Chapter 110

Chapter 110

"Mayor, these are the comrades who came today to test the printer." Secretary Li courteously introduced them to Mayor Zhou, then turned slightly to introduce everyone: "Everyone, this is our Mayor Zhou."

Mayor Zhou was about fifty, with a kindly face, wearing a slightly worn shirt that made him seem approachable. His gaze settled on Feng Xia, and he said, "Is this Comrade Feng Xia? I've long admired your reputation. Thank you very much for your contributions, Comrade Feng Xia. Is this the printer?"

Mayor Zhou's attention was inevitably drawn to the printer—it was so beautiful, with its sleek silver-white shell and mechanical-looking body, compact compared to current models. He couldn't help but gently touch it. Secretary Li promptly handed him a newly printed diagram, causing Mayor Zhou's eyes to widen in amazement.

The chart was clear, the font crisp, and the layout beautifully arranged. He could hardly believe this was achieved just now.

Feng Xia was still tinkering with the old computer. Its processing and computing functions were relatively outdated; running two small programs simultaneously made it sluggish. Well, Feng Xia knew she had to be content—having it was already good enough. Domestic computer research was just beginning; this level of functionality was decent.

She looked up, her voice clear, and asked, "Would you like to give it a try?"

Secretary Li exclaimed in surprise, "Comrade, have you already got results? Can we use this spreadsheet stuff?"

Feng Xia nodded, which astonished the others even more. Was it really that simple? If so, why couldn't anyone achieve this in the year since the jsg-5 came out? This young comrade is really something.

Mayor Zhou volunteered, "Let me give it a try."

Feng Xia moved aside and guided Mayor Zhou to open the software. He first clicked into the chart program, and it was an eye-opening experience—amazing! Incredible! With just a few keystrokes, the table he wanted was created. Feng Xia led him through each function, with the crowd gathered around watching.

Qian Jun: "Wow, the font can be adjusted this big!"

Chen Hua: "Really nice. This table is so neat and pleasing to the eye."

Secretary Li: "Yes, it can align itself, calculate automatically, and has these unit functions. It'll be so convenient for doing statistics in the future."

Wan Fulin: "Excellent. What Xiao Xia made—this program, right? It's easy to use, easy to use!"

By the end, Mayor Zhou was shaking with excitement. After printing out a meeting report under Feng Xia's guidance, he touched the warm paper, his eyes reddening. Secretary Li also wiped his glasses and shed tears. Qian Jun and Chen Hua, the old war buddies, couldn't help but pat Feng Xia on the shoulder. Among them, Feng Xia remained the most composed.

Internationally, they said the Flower Kingdom was technologically backward, inferior to other nations, and that the Flower Kingdom people were uncivilized savages. Now Mayor Zhou wanted to take this table and printer abroad and ask: Can you make this? Is your table this beautiful? Huh? What can you do?!

He looked at Feng Xia, who remained emotionally restrained, and felt an indescribable surge of emotion. This child would lead Flower Kingdom technology to rise—no, she had already taken a giant leap in certain areas. As the mayor of Antai City, he knew some of her remarkable achievements, like the Blue-and-white Porcelain Watch. And there were deeper things he couldn't know but could guess. This girl was the cornerstone of the Flower Kingdom, its future backbone.

Mayor Zhou stood up. Feng Xia sat back down to demonstrate another small program—the simplest Snake game. A digital snake moved through a maze, eating little fruits and growing. Feng Xia controlled the snake, slithering around. It was a very simple game.

Yet it injected everyone present with a dose of adrenaline. Old gentleman Wan Fulin spoke first, saying he wanted to try it. Feng Xia moved aside for the old gentleman and guided him through a round. The old man, slowed by age, reacted slowly; the snake hit a wall and died after eating two fruits. He wasn't upset, though—his beard twitched with joy, and he played three rounds in high spirits.

Feng Xia just watched as a group of middle-aged men, averaging forty to fifty, each took a turn playing Snake. Qian Jun in particular was reluctant to leave; even as they departed, he kept looking at the computer, utterly fascinated. It seemed the allure of electronic games works in any world.

Mayor Zhou affectionately patted Feng Xia on the shoulder, as if treating a younger family member, and amiably led everyone to the cafeteria. The meal was already prepared—the same dishes as on the ground floor, but plated and set in a private room on the second floor, so they could eat in relative quiet.

Mayor Zhou was the first to pick a piece of fish belly for the young woman, smiling warmly: "This is our chef's specialty—braised fish. Come on, young comrade, eat up and tell us how it tastes."

Feng Xia took a bite of the fish. It was indeed delicious—no fishiness, rich sauce, savory flavors bursting on her tongue. She took a mouthful of rice and a bite of fish, eating contentedly.

Jiang Long carefully noted the flavor, thinking he could replicate it for Feng Xia later. Mayor Zhou and Secretary Li were endlessly kind, treating her like a precious gem, watching her eat with smiles. When she finished, Mayor Zhou even went downstairs himself to fetch more dishes, showing no mayoral airs.

To Mayor Zhou, this was a huge treasure—she needed to be well-fed and satisfied. He couldn't let that genius brain go hungry; that would be his sin.

After the meal, the surprises Feng Xia brought were too great; they needed time to digest. First, a report must be submitted to higher authorities, perhaps even reaching the top. Mayor Zhou figured this was a sure thing. Second, it had to be kept confidential; the details depended on higher-ups. Computers would certainly be popularized, and the programs Feng Xia created would be taught and used. Soon, everyone might need to learn how to type and make reports. Mayor Zhou thought—no wonder someone in his position had a different vision—he accurately foresaw the future essential skills of office workers.

There were many tasks ahead. Mayor Zhou discussed with Feng Xia: "Young comrade, could you stay in the city for a few days? We're not as familiar with the computer as you. We're hesitant to use it without you. How about staying and giving us some confidence? Let us learn from you and master the use sooner."

Feng Xia had no problem with that. Wan Fulin, Qian Jun, and Chen Hua took their leave first, taking the two lab assistants, Xiao Wang and Xiao Li, back with them. The two were reluctant, with tears in their eyes, but cheered up when told they'd get a week off and left happily.

Jiang Long and Zhang Ying stayed with Feng Xia in the government compound. Every day, they clocked in at the government office like punching a time card. Feng Xia, feeling an itch to code, created a simple bookkeeping program—rough but delightful to the government staff. It made things so convenient that daily crowds happily flocked to the computer. Bound by confidentiality agreements, they couldn't speak of it outside, but they were full of admiration for Feng Xia. This girl was simply amazing!

Meanwhile, Mayor Zhou's report was submitted. In Nanhai, the top leader was reading Mayor Zhou's report in his study. The report was straightforward but couldn't conceal the earth-shattering achievement Feng Xia had pulled off. The old leader was so pleased he laughed heartily, slapped the table:

"This girl can't go anywhere without making something happen, haha! Good! She is a blessing to our Flower Kingdom. Bring her back first; let this old man take a look at that program and printer. Let this old man see something new!"