Earth Metaverse 10 years,October 7,2031 AD.
Light footsteps echoed through the quiet hall as Ranzi entered, guided by the chamberlain. His stride was steady and deliberate, exuding a quiet confidence.
The parlor was bathed in the soft glow of a glazed lamp, casting a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
At the head of the room, the Chairman and Elder Pingzizi sat on pristine white fabric sofas, separated by a wooden coffee table adorned with two blue-patterned ceramic lidded cups.
To the left, Kent sat poised with a notebook and pen, ready to document the meeting.
Ranzi approached the Chairman, bowing slightly with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect. His expression was humble yet composed.
"Chairman, thank you for taking the time to meet with me," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Beneath his composed exterior, however, Ranzi couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. This meeting, he knew, could be a pivotal step in gaining recognition for Meta Origin Culture.
The Chairman studied Ranzi briefly, his gaze sharp and assessing. With a measured gesture, he motioned for Ranzi to sit. His tone was calm but carried an air of authority.
"I've heard you advocate for 'Meta Origin Culture.' Since you're here, let's discuss it."
His voice was low, almost probing, as if testing Ranzi's depth of understanding.
Unfazed, Ranzi took a seat on the sofa to the right, meeting the Chairman's gaze directly. He could sense the intensity of the Chairman's scrutiny but refused to falter.
Taking a steadying breath, he began, "Chairman, from your speeches and writings, it's clear you've been searching for a core element capable of reshaping mainstream culture. Yet, as you've noted, neither modern Western culture nor traditional philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism, or Buddhism have fully addressed the fundamental challenges of today's society."
The Chairman's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone. "I'm well aware of these problems. Let's focus on practical solutions."
His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, a subtle signal for Ranzi to get to the point.
Ranzi felt a flicker of tension but quickly steadied himself. Time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford to waste it.
"Chairman," he said, his voice firm and unwavering, "beneath the surface of societal unrest lies a deeper crisis—a crisis of the soul. Without addressing this cultural rupture at its roots, any economic or policy adjustments will only be temporary fixes. They won't heal the underlying problem."
The Chairman's expression shifted almost imperceptibly, though his voice remained steady. "Go on," he said, his tone carrying a quiet authority.
Ranzi sensed a glimmer of interest.
Encouraged, Ranzi continued, "The core issue, I believe, is the absence of a soul-centered culture. Meta Origin Culture offers a solution by advocating for the reconstruction of individual, family and societal values through a fusion of modern technology and traditional wisdom."
The Chairman exhaled softly, his skepticism evident. "That sounds rather abstract," he remarked, his gaze fixed on Ranzi as if challenging him to provide more substance.
Ranzi allowed a faint smile, recognizing that the Chairman's doubt wasn't outright dismissal.
"Meta Origin Culture is far from abstract," he replied. "We've developed the 'Meta Origin Model,' a practical framework for building a soul-centered culture. It integrates traditional wisdom with modern technology, focusing on three core dimensions: individual introspection, family and community rebuilding, and cultural empowerment across society."
He paused, noting the Chairman's subtle shift in posture and the thoughtful glint in his eyes.
Sensing an opening, Ranzi pressed on. "The first dimension involves individuals reconnecting with their inner selves through practices like reflection and meditation, fostering inner peace and resilience in a tech-driven world. The second focuses on revitalizing family and community bonds, emphasizing values like affection and harmony, which extend into broader social trust and care. The third dimension integrates soul culture into education, economics, and policy, balancing material progress with spiritual growth and fostering a culturally unified society."
The Chairman listened intently, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "These ideas are ambitious," he said, his tone measured. "But without tangible results, they remain just that—ideas."
Ranzi seized the moment. Reaching into his bag, he produced a document and handed it to the Chairman with both hands.
"Chairman, this report details the outcomes of our pilot programs in several communities. The data shows a 30% improvement in family harmony, a 25% increase in community trust, and significant enhancements in residents' mental well-being. These results demonstrate that Meta Origin Culture isn't just theoretical—it's a practical, actionable solution."
The Chairman took the document and carefully flipped through it, his brow furrowing slightly. "You've already started the pilot program?" he asked, his tone tinged with surprise.
Internally, he wondered,*Wasn't the Meta Origin Society sealed and barred from public activities?*
But he didn't press further, instead continuing, "These are localized trials. Expanding this nationwide would face significant resistance. The challenges would be immense." His voice was measured, but there was a flicker of interest.
Ranzi nodded, his tone steady and resolute.
"Chairman, change always comes with challenges. But I believe soul-culture development is essential in our current era. Meta Origin Culture isn't about dismantling the existing system—it's about infusing modern civilization with new spiritual vitality."
The room fell into a thoughtful silence. Everyone seemed to be weighing his words.
"Elder Pingzizi," the Chairman said, turning to the elder beside him, "what's your take on this?"
Elder Pingzizi slowly raised his head, glanced at Ranzi, and then addressed the Chairman. "Chairman, Ranzi's perspective is worth serious consideration. Societal progress cannot rely solely on technological advancement. We need spiritual leadership as well. Meta Origin Culture could fill the void in our current policies."
The Chairman's gaze shifted between the two men, his expression contemplative.
"I'll need time to process this," he said finally. "But the Meta Origin Society has been dormant for so long. Reintroducing it to the public carries significant risks. Have you thought this through?"
Ranzi nodded calmly. "Chairman, precisely because the risks are high, we propose a gradual approach. Instead of a high-profile return, the Meta Origin Society could operate as a cultural think tank—publishing research, launching social initiatives, and slowly winning public trust. Over time, people will naturally embrace its philosophy."
The Chairman studied Ranzi, a hint of complexity in his eyes. His voice was low and deliberate. "Can you guarantee this won't become another utopian fantasy?"
Ranzi met his gaze unflinchingly. "Chairman, I can't make guarantees. But I can promise that I, and everyone in the Meta Origin Society, will prove our value through action."
The room fell silent again, the only sound the faint rustle of wind outside the window.
After a long pause, the Chairman spoke. "I'll give you a chance. Submit a detailed implementation plan. If it's viable, I'll push for support from the relevant departments."
A flicker of relief crossed Ranzi's face, though his tone remained composed. "Thank you, Chairman. We won't let you down."
Elder Pingzizi exhaled softly, a rare smile appearing on his face. "Chairman, you've made a wise decision."
The Chairman didn't respond to Elder Pingzizi simply waving a hand toward Ranzi. "You may go. I need time to consider this further."
The chamberlain escorted Ranzi out of the hall with quiet respect. As Ranzi stepped outside, he glanced at his watch—thirty-six minutes had passed. It felt both fleeting and monumental.
He paused at the steps of the CP-Hub, turning to look back at the grand building. The midday sun bathed its eaves in golden light, and a profound sense of purpose settled over him. "The path of Meta Origin Culture has only just begun," he murmured, almost to himself. "But the future belongs to it."
A short while later, Elder Pingzi appeared, supported by Kent. His movements were measured, each step deliberate, and his keen eyes locked onto Ranzi's.
"Change begins in the smallest of places," he said, his voice calm but laden with meaning.
"He's already been swayed." The words were both an observation and a quiet nudge forward.
Then, with a steady hand on Ranzi's shoulder, he added, "The rest is up to you."
The firmness of his grip spoke volumes, a silent promise of unwavering support.
That evening, when Shawn learned from Kent about Ranzi's meeting with the Chairman, his mind raced.
He stood by the window, gazing at the deepening twilight.
The horizon was awash with shades of blue, as if heralding a new chapter. The possibilities felt endless.