Courtyard Houses: The Great Masters of a Nation Hidden Within

Although the system of Chinese Pinyin was not officially finalized until 1958, Director Chen and Deputy Factory Director Li could still recognize it.

The two stared at the screen and read aloud.

"Hello World!"

Suddenly, an indescribable tingling sensation shot up my spine.

They didn't understand what was hidden in those few pinyin characters, but their intuition told them that this thing was not simple.

From now on, anyone who works in the information technology field will know this saying.

Although the first time people all over the world see it, it's the most original version—"hello world!".

But Gao Jianguo didn't think so.

The computer's storage space is currently very limited, so it can't be set up in Chinese. But this is the first time this transistor computer has spoken in the world, and it feels that it should use its own language.

So when he wrote this classic program using Hui, he made a special effort to create a sense of ceremony by typing the four Chinese characters "你好，世界" in pinyin.

Director Chen and Deputy Factory Director Li looked at this set of things and knew perfectly well that Gao Jianguo had once again secretly come up with something new.

Something that can make him this happy must be a good thing.

But with their limited professional knowledge, they really couldn't identify what this pile of iron lumps actually was.

Director Chen didn't feel ashamed at all, and asked directly, "Jianguo, what kind of precious thing is this that you cherish it so much?"

Upon hearing Director Chen's question, Deputy Factory Director Li's slight unease immediately dissipated.

Old Chen doesn't recognize him either.

It's not that I'm ignorant of the world, it's just that the founding of the nation was too ahead of its time.

A group of people stared expectantly as Gao Jianguo revealed the answer: "It's a computer! An all-transistor computer! The whole system just got running today!"

The expressions on Director Chen's and Deputy Factory Director Li's faces clearly showed their disbelief.

They had never used a computer, but they had seen a batch of M-3 computers imported from the north from afar.

That thing can automatically solve complex math problems incredibly fast.

But with that size, there's simply no way to fit him in this room.

It was also difficult to operate, relying on paper tape with holes, and there were no matching accessories such as typewriters or televisions.

This thing in front of me is only about one-tenth the size of the original, and you're telling me it's a computer?

Director Chen pointed to the pile of things, his tongue stammering, "Jianguo, you're saying this is really a computer? How can it be so small?"

Gao Jianguo nodded: "That's right, this is a computer. It's all transistor-based, so it's much smaller and consumes far less power than the M-3 in the north and the domestically made imitations."

With a touch of pride, he said, "Master, Deputy Factory Director Li, don't underestimate this little thing. Its processing speed is just as good as those other machines. I've also added a whole set of user-friendly input/output, instruction, and operating environment features, making it much more comfortable to use than those others. It's just that it's still a prototype and can't be moved around too much."

After saying that, he ran the program and executed several commonly used mathematical tools that he had already programmed.

As those numbers that would normally take half a day to calculate appeared one after another on the screen, Director Chen and Deputy Factory Director Li finally lost their nerve.

Senior executives at big companies, even if they haven't eaten pork, haven't they seen pigs run?

This set is too heavy!

Although Gao Jianguo tinkered with the stuff himself, he was from the Third Steel Rolling Mill, and that alone made them both incredibly proud.

What's this called?

A strong sense of collective honor!

The two exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with undisguised elation.

Deputy Factory Director Li raised his head and ordered the security comrades: "You immediately send one person here. I'll write a note for you to take back to the factory. Transfer a shift of the militia on duty... no, transfer all the ones you can! Guard Jian Guojia in shifts 24 hours a day. But no one is allowed to step into this room."

Director Chen added, "Go back to the factory and call two people from the confidential office to come over. I need to organize the manpower tonight and report to the ministry."

The internal security team quickly dispatched someone to carry out the order.

After the two leaders gave the order, they realized that this was Gao Jianguo's home.

Director Chen turned to Gao Jianguo and said, "Jianguo, I'm out of ideas. I'm going to have to disturb your peace and quiet tonight. Honestly, you're really something. Such a big thing, and you just casually mess around at home like that, without any sense of security."

Gao Jianguo chuckled: "There's no other way. This thing is too expensive, and I'm not entirely sure about it. I'm afraid of dragging the factory down, so I have to do it myself first."

After hearing what he said, the two of them knew that he was right.

I'm really puzzled as to where Gao Jianguo got all this money.

His salary isn't low, but it's definitely not enough to burn this kind of stuff.

When this was brought up, Gao Jianguo's expression showed a rare hint of embarrassment: "Hehe, my girlfriend's family is still relatively well-off, so I asked her dad for help. Last time, Master Liu said my girlfriend was sending me box after box of things, and that was for this."

This is the matter that Gao Jianguo and Lou Xiao'e's father discussed.

Lou's father contributed money and effort to procure a batch of transistors and other components of the same type as those used in transistor computers and sent them to Gao Jianguo.

Lou's father was shrewd in his calculations.

If you just give money directly, it's guaranteed to fail.

But if you feel sorry for your future son-in-law, it's only natural for you to spend money to help him with his hobbies and scientific research.

Even with thousands of tubes and electronic components, he still has the power to control them.

Once the product is ready, Gao Jianguo definitely won't be able to afford it himself. Where will the money come from?

Hey, by then, the working class was quick-witted and did a good job in united front work, which made the enlightened opposing class willingly open their pockets, and social development benefited. That's how this wonderful story was passed down.

As for Gao Jianguo himself, he didn't use any of the things that Lou's father sent him; he just put them all in the storage room.

The costs of developing this transistor computer and the problem of sourcing components were solved so easily.

After hearing Gao Jianguo's words, the two of them finally understood everything.

Those who can afford this money don't even need to have their class background explicitly stated.

Gao Jianguo's move was truly brilliant.

They also took the favors of the class enemies, spent their money, and accomplished social construction projects.

high!

That's brilliant!

Old Chen couldn't help but give Gao Jianguo a thumbs up: "Jianguo, you've really nailed this united front work!"

Deputy Factory Director Li chimed in, "Jianguo, why don't you take on some of the responsibilities for the factory's united front work?"

Gao Jianguo chuckled mysteriously, "That won't do. But, gentlemen, could you please reimburse my electricity bill? This thing is supposed to be energy-efficient, but for me, it's still too high."

Director Chen and Deputy Factory Director Li's eyes lit up.

The implication behind those words is crystal clear.

This stuff has a very special origin; you can't get it from the meat factory, but you can still drink a sip of the soup.

The two nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, the factory should provide this kind of support."

After the three finished speaking, they all burst into laughter.

Despite the laughter, I felt like I'd forgotten something.