Chapter 997: Si Wei Appears

Zhou Andong’s words left some discerning people in deep thought, but most believed he was simply stirring up fear.

“Blindly idolizing Western values, constantly invoking America, constantly invoking universal values, constantly invoking alignment with the international community—many people, especially in universities, blindly worship Western values and rarely think independently.”

“Unlimited praise for so-called freedom, democracy, human rights, and one-person-one-vote has robbed us of any factual analysis or discussion of their historical context and class limitations—this is extremely dangerous.”

“Therefore, we must remain vigilant against Western cultural invasion and ideological infiltration.”

The young man couldn’t hold back anymore; Zhou Andong’s words had utterly dismantled his long-held beliefs and left him frightened.

“America became advanced and civilized precisely because of its democracy, diversity of species, and cultural diversity—these are the correct paths to advancing civilization. Why can’t we learn from them? Instead, you’re spouting nonsense and spreading fear.”

“Americans keep preaching about diversity—democratic diversity, species diversity, cultural diversity—I find it strange. In this world’s garden of a hundred flowers, China is one flower, vibrant and thriving—why must we become just like America’s flower?”

Zhou Andong’s voice suddenly rose: “And what about Japan’s flower, Korea’s flower? Let me tell you—upholding reform and opening-up, upholding China’s own path of development, is precisely defending scientific and cultural diversity.”

“Clap, clap, clap…”

This time, He Jingyuan was the first to clap. Zhou Andong’s words had struck right to his heart.

We uphold reform and opening-up, we uphold our own path—why must we learn from America?

The applause lasted a long time—even the young man who had asked the question joined in clapping.

Zhou Andong picked up his mineral water and took another sip, then looked at the young man.

“They’re capitalist, parliamentary, speak English—you envy them? Then go see for yourself. Gunshots happen every few days, beggars fill the streets—your so-called high-quality elites, when drunk, will urinate right on the sidewalk.”

“What exactly do you envy? If you insist you’re not afraid of being shot, and you’d rather be a homeless man in America even without a job, then I’ve only two words for you: idiot!”

As soon as Zhou Andong finished speaking, light laughter broke out; the young man’s face turned ashen.

“Are you satisfied with my answer?” Zhou Andong smiled at the young man.

The young man fell silent again; no matter how much Zhou Andong mocked him, he didn’t utter a word.

Zhou Andong snorted: “You think I’m cursing and humiliating Zhuo Qihua just because he didn’t donate money to Chinese universities?”

The young man said nothing, but that was exactly what he thought.

“I’m not that petty. Whether he donates his money to whom is his freedom—I won’t moralize him.”

Zhou Andong’s voice grew colder: “He belittled our country first, then insulted the Chinese people afterward—shouldn’t he be scolded? Do you really think I’m like you, willing to kneel as a foreign slave rather than stand tall as my own master?”

The young man’s face flushed red and pale under Zhou Andong’s verbal assault; the other youth secretly felt relieved—he was glad he hadn’t asked another foolish question, or he’d have been humiliated for sure.

He also resolved inwardly: never again provoke Zhou Andong—this guy’s tongue was razor-sharp, and his knowledge base was astonishing.

“Let me tell you.”

Zhou Andong gripped the microphone, pointed at the young man, and roared—the speakers crackled loudly, startling many in the audience.

“The Chinese have never lacked innovation. Ancient China’s Four Great Inventions greatly advanced human civilization—who dares say contemporary China won’t produce new Four Great Inventions and capture the world’s attention?”

Zhou Andong turned his gaze away from the young man, who finally exhaled a long breath.

Zhou Andong’s eyes were genuinely frightening—he dared not even breathe loudly.

Zhou Andong scanned the hall: “I just said—in thirty years, no more than fifty, China’s level of development will be unbelievable. Take trains, for example: from Beijing to Yangcheng, depart in the morning, arrive by evening.”

“Have breakfast in Beijing, have dinner in Yangcheng—think how wonderful that would be. And when you go shopping, you won’t even need cash—just carry a mobile phone. Want to buy something? Pay with your mobile phone—think how thrilling that would be.”

“Mr. Zhou!” Miss He asked, her eyes sparkling: “Will China really have trains that fast one day? Will we really be able to shop without cash, just using a mobile phone to pay?”

Zhou Andong shook his head slightly: “I don’t know. That’s just my fantasy.”

“I believe it!” Miss He clenched her fist and waved it: “With the wisdom of the Chinese people, we’ll surely realize this dream.”

“I hope so,” Zhou Andong smiled. “But such trains will surely be expensive. As for mobile phones—forget it, I can’t even afford one now; they’ll probably be even pricier later. How could ordinary people afford them?”

“Not necessarily!” Miss He shook her head. “Technology progresses forward—once it reaches a certain point, it might become very cheap.”

Everyone in the room smiled slightly at their exchange.

Beijing to Yangcheng, depart morning, arrive evening—shopping without cash, paying with a mobile phone.

It did sound appealing—but could it ever be real?

Everyone in the room had the same answer in their hearts: impossible.

Miss He was eager to chat more with Zhou Andong, but seeing the reporters staring expectantly, she could only offer an apologetic smile and sat down.

Then, a woman in her forties, overweight, wearing thick glasses, raised her hand.

“Mr. Zhou, the craze for going abroad is growing stronger. Many people, even if they can’t go themselves, will do anything to send their children overseas. Do you think going abroad is slavish admiration for the West? What are your views on patriotism?”

It was a reasonable question. Zhou Andong nodded: “Although I don’t endorse the American culture and values glorified by those anti-China elements, I must admit some aspects are worth learning. So not everyone who goes abroad is slavishly admiring the West…”

Zhou Andong was being cornered by reporters in the hall, while on the twenty-eighth floor, a seductive, voluptuous woman slipped five hundred yuan into the pockets of a floor attendant and two cleaners, then glanced at Room 2831 before heading to the elevator and ascending to the twenty-ninth floor.

In Room 2917, Zhuo Qihua sat on the sofa with his eyes closed, motionless—whether asleep or not, no one could tell.

At that moment, the door creaked open, and a stunningly beautiful, mature, and sensual woman stepped in.

“Had dinner?” The woman kicked off her high heels, walked over, sat on the sofa, and picked up a cigarette from the coffee table, lighting it.

“Where were you?” Zhuo Qihua opened his eyes, his tone tinged with irritation.

The woman snorted, smoking elegantly: “Where I go—do I need to report it to you?”

Instantly, a wave of rage surged to Zhuo Qihua’s head—he’d already been seething from his encounter with Zhou Andong, and now he lost control.

“Si Wei!” Zhuo Qihua growled. “Don’t forget—when you first arrived in Xiangjiang, with your children and elderly relatives, who helped you? If you dare betray me, I swear I’ll kill you—and both your sons.”