Rebirth: Starting from Lighting Up the Tech Tree

Chapter 130_A New Beginning

The cooperation with Star Technology has been finalized.

The exclusive licensing of the neuromorphic chip gives 402 a significant technological advantage. The completion of the upgrade of 480 satellites marks the final sprint stage of the Sky Dome Phase IV project.

At the same time, Yu Ying brought good news.

"Brother, my first draft of the thesis has passed Professor Li's review!" Yu Ying said excitedly. "The formal defense is expected in three months."

Zuo Cheng felt a weight lifted from his heart.

Yu Ying's doctoral dissertation is the culmination of three years of research, focusing on "Adaptive Cooperative Algorithms in Distributed Systems." This research direction aligns perfectly with the business of 402, and after passing her defense, she will be able to officially join 402.

"Congratulations, Kongkong," Zuo Cheng said.

"Thank you, brother," Yu Ying said with a smile. "After my defense, I can officially start working in room 402. You'll have to arrange a good position for me then."

"What position do you want?" Zuo Cheng asked.

"Technical Director," Yu Ying joked, "I'm in charge of the entire AI business unit."

"Sure," Zuo Cheng said earnestly. "Once you join, the technical department will be yours."

Yu Ying was taken aback: "Are you serious?"

"Of course," Zuo Cheng said, "You are the person I trust most."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Yu Ying's soft laughter came through: "Then I'll take it seriously."

"It was true all along."

After hanging up the phone, Zuo Cheng felt a sense of relief.

Work is progressing smoothly in Phase Four of the Sky Dome project; in her personal life, Yu Ying is about to graduate. Everything is moving in a positive direction.

But he knew in his heart that this was just the calm before the storm.

Lin Jianhua wouldn't let this go easily, the doubts within Starry Sky hadn't been completely dispelled, and the final acceptance of Sky Dome Phase IV hadn't even begun. Problems could arise at any stage.

But at this moment, he was willing to put aside these worries for the time being and enjoy this rare peace.

Team 402 celebrated with a dinner party.

This gathering was larger than ever before. In addition to the core team, members of Xingchen's joint laboratory were also invited. Shen Yiming, Fang Ze, Han Lu, Chen Hao, Liu Wei... a large round table was filled with people.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

"Come on, let's toast Brother Cheng!" Chen Hao shouted, raising his glass; he was already a little drunk.

"Respect to General Zuo!" the crowd responded in unison.

Zuo Cheng smiled, raised his glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

This was the most relaxing moment he had experienced since his rebirth. The collaboration with Xingchen was finalized, the fourth phase of the Sky Dome program was entering its final sprint, Yu Ying was about to graduate... everything was moving in a positive direction.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Hao became somewhat drunk and began to reminisce.

"Back then, we were just a small studio with four people, and now..." He shook his head, "I never could have imagined it."

Liu Wei chimed in, "Yeah, back then we were crammed into a rented room writing code, and we didn't even have air conditioning."

"And now?" Fang Ze said expressionlessly, "We have a team of over a hundred people, a partnership with Starry Sky, and a huge contract for Sky Dome Phase IV."

"It's only been less than three years," Chen Hao said. "Three years? I can't even imagine it."

Zuo Cheng listened to their conversation and felt the same way.

Yes, only three years.

Three years ago, he was just an ordinary person who had just been reborn, possessing the memories of his previous life but lacking the ability to change his fate.

Now, he has his own company, his own team, and the technology to change the world.

All of this is thanks to the tech tree system.

But he knew in his heart that this was far from enough.

His past failures taught him that strength is everything. His current achievements are just the beginning; the real challenges lie ahead.

"This is just the beginning," Zuo Cheng interrupted their reflections. "The fourth phase of Sky Dome hasn't been completed yet, the interstellar internet isn't finished, and we still have a long way to go."

Everyone quieted down and looked at Zuo Cheng.

"Moreover," Zuo Cheng continued, "our competitors won't stand idly by. Lin Jianhua, Huaxin, and other potential rivals... they're all watching us."

"Therefore," he raised his glass, "we cannot let our guard down. The revolution is not yet complete; comrades, we must continue our efforts."

"To the future!" Chen Hao raised his glass, "To our dreams!"

"Salute to dreams! Salute to Brother Cheng!" the crowd chanted in unison.

Zuo Cheng raised his glass with a smile, but in his heart he was making plans. The celebration was just a temporary relaxation; the real battle was yet to come.

After the dinner party ended, everyone dispersed. Zuo Cheng escorted Yu Ying home.

A cool night breeze blew, and the streets were nearly deserted. Zuo Cheng held Yu Ying's hand as they walked slowly down the road.

"Brother, what is your dream?" Yu Ying suddenly asked.

Zuo Cheng was stunned for a moment.

dream?

He thought of his past life, when his only dream was to support his family and pay off his mortgage. It was laughably pathetic.

And now?

What is his dream?

Zuo Cheng looked up at the distant night sky.

The night sky over Shenzhen is devoid of stars, save for the distant twinkling of city lights. But above those lights lies the true starry sky. Satellites orbit, their signals traversing the heavens and earth, weaving an invisible web.

"Let the Chinese sky have its own brain," Zuo Cheng said.

Yu Ying looked at him with a smile in her eyes.

"Is this your dream?"

"Yes," Zuo Cheng nodded. "Satellite communication shouldn't be a cold, impersonal execution of commands, but rather an intelligent, collaborative network. Each satellite should be able to sense, think, and make decisions, forming a truly intelligent system."

"This is a big dream," Yu Ying said.

"How can a dream be called a dream if it's not big?" Zuo Cheng smiled.

Yu Ying leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I believe you."

Zuo Cheng held her hand, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

Yes, where there is a dream, there is hope. With her by his side, he had the motivation to move forward.

Back at the hotel, Zuo Cheng opened the system panel.

The tech tree interface shimmered with a faint light. The four branches were already lush and verdant, and the outline of the fifth branch was faintly visible.

The technical preview shows that the fifth branch, named "Unmanned System," contains eight blades in different directions.

Drones, driverless cars, smart robots, automated factories...

Zuo Cheng stared at the blurry outlines, his mind filled with endless reverie.

Drones fly in formation in the sky, driverless cars shuttle through the streets, and intelligent robots work tirelessly in factories...

If the fifth branch is activated, 402's business will expand into these areas. At that point, it will no longer be just satellite communications, but a true intelligent empire.

But he knew it wasn't the right time yet.

The activation conditions for the fifth branch have not yet been met. The technology tree needs more accumulation and more breakthroughs. Zuo Cheng estimates that at least one or two more major technological milestones are needed to trigger the activation of the new branch.

But it's okay.

He still has time.

Outside the window, the night was deep. But dawn would eventually break.

And he was ready.