1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 499 The Future Technology That Shocked the Crown Prince and His Wife
"Today is the 5th, and the Prince and Princess will arrive in Hong Kong on the 7th."

After receiving Wei Yixin's call,
One second Zhai Yuan was leisurely admiring Zhou Huimin's dance moves on an anime, and the next second he had flashed to the New Territories.

At the foot of a mountain in the northern New Territories.

Several excavators roared as workers repeatedly checked their positions with rangefinders and maps. White lime markings crisscrossed the area, resembling an unfinished circuit board when viewed from above.

Zhai Yuan and He Zilang walked along a path in the wasteland, their voices unconsciously rising as they spoke amidst the roar of machinery.

“Wei Yixin notified us too late. The Crown Prince and his wife will only stay in Hong Kong for a maximum of five days, which means we have less than a week to prepare.”

Zhai Yuan shouted a few words at the top of his lungs, then held up a finger and waved it at He Zilang.

"Hey! Is a week enough to do this?" He Zilang pointed to a signal tower erected on the mountaintop and roared, "The steel frame has only just been built; laying the cables will take more than seven days!"

"Then let's make a fake Prince Meimei to fool his mother!" Zhai Yuan shouted even louder, covering his ears. "Are you afraid he'll exterminate his entire family?!"

"Okay! But I don't understand the technology!" He Zilang replied with a smile, then called out to the technical expert supervising the work not far away, "KimKwan! Dean Zhao! Come over for a meeting!"

ten minutes later,

Zhai Yuan, He Zilang, Kim Kwan from Samsung in South Korea, Zhao Zisen from the China Academy of Posts and Telecommunications, and their team members gathered in the office of the village representative of Xiawan Village.

Kim Kwan-kwon of South Korea's Samsung Group needs no further explanation.

It is worth mentioning Zhao Zisen, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy, who has just taken up a new post in the research department of Jiangcheng Academy of Posts and Telecommunications, and is now the vice president of the research institute of Jiangcheng Academy of Posts and Telecommunications.

Since Tao Zongyi went to Japan's Shinshin Semiconductor, China-Hong Kong Communications has lacked its own technical backbone to oversee the process.
After asking around at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it turned out that Academician Zhao was about to lead a delegation abroad for inspection. So, they simply invited someone to come and oversee the China-Hong Kong Communications project, since all the telecommunications technology talents from Hong Kong and South Korea were currently gathered here.

In the office, Ho Chi-long quickly informed everyone about Prince Charles and Princess Diana's visit to Hong Kong.

Academician Zhao asked in bewilderment, "When the Crown Prince visits Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government can handle the reception arrangements. Is it really necessary for them to come and visit our communications infrastructure?"

"You still need to be mindful of interpersonal relationships and social interactions."

Zhai Yuan raised his voice, picked up the village chief's thermos, and took a sip of goji berry tea: "This time, it's not just about inspecting the construction site. The most important thing is to let the Crown Prince see the future. Hong Kong operates under an old social system; the Qing Dynasty laws were only abolished in the 1970s. Don't be fooled by everyone talking about freedom; officials and civilians alike still adhere to the old hierarchy. If even the royal family thinks that China-Hong Kong Communications is a good project, we can avoid a lot of trouble in the future."

Academician Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

Jin Guanquan, who was standing nearby and needed a translator, frowned slightly after hearing the whole story and said, "Not to mention seven days, it would be impossible to complete the communication network in seven months. Apart from the construction, the functions that we can currently demonstrate to the Crown Prince can also be done by local telephone companies, so it seems that we can't show any advantage."

Ho Chi-long: "The dedicated line between Chun-Chee College and CUHK has already been laid. Could we make use of this?"

Academician Zhao: "Data transmission is difficult to visualize. We all know it's a good thing, but how do we demonstrate it in practice?"

Jin Guanquan: "The school computers have two email systems, sendmail and uucp mail, to demonstrate real-time email exchange?"

The group got into a discussion.

Zhai Yuan didn't get involved; he just flipped through a pile of communication-related documents on the table.

In the short term, the businesses that China Communications currently covers, and which are also the businesses that will be prioritized for implementation in the future, mainly focus on fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, paging services, wireless fax, and Internet data interaction.

In the long run, future banking transmissions, gas and electricity supply, stock trading, news telegrams, and police communications will all require dedicated communication lines... but this is not something that can be resolved in a short time.

Under the premise of moving in this direction, the first two commercially available services will still be telephone communication and the Internet.

In terms of communications, global fiber optic communication has now entered a stage of practical application and upgrading. Following in the footsteps of the United States, China Communications is deploying the latest G.654 single-mode fiber optic cable, with dual backup of signal towers and submarine optical cables, which is fast and has low loss.

At the same time, Hong Kong Telecommunications Company, under the Great Eastern Telegraph Company, was still using a set of G.652 single-mode optical fiber from 1982, mainly old copper cables, with very limited optical fiber backbone. Due to the constraints of foreign companies such as Cable and Wireless, the technology was slow to be updated. To catch up with the world's advanced level, all the copper cables laid in Hong Kong would have to be replaced with optical fiber backbone, which Great Eastern obviously did not have the courage to do.

Simply put, after the China-Hong Kong Telecom project is implemented, the G.654 maximum bit rate of 100Mb/s will provide clearer voice calls, a lower drop rate, and wider signal coverage compared to Hong Kong Telecom. For example, you will no longer hear the crackling signal interference during a call, and you will not have to wait several seconds for a response when the other party speaks. Pulling out the antenna and looking for the right angle will also become a thing of the past.

On the other hand, there is the commercialization of the internet.

The first thing that was done after the construction of China-Hong Kong Communications was to lay a dedicated line connection between the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Chung-Chung College.

Following the South Korean model, they built the first academic internet in Hong Kong.

The only usable functions are email, file transfer, and remote login. The network speed of 60Kb/s is already top-notch.

“There’s really nothing to demonstrate about telephone communication. We can’t exactly have the prince and princess using our dedicated line to compare Hong Kong Telecom’s services, can we? The Eastern Telegraph Company is a pillar enterprise in the UK, after all. It would be too arrogant to slap them in the face like that.”

Zhai Yuan put down the documents in his hand, smiled and said, "So I agree with what Lao He said, to make some use of the academic network between the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Chunqiu College. Real-time email exchange isn't anything special. I'll suggest a few options for your reference..."

…………

11 month 7 day,
Charles and Diana arrived in Hong Kong.

It caused a sensation throughout Hong Kong.

Citizens lined the streets to welcome her, and an elderly woman dropped her walking stick while watching. The princess helped pick it up, earning her a chorus of praise and admiration.

For the next two days, newspaper headlines unanimously focused on the in-laws:

The Crown Prince and Princess Diana visited Hong Kong; Princess Diana was radiant and showed great love for her people.

The Crown Prince and his wife presided over the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Prince Charles visits the New Territories, drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of Princess Diana.

……

Zhai Yuan wasn't interested in the two in-laws who were being portrayed so highly in the newspapers, but she learned from Wei Yixin that their originally planned five-day visit to Hong Kong had been shortened to only three days due to changes in the itinerary.

The technical backbone of Zhonggang Communications is working overtime to start a major project.

11 month 10 day,
On the last day of their stay in Hong Kong, at the suggestion of Wei Yixin, Prince Charles and Princess Diana first visited the Shek Kwu Chau Drug Rehabilitation Centre in the morning, and then were arranged to go to the Kuaibo Technology Company in Ha Wan Tsuen in the afternoon.

As the sun gradually sets in the west,

The newly paved asphalt road was swept clean, and welcome banners in both Chinese and English were hung on the tin canopies on both sides.

Charles, dressed in a grey-blue suit, and Princess Diana, in a skirt suit, walked down the steps of the car arm in arm with the prince.

The flashes of cameras from the reporters accompanying them on both sides kept going off.

Wearing a well-tailored morning suit, Wei Yixin approached the Crown Prince and his wife, bowing slightly: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the itinerary specially arranged for you today is a new attempt by our local technology community."

As he spoke, he turned slightly to the side and beckoned Zhai Yuan, who was standing behind him, to come forward.

"This is Mr. Zhai Yuan, the founder of a new technology company in Hong Kong. In just a few years, he has become one of the most dynamic young people in Hong Kong's technology circle, perhaps without equal..."

He Zilang translated the English in a low voice, while Zhai Yuan smiled throughout, occasionally glancing at the Crown Prince and his wife in front of him.

Charles still had hair at this time, and he was quite handsome.

Diana was also in her prime, her elegance and beauty were impeccable. What a pity…

In front of the camera, Charles and Diana always showed a down-to-earth side and were not pretentious.

The couple spoke a few words to Zhai Yuan in a warm tone.

Zhai Yuan showed no stage fright; he had prepared his lines in advance and communicated with the other party in a calm tone, with a confident smile on his face.

"Kuaibo Technology is a company that Mr. Zhai founded when he was twenty years old. Today, VCDs and optical discs are sold overseas and have become a calling card for Hong Kong technology. Mr. Zhai is very honored to share these businesses with you."

He Zilang spoke on behalf of Zhai Yuan in a very official manner. To his shame, due to Zhai Yuan's mediocre English, he became the only political and business figure among the celebrities received by the prince and princess who needed an interpreter.

Stepping onto the soil of Yuen Long, Charles and Princess Diana first visited the factory of Kuaibo, and then gave a demonstration using "BabyBus".

Clearly, the Crown Prince and his wife watch quite a bit of movies at home.
Upon learning that VCDs and CDs were produced by this Hong Kong company, one couldn't help but be surprised and full of admiration.

"After achieving success with Kuaibo Technology, Mr. Zhai was not complacent. He knew that there was still much to learn in the British Empire, so he turned his attention to a larger field, the telecommunications industry."

He Zilang's smile revealed a seasoned slickness. He listened to Zhai Yuan say a few words, but didn't care what his boss was saying, and continued to speak freely.

Pointing to the unfinished steel signal tower in the distance, He Zilang said, "After gaining a deep understanding of the telecommunications business of the British Empire, Mr. Zhai combined advanced technologies from other countries and began to try to build a communication network that belongs to Hong Kong and is also open to the world, using fiber optics as the backbone..."

After visiting the factory of Kuaibo and the infrastructure of Zhonggang Communications,
Zhai Yuan then invited the Crown Prince and his wife to the Chunqiu Academy, where a large crowd of reporters and citizens followed.

The camera flashed, and a reporter snapped a picture of Prince Charles patting Zhai Yuan on the back, with Princess Diana accompanying him, as the three of them boarded the car together.

"Hey wife! Go to the stock exchange right now and buy all of Shentong Yuan 997's shares!"

The astute reporter examined the negatives, realizing the value of the printed photo. Forgetting about following the car, he quietly dialed his home phone…

…………

In a classroom at Chunqiu Performing Arts Academy, marked with the words "Information Technology Department".

Rows of large-screen computers were set up, and the students, dressed in school uniforms, all looked like they were studying diligently.

The Information Technology Department is similar to the computer course in mainland China, teaching some basic computer operation and programming. It is a new course established by Chunqiu College this year.

Charles and Princess Diana entered the classroom, and the camera captured a series of images of the Crown Prince and Princess caring for the students.

Zhai Yuan gave He Zilang a look: "Get to work!"

He Zilang nodded knowingly and first used the excuse of business confidentiality to drive the reporter out of the classroom.

He then stepped forward and, smiling, introduced to the Crown Prince and Princess: "Although China-Hong Kong Communications is still in its early stages, under the protection of the British Empire, we have already made historic breakthroughs in Internet applications, and we hope to demonstrate this to Your Highness and Princess."

Charles smiled and nodded, while Princess Diana also showed a curious expression.

"Currently, in the field of internet communication services, China-Hong Kong Communications can already achieve real-time cross-border email exchange."

He Zilang gestured to Samsung's Jin Guanquan to operate the computer.
The Sendmail email interface, developed in 1983, opens.

Kim Kwan-kwon typed out an email in English and explained with a smile to the Crown Prince and his wife, "We are currently connected to a laboratory at Seoul National University in South Korea via a remote email system."

Charles asked with great interest, "Is it international correspondence? How long does it usually take to get a reply?"

Jin Guanquan smiled and said, "It depends on the speed of the other party's reply. The sending and receiving of emails is done in real time, Your Highness."

About a minute later, the email interface showed that the email had been received.

The prince and princess curiously crowded around.

Jin Guanquan opened the email.

……

From: [email protected]
to: [email protected]
Subject: Mr. Jin, I have received your letter and am pleased to see the achievements of China Hong Kong Communications in the field of digital networks.

Sincerely, Dr. Johnson, Computer Lab, Seoul National University

……

Having witnessed such rapid international communication, Charles and Diana both showed expressions of astonishment.

"This is rather remarkable..."

Charles asked with a hint of approval, "I'd like to know if this feature is currently commercially available? I hope to stay connected with Hong Kong even when I'm back in London."

He Zilang's smile remained unchanged, but he said regretfully, "It is still in the experimental stage, but with Your Highness's concern, I think this technology will be able to serve the city and its citizens within a year at most."

Wei Yixin, who was standing to the side, was also stunned and spoke to Zhai Yuan in a low voice.

Inspector Wai: "Even the dedicated line between the Government House and South Korea uses satellite frequency modulation. Is the progress of the Internet really that fast?"

Zhai Yuan: "Of course it's fake~ It's an internally set-up simulated server. Emails are sent in advance through a channel, and the timing is controlled for automatic reception... Have you set an alarm?"

Inspector Wei: "..."

The first demonstration of real-time email interaction had already amazed the Crown Prince and his wife.

He Zilang and Jin Guanquan then unleashed their second trump card.

Jin Guanquan sat in front of the computer and typed out a string of command lines. Given the public's understanding of computers these days, even if he just randomly pressed the keys, it would be enough to fool 99% of people.

The screen quickly displays a green command-line interface, pretending to load a remote system.

An "Internet congestion, please try again" message appeared intermittently, adding to the realism.

Charles and Princess Diana craned their necks, watching the screen with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

The next second, a makeshift BBS (Baidu, Alibaba, China) bulletin board system interface appeared.
The top displays rows of lists.

Hong Kong weather forecast, subway timetable, stock market data...

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

He Zilang casually clicked on a weather list, and the images slowly loaded from top to bottom, displaying the current temperature and humidity information of Hong Kong.

He Zilang said with a smile, "This is a convenient service we are currently developing. Although it is still in the trial stage, I believe that in the near future, even without leaving home, we will be able to display information from all over the world on this small screen in front of us..."

Before Wei Yixin could ask, Zhai Yuan chuckled softly and said, "This is called localized data caching."

(End of this chapter)