Chapter 1354
The Super Device That Shouldn't Have Been Built: Construction Begins on the Superc
The Professor Yu mentioned by the old cat is naturally the old man who created the super mushroom egg configuration.
This configuration, along with the Taylor-Ulam configuration from the US, is one of only two technological solutions globally for weaponizing nuclear fusion.
Interestingly, not long after our Super Mushroom Egg was successfully detonated, the French Super Mushroom Egg also succeeded.
Moreover, the internal configuration they used is remarkably similar to the configuration that Mr. Yu devised.
The intricacies of this situation are obvious to anyone with discerning eyes.
But that's beside the point; we've gone a bit off-topic.
Li Aiguo was naturally overjoyed to be able to meet this legendary figure and immediately agreed.
However, the meeting place was not arranged in the office of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.
Instead, it was set up in a confidential office at the First Department of the Atomic Energy Research Institute of the Second Ministry of Machine Building.
This is the site of what later became the renowned Institute of High Energy Physics.
The office was simple, with a desk and shelves behind it filled with documents and books.
Professor Yu's appearance was almost identical to the black-and-white photos Li Aiguo had seen in newspapers in later years, except that he looked much younger because he was in his prime.
"You must be Comrade Li Aiguo? I've heard so much about you before," Professor Yu greeted him with a smile.
Li Aiguo was sizing up Professor Yu, and Professor Yu was also observing Li Aiguo.
This rising star researcher is unbelievably young.
"You're too kind. Someone like you, a senior figure, is someone I should learn from."
"Senior?" Professor Yu was taken aback upon hearing this, then chuckled and stroked his chin.
"Ah... that's how it is." Li Aiguo reacted quickly, explaining with a smile.
"I've also participated in the peripheral research of the Mushroom Egg project, but you are undoubtedly a pioneer in this core field, so you can certainly be called a senior."
Li Aiguo couldn't just tell the other party directly.
Your name is a household name in the field of nuclear physics for generations to come, a true beacon of light, isn't it?
"Haha, if you insist on calculating it that way, then you're not wrong." Professor Yu was an extremely cheerful person and didn't dwell on the form of address.
He stood up and personally poured Li Aiguo a glass of water.
"I'm going back to Shanghai soon. I specifically invited you here today to talk to you about the Super Mushroom Egg."
Professor Yu handed over the enamel mug and got straight to the point.
"I heard Lao Zhu mention in private that you seem to have done a lot of research on the theory of the Super Mushroom Egg?"
Upon hearing this, Li Aiguo took the enamel mug.
"It can't be considered a profound study."
Back when I was at the Ninth Institute, I assisted Professor Huang and his colleagues and learned some basic skills.
My insights are simply based on some old experience I accumulated from working with regular mushroom eggs.
"Uh... tell me, what experience do you have?" Professor Yu became interested.
"Back then, we also made many mistakes. First of all, the materials provided by our senior colleague contained a lot of omissions and deliberate fabrications."
Li Aiguo did not go into the details of the Super Mushroom Egg, but instead shared what he could based on his experience from later generations.
For example, due to false test data and incorrect structural drawings, the research and development was carried out in the wrong direction, resulting in the production of many scrapped prototypes and a lot of meaningless detours.
Secondly, there is the problem of a serious disconnect between theory and technology.
Some ideas were flawlessly demonstrated on the blackboard and were theoretically entirely feasible.
However, once it's implemented in the workshop, the current processing and manufacturing equipment simply cannot meet that precision requirement.
The equipment failed to meet the standards, causing a significant delay…
"There's also the issue of experiments. Back then, Director Li told me that when doing experiments, you shouldn't be afraid of failure. Failure is the mother of success. If there's no funding, we can try to apply for it from higher authorities."
The wasted funds are negligible compared to the fact that the Super Mushroom Egg was developed sooner.
Li Aiguo didn't mention the international situation, and Professor Yu also knew the importance of the Super Mushroom Egg.
Professor Yu nodded frequently as he listened.
The sharp questions raised by the young man in front of me were spot on.
They have actually encountered these pitfalls in the early stages of their research on the Super Mushroom Egg.
He had noticed some clues before.
But it always feels like there's a thin layer of paper between us, making it difficult to summarize and generalize as clearly as Li Aiguo did.
Upon hearing the last point, Professor Yu nodded emphatically: "Comrade Aiguo, your reminder is very correct. Since the project was approved, we have rarely conducted fault tolerance tests. We have to be very careful with every hot and cold test."
It certainly saved money, but it definitely delayed the project's progress.
Li Aiguo continued, "There's also the issue of computing. I'm currently planning to build a supercomputer, and I'll send it to you once it's ready."
Upon hearing the words "supercomputer," Professor Yu's eyes lit up instantly.
"Comrade Patriot, then I'll wait for you at the research institute, haha."
The two chatted casually for a few more minutes about professional topics, still feeling quite engaged.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. The assistant pushed the door open and quietly reminded them that the train to Shanghai was about to depart.
Seeing this, Li Aiguo stood up to take his leave.
Professor Yu called Li Aiguo over again: "What are your thoughts on building a cyclotron?"
Seeing Li Aiguo standing there in a daze, Professor Yu explained: "Cyclotron is an old name. Now it is generally called a 'collider' internationally."
Italy has just built the world's first electron-positron collider.
Both the elder brother's Novosibirsk region and the younger sister's region are currently undertaking large-scale projects to build such top-level experimental facilities.
Recently, many people in the institute have jointly proposed that we must keep up with international trends and should also start building a collider.
What do you think?
Li Aiguo never imagined that someone would propose building a collider in this era.
Thinking about it, it makes sense. In the field of nuclear physics, China has always been closely monitoring the developments abroad.
But this collision could be a huge disaster.
"This is something related to high-energy physics, Professor Yu, I really don't know much about it."
However, from a broader perspective, I believe that whether a large-scale scientific research facility should be built immediately depends not only on its broad prospects in the future academic field, but also on other factors.
Most importantly, we must consider it in light of our own current economic and industrial situation.
"Take it into account with your own situation..." Professor Yu pondered this sentence for a moment, then nodded approvingly.
"Your way of putting it, though simple, is a very novel and excellent perspective on the issue. It hits the nail on the head!"
After Li Aiguo left, Professor Yu, accompanied by his assistant, got into a jeep heading to the train station.
The train carriage was swaying. After hesitating for a moment, the assistant asked in a low voice, "Professor, how should we respond to the professors about building the collider when we get back?"
"Let's call a complete halt for now," Professor Yu said with unwavering resolve.
"Our task now is to create the Super Mushroom Egg at all costs!"
Comrade Aiguo is absolutely right. The collider does indeed play an immeasurable and enormous role in the academic field.
However, its construction cost is too high, and the requirements for the current industrial system are too demanding; the timing is not yet ripe.
Professor Yu stopped talking and turned to look out the car window.
Outside the window, there was a vibrant construction site where construction was in full swing.
The assistant nodded silently to the side.
In fact, most professors within the theoretical research institute were opposed to building a collider; it was just that some professors were overly enthusiastic.
Now that Professor Yu has reached a conclusion, the matter can be considered completely suppressed.
Li Aiguo did not oppose building a collider; in fact, we built an electron collider in the 1980s.
But it's only the 1960s!
The timing was completely wrong.
The most important thing now is to develop industry, and build airplanes and tanks.
As for something like a collider, let's wait until we have more advanced technology before slowly working on it.
The day after Professor Yu left, Li Aiguo arrived at the Red Star Computer Research Institute.
The Institute of Computing has expanded several times over, with many new buildings constructed, cement roads paved inside, and new laboratories built.
Xia Zhongsu came to the office after learning that Li Aiguo was coming.
"Patriotism, is there some new project coming up?"
It's no wonder Xia Zhongsu was so enthusiastic. In recent years, the Red Star Computer Research Institute has had no work other than iterating processors, developing memory and industrial control systems.
Professor Xia Zhongsu was itching to try it himself, watching the large rockets being launched repeatedly from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.
"Old Xia, you guessed right this time. Take a look at this." Li Aiguo handed over the plan he had prepared the night before.
Xia Zhongsu took the plan, glanced at it, and was stunned.
"Supercomputer?"
This was the first time he had ever heard of this name, and he suppressed his doubts as he looked down.
The plan is extremely detailed, covering everything from the future strategic positioning and application scenarios of this supercomputer to the specific internal architecture design and hardware selection.
"The core computing unit is planned to be an array of 256 improved 'Red Star 1' processors..."
Upon seeing this, Xia Zhongsu couldn't help but gasp.
The Red Star 1 is the most advanced processor developed by the Red Star Computer Research Institute, with a speed ten times faster than older processors.
Now it actually requires 256.
The quantity is secondary; the key question is how these processors can run simultaneously.
This is not as simple as connecting hundreds of light bulbs together with wires and turning on electricity so they can all light up.
Even a microsecond-level delay in communication, task allocation, and data synchronization between processors can cause the entire system to crash instantly.
Filled with deep worry, Xia Zhongsu quickly continued reading.
"The architecture design employs a multi-core array parallel processing architecture. Every 16 processors are divided into a computing cluster, with shared core memory within the cluster. High-speed multi-port memory is used for data exchange between nodes..."
Upon seeing this, Professor Xia Zhongsu couldn't help but widen his eyes.
"Wow, this architecture design is really ingenious. It solves the problem of processors working simultaneously and optimizes the allocation of tasks."
Indeed, the architecture developed by Li Aiguo is actually somewhat similar to the multi-core technology of later generations.
However, later multi-core technology integrates several or dozens of cores onto a single silicon chip.
However, due to the limitations of the technology available at the time, Li Aiguo could only achieve this through such a simple and crude "physical stacking" method.
To prevent the awkward situation of "one core is in trouble while the other eight cores just watch" during operation.
Li Aiguo also specially "invented" a multi-port memory to serve as a bridge for high-speed data exchange between various processor clusters.
Xia Zhongsu suppressed his excitement and continued reading.
Ferrite core memory, 8-way cross access, full cross switch.
It also helps with heat dissipation.
Upon seeing this, Professor Xia Zhongsu was stunned again.
He understood forced air cooling, after all, the "Red Star 1" generates a lot of heat when running at full load, and the research institute had long ago equipped it with a special processor cooling fan.
Professor Xia Zhongsu knew about the air cooling system; the Red Star 1 had already been equipped with a processor fan because of its high heat output.
But what exactly is this "water cooling"?
Connect the water pipes into the computer cabinet?
If we miss it, wouldn't we be completely ruined?
Li Aiguo noticed Professor Xia Zhongsu's confusion and laughed, "This thing is very simple. It's just a set of copper pipes laid on the back panel, and the liquid used inside is industrial ethylene glycol."
To prevent leakage at the interface, an asbestos rubber gasket can be added.
As a gamer who has used the Fire Dragon processor, Li Aiguo is very familiar with water cooling.
After listening to the suggestion, Xia Zhongsu felt that the idea was ingenious.
A complete plan is the guarantee of a project's success, and the plan that Li Aiguo came up with took into account all aspects of the problem.
What they needed to resolve were some minor details. "Patriotism, I'll call a meeting right away."
Professor Xia Zhongsu convened a meeting, which was attended not only by domestic researchers but also by Professor Gillotti and his group of Russian researchers.
As Red Star Computer's international reputation grew and the situation in Russia worsened, many young Russian researchers came to the Red Star Computer Research Institute through the Andrei Trading Company.
It is said that a few days ago, news came from Andrei's side that a top mathematician named Sergei, who is currently teaching at Moscow State University, has recently been thinking about bringing his whole family over.
Li Aiguo also had some expectations.
Besides Sergei's own mathematical abilities, which could greatly assist computer algorithms.
Most importantly, there's his son, who's probably still wearing open-crotch pants...
Should we invest first?
Ahem, I've gone off on a tangent.
Let's return our attention to the conference venue.
Everyone was full of anticipation for the plan to build a supercomputer, and at the conference, many people raised their hands to sign up.
Li Aiguo and Xia Zhongsu selected twenty-five people as team members, and a supercomputer research group was established.
After the group was established, Deputy Director Peng Yunyou raised a question: "Aiguo, according to regulations, we should report the supercomputer project to the Chinese Academy of Sciences."
Peng Yunyou didn't continue speaking, but looked at Li Aiguo.
She was well aware that the Red Star Computer Research Institute had a strained relationship with the director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences because of what had happened before.
"Since it's a rule, let's follow it."
Li Aiguo didn't care. Even if the Chinese Academy of Sciences disagreed, he could still go through the Ministry of Railways to get the project approved.
It was already past closing time, but Xia Zhongsu and Professor Gillotti were still working with the researchers to study Li Aiguo's plan.
Seeing that there was no other work, Li Aiguo rode his motorcycle back to the courtyard house.
The courtyard was unusually lively, with residents heading towards Aunt Liu's house in the middle courtyard.
"Aiguo, you don't know yet, do you? Postman Lao Huang delivered a letter to He Yushui. It should be her college admission notice. Come on, let's go and congratulate her."
Xu Damao suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Reminded by Xu Damao, Li Aiguo suddenly slapped his forehead.
He Yushui mentioned to him yesterday that these few days are the time to see the results, but he forgot.
When Li Aiguo arrived, the residents had already surrounded the postman.
"Is this He Yushui's admission notice, Lao Huang?"
"That's right, stop keeping us in suspense, open it up and let everyone see!"
Postman Lao Huang glared at the group of neighbors who seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold, clutched his bag tightly, and shouted:
"Go away, go away, what are you making a fuss about! An admission notice is such an important thing, how can you just open it like that?"
The examinee must sign for it in person!
Hearing the commotion, Aunt Liu and He Yushui came out of the house.
"Miss He Yushui, right? This is your registered letter. Please sign here."
After verifying his identity, Lao Huang solemnly handed over the letter.
After delivering the letter, he didn't rush to leave but stood aside, clearly wanting to witness this joy as well.
Amidst a sea of gazes, He Yushui accepted the letter. Just as everyone was waiting for her to open it, He Yushui's eyes found Li Aiguo in the crowd.
"Brother!" He Yushui skipped and jumped to Li Aiguo's side, eagerly handing him the letter.
"Brother, can you...can you help me take it apart?"
Li Aiguo walked forward with a smile, took the letter, and examined it.
The kraft paper envelope bears the words "Beijing University," so it must be an admission notice.
Li Aiguo opened the letter; inside was a printed admission notice.
"Student He Yushui, based on national needs and your own academic aspirations, you have been admitted to the Journalism major in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at our university."
Please arrive at the school on August 25th and 26th, 1965, with this admission notice, your college entrance examination admission ticket, proof of household registration transfer, and documents proving the transfer of your grain and oil ration coupons, to complete the enrollment registration procedures.
It was signed by Beijing University and had a red stamp.
"Rain, congratulations! You've received your acceptance letter from Peking University." Li Aiguo held up the letter.
Upon hearing this confirmed news, He Yushui's eyes instantly reddened, and tears streamed down her face.
It's not easy!
Ever since her biological father, He Daqing, ran away with a young widow from Baoding.
In this compound, He Yushui was like a weed that no one cared for or loved.
The only biological brother, Sha Zhu, was a good-for-nothing who only knew how to fawn over Qin Huairu next door, and all the good things in the family were given to the Jia family.
They often skimped on her tuition and living expenses.
If things continue like this, He Yushui feels that she will have a hard time even getting into a vocational school.
Unexpectedly, fate took a dramatic turn after meeting Li Aiguo.
Now, she has actually been admitted to the most prestigious university that countless people dream of, Beijing University!
Wow!
The residents applauded enthusiastically.
"Wow, this is incredible! Yushui is the first golden phoenix to fly out of our Nanluoguxiang area!"
"Absolutely! A genuine graduate from a prestigious university! He'll be a cadre after graduation!"
"To be fair, if Yushui hadn't acted decisively, broken off her relationship with that idiot Shazhu, and moved to Aunt Liu's place, she probably wouldn't have even been able to get into a vocational school, let alone go to university!"
"That makes sense. In the end, it's all thanks to Comrade Li Aiguo's help behind the scenes!"
From outside the crowd, Qin Huairu witnessed this scene, her feelings a mix of emotions.
Li Aiguo has now received numerous awards, and his name frequently appears in newspapers.
Chen Xueru has become a leader in the subdistrict office, and I heard she's going to get promoted.
He Yushui was admitted to Peking University.
On the other hand, she was still just a lowly worker in the factory.
Qin Huairu didn't even know how she felt anymore.
At that time, Beijing University was already a top-tier university in China.
He Yushui's admission to Peking University was a great joy for the entire compound.
Aunt Liu had long regarded He Yushui as her own daughter.
In the evening, Aunt Liu specially asked Nan Yi to go to the market to buy two catties of meat, a chicken, a fish, and some green vegetables.
"My mom said she's prepared some good dishes at home tonight and I absolutely have to invite you over! Also, Sister-in-law Xue Ru, and my younger brother and sister-in-law, everyone come to my house for a lively celebration!"
Just as Li Aiguo was about to cook for Chen Xueru, He Yushui arrived at the door.
"Okay."
Today is a joyous occasion for He Yushui, and Li Aiguo did not refuse.
When Li Aiguo and his family arrived at He Yushui's house, Liu Haizhong, Uncle San, and several other residents from the compound also arrived.
Li Aiguo brought a bottle of wine.
After five courses of food, Li Aiguo unscrewed the bottle cap, poured himself a glass of baijiu, then stood up, raised his glass to He Yushui, and said:
"Rain, have some tea. I'd like to offer you a toast, wishing you a bright future."
Unexpectedly, He Yushui stubbornly put down her teacup, picked up the bottle of liquor on the table, and poured herself a small half-cup of liquor.
"Cough cough... Brother, thank you! If it weren't for you, I, He Yushui, wouldn't be where I am today!" He Yushui slurped his lips from the spiciness, but found the wine to be especially delicious today.
Li Aiguo smiled, picked up his wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp.
"Today is a good day, everyone eat and drink well."
Aunt Liu was surprised that He Yushui had been drinking, but she didn't stop her.
She understood He Yushui's thoughts.
After a few drinks, the atmosphere at the dinner table became increasingly lively, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.
Laughter drifted to Yi Zhonghai's house.
Yi Zhonghai was worried because his application to go to the Third Front was not approved yet. Hearing this voice, he asked an old lady.
"You don't know yet? Yushui has made something of herself, she got into Peking University! The whole compound is celebrating for her."
The old woman was genuinely happy for the rain, but then added, "Old man, don't cause any trouble."
"Look at what you're saying, I'm happy for He Yushui."
Seeing Yi Zhonghai's unusual appearance, the middle-aged woman was startled and quickly reached out to touch his forehead.
"Old man, are you delirious from fever because you're so anxious?"
"Go away, what fever are you talking about! You don't know anything!"
Yi Zhonghai laughed and said, "Even if bones are broken, tendons are still connected. Although He Yushui has broken off her relationship with Shazhu, she is still Shazhu's sister. Once Shazhu comes out of the fence, she will be our caretaker. If He Yushui really becomes successful, our lives will be better too."
The older woman was stunned: "..."
Seeing Yi Zhonghai, who was lost in some kind of perverse fantasy, the old woman felt a chill run down her spine.
Yi Zhonghai has probably gone mad with infatuation.
However, she was too lazy to refute it, as she was well aware of Yi Zhonghai's stubborn nature.
As long as that old man doesn't go out and cause any more trouble, let him close the door and daydream.
It was nearly ten o'clock when Li Aiguo left Aunt Liu's house.
Before leaving, Aunt Liu asked Li Aiguo to help He Yushui with her grain rations the next day.
"Do not worry."
When Li Aiguo returned home, he went into his study.
The supercomputer project is about to start, and we also need to build electric trains. We're so busy, so incredibly busy.
The next day, Li Aiguo first took He Yushui to the street office to complete the grain transfer procedures, and originally planned to take He Yushui to Beijing University.
After learning about this, Zhao Xita went to his door.
"Rainy Girl got into Beijing University!"
I'm currently pursuing further studies at Beijing University, so I'll be considered alumni with Yushui.
I am now very familiar with the campus.
"The things like registering at school and getting dorm assignments are easier for the girls to handle, so I can take care of them."
Zhao Xita naturally took He Yushui's arm, turned to look at her, and smiled radiantly.
"Hey Rainy Girl, I'll take care of you during your university life. Can I take you to school?"
"Please don't call me 'little sister,' just call me He Yushui."
He Yushui pulled her arm away without any politeness, her tone somewhat cold.
She always felt that Zhao Xita's gaze towards Li Aiguo was strange.
In the end, He Yushui, with a stern face, nodded slightly in agreement.
She's not a little girl anymore.
After handing over the trivial matters to Zhao Xita, Li Aiguo immediately turned his car around and rushed to the Red Star Computer Research Institute.
As soon as I entered the office, Xia Zhongsu rushed over to greet me, his expression somewhat grave.
"Patriotism, things aren't looking good."
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has not yet issued formal approval for our supercomputer project proposal.
I made some inquiries through internal connections and heard that... at the internal review meeting of the Chinese Academy of Sciences yesterday afternoon, someone raised strong objections.”
(End of this chapter)