Chapter 40: No Way, You Actually Built a Picometer-Scale Lithography Machine?

"Shocking! Zhang Fan has actually managed to produce a picometer-level lithography machine!"

"Zhang Group's lithography machine has arrived in the capital, and scientists in the industry are verifying it!"

"Could it be that this man, who started out delivering food, is about to create a world miracle?"

Every platform is buzzing with discussion about this. Even children are talking about it fervently! Multiple major social media platforms have experienced server crashes—there are simply too many people online.

Some do not believe Zhang Fan can pull it off, and their reasoning is simple: if the entire nation couldn't develop such technology, how could Zhang Fan, a single individual, manage it? Others, however, firmly believe in him and are silently rooting for him, assuming that even if he couldn't do it alone, the fact that news has emerged suggests that powerful figures are helping him behind the scenes. The internet is in an uproar.

Across the ocean, it is noon. Liu Yan, having seen the news online about Zhang Fan beating up Logan, has been waiting at the Florida airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. She believes her status is enough to grab Logan's attention.

Soon, Logan appears, covered in injuries and confined to a wheelchair. Surrounded by a large group of bodyguards, he looks grim as he exits the plane. A swarm of reporters surrounds him, drawn by his notoriety.

"Mr. Logan," one reporter asks with a smirk, "how does it feel to have been beaten up by Zhang Fan?"

Another laughs, "Logan, as an heir to the Rothschild family, how do you feel about being beaten by a food delivery guy?"

Logan is furious but dares not retaliate, knowing some of these reporters are armed. He can't order his bodyguards to attack; if he did, they might be shot with impunity. He can only let out a cold snort.

Suddenly, a voice rings out from the crowd: "Mr. Logan, I am Zhang Fan's ex-wife!"

Hearing this, Logan opens his eyes and looks at Liu Yan. His expression shifts, filled with hostility toward Zhang Fan. He immediately gives an order: "Bring her over!"

When Liu Yan reaches him, Logan's mood improves significantly. His eyes light up—she is a truly beautiful woman. "To think a delivery guy like Zhang Fan could marry such a beautiful woman—it's unbelievable!"

Logan beckons her closer. "I investigated Zhang Fan before I went to China. I know everything about your history. You've come at the perfect time. From today on, you are my woman!"

Damn it! That bastard Zhang Fan! You married my fiancée, so I will toy with your ex-wife and see if that makes you angry! If I can't finish you off yet, I will at least humiliate you!

Liu Yan, dressed to the nines, feels honored. "Every woman in the world would give anything to be Mr. Logan's woman. But, Mr. Logan, I just saw on Chinese social media that many people are saying Zhang Fan has made a picometer-level lithography machine. Could this affect your chip embargo?"

Logan had been under general anesthesia for surgery on his private jet and was unaware of the news. After watching the video on Liu Yan’s phone, he laughs until he is nearly in tears, seemingly forgetting that he was just crippled by Zhang Fan.

"He couldn't produce a damn thing!" Logan scoffs. "Do you have any idea how much effort and combined expertise it takes to create even one lithography machine? Even the Netherlands, which has the most advanced machines in the world, can't guarantee every unit will be successful. A tiny mistake in those microscopic parts means starting over from scratch."

Logan shakes his head, amused by the trending topic. "And that's not even considering that a picometer-level machine doesn't even exist in the world today! If Zhang Fan could actually build one, his net worth would skyrocket to at least five trillion dollars! It's impossible!"

Liu Yan feels relieved. She had feared that after she left him, Zhang Fan had transformed into a world-renowned figure. It turns out he is just the same as before—clearly, he bought the trending search to boost his own popularity. She beams, feeling incredibly excited. "I knew Zhang Fan was just bluffing. Mr. Logan, he dared to hit you—he must have a death wish! If you have the chance, you must teach him a lesson!"

Logan, harboring a deep hatred for Zhang Fan, speaks through gritted teeth. "Don't I want to destroy him? Hmph! Since he claims he can produce a picometer-level lithography machine within a month, let's wait and see! It won't be too late to mock him in a month!"

To be honest, he is actually looking forward to it. Encouraged by Liu Yan, Logan takes her phone and posts a video on Kuaishou, with Liu Yan appearing in the frame from time to time.

The next morning in China, Zhang Fan wakes up and immediately sees the video. Logan looks mocking. "Zhang Fan, instead of wasting time bragging, why don't you hold a global livestream and kneel before me in front of the whole world? If I'm in a good mood, I might lift the chip embargo on China. A picometer-level lithography machine in a month? You must have been kicked in the head by a donkey! If you can actually build it, I, Logan, will kill myself immediately!"

Liu Yan laughs in the video as well. "Zhang Fan, I've been living a wonderful life since our divorce. I am now the woman of a Rothschild heir! You can only afford to buy trending searches to fool people!"

After watching the video, Zhang Fan remains completely unfazed. However, the entire internet is in chaos. Zhao Tie-zhu arrives at Zhang Fan's villa in a rage, and upon seeing Zhang Fan calmly eating, his face turns green.

"Brother! Haven't you seen the video Logan and Liu Yan posted on Kuaishou?" Zhao shouts. "Setting aside how they even met, that woman clearly has ill intentions. Every word is meant to provoke you! How can you still eat?"

Zhang Fan feels nothing. He glances at Zhao and hands him a pair of chopsticks. "You're here? My daughter is on break today and hasn't woken up yet. Liu Yan? Why do you care about her? She’s a moron; I can't even be bothered to look at her."

Zhao is frantic, pacing around the table. "No, Brother, you should at least curse her out! If you won't, I really can't hold back—I'm going to curse her myself!"

Zhang Fan rolls his eyes. "Wang Zhongguo has already sent me a message saying they have accelerated production of the lithography machine. It will definitely be finished within a month. Didn't Logan say he would commit suicide if I helped China create a picometer-level machine? We'll just wait and see him make a fool of himself."

Zhao is stunned. What is wrong with his brother? Is he really this calm? Is this why he is 'Brother Fan'? His detached demeanor and the clear contempt in his voice suggest he doesn't even view Liu Yan as a human being—he treats her like an ant, beneath his notice.

A group of young people with noticeable bulges at their waists enters the room. One look reveals they are highly trained. The woman leading them is sexy with short hair, exuding a sense of heroic spirit. She bows to Zhang Fan.

"Mr. Zhang, we have been sent by the state to protect your safety. We will follow you at all times; a talent like you cannot afford any mishaps."

Zhao is dumbfounded. "Wait, Brother, did you actually make the picometer-level lithography machine? I thought you were joking just now. My god... no way, right?"