected me three times like this. I had my heart for Mingyue. Could it be that the professor's heart is really made of stone? You don't want salary, I Can I still force it to you?"

Hu Zhengming showed a smile: "Someone really forced me with money, I think Mr. Fang is coming soon."

Fang Zhuo laughed a few times, thinking that the old saying is really good, man, you can be strong without desire.

After he finished laughing, he shook his head: "Professor, I wonder if anyone has talked to you about the story of the ice core settled in Luzhou?"

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

Fang Zhuo frowned inwardly, and decided to skip the exposition and emotions caused by this incident, and said: "That's exactly the case, and after Bing Xin settled in Luzhou, he 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 let me listen carefully."

Fang Zhuo didn't hesitate or be tactful when he said this, 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 foreign academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences just met the deadline. All the leaders are willing to help, and they also think that Professor Hu's contribution to semiconductors can take on this honor."

Foreign academicians are elected once every two years, and the deadline for recommendation is on the 31st. The list will be announced at the end of the year, and the award will be officially awarded the following year. Just in time for the first few days.

Hu Zhengming's expression of surprise was not because of the honor of the foreign academician, but because he was surprised by the relationship this young president could leverage.

only……

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

Fang Zhuo didn't make a sound, and acquiesced.

Hu Zhengming suddenly smiled, with a mischievous and proud look on his face: "If I want, I don't need to be so troublesome with Mr. Fang. I can have this honor sooner or later. I just let nature take its course."

OK, this one is over.

Fang Zhuo frowned slightly, never mentioning how much effort he had spent these days, and said decisively: "Yes, I think so too, so the recommendation list has been submitted today, this is our Bing Xin's opinion. Thanks to Professor Hu for preaching and teaching."

Hu Zhengming was really surprised this time.

He could imagine the high cost in the middle, but did this young CEO just say that?

Fang Zhuo took a sip of his tea, and his eyebrows stretched: "Professor Hu, Bingxin is very thirsty for talents. When I first raised funds, I persuaded various institutions to set up a 10% option pool. Up to now, the most is Qiu Ciyun, President Qiu. With 0.8%, if the professor is willing to come over, I can now set aside 2% as the CTO option.”

From the current point of view, the value of this 2% can be more than 2000 million, but it cannot be realized 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 the chairman was almost the same as this number. Now Fang Zhuo has agreed to the options without blinking his eyes.

Seeing the determined expression on the face of the young president at this moment, Hu Zhengming felt a little dazed and felt like saying goodbye to Zhang Zhongmou.

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 enterprise to serve my academic research institute, that's not what I'm after. .”

OK, another one.

Fang Zhuo had no hope for the conditions of the stock options, and he was not troubled when he heard the words. Instead, he asked, "Professor Hu, does your pursuit conflict with Bingxin?"

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

"Perhaps when you need business-to-academic validation, shouldn't ice cores be an option?"

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

Fang Zhuo did not expand his words when he heard the words, but said: "I know that FinFETs are aligned to 25nm. At present, it may take nearly ten years for the industry to reach this level. Only then can FinFETs be truly verified."

"What the ice core will look like ten years from now is what we're trying to determine now."

"As long as Professor Hu needs to verify what research or academic research, Bingxin can do his best to help. If Professor Hu needs to go to other companies for academic research, Bingxin will never stop you and will not let you sign a non-compete agreement."

"Perhaps, the professor feels that the position of CTO requires too much work, but it is fine not to come to Bingxin with this position. We are also very grateful if you can serve as a business consultant."

Fang Zhuo's posture was very low.

Hu Zhengming was silent, he could really feel the sincerity and expectation of the other party.

However, this is still not enough to sway his decision.

Hu Zhengming and the young president looked at each other, and shook his head slightly: "Mr. Fang, let me think about it. Anyway, it's still early, and I still have a long-term non-competition constraint."

The enthusiasm and sincerity of young people are like a burning flame.

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

The torch is passed on from generation to generation, teaching karma and solving doubts.

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

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

Fang Zhuo sighed softly, and said: "Professor Hu, no matter what, Bing Xin always welcomes professors to join, no matter it is position or option, what I said is always valid."

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

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

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

"Projects need talents, but as long as I can do it, I will definitely do it and find it."

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

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

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

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

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

He pointed to Bing Xin's assistants Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai. The faces of these two young people were full of approval and excitement.

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

"I came here today with the expectation of Bingxin. Even if Professor Hu is unwilling, I am not disappointed. Professor Hu has unparalleled influence whether in business or classroom, industry or academia."

"I respect the professors, they are both respectful and grateful."

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

Hu Zhengming declined.

Liu Mingde took out a photo and a document first: "The professor doesn't remember me, but I am always grateful to you. I am the first student of the Hu's Scholarship in Jintan No. [-] Middle School. This is my first paper on semiconductors." paper."

Hu Zhengming was stunned, and glanced at the old photo, which was indeed a commemoration of the first Hu's Scholarship Awarding Ceremony.

This is a scholarship set up by my father, myself, and my younger brother at the junior high school in my ancestral home.

The photo is exactly my father seven years ago.

He looked at Liu Mingde in amazement. The high school student in the photo has changed. He is now a researcher at the Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a member seconded to Ice Core.

Hu Zhengming's heart moved, he looked at another young man, and said hesitantly, "Xiao Xu?"

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

Xu Kaihuai also handed in the paper: "Professor Hu, thank you, I have received the third Hu's Scholarship, I have always been very grateful to you, and I used you as an example when I was in my hometown."

This role model is not just a lip service, but a real commitment to the semiconductor industry.

Hu Zhengming never expected that Mr. Fang, who repeatedly put forward conditions, would take such painstaking efforts. The two young colleagues who had chatted for a long time just now turned out to be from the same hometown.

Two high school students who received Hu's scholarship back then also devoted themselves to semiconductors and joined the ice core.

Feelings, amusedness, relief, and shock mixed together in his heart, he took two young people's first papers, clicked on Fang Zhuo twice, and 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." The passing of the torch of semiconductors is also the teaching of professors, and I would like to thank the professors for them."

Hu Zhengming put down the two papers, looked at the two young semiconductor engineers from Jintan, and was still astonished and shocked by Fang Zhuo's unobtrusive scheming.

The Hu Family Scholarship was established in the name of the father and son when his father returned home to visit relatives in 97. He came back to present the award in person the year before last. He was 82 years old at the time.

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

"I accept the gift, and 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 constraints are deep."

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

The two young men responded respectfully.

After Hu Zhengming instructed the two people with a different attitude, he looked at the silent young president and said angrily, "Mr. Fang, Mr. Fang, you are really racking your brains."

"Professor Hu, it's a good thing to pass on the torch. Young people are dedicated to the bright moon, and I can only do my best, for fear that I can't do well with the ice core." Fang Zhuo looked serious.

Hu Zhengming reprimanded slightly: "Ten years earlier, no, five years earlier, I wouldn't talk to you."

When a person reaches an age, he feels that every step is a way home.

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

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

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

Hu Zhengming looked at Fang Zhuo, Liu Mingde and Xu Kaihuai, and couldn't help shaking his head. These young people are much better than he was back then.

"Boss Fang, I will think about it."

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

Fang Zhuo showed a restrained smile, and shook his hands: "Professor Hu, Bing Xin is waiting for you, but I greet you backwards. The provincial leader said to me at that time, 'As long as you want, as long as I have'. "

"Our ice core is the same now, as long as you want the professor, I have the ice core."

The old professor held the young president's hand, he couldn't tell what emotion he was in, but he felt that the sun in the morning was sometimes too dazzling.

(End of this chapter)