Director Chang chuckled at that and teased, "The higher-ups even sent me over to soothe your nerves first. Looks like I came for nothing. You two young comrades have a very clear view of things."
Ji Yanzhi had Fang Jie bring Director Chang a cup of tea. "Take your time. We're in no hurry."
"Tomorrow morning, our deputy permanent representative to the United Nations will speak about this incident. An explanation, not a response." Director Chang set down his teacup and continued unhurriedly, "As for the national security investigation in the Netherlands, they'll fabricate some evidence whether they have any or not. That's the U.S. side's usual trick, after all."
At that, Ji Ting lowered his eyes briefly, then raised them with a steady gaze. "Uncle Chang, there's something I'd like to tell you in advance."
"Go ahead."
"Before making the lithography machine, I did access the AL Core Database to look at their data. But I only checked their progress. I didn't steal any technology."
Director Chang froze for a moment and blinked. "Little Ji, what did you say?"
"I said I once..."
"Hm? I still can't quite hear you."
Ji Ear was still a little too honest.
Holding back a laugh, Ji Yanzhi took his hand and gave it a meaningful squeeze. "Uncle Chang, what the U.S. side is most anxious to know right now should be our exact specifications."
A deeply gratified smile appeared on Director Chang's face. "And what's your take on that?"
Ji Yanzhi thought for a moment. "We haven't kept the lithography machine under wraps. Shili's Board of Directors knows about it, as do the major defense industry departments and research institutes. It would be child's play for the U.S. side to verify whether it's real."
Director Chang spread his hands. "See? They're just