Chapter 2688: The Highest Realm of Ma Pi

"Leader, since you've put it that way, I'll also express my stance here."

Zhou Andong tightly pressed his lips, desperately suppressing his urge to burst out laughing, while his face perfectly displayed excitement—his gaze and expression were so Oscar-worthy he deserved a little golden man.

"Even if you can't secure financial support and subsidies for me, for your sincere devotion to the country and the people, I will still get this news website up and running.

No matter the cost, even if I exhaust all my possessions and burn through my entire fortune, I will lay the first foundation stone for the internet. To establish a solid foundation for our great nation's internet and set up the first milestone-worthy benchmark."

"Good!" The leader exclaimed involuntarily, drawing everyone's attention. Seeing the big shot's excited expression, everyone's curiosity was instantly piqued.

After all, besides the big shot, those seated at the table included Zhou Andong, former richest man Liu Xiangchun, and overseas Chinese Ma Xianli. Moreover, to make the big shot so excited, shouting out regardless of the occasion, it must be a major matter. No matter how curious they were, no one came over to disturb, mainly because no one dared to.

"Good!" The big shot stood up, grabbed Zhou Andong's hand tightly, and looked at him with eyes full of admiration and emotion: "Comrade Andong, thank you for your sacrifice and contribution to the country.

The country will not forget you, the people will not forget you, and I certainly won't forget you. You can rest assured—I will definitely secure the license and financial subsidies for you."

Seeing the old man's moved expression, Zhou Andong thought to himself, "Mission accomplished." From addressing him as factory director to calling him Comrade Andong, it was clear how pleased the old man was with him—this favor was earned too easily.

"Leader!"

Zhou Andong tightly gripped the big shot's hand, his voice trembling with emotion, his eye sockets slightly reddened, as if endless emotional waves surged within him. He then took a deep breath, striving to calm himself.

"I'm just a businessman with a few measly coins, limited in ability, and can do little for the country and people. But you're different—the nation's prosperity, social stability and harmony, enabling over a billion people to live stable and happy lives—this stems from your hard work and outstanding contribution."

Pausing there, Zhou Andong then added respectfully: "It can be said that without a leader of your prestige and virtue to guide us forward, achieving such great accomplishments would be difficult. Therefore, it is a great fortune for the country and people to have a leader as excellent and worthy of respect as you."

Liu Xiangchun and Ma Xianli looked bewildered, their understanding of Zhou Andong coming solely from news reports. They believed, given his defiant nature toward heaven, earth, and even air, he must be blunt—but what they just heard?

Zhou Andong was actually flattering the leader, and doing it exceptionally well. Frankly, even if they studied professionally for two years, they couldn't achieve such a polished level of flattery.

"You little rascal, you're also flattering now." The big shot muttered with some reproach, but his smile grew wider. Zhou Andong's words were like a cup of sweet spring water—drinking it made the big shot feel completely at ease.

"This isn't flattery." Zhou Andong said seriously: "These are my genuine thoughts from the heart."

"You little rascal!" The leader laughed again, raising his hand to lightly tap Zhou Andong: "When will the news website start?"

Zhou Andong pondered: "The wool factory reform has just begun, so the news website matter still needs to be delayed."

The leader asked again: "Delay until when?"

"I'm not sure either." Zhou Andong said helplessly: "A few days ago, I had my secretary buy a computer and contact the telecom company to lay a dedicated network line.

Even that, the telecom company hasn't replied yet. You say, with such inefficiency, if I start building the news website now and the network line can't be laid, it'll just be pointless talk."

The big shot frowned: "When did you apply?"

"About four or five days ago." Zhou Andong sighed: "With such low efficiency, how can the internet develop? How can computers enter every household?"

The big shot nodded: "Indeed, work efficiency needs improvement."

Zhou Andong's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile—the computer wasn't even assembled yet, so laying the network line wasn't urgent. But as the wool factory director, having his secretary personally notify the telecom company, they didn't even send a reply.

There are only two possibilities: either no one regards Zhou Andong as important, nor takes his paperless office seriously. Or, certain people at the telecom company are colluding with certain people at the wool factory.

Naturally, they resent Zhou Andong deeply but can't remove him. Now, when he wants to lay a network line, they won't miss the chance to create obstacles. Such people can't harm him directly, but they can make you sick with disgust.

Still, this is just Zhou Andong's speculation. Regardless, since they don't take him seriously, and now there's a chance to apply eye drops, he won't let it pass.

"I understand this matter." The big shot nodded slightly, then asked: "Why are you laying the network line?"

Zhou Andong said: "Of course, to understand the internet. Without deep understanding, how can one master it, build a news website, or run an internet mall?"

"Your words make perfect sense." The big shot's expression turned serious: "After the discussion meeting ends, I will meet with the telecom official and get your computer installed as soon as possible."

Zhou Andong couldn't hold back his laughter: "Leader, I have another purpose for installing the computer."

"Oh?" The big shot immediately perked up—he loved Zhou Andong's creative ideas, always bringing surprises: "Go on, what else?"

"Paperless office!" Zhou Andong said: "I've been thinking—could we develop a dedicated office software to replace traditional paper documents and achieve paperless office?"

As he spoke, Zhou Andong slightly raised his head, looking at the big shot and continued: "And I believe this goal isn't difficult."

"Paperless office—this is good." The big shot's eyes lit up instantly: "Comrade Andong, if you truly achieve paperless office in the wool factory and can promote it to other units, I will recommend you for merit and personally award you a certificate."

"Achieving paperless office within the wool factory shouldn't be difficult." Zhou Andong reflected: "About a year should suffice, but widespread promotion would likely take ten or eight years—without that, it's hard to achieve.

After all, realizing paperless office requires computers—every workstation needs one. Such massive financial investment isn't something every unit can afford."