Reinventing the Millennium

The head of SMIC resigned.

Although this news was announced in the United States, it quickly hit the domestic semiconductor industry late at night.

Whether it is to mobilize talents and funds to the mainland, or to catch up with international standards and successfully shorten the gap in semiconductor technology, Zhang Rujing has done his best to be the best within his capabilities.

From 2000 to 2008, SMIC has successively overcome difficulties in capital, talent, equipment, technology, etc., and successively built 250, 180, 130, 90nm and other production lines, becoming the top ten wafer fabs in the world.

Although SMIC encountered setbacks during this period such as the downturn of the DRAM cycle and lawsuits from Taiwan journalists, as long as Zhang Rujing, the leader, was still at SMIC, it was like a magic needle that made people have confidence in the company's development.

However, this night's news was somewhat chilling as the two companies reconciled again.

Fang Zhuo's phone rang from time to time at night, and he felt the doubts, confusion, and shock of many people, including peers, leaders, and senior executives within SMIC and Bingxin.

How did this happen?

What will be the impact?

Because it happened so suddenly, Fang Zhuo could only express his views from the sidelines. SMIC was always at a disadvantage in its entanglement with Taiwan reporters. In the first half of the year, there was bad news from the US court. This time... this time it was indeed Some of the bad ones broke through the expected bottom line.

Fang Zhuo comforted some people and was comforted by some.

At dawn, he had a phone call with Jiang Shangzhou, who had finished an emergency meeting. On the one hand, he listened to SMIC's temporary handling, and on the other hand, he expressed his support for SMIC's future development.

Before SMIC introduced new investors, Fangzhuo held 5% of the shares, and Datang Telecom was already a shareholder.

There were more phone calls after dawn, and media interviews came to me through different channels but were all declined.

"You didn't sleep much this night. Now take a nap." Su Wei said when she saw that Fang Zhuo's phone was quiet for a while.

"I'm not going to sleep anymore. Xiao Liu's car is already down there. I have a meeting in the city and I want to hear my thoughts." Fang Zhuo shook his head and said, "Make me a cup of coffee."

Su Wei frowned but did not object. Knowing that today was a special situation, she just said after making coffee: "Is there anything in the company that you need my help with?"

"Yongke Real Estate has made an appointment to come over to see the design plan of the new headquarters. You can also take a look." Fang Zhuo pondered, "I will arrange Yike's affairs on the road. There is only one important meeting, so I will postpone it to tomorrow. , and the trivial matter of going to Xiangjiang to watch the listing of Morningstar."

Su Wei nodded slightly.

After a moment, she said softly: "Enough is enough, and don't put so much pressure on me."

From the time she learned the news last night to now, she could see the solemn look on Fang Zhuo's face the most.

"I actually don't have that much pressure. After all, this is still SMIC's business. My shareholding is just to support Mr. Zhang and Dr. Jiang." Fang Zhuo shook his head, "What happened happened, and the most important thing now is What should we do in the future? Where will we go in this 'post-Zhang Rujing' era?"

Su Wei asked: "Where to go?"

Fang Zhuo sighed: "Yes, where to go?"

…

Zhang Rujing is a leader in the mainland's semiconductor industry.

Although there are rising stars like Ice Core that are taking a step ahead in the manufacturing process of wafer fabs, Zhang Rujing has been immersed in the industry for decades and has single-handedly promoted the progress of the mainland industry and has a very high reputation.

This kind of prestige with professional background and senior experience is something Fang Zhuo does not have.

Therefore, during the day when Zhang Rujing flew back to Shanghai from the United States, Fang Zhuo witnessed a heartfelt panic within SMIC. The management and employees of different factions unanimously raised a question, what should SMIC do?

When Zhang Rujing landed, SMIC's plan was released with his approval. Jiang Shangzhou will serve as the chairman of SMIC as an independent non-executive director to balance the forces of various factions and appease internal and external sentiments. The CEO invited Wang Ningguo The Doctor takes over.

Needless to say, Jiang Shangzhou played a big role when SMIC landed in Shanghai and has always been trusted by all parties. In particular, his own administrative background can balance the considerations from above.

As for Wang Ningguo, his experience is somewhat similar to Zhang Rujing. He was born in the mainland, grew up in Taiwan, studied in the United States, has rich experience in the semiconductor industry, and eventually returned to the mainland to develop the semiconductor industry.

However, he is better at materials and equipment.

From 2005 to 2007, Wang Ningguo served as the CEO of Huahong Group. However, due to multiple complex factors, he left Huahong sadly after one of Huahong's 12-inch production lines was shelved.

Because Huahong is located in Shanghai, Jiang Shangzhou is very familiar with Wang Ningguo and believes in his abilities. This time, he strongly recommended this professional manager with a glorious overseas resume as CEO.

Another very important reason is that Wang Ningguo can gain the trust of Taiwanese people within SMIC.

Fang Zhuo was not familiar with Wang Ningguo, but since Zhang Rujing had reviewed this plan, it might be the most appropriate arrangement at the moment.

Only half a day later, Wang Ningguo agreed to the invitation from SMIC and was willing to serve as the head of a mainland company again.

Half a day later, SMIC issued an announcement. After confirmation by the board of directors, it accepted Zhang Rujing's resignation due to personal reasons, appointed Wang Ningguo as executive director of the board of directors, group president and CEO, and appointed independent non-executive director Jiang Shangzhou as co-chairman.

At the same time, there was also a statement submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that Zhang Rujing would no longer serve as the company’s representative and Jiang Shangzhou was designated as the company’s representative on the exchange. The resolution took effect immediately.

Amid the commotion, SMIC's response was at least very swift.

Fang Zhuo knew immediately that Zhang Rujing had landed in Shanghai, but he was not in a hurry to see him. First, he had some relationship changes that needed to be dealt with, and second, he also wanted both of them to have room to relax.

No one would be more at such a time than Zhang Rujing, who single-handedly founded SMIC...

Before Fang Zhuo saw Zhang Rujing, he didn't know whether he was sad, regretful, or had any complicated emotions.

On September 6, three days after Zhang Rujing resigned from SMIC, he called Mr. Fang and invited him to come to SMIC.

In the evening, Fang Zhuo arrived at SMIC's Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park and found that Mr. Zhang was not as haggard as he had imagined.

"I thought we would meet somewhere else, or find a restaurant or something to have a drink."

Fang Zhuo took the newspaper handed over by his secretary, rolled it up in his hand, and followed Zhang Rujing as he walked around SMIC's factory.

Zhang Rujing glanced at Mr. Fang and smiled slightly: "I thought you would comfort me when you came up, but I didn't expect that you, a shareholder of SMIC, would openly and secretly use my identity as the former CEO to make trouble."

"I didn't mean that." Fang Zhuo denied, "I wish you could take the center core in front to keep out the wind and rain, and I wish the ice core could develop silently in the back."

Zhang Rujing walked a few steps and said, "I actually heard the station reporter mention your ice core in Washington."

Fang Zhuo asked with interest: "The next step is not to sue Bing Xin, right?"

"Probably not. They lamented the rapid development of Bingxin." Zhang Rujing shook his head and suddenly asked, "Liang Mengsong has already taken up the post at Bingxin?"

Fang Zhuo nodded. Bingxin did not publicize this, but news has leaked out in the industry. Although Liang Mengsong has left Taiwan Journal for two years, he is still a noteworthy talent in the global industry, just like Wang Ningguo, who was invited to be the CEO of SMIC. , the re-employment of such talents has always attracted the attention of interested people.

Zhang Rujing tilted his head and smiled half-heartedly: "No wonder the ice core manufacturing technology has developed so fast."

This was the point where he was confused when he heard that ice core had broken through the 65nm process last year.

Fang Zhuo said seriously: "Mr. Zhang, Bingxin reserves the right to pursue legal responsibility for any malicious speculation."

Zhang Rujing glanced at Mr. Fang and saw that he was indeed very strict in terms of law. Liang Mengsong did not show up until the end of the non-competition agreement.

The two looked at each other, both smiling.

"Objectively speaking, Taiwan reporters have increased their efforts to entangle us this year. This may be related to the speed of semiconductor development in the mainland." Zhang Rujing said slowly, "Mr. Fang, I don't blame Bingxin, it's just my experience in the past six months. Feel."

Fang Zhuo nodded silently, he also felt that there was such a factor.

"So you need to be careful with ice cores." Zhang Rujing paused, "The United States will always help Taiwan reporters."

Fang Zhuo still nodded. Although he had made some friends in the United States, industrial competition is a general trend and I am afraid it cannot be easily overcome.

The two of them continued walking forward.

After a while, Fang Zhuo asked: "How is Wang Ningguo?"

"Wang Ningguo..." Zhang Rujing frowned, "I have thought a lot in the past two days. SMIC has cut off the DRAM business and stopped the bleeding in time. The environment he faces may not be that bad. The most important task is to stabilize traditional customers. Stabilizing management and employees, and that's what he's good at."

"It's a good thing there is Wang Ningguo, otherwise I would have left the mountain." Fang Zhuo said with a smile.

Zhang Rujing said seriously: "I said at the board of directors, don't be afraid. I am gone, and Wang Ningguo is gone. If Wang Ningguo doesn't work, Mr. Fang will still have the whole story, so don't be afraid. After I say this Everyone burst into applause."

Fang Zhuo picked up the rolled newspaper, clapped his left hand, and said regretfully: "It's a pity, it's a pity, I should have had a director's seat before, just in time to take advantage of SMIC's changes and become a co-chairman."

"Don't be a pity. I have already proposed that when the board of directors is reorganized next year, there must be a place for you. Academician Wang is old after all. If you want, you don't need to join us. The chairman will offer it directly." Zhang Rujing said again, "This The words also made the board of directors burst into warm applause.”

Fang Zhuo couldn't laugh or cry: "Just use me to deceive the applause in the board of directors."

Zhang Rujing took a few steps forward and suddenly said: "I hope that you, the sympathizing leader of Bingxin, can help take care of it. This time, I had no choice but to reconcile with the reporter. He also took some stocks. According to the My idea is that if it doesn’t work out in the end, I can just sell SMIC directly to Bingxin.”

"But I am neither the CEO, nor the chairman, nor the major shareholder, so I can only think about it in my heart."

Fang Zhuo felt a sense of sadness from Mr. Zhang and mused: "You just said that Dr. Wang is good at 'stability', so he must be able to stabilize Taiwanese reporters. He doesn't seem to have a problem with you and Taiwanese reporters."

"It's true. From all aspects, Wang Ningguo is indeed very suitable for the current situation." Zhang Rujing circled back, "But I'm not joking, and I really hope to encounter something. You, the head of the ice core, should Just take action.”

Fang Zhuo just nodded: "Then we really need a seat next year."

He finally agreed. A board seat would certainly be more convenient for him to do things.

Zhang Rujing was obviously in a better mood and talked about the development of the mainland's semiconductor industry this year while walking.

When it comes to this topic, Fang Zhuo is more professional.

The Ice Core Wafer Manufacturing Service Alliance is more aware of the domestic industry situation. Although it feels that it is a tricky situation, it is still trying hard.

Zhang Rujing listened very attentively. After a while, he couldn't help but reflect: "It seems that a framework is more efficient and can help upstream and downstream. When you invited me to join this alliance, I should have agreed." of."

One moment and another, now looking at it from a different perspective, the service alliance is really gradually coming into play.

"Let's see if SMIC can stabilize the situation first. After this period, I will talk to Dr. Wang." Fang Zhuo said this first, and then said, "But the service alliance is a hard work, and Dr. Wang has some professional managers. I mean, maybe I don’t like this kind of thing, just like you, I can’t force him.”

Zhang Rujing was silent, this understanding was very clear.

Wang Ningguo will inevitably regard the development of SMIC as his top priority. Moreover, since he is not a founder like himself, he will be more worried about decision-making, and the "Ten Years of Trees" initiative may easily cause constraints.

"You should have come directly in front of me and grabbed my arm to do it together." Zhang Rujing pretended to be dissatisfied.

Fang Zhuo laughed: "It's my fault."

"It's not like you've never done anything like this before." Zhang Rujing was referring to an incident involving a team of experts during the Spring Festival.

"No, as soon as you, Mr. Zhang, say something, I will appear in front of you immediately." Fang Zhuo said innocently.

Zhang Rujing was about to say something more but gave up: "Forget it, let's wait and see. Let's get over this difficulty first."

"Who says it's not the case?" Fang Zhuo said deliberately, "The earth will turn around no matter who you are, so just enjoy your retirement life."

Zhang Rujing's expression immediately became serious: "After the small talk, let's get down to business."

Fang Zhuo: "..."

"I signed an agreement with the Taiwanese reporter, and we are almost out of competition." Zhang Rujing said, "Now the things that can be done are either raw materials or photovoltaics. I think raw materials need more people to do it, so I want to find you, a rich man, to get some help. Investment, do you have money?”

Fang Zhuo was shocked: "Are you starting a business again?"

"Otherwise?" Zhang Rujing said calmly, "Are you really going to retire? I can't work at SMIC. I can do whatever I can. It's not like you don't know that all domestic 12-inch wafers have to be imported. I'll try it. If we try, maybe we can break the monopoly."

"No, don't you want to take a rest?" Fang Zhuo couldn't help but said, "At least, let's calm down."

"While we are working on it, we are recovering at the same time. We are looking for investments first and then policies. I have contacted several cities, and Qingdao is very interested." Zhang Rujing is not just talking, "Isn't your service alliance grading suppliers? ?”

He continued: "Perhaps, one day in the future, I will appear in front of Ice Core and SMIC as a supplier."

Fang Zhuo was silent for a while and said coldly: "You'd better be really good. I won't do it because you are Zhang Rujing, I won't do it because SMIC helped Bingxin complete 130nm risk mass production, and I won't do it because SMIC imported talents. , I will relax my standards for you.”

Zhang Rujing laughed: "Are you going to pay or not?"

"Pay money, pay money." Fang Zhuo complained, "Mr. Zhang, since you are so ambitious, I have to say that not all investors are as easy to talk to as me. You can wait in the future."

"Isn't Zhang Rujing's name worth some money?" Zhang Rujing said with a smile.

"Zhang Rujing, who is capable of hard work and determined, is indeed valuable." Fang Zhuo admitted this.

"After working in semiconductors all my life, how can I not continue to do it?" Zhang Rujing suppressed his smile and sighed, "The ancients said that the corpse is wrapped in horse leather, so I plan to work on semiconductors until I can't do it anymore."

"I feel a little sad when I talk. Let's go. Let's go have a drink. I'll treat you. If you really go to Qingdao, I don't know how many times a year you can see me." Fang Zhuo said.

"Is this considered a strong drink?" Zhang Rujing responded. He suddenly wanted to drink again. If he really went to Qingdao and wanted to make achievements in 12-inch wafers, I don't know what year it would be.

The two left SMIC and found a nearby place to drink.

Zhang Rujing talked about Taiwan, the international advanced level, the closest distance SMIC had ever been, and some of his thoughts when looking back on its development history at this time.

Fang Zhuo listens more and drinks more.

Whether it was Zhang Rujing or Fang Zhuo, both of them had not been drunk for a long time, but they were particularly interested today.

I don't know how much he drank, but Zhang Rujing suddenly slapped the wine glass on the table and kept silent.

After a long time, he sighed quietly: "It's hard to calm down after all."

Fang Zhuo silently poured him another glass: "There are still people coming later."

Zhang Rujing looked at the young Mr. Fang, smiled, and raised his glass: "Mr. Fang, I wish you a long life."

"Mr. Zhang, then I wish you to be shrouded in horse leather." Fang Zhuo said unlucky words.

Zhang Rujing laughed.

…

A big drunken session.

The next day, Zhang Rujing got up very early. He walked around the SMIC factory again and stared at this very different place as he did eight years ago before going to work.

Maybe, one day I will come back as a supplier.

Life has been full of ups and downs, from Texas in the United States to Hsinchu, the treasure island, to Shanghai in the mainland, and to Qingdao.

The ambition has not yet been fulfilled and is still on the road.

"Mr. Zhang, where are you going?" An engineer who came to work saw Mr. Zhang walking out of the factory and asked subconsciously.

Zhang Rujing looked at this young engineer. If he remembered correctly, he was a newcomer to SMIC this year.

He smiled and said: "I'm going to get the big silicon wafer, see you later."

The engineer was stunned: "Huh? Okay, see you later."

Who would have expected that in this life, my heart is in Tianshan and my body is in Cangzhou.

See you.