Overt strategy
The faint thunder outside the window gradually subsided, but the storm brewing in Li Ming's heart was just beginning. Wang Hao's news that overseas forces were now spying on the "Craftsman Project" blockchain nodes was like a sharp probe, piercing once again the temporary peace he had built under the guise of a pilot program. The other side, like the most patient hunter, had changed tactics, shifting from overt threats to covert observation, their target the future seeds he was trying to bury within the framework of compliance.
They could no longer wait passively. The status of a pilot enterprise was a shield, but it also meant that they had to perform exceptionally well on this limited stage in order to maintain the value of this "protection" and gain more room to maneuver. They decided to turn the tables and take the initiative, dismantling and repackaging their concept of a "decentralized ecosystem network" and presenting it to the forefront in the most "compliant" and "positive" way.
He named the plan the "Spark Program"—meaning "a single spark can start a prairie fire"—but in public communication, he explained it as "using the starlight of data to illuminate the path forward for micro and small enterprises."
In the following days, Li Ming demonstrated unprecedented initiative. He personally led the formation of the "Spark Project" team, which included Wang Hao (responsible for the underlying technical architecture), Li Ziqing (responsible for community operations and merchant liaison), and several newly recruited young engineers with clean backgrounds and a passion for open-source technology and community building. The project was completely open and had a clear objective: under the policy guidance of "market-oriented reform of data elements" and "promoting common prosperity," it would utilize "controllable" technologies such as blockchain and privacy computing to create a new type of digital empowerment tool for micro-merchants and independent artisans on the "Mingyu Life" platform, enabling them to "self-sufficient data and shared value."
Li Ming set three clear and absolutely "politically correct" principles for the "Spark Program":
I. Data sovereignty belongs to the user: All merchant data is encrypted and the key is controlled by the merchant. The platform only provides storage and computing services and cannot directly view or use the original data.
II. Transparent Distribution of Value Contributions: By using blockchain to record the value transfer resulting from every interaction, recommendation, and transaction within the community, we attempt to establish a transparent incentive model based on contribution.
III. Open Source and Controllable Technical Architecture: The core code will be gradually open sourced and subject to joint supervision by the community and regulatory authorities to ensure the security and transparency of the technical roadmap.
This plan was practically tailor-made for the pilot policy. Li Ming even proactively invited experts from relevant municipal departments and technical advisors from the "Safety Committee" to participate in the initial review meeting of the project. At the meeting, he spoke eloquently, citing numerous examples, closely linking the "Spark Program" with the national macro-strategy of promoting the integration of the digital economy and the real economy and focusing on the survival and development of small and medium-sized enterprises. His attitude was sincere and his logic was clear.
While the review experts had some questions and expressed caution regarding specific technical details such as blockchain and privacy computing, they could find no fault with the overall direction and compliance. The technical advisor sent by Zhang Lei, after carefully reviewing the technical white paper and architecture diagrams, also failed to find any obvious overstepping of boundaries, only pointing out the need for "strict prevention of financial risks" in the specific implementation of the "incentive model."
The "Spark Program" has successfully passed the initial evaluation and has been granted permission to conduct "small-scale closed testing" within the pilot framework.
The news caused quite a stir within the Mingyu platform and among certain circles that follow the technology industry. Many were surprised that Mingyu, after experiencing a series of crackdowns and contractions, could so quickly and accurately seize the policy opportunity and launch such a cutting-edge and "safe" project. Some employees who had previously considered leaving due to the company's strategic downsizing also saw hope again.
This was exactly the effect Li Ming wanted. He needed to prove to Zhang Lei that "Mingyu," under his leadership, still possessed the ability to create value within its defined scope, rather than being a burden requiring continuous financial support. He also needed to demonstrate to that overseas power that he had the ability to conduct "creative" work in the open, and that this creation was under the watchful eye of a more powerful force, thus signaling to them not to act rashly.
However, just as the "Spark Program" was being pushed forward in full swing and the first batch of seed merchants were being recruited for internal testing, Zhang Lei's feedback came in a more direct way.
Instead of making a phone call, he had his assistant deliver an invitation to Li Ming to attend a high-level "Closed-Door Seminar on Digital Economy Development" organized by Lei Yao Capital. In addition to several top investment institutions, the attendees included founders of several internet companies that had grown to a considerable size and had close ties with Lei Yao, including Zhao Zhen.
This is a signal. Zhang Lei is flexing Lei Yao Ecosystem's muscles, and also placing him in a position where he needs to share the stage with Zhao Zhen and be scrutinized by other bigwigs.
Li Ming had no reason to refuse, nor could he refuse.
The seminar was held in a highly private, upscale club. The atmosphere was somber, and most of the attendees were composed, their conversations carrying the air of someone accustomed to high positions. Li Ming's appearance drew some subtle glances and whispers; after all, given the current size of "Mingyu," his presence at this event was somewhat unexpected.
As the host, Zhang Lei delivered the opening speech, which was insightful and discussed the future landscape of the digital economy and the balance between technological ethics and commercial value. He repeatedly mentioned that "compliance is the cornerstone of innovation" and "ecological collaboration is greater than zero-sum competition," and his gaze occasionally swept over Li Ming with a meaningful look.
During the open discussion, the topic quickly shifted to data application and platform governance. Zhao Zhen spoke first, clearly having recovered from the previous public opinion storm, his tone once again confident and assertive. He spoke at length about how Zhenhua Commerce and Trade uses big data and AI to optimize the supply chain and improve efficiency, and how it creates enormous value for society through economies of scale. In his words, he implicitly categorized "small but beautiful" models like Mingyu as "supplementary" and "idealistic."
When it was Li Ming's turn, he took a deep breath and stood up. Instead of directly refuting Zhao Zhen, he followed up on the topic of "ecological synergy" that Zhang Lei had mentioned earlier, and elaborated on the core concept of the "Spark Program" in a more concise and compelling way.
"...We believe that future competition will no longer be about a single platform endlessly devouring traffic, but rather about the ability of ecosystems to attract and empower 'value creation nodes.' What the 'Spark Program' aims to do is help these scattered, tiny value nodes better manage their data and connect and exchange value with other nodes more smoothly. This may be slower, but it will build a stronger foundation, create a healthier ecosystem, and better reflect the 'good' side of digital technology."
His speech was novel in its perspective, grand in its scope, and perfectly aligned with the current policy emphasis on "preventing disorderly capital expansion" and "promoting common prosperity." A brief silence fell over the room, and several high-ranking officials wore thoughtful expressions.
Zhang Lei looked at Li Ming, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, which quickly turned into a deeper scrutiny. He slowly began, "Li Ming's idea is very insightful. However, empowering micro and small enterprises sounds wonderful, but what about the sustainability of the business model? How do we balance input and output?"
This is a pointed and practical question.
Li Ming was well-prepared and calmly replied: "Initial investment is indeed necessary, but we value long-term value more. By providing services to micro-nodes, we are building a network of trust and a network of value. This network itself is our greatest asset. Profits can come from value-added services, precise resource matching, and even new business models derived from this network in the future. More importantly, this model aligns with policy guidance and can win us broader development space and social recognition."
Instead of mentioning specific financial data, he emphasized patterns and trends, elevating the issue to a strategic level.
After listening, Zhang Lei neither agreed nor disagreed, but simply nodded.
After the meeting, Zhang Lei walked over to Li Ming, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a calm tone, "'Spark Program,' a good idea. Do it well and make it effective. If you need any support, feel free to ask."
These words sounded encouraging, but Li Ming sensed a subtle warning in them—"to achieve tangible results" meant that he had to actually make achievements in this direction, and not just talk about it; "to offer support" also meant that he was still under Lei Yao's control and observation.
On the way back to Jinyang, Li Ming leaned wearily against his seat, reviewing every moment of the seminar. He knew he had barely passed today, and in some ways, had even used this high-level occasion to give the "Spark Program" a successful rehearsal.
But he dared not relax in the slightest. Zhang Lei's attitude remained ambiguous, Zhao Zhen's hostility had not subsided, and that overseas force, like a venomous snake in the shadows, could reveal its fangs at any moment.
Just then, his phone vibrated; it was a message from Li Ziqing:
"Li Ming, I just received a notification that the person in charge of the 'Mountain Breeze' craft studio, which previously applied to participate in the 'Spark Program' beta test, just contacted me. They said they received an email from an overseas client who is very interested in their work and... offered to build them an independent international sales channel based on blockchain technology, with very generous terms."
Li Ming's pupils suddenly contracted!
"Mountain Breeze" is the studio he values most and whose work is most distinctive among the first batch of seed users of the "Spark Program"! Overseas clients? Independent blockchain sales channels?
This is no coincidence!
That overseas force was indeed not idle! They stopped threatening him directly and began to bypass him, directly contacting and enticing key nodes in the ecosystem he was trying to build!
The other party's goal is clear: either force the "Spark Program" to develop according to their wishes, or directly undermine it by transplanting the carefully nurtured spark into their own pot!
Holding his phone, Li Ming felt a chill rise from the bottom of his heart once again.
He temporarily stabilized the situation with a "open strategy," but his opponent had already made a new move.
This silent war has spread to the new battlefield he has just opened up. And the chips he holds are still limited.
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