An awakened Marching Ant

Marching Ant Company

Zhao Min calmly examined the financial statements spread out before her. With the office software gaining traction, the company generated over two million in revenue in just two months. User feedback for the software was also highly positive, providing a smoother and more comfortable experience than other office software options.

However, Zhao Min knew that more than office software was needed to be the company's flagship product. Despite its superior functionality, it faced stiff competition, and people tended to stick to their habitual choices regarding office software. Therefore, the company's profitability would rely on the success of its mobile phone venture.

She picked up the newly produced mobile phone and admired its beautiful appearance. It is a soft yet stylish design that appeals to both men and women. Zhao Min was confident that the mobile phone and its accompanying operating system would be well-received in the market.

Preparations for the Marching Ant System and Mobile Phone Conference have been underway for the past five days, and according to the schedule, the setup should be completed by today.

Just as Zhao Min was engrossed in the financial statements, her assistant, Xiao Li, knocked on the door and entered her office.

"Miss Zhao, Minister Li has informed us that the product launch event is ready, and we can start by tomorrow," Xiao Li reported.

"Okay."

Setting aside the financial statements, Zhao Min dialed Chen Mo's number.

Since taking over the Marching Ant Company, she has been diligently preparing for the product launch event. The new mobile operating system is different from regular products, and with careful execution, she was confident it would significantly impact the market.

With the marching ant office software and the upcoming mobile phones, Zhao Min was confident that the company was on the right track.

At first, Zhao Min decided to wait to release the mobile phone system. She understood that the market was competitive, and without proper preparation, the company might face challenges from big players that could hinder its growth and development.

"Chairman," Zhao Min spoke as she connected the phone call.

"What's up?" Chen Mo asked, pausing the pen in his hand and stretching.

"The launch ceremony for the Marching Ant System is ready. It will be held at the Marriott Hotel tomorrow. Do you want to make a speech? It's a chance to make a public appearance, and it's not too grand," Zhao Min suggested.

"No, I'll watch from the audience. You can handle the conference," Chen Mo replied.

"Why?"

"I don't enjoy being the center of attention. It can disrupt my rhythm," Chen Mo explained.

"That's fine. See you tomorrow, low-key chairman," Zhao Min responded, not surprised by Chen Mo's answer. She comes to understand his style during this time.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mo returned to studying computer programming languages. It has been two months since he acquired the book on programming language creation.

During this time, Chen Mo dedicated himself to research. He would come to the store daily to work on the character design for the Chinese programming language. But when customers came in for repairs, he would temporarily put his work aside and assist them.

Studying computer programming languages took a lot of work. The foundation of any discipline may seem straightforward, but it is often more complex, especially when creating something from scratch.

Designing keywords required careful consideration of multiple factors, and sometimes it would take more than a day to design a single keyword. Additionally, the complexity of Chinese characters and their expressions posed further challenges.

Chen Mo even delved into books on Chinese language and literature to better design the characters and expressions of the Chinese programming language.

The design of each keyword, along with the complete data types and operation methods, required complex settings that intertwined within Chen Mo's mind.

As he entered a focused state, various keywords, characters, and phrases flashed through his thoughts.

His notebook was covered with intricate lines, containing many words that seemed chaotic at first glance but had hidden patterns. Before a keyword can be included in the list, its meaning and function must be defined.

Chen Mo's concentration was interrupted by Xiao Yu's voice. Looking up, he saw Xiao Yu entering the store with a lunchbox.

Seeing Xiao Yu, Chen Mo couldn't help but smile.

"It's time to eat. You never seem to eat on time. It's almost seven o'clock now," Xiao Yu scolded him.

"I knew you would bring it," Chen Mo replied.

"Don't think I'll always bring it. Are you planning to starve otherwise?" Xiao Yu teased.

"Do you not want to move to my apartment?" Chen Mo asked while eating. He has considered this idea for a while and brought it up.

"Do you want me to move out?" Xiao Yu smiled.

"Of course, it's a dream. I can barely manage three meals a day now. I need someone to remind me," Chen Mo's eyes lit up, hoping Xiao Yu would agree.

In response to Chen Mo's expression, Xiao Yu smiled but didn't answer directly. Chen Mo understood there was no definite answer for now, but the fact that Xiao Yu didn't outright refuse gave him hope. Perhaps one day, she would agree to move out.

After finishing their meal, Chen Mo closed up the shop and together with Xiao Yu, they left. Their routine had become spending time together whenever they could, and Chen Mo cherished these moments.

"Xiaoyu, I have something to do tomorrow, so I'm taking the day off. The store won't be open," Chen Mo informed her.

"Okay," Xiao Yu replied.

"Don't you want to ask where I'm going?" Chen Mo asked.

"Are you going to commit crimes?"

"Of course not. With such a smart and virtuous girlfriend, why would I resort to fighting or causing trouble unless there's something wrong with my brain," Chen Mo joked.

"How is that possible? I have such a smart and virtuous girlfriend. Why would I start a fight unless there's something wrong with my brain?" Chen Mo said, with Xiao Yu playfully nudging his waist and leaning against his back.

"You're such a smooth talker. Can you take me to the beach," Xiao Yu requested.

"Aren't you afraid we'll lose track of time?" Chen Mo asked.

"No, I have you to remind me." Xiao Yu smiled.

...….

The next day, Chen Mo studied the Chinese character programming language in his rented room. By the afternoon, he changed into a casual T-shirt and left the room with his laptop.

Today was the official release day of the Marching Ant System. Even though he wouldn't be on stage as the chairman, Chen Mo still wanted to attend and witness the event.

The Marriott Hotel, one of the five-star hotels in Binhai, was chosen by Zhao Min for the press conference. The charges for hosting such an event here aren't low, but ensuring a formal and prestigious occasion was necessary.

Chen Mo hailed a taxi and headed towards the Marriott Hotel while keeping an eye on the time.

The conference was scheduled to begin at two o'clock, and twenty minutes were left until the start. As Chen Mo arrived at the Marriott Hotel, he noticed a steady stream of people entering. Many of them were journalists carrying cameras.

He followed the crowd into the hotel and quickly reached the conference venue. The number of attendees isn't high, with more than 500 seats available and less than half occupied. The venue was filled with staff members making final preparations. Some reporters adjusted their equipment, while others passed the time by playing mobile games.

The words "An awakened marching ant!" were displayed in an elegant font on the screen, blending the characters' lines. The futuristic backdrop added a sense of technology, creating a visually appealing combination of calligraphy and technology.

This was the theme of the conference.

As Chen Mo's eyes lit up while looking at the screen, he found a corner to sit down, patiently waiting for the press conference to begin.