Chapter 290: The Sky Net Project Pilot City (Part 1)

As previously mentioned, developing LeXin is one aspect, generating revenue from government projects is an indispensable part as well. Everyone knows the government has money. Although some complain about difficulties in securing project funds or delays caused by certain unscrupulous individuals, Zhao Qingfeng was confident that Gao Hu would not delay his project payments. This confidence stemmed not only from the potential to gain official favor through the Sky Net project and facial recognition systems but also from the indispensable ‘support’ of Gao Hu or those higher up in future communications with the three major telecom operators. In summary, it involved too much to detail, but essentially, every partner stood to profit.

Upon meeting again, Gao Hu was very pleased. The two first discussed the affair of the Liu family; Old Liu’s sentence was set at thirteen years of imprisonment without the possibility of probation. He might be released on parole in seven or eight years, but for Zhao Qingfeng, it was sufficient.

The only concern remained for Liu Ruoxin. It wasn’t so much about missing her but hoping she would quickly find the man from her past life abroad and continue their previous fate, allowing him to finally uncover his enemies.

“Do you know who I met in Beijing?” In the closed office, Gao Hu’s voice lowered, hinting at mystery.

Zhao Qingfeng shook his head, “Surely it was some important figure.”

Gao Hu nodded slightly, his face unable to hide his joy, “Honestly, I never expected to meet him. The theft at the Hailong mall was quite sensational, you saw the news, right? When we arrested the thief, just as you said, the cripple was indeed attempting to tunnel into the basement to steal. We caught him red-handed that night.”

The story of the cripple thief caused a stir in society, given it was a major theft at a jewelry store. Although the university student community discussed it on LeXin, compared to games, women, and studies, it didn’t create much of a splash.

Zhao Qingfeng had heard about it; he read the New Culture Daily every day and was privy to the inside story.

Gao Hu continued joyfully, “Normally, catching a thief isn’t anything special, but after I reported it to the Ministry of Public Security, they became very interested in our Sky Net project. Coincidentally, on the day I visited, he was inspecting the headquarters. I’m not sure if it was his secretary or someone else who informed him, but he personally met with me for 10 minutes. I briefly explained the concept, and on the spot, he instructed my superior’s superior’s superior to ‘thoroughly investigate and develop this, aiming for nationwide implementation if feasible.'”

Even two days later, Gao Hu was still visibly excited at the memory of meeting him, his hands trembling slightly.

Though not the best of times, nor the worst, the year 2001 was indeed a decent era. It lacked the simplicity of the 1980s but also the extravagance that would come 20 years later.

Zhao Qingfeng also felt honored and after a brief shock, calmly stated, “This is indeed great news. With his support, promoting the Sky Net project will definitely be smoother. However, I still have many concerns. It’s fine for our province, but how exactly should the plan be implemented?”

Decisions involving national and government strategies were naturally beyond Zhao Qingfeng’s purview.

Gao Hu chuckled, “I’ve always said you’re capable, thinking more broadly than our Little Peng. He’s been mentioning you lately, saying he wants to meet and have a drink with you. But let’s not talk about him for now. About Sky Net, I’ve been holding back another piece of good news, worried it might shock you. Did you know, the higher-ups have decided to make our provincial capital the official pilot city for the Sky Net project, giving us half a year to fully develop it. The provincial government plans to allocate 1.5 billion yuan as initial funding. If done well, you might even have the chance to meet him in person in the future!”

This was undoubtedly tremendous news.

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