Chapter 5: The Bird Released from Its Cage

In front of his laptop, staring at the completed artificial intelligence data collection and preprocessing module, Li Ping’an began to feel a headache coming on.

When it came to downloading resources, renting a cloud server was a simple solution and wouldn’t cost much.

After all, he only wanted his classmates to help test and collect data.

With such a small amount of downloads, he didn’t even need a server—just sending a file in the group chat would suffice.

But the problem was, where should the collected data be stored?

Storing it in a cloud database didn’t sit well with him.

“Maybe I should buy a NAS network storage device?” Li Ping’an furrowed his brow and fell into deep thought.

He opened a shopping app and browsed through the various NAS devices and their prices.

After careful comparison, he ultimately chose a highly reliable NAS with the capability for on-demand expansion.

This was crucial for his subsequent processing of AI data.

If he bought a counterfeit and it caused data loss, it would be too late to cry then.

However, the gloomy weather outside hinted at an impending heavy snowfall, and he couldn’t help but worry about when the delivery would arrive.

At that moment, Li Ping’an suddenly realized a thorny problem—there was no broadband internet at home.

If he relied solely on mobile data to transfer large amounts of information, the phone bill would soar like a rocket, something he simply couldn’t afford.

Data beyond the plan was outrageously expensive.

Solving this wasn’t difficult: just get the telecom provider to install broadband.

But with the year-end approaching and the snowstorms imminent, waiting in line for installation could take some time; whether it could be set up before the New Year was uncertain.

After a moment’s thought, Li Ping’an hopped on his electric scooter and headed to the village’s street-side telecom office.

In the countryside, neighboring villages were often connected by kinship or acquaintances.

He knew the people at the office.

As soon as he walked in, he greeted them enthusiastically with “Sister.”

Hearing the voice, the clerk looked up and saw Li Ping’an.

She was surprised and said, “Oh, you’re back? Isn’t school on holiday now?”

Li Ping’an smiled and replied, “Yes, it is. Sister, I want to get broadband installed. Can it be done in the next couple of days?”

“Sure. We can set it up for you today,” the clerk answered.

Hearing this, Li Ping’an was a bit surprised. “Today? I remember you guys used to be really busy around the New Year.”

His slightly tired cousin shook her head helplessly. “That was before. Business at the telecom office isn’t what it used to be.

You see, everyone can top up their phone credits online, and almost every household already has broadband now. Fewer people come to the office for services.

Also, mobile phone prices have become transparent, so selling phones doesn’t make much profit anymore.”

She paused, then added, “I’m thinking of switching careers next year, maybe selling local specialties or something.”

Li Ping’an didn’t foolishly bring up how the office had once thrived in the days before widespread internet, earning a lot from locals.

Instead, he nodded in agreement. “Local specialties are great. These past couple of years, green products have really taken off.”

After completing the free upgrade to gigabit broadband, Li Ping’an followed the installer home.

The fiber distribution box for the mobile broadband was on a telephone pole right outside Second Uncle’s house, not far from Li Ping’an’s place—less than a hundred meters in a straight line.

The installer, clearly experienced, worked with great skill.

From wiring to configuring the optical modem, the entire process took just about half an hour, and the broadband was successfully installed.

Li Ping’an tested the speed by connecting his phone to the modem’s Wi-Fi and found no issues.

While packing up, the installer said, “If you have any problems in the future, you can contact me directly.”

“Thanks! It’s tough working in this cold weather,” Li Ping’an said gratefully.

By afternoon, the sky felt like a heavy leaden plate pressing down, casting a dark, oppressive gloom with visibility less than two hundred meters.

Everything around seemed veiled by a thick, blurry curtain.

By three o’clock, Li Ping’an checked the weather forecast and saw that the predicted heavy snow had yet to arrive.

He then hopped onto his fully recharged electric scooter and set off to the school to pick up his sister for the weekend holiday.

About ten minutes later, he arrived at the school gate.

By then, many parents had already gathered, some standing, some sitting, all eagerly scanning inside the school with expectant eyes.

There was still a little time before the three-thirty dismissal.

Li Ping’an thought for a moment, then turned and headed to a nearby butcher’s shop.

He carefully selected a fresh piece of pork—the tender color and texture clearly marked it as high quality.

It was even black-haired pork.

He hadn’t forgotten his sister’s heartfelt craving for braised pork.

If he had, that little girl would nag him for days on end, and peace would be impossible.

Ding-ling-ling~~~

As the final class bell rang abruptly, the students seemed to be freed from captivity, instantly leaping from their seats.

Backpacks swung in their hands as they hurriedly rushed out of the classroom.

Once the door opened, they surged into the hallway like wild horses unleashed.

Laughter and footsteps intertwined, filling every corner of the campus.

Li Ya, carrying a heavy backpack and several bags, moved with light, buoyant steps alongside her classmates, as if weightless.

Her excitement was like a bird finally freed from its cage.

At the school gate, a sea of people had gathered.

A tide of students poured out, the scene lively and bustling.

All the parents stared intently inside, their eyes scanning the crowd for their children, their expressions as focused as if seeking the world’s most precious treasure.

Li Ping’an was among those parents, and his tall figure of six feet proved advantageous.

He stood out like a crane among chickens, clearly visible in the crowd.

The students rushing out were all within his line of sight.

His height, a full head taller than most, made it easier for his sister to spot him.

In the next moment, Li Ping’an’s eyes locked onto a familiar figure.

There was his sister, carrying her heavy bags, standing out distinctly amidst the crowd.

“Li Ya, I’m here!”

Seeing her come out, Li Ping’an shouted loudly, his voice cutting through the noisy crowd.

“Big brother!”

Hearing the familiar voice, Li Ya’s eyes lit up instantly.

Her petite frame, about five feet three, weaved through the crowd, pushing her way toward Li Ping’an.

He quickly stepped forward to take the bags from her hands and said, “Let’s go. It’s about to snow, and I came on my little scooter.”

“Okay!” Li Ya responded cheerfully, her face glowing with happiness.