Chapter 873
Trip to the Capital, The East Wind Has Risen
For the next two days, Wang Donglai stayed directly at the research and development center.
He didn't go to a luxury hotel, but stayed in the expert apartments at the research and development center.
During the day, he shuttles between different laboratories and conference rooms, working on materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, control... wherever there is a challenge, he is there.
He wasn't "guiding," but rather "unlocking"—he could casually throw out a formula, a model, or an algorithmic architecture, and the problems that had plagued a team for months or even years would suddenly disappear.
After the "materials intelligent R&D platform" he brought was connected to the central database, it generated thousands of incredible new alloy virtual formulas overnight. The materials team went crazy, the kind of crazy excitement.
His proposed "modular neural network configuration for reactor core" captivated the reactor physics experts, who overturned several old versions of the scheme overnight.
He even took the time to help the control team optimize their core algorithm, which they were so proud of, increasing the prediction accuracy by a staggering thirty percentage points.
On the third night, Wang Donglai's room light was still on as he revised an integrated scheme for "supercritical carbon dioxide combined cycle".
On the anonymous forum within the R&D center, a post was quietly pushed to the top with the title:
Brothers, I think I... saw a god?
The message consisted of only one sentence: "My worldview has collapsed and been rebuilt in these three days. I never knew the computing power of the human brain could be so terrifying. Academician Wang, I bow down in admiration. From now on, I will follow your instructions and believe whatever you say!"
The comments below were all in unison:
"+1, my knee is broken."
"I'm not cooperating, I'm on a pilgrimage."
"Academician Chen just said privately that Academician Wang might be a combination of Einstein and Tesla, someone whose talents were wasted on business in our time!"
"Say no more, Academician Wang is going to be my boss from now on! Closer than my own father!"
"If I could do research with Academician Wang, I could at least get my name in a textbook!"
“Our project is probably nothing to Academician Wang, and he may not even remember it.”
"..."
When the three days were up, it was time for Wang Donglai to leave.
All the researchers at the R&D center put down their work and came to the main gate to bid farewell to Wang Donglai.
Even when the leaders said it wasn't necessary, no one listened.
Although it was only a short three days, the technological revolution brought by Wang Donglai had a tremendous impact on them.
According to their plan, the thorium-based molten salt reactor project may take another ten years, or even longer.
As it turned out, a glimmer of hope appeared after Wang Donglai appeared.
Following the directions given by Wang Donglai will save them a lot of time.
How much time can be saved depends on how long it takes them to absorb and digest the technical theories left behind by Wang Donglai.
Countless people have thought to themselves how wonderful it would be if Wang Donglai could stay here.
It will probably be officially launched and put into use by the end of the year.
Unfortunately, this idea remains just wishful thinking and has no chance of being realized.
"Academician Wang, if I didn't know it wouldn't work, I would really like to keep you here to help us with our scientific research!"
"What I've gained in these three days is more than I've earned in most of my life!"
Chen Mingyuan said this to Wang Donglai with a sigh.
Hearing Chen Mingyuan say this, Wang Donglai smiled slightly and said, "I have explained almost all the key technical nodes of the thorium-based molten salt reactor. If you follow what I left behind, there shouldn't be any major problems."
Even if we succeed in building the thorium-based molten salt reactor, we cannot relax; we must continue our research!
"We still lack a lot if we want to leave Earth, venture into the Milky Way, and explore interstellar space!"
Chen Mingyuan's expression turned serious, and he nodded, saying, "Academician Wang, I really envy you young people. You still have so much time. I don't know if I'll ever see the day when we venture into space."
"Then Academician Chen must take good care of his health, he will definitely see it!"
Wang Donglai said this with a smile on his face, but with a hint of seriousness in his expression.
Soon, Wang Donglai bid farewell to the research and development center.
However, he did not answer Tang Dudu, but went straight to the capital.
Actually, he should have come to the capital a long time ago.
However, the higher-ups need some time, and they also want to see what Wang Donglai is really capable of.
The trip to the thorium-based molten salt reactor research and development center in Gansu Province was one such test.
It can be said that all of Wang Donglai's work at the Gansu Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactor Research and Development Center will be reported to relevant departments in Beijing for research and analysis.
If Wang Donglai were simply a mathematician or scientist, it would be straightforward; even with the added identity of a businessman, the higher-ups wouldn't find it objectionable.
However, the things that Wang Donglai promoted were completely contrary to the current mainstream.
If Galaxy Technology were just a small company, that would be fine.
However, thanks to its technological support, Galaxy Technology is developing faster and better.
Now, it has become a global giant.
Galaxy Technology, along with its subsidiaries and supply chain, has become a massive conglomerate of interests.
The key is that they are all enterprises with new quality productivity and high-tech attributes, rather than those industries that have no technology and no barriers to entry.
In the Western Hills of Beijing, there is an inconspicuous but heavily guarded courtyard.
The meeting room was furnished simply to the point of being austere, but the air was filled with the heavyweight atmosphere of a decision that could determine the future direction of the country.
On one side of the long table sat Wang Donglai, looking travel-worn but with a clear and bright gaze.
On the other side were several leaders with a composed demeanor, bearing the weight of national affairs on their shoulders.
Without any red tape, the meeting went straight to the point.
"Comrade Donglai, we have reviewed your report on your performance in Gansu Province in detail."
One of the leaders, speaking calmly yet with undeniable authority, said, “The colleagues at the R&D center can only describe it as ‘shocking’ and ‘opening up a new path.’ The country needs such breakthroughs, and it also needs to systematize, institutionalize, and sustain these breakthroughs.”
He presented a preliminary plan, saying, "According to our previous plan, establishing a 'National Frontier Technology Research Institute' to integrate the currently scattered top-tier research teams and form a cohesive force is the most effective approach at present, and neither of us has any objection to this. As for the location, we'll place it in Beijing for easier coordination and overall planning."
Wang Donglai leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the proposal, but he slowly shook his head and said, "Thank you for your trust, leader. I fully agree with the establishment of the 'National Frontier Technology Research Institute'."
“However, I have a different suggestion regarding the location—I think the research institute should be located in Tangdu City.”
The meeting room fell silent for a moment.
Few people dare to directly reject a preliminary plan at this level. "Reasons?" The leader wasn't angry; instead, he looked inquisitive.
"First, the ecological aggregation effect."
Wang Donglai spoke at a steady pace, yet each word was clear, saying, "Tangdu City has the headquarters of Galaxy Technology, its global R&D center, the Galaxy Education and Training Hub which is about to be rolled out on a large scale, and the first batch of industrial application clusters under domestic semiconductor technology."
"The research institute is located in Tangdu, not as an isolated island, but as an embedded part of a 'living ecosystem' that encompasses basic research, technology development, engineering verification, industrial application, and talent cultivation."
"When scientists leave the laboratory, they can see how their theories become products, influence industries, and cultivate talent. This seamless integration of incentives and feedback is unmatched by any isolated research institute."
He paused, then continued, "Second, there's the issue of decentralized strategic security. While placing such a crucial national-level strategic research center in one location facilitates management, it also presents potential risks."
"Tangdu City is located in the hinterland, with obvious advantages in industrial support, talent reserves and cost of living. It can also form a strong synergy with the R&D centers in the eastern coastal areas, constituting the strategic depth of the country's scientific research capabilities."
"Third, demonstration and dissemination."
Wang Donglai's voice carried a forward-looking force as he said, "We need a model to prove that top-notch scientific research doesn't necessarily have to be concentrated in first-tier cities."
"Success in Tangdu will greatly encourage and drive the high-quality scientific research layout in the vast central and western regions, and promote the balance and resilience of the national innovation system."
The leaders exchanged glances and nodded almost imperceptibly.
In fact, the leaders also understood that Wang Donglai wanted to be transferred to Tangdu City in order to repay the support and kindness of Tangdu City and even Qin Province.
Of course, what Wang Donglai said about the overall structure and future form of the national innovation system is also true.
"Okay, then let's locate the headquarters in Tangdu City!"
The leader in the middle made the final decision.
He then continued, "The research institute has five 'national laboratories,' each focusing on core competitive areas for the next thirty years: the Energy Laboratory (focusing on thorium-based molten salt reactor iteration and new energy storage), the Information Laboratory (primarily targeting the integration of next-generation artificial intelligence and quantum computing), the Life Laboratory (exploring brain-computer interfaces and synthetic biology), the Materials Laboratory (developing superconducting, super-strong, and super-intelligent materials), and the Aerospace Laboratory (breaking through key technologies for the economical development of near-Earth orbit and deep space exploration)."
“These five areas highly overlap with Galaxy Technology’s current areas of heavy investment,” a technology leader added.
"It is precisely because of this high degree of overlap."
Wang Donglai met the gaze frankly and said, "A national laboratory should not be a castle in the air; it needs to be driven by the most cutting-edge industrial demands and supported by the strongest engineering capabilities."
"Galaxy's huge investment and initial accumulation in these fields can provide the laboratory with unparalleled 'sources of problems,' 'validation scenarios,' and 'application outlets.'"
"Conversely, the top national intellectual resources gathered in the laboratory will overcome long-term, fundamental, and disruptive problems that are difficult for a single enterprise to handle. The results will be shared through a patent pool mechanism to benefit the entire industry, including Galaxy Technology."
The leader nodded and asked, "Comrade Donglai, what are your thoughts on the key areas where we most urgently hope to see breakthroughs?"
Wang Donglai knew that the real "test" was about to begin.
He took a slight breath and said in a steady yet powerful voice, "First, commercially viable controlled nuclear fusion."
“We are no longer just talking about distant tokamaks or laser inertial confinement; what we have presented is a ‘thorium-based molten salt breeder reactor’ based on a completely new configuration with a clear engineering path and material solutions.”
"It is not the ultimate fusion, but it is the most solid and achievable 'bridge' to the fusion era. Within one year, the demonstration reactor will generate electricity; within three years, the commercial reactor design will be finalized. It will first serve as the energy cornerstone of the Galaxy Ecosystem, and at the same time provide a safe, clean, and fuel-rich baseload energy option for the country's energy structure transformation."
"Second, practical room temperature superconductivity."
Wang Donglai took out an exquisite transparent sample box from his briefcase. Inside was a piece of wire with a peculiar metallic luster. He introduced it as, "This is the 'Xirang-1' composite superconducting material. The stable operating temperature in the laboratory is 20 degrees Celsius. The current critical current density has reached the preliminary practical standard."
"It's not perfect, and the cost still needs to be optimized, but engineering applications are accelerating. However, we have mastered the core processes of material synthesis and wire preparation. The next step is to build the first pilot line in Tangdu, which will be given priority for application in the State Grid demonstration section, the maglev test line, and the Galaxy high-efficiency computing center."
"Third, general-purpose strong artificial intelligence."
"We will open-source part of the basic large model framework of 'Galaxy Brain' and work with the Information Laboratory of the Research Institute to jointly build a national-level AI open-source ecosystem, training datasets and computing infrastructure."
"Our goal is not to create a black box 'god,' but to promote the overall leap in the level of AI research, application, and security governance in China, cultivate talent, and make AI a 'universally beneficial tool' for improving the quality and efficiency of all industries."
Fourth, large-scale development technology for near-Earth orbit.
"In this regard, I have a bold and sci-fi-like idea, which is the 'South Heaven Gate Project'."
"Core objective: To build a long-term manned near-Earth orbit spaceport, which is the prototype of an aerospace mothership, to develop reusable and rapid-response aerospace fighters, which can also serve as an orbital transportation and service platform, and to gradually establish experimental and production capabilities for space energy harvesting, on-orbit manufacturing, and advanced material space production."
"This is not only a culmination of aerospace technology, but also a forward-looking layout for future strategic space. Galaxy Aerospace Laboratory will contribute all our thinking and technological accumulation in new propulsion, lightweight materials, intelligent control systems and ultra-large system integration management."
After he finished speaking, the conference room fell into a long silence.
The eyes of the leaders were filled with a mixture of shock, scrutiny, elation, and solemnity.
What Wang Donglai presented was not just a paper idea, but a nearly complete "solution package" with a technological foundation, product prototypes, and a development path.
A breakthrough in any one of these four areas would be enough to go down in history, but he wanted to advance on all four at the same time!
After a long while, the leader in the center showed an expression of appreciation.
His voice was not loud, but it carried immense power as he clearly stated: "Comrade Donglai, what you have discussed today goes far beyond the business plan of a single company. This is a 'strategic roadmap' that concerns the fate of the nation and the future of the people, and whether they can stand at the commanding heights in the new era."
"The National Frontier Technology Research Institute will be located in Tangdu, just as you suggested."
"Relevant ministries and commissions should establish a special coordination group, which I will lead. As long as your policies, funding, talent, and market access are reasonable, we will do our utmost to guarantee them."
"The four key areas you proposed have all been included in the national top priority science and technology project series."
"In particular, the 'South Heaven Gate Project' requires a high-level expert committee to conduct in-depth feasibility studies."
"To seize the future is to control the future."
"Comrade Donglai, history has given us both opportunities and challenges."
"Today, you have shown me a whole new possibility for seizing opportunities and meeting challenges. Go for it! The country is your strongest support."
"Let's work together!"
"To lay the strongest technological foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and to create a vast and prosperous future for our descendants!"
As the leader spoke, he reached out and shook hands with Wang Donglai.
Wang Donglai not only felt the heavy strength coming from his hands, but also the mountain-like expectation and trust.
He knew that from this moment on, the fate of Galaxy Technology was inextricably linked to the nation's highest strategy.
His personal ideals merged into the great tide of national rejuvenation.
This is not the end, but the beginning of a much grander chapter.
The chessboard has been laid out, the pieces have been placed, and a journey towards the next era, spearheaded by technology and risking the nation's destiny, has officially begun.
Tangdu will become the command center and innovation heart of this journey.
Through his past and present lives, he finally changed the course of history and brought about new changes.
Wang Donglai is not only the chief designer of this grand blueprint, but also the pioneer at the forefront.
The future is here. (End of Chapter)