At the same time that the United States is trying to regain its advantage from Huaxia, Chen Nian's side has entered the intense but dull stage of "standardization" research and development.

If he knew that Lao Mei had actually moved the idea of militarizing quantum computing in this era and had begun to try to break the traditional RSA encryption algorithm, he might really feel a strong pressure.

After all, this is the technique that really kills the game.

Once the US really builds a quantum computer, once they really break the RSA encryption system, what direction will the situation go?

First of all, the world's financial system has become no longer secure, and as long as the banks and financial institutions covered by the SWIFT network are unable to escape the fate of being cut leeks by the United States.

Because the security of banks is now based on the RSA algorithm!

At that time, the saying that "the money in the bank card is just a string of numbers" will really become a reality.

On the other hand, the secrecy of the military intelligence system can also turn into a joke.

Although China's secrecy measures are more conservative than those of the United States, and even many top-secret archives are still stored on paper and physically, after the large-scale paralysis of the intelligence network, it has become a luxury to organize a threatening war.

This is because the US side can even directly enter the Huaxia command system and issue orders to various combat units in Huaxia.

This situation can be avoided unless the mature electronic system is completely abandoned, the data link is cut off, and the era of radio command is completely regressed.

And what about Lao Mei?

They're still going to push ADTS.

At that time, no matter how advanced and powerful your weapons are, you will lose the crucial condition of "information" and will only be reduced to piles of useless scrap metal.

It has to be said that the US side's thinking is extremely leapy and adventurous, but it is also extremely advanced.

They are always able to keenly grasp the slightest opportunity to turn the tables in the most difficult circumstances.

This is probably their national character?

From the beginning of the westward movement, from the cowboys, robbers, and rangers who were active on the plains, this national character has been deeply rooted in the marrow of everyone in this country.

To be able to make such a decision, and to obtain official approval, is indeed to some extent proof of their so-called "unity".

Any country that has ever held the power of the world should not be underestimated.

Of course, Chen Nian doesn't know this yet.

After discussing the latest theories on plasma control in the United States, he and various departments of the Spark team entered into an intense, high-pressure, but unhurried "standardization" research and development process.

For more than a month, he almost never left Chengfei.

Either lock yourself in the office and absorb the relevant knowledge about the follow-up first wall materials, or discuss the optimization plan of the Zhanlu project with Wang Jiancheng.

Or, just soak in the lab with the members of the velvet group, constantly pushing forward the theory of plasma control.

In fact, their progress is fast.

Although the original purpose was just to run in the team, after a long period of research work, a lot of large and small results have been produced.

Unfortunately, these results are still one step away from meeting the "usable requirements" for plasma control.

It seems that it can be easily crossed, but when it comes to really starting, it is extremely difficult.

Even after the completion of the EAST Plasma Compact Test Facility, and after a certain range of experiments and data simulations can be performed, this step is difficult to overcome.

It is precisely because of this that the atmosphere of the whole group is a bit heavy.

In the office, everyone silently gathered in a circle, while Chen Nian summarized the latest progress in the middle.

Therefore, according to the current experimental and simulation results, several theories proposed by the other side have not been accurately empirically proven."

"Of course, this could be because the scale of the setup we used for the experiment was not up to the required level, or the data from the simulation system was not up to the level of confidence."

"But at least one thing is certain, that is, the idea of using low-activation steels such as F28H and CLF-1 as tritium breed cladding is not realistic, because according to the simulation results, the effect of materials with low magnetic saturation on waviness is relatively limited"

Chen Nian said energetically in the middle, but many members of the group on the periphery couldn't raise much interest.

Of course, this is not because of disrespect for Chen Nian, to put it bluntly, or because of the importance of these achievements, they really can't meet their psychological expectations

Finally waited for Chen Nian to finish speaking and entered the discussion session, but unlike in the past, this time everyone did not focus on the specific technology at all, but began to discuss the follow-up plan with anxiety.

The first to speak was still Pan Qingwei, as one of the leaders, his views were relatively neutral.

"Actually, we know what everyone is thinking."

"It's nothing more than feeling that there is a limit to the height that I can reach in a limited amount of time."

"But at the same time, the progress of the project is there, the infrastructure is about to be completed, and if we can't make a breakthrough theoretical progress, the new EAST device will be an upgraded version of the HT-7."

"Am I right?"

Hearing his words, everyone present nodded one after another.

Li Min, who was sitting on the side, answered:

"Yes, that's the heart of the matter."

"There is a mismatch between the project schedule and our theoretical capabilities."

"I'll be honest, the problem can't be blamed on ourselves, after all, the theoretical basis of the entire national plasma field is there, even if it is not us, but the country's veterans, in fact, the effect that can be achieved is limited."

"At the end of the day, it's a matter of substance."

"We have to objectively admit the gap, compared to Lao Mei, we are still a little far behind."

Rather than feeling sorry for himself, he was always the most optimistic and radical in the group.

But at the same time, he is extremely rational about his own situation.

The combination of these two contradictory qualities in him is not at all inconsistent.

"So what should we do about the next step?"

"Do you apply for an extension of the project and then gamble, or do you want to build things under limited conditions first?"

"I would recommend that the project be postponed."

"I would also recommend that the project be postponed -—— the two plasma control experts we brought in, Sebastian and Echendorf, who also had roughly the same views."

"This project should not be rushed, or steady."

At this point, everyone's eyes were focused on Chen Nian.

After all, he is the real decision-maker.

It might be a difficult decision to make, right?

He was so young, but he had to bear so much pressure.

No matter what choice he makes, the merits and demerits will be tied to him, and if he is not careful, he may be ruined-

However, at this time, Chen Nian did not feel any pressure at all.

It's still early.

There is still more than a month before the completion of the infrastructure, so there is no need to be in such a hurry.

So, he just opened his mouth and replied:

"We will not make a decision on this question for the time being, and I will give you a formal answer, and I will give it to you in the next few days."

"But you can rest assured that EAST will definitely be built."

"And, it won't be the HT-7 Plus, it will be the real 'Oriental Superring'."

After finishing the discussion with the velvet, Chen Nian did not immediately return to his residence after work.

It's not that he doesn't need to rest, it's that he has an appointment.

Sebastian.

In fact, during this critical period of the EAST project, he was supposed to stay in AH and stay on Science Island, but his family happened to fly to Huaxia and landed in Chengdu, so while coming to greet him, he also planned to stop by to see his "old friend".

Of course, he still doesn't know Chen Nian's true identity, but through Aichendorf's description, he also realizes that Chen Nian's ability is not as simple as showing it in front of him.

Therefore, he has high expectations for Chen Nian.

Science certainly has borders, and there is no need to question that.

But as a scientific research worker, there are absolutely no borders in cherishing talents.

In particular, the field in which he is engaged has a special "universality", and at some point, even if it is a hostile force, talents will cherish each other.

Not to mention that he had already decided to join the EAST camp.

So, the two made an appointment to meet at a restaurant near Chengfei, and Chen Nian also happened to take him to experience authentic Sichuan hot pot.

As a reward?

After all, there is actually a lot of wool on him.

His research on the suppression of escaped electrons by an external resonant spiral field and the exploration of the characteristics of slide-away discharges were inspired by him.

At 8 o'clock in the evening, Chen Nian arrived at the restaurant that the two had agreed, Sebastian was already waiting at the door, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, with a serious and solemn expression, he was out of place with the surrounding environment, if it weren't for his slightly old appearance, it is estimated that the diners who came to eat would think that he was a guest invited by the store to do activities.

However, as soon as he saw Chen Nian, Sebastian's expression immediately became active.

"Chen, long time no see!"

His words are spoken in Chinese, which sounds a little lame, far less fluent than Isaac's skillful and fluent.

"Professor Sebastian, long time no see."

Chen Nian replied while taking advantage of the situation to lead him to the store and sit down.

"How's your family, are you settled?"

"They have all been settled, Huaxia's logistics service is very caring, and they will stay in Chengdu temporarily for a period of time in the future."

"It's still in two places, but I can fly over and see them during the holidays."

"That's enough, after all, any large-scale project is not very supportive of researchers bringing their families with them."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Chen Nian smiled slightly, then spread out the menu and began to teach Sebastian to order.

Most dishes have a certain threshold of acceptance for Westerners, Sebastian orders carefully, and Chen Nian is also a casual guest, not ordering things that seem to him to be a little "weird".

The two chatted about homely things without saying a word, until the hot pot was almost eaten, and Sebastian drank cold water to suppress the spicy taste in his mouth, and said:

"Chen, in fact, I'm here this time just to have a chat."

"I know you may have taken on some special roles in the EAST project, so I want to ask you what you think about this project?"

"In the past, we have been focusing on the study of plasma control theory, but I have to admit that the progress has not been huge."

"Chen, believe me, both me and Aichendorf have done their best."

"But there are some things that really can't be solved by simply increasing the intensity of work, which involves a problem of marginal benefits."

"Time is running out, I'm afraid you'll be frustrated."

"Worried we're going to be frustrated? Why? ”

Chen Nian asked puzzled.

Sebastian understands his lack of confidence in the project, but his concerns are odd.

Hearing his question, Sebastian frowned slightly and explained:

"The strings of this project are falling too tight, you know, since I came to Huaxia, I have been working on the front line."

"I've seen many researchers stay up in the lab without sleeping, not even taking a bite to eat."

"I admire their dedication, but I also have to tell the truth."

"That is, there is very little chance that the project will be completed within the time limit."

"And once this worst happens, the huge pressure will all fall on them, and your entire team will be directly crushed."

Chen Nian on the other side shook his head and replied:

"They're not going to be crushed, our researchers, not as fragile as you think."

Sebastian looked at Chen Nian with a solemn look, and then spoke:

"Chen, have you ever thought that among these people I'm talking about, you are also included?"

"It's because I am included that I can answer so firmly."

"Aren't you worried about your future ruined by such a project? No, it should be said that there are no problems with the project itself, but there are big problems with the planning of the project. ”

"Have you ever thought that it wasn't an unrealistic goal that ruined you, but an overly arrogant decision-maker?"

“.”

As soon as these words came out, Chen Nian couldn't help choking in place.

"Overly arrogant decision-makers", isn't that what you're talking about.

It seems that the views of the outside world on the EAST project are basically the same.

They really don't think that Huaxia can make this project come to fruition in such a short period of time.

Chen Nian couldn't refute Sebastian, so he had no choice but to say:

"Anyway, we're going to have to give it a try."

"We have an old saying that there must be a road before the car reaches the mountain, and if we don't walk, we will never know where the road is."

Hearing Chen Nian's words, Sebastian nodded silently.

He wasn't going to persuade any more.

At the beginning, he just wanted to take advantage of Chen Nian's relationship and try to make his voice heard to his superiors.

But now it seems that Chen Nian's views are highly consistent with those of his superiors.

Then there's no need to struggle, just let it be.

After all, at the end of the day, this is still a project of "theirs", not exactly "theirs".

Of course, what he didn't know was that when Chen Nian said the sentence "There must be a road before the car reaches the mountain", he had actually already prepared a sharp axe to split the mountain.

(End of chapter)