Chapter 67 — Displaying the Future
The morning sun filtered through the large windows of XB Corporation's tech department, illuminating the polished tables and humming machines. Engineers were already moving about, tinkering with circuits and testing prototypes, but the usual chatter hushed the moment Bai Xia stepped through the door.
Her presence had a way of doing that — calm, composed, but carrying a quiet authority that made people straighten their backs and tighten their focus without needing to be told.
In her hand, she carried a slim black folder — the unmistakable weight of blueprints inside. She walked to the central workbench, every eye on her as she set it down carefully.
"Good morning," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "Today, we take another step forward. We've mastered capturing motion — now, we must master displaying it to the world."
She opened the folder and spread out the pages, revealing meticulous schematics. Panels, circuits, wiring diagrams, and touch controls — every detail carefully annotated.
"This," she began, tapping the largest page, "is the blueprint for a digital signage system. A screen that can display videos, images, and interactive content — controlled directly by our Modern Age Video Camera or by any compatible device. Think of it as a living billboard for motion and memory."
The engineers leaned in, murmuring among themselves.
"So… it's basically a giant monitor?" asked one young technician.
"Not just a monitor," Bai Xia replied, her eyes scanning the room. "It's an intelligent display. It can show live video feeds, play back recordings, rotate content automatically, and even accept interactive commands. Every pixel is optimized for clarity, color, and fluidity — more advanced than anything in 1995."
She pointed to another section of the blueprint.
"The screen itself is modular. Each panel can be built in a standard size, then linked together to form larger displays for stores, exhibitions, or studios. You'll need to handle the wiring, the control circuits, and the software integration. Precision is critical — even a millimeter off, and the image alignment will fail."
Whispers filled the room. Some of the engineers exchanged astonished looks; others furrowed their brows, already imagining the workload.
"We'll divide responsibilities like last time," she continued. "Mechanical team for the frames and casing, electronics team for circuits and connections, software team for display control and content management. I'll oversee integration and quality control."
She paused, letting the team absorb the scale of the project.
"This system," she said softly, "will let our cameras and content speak for themselves. Imagine exhibitions where videos appear instantly, advertisements that respond to viewers, or stores that display real-time events. This is how the world will see motion, not just through a camera, but through the space around them."
The engineers nodded, their initial hesitation replaced by a spark of excitement. They could feel her vision, even if they didn't fully understand how far ahead of the world she stood.
"Begin immediately," Bai Xia instructed. "Prototype the panels, test connectivity, and integrate a small display first. If it works, we scale. No shortcuts. Every detail matters."
As she stepped back, surveying her team, she felt the familiar warmth of anticipation. Another blueprint — another quiet revolution.
"This," she whispered to herself, "is how we show the future… one screen at a time."
The room buzzed with renewed energy. Tools clinked, circuits sparked, and the hum of creation filled the air. Outside, the city remained unaware that another chapter in history was being rewritten.
---
"We have five days to get a working prototype," she said, placing the folder on the central workbench. "Each of you knows your tasks. Mechanical team — build the frame and panel mounts. Electronics team — circuits, connections, and power supply. Software team — prepare the control interface. I'll coordinate assembly and check every connection."
The engineers nodded and immediately set to work.
---
Day 1 was spent cutting frames, assembling basic panel structures, and reviewing circuits.
Bai Xia moved between groups, checking measurements, confirming wiring diagrams, marking adjustments in red ink. A few errors appeared — a misaligned bracket here, a misplaced connector there — but corrections were swift.
Day 2 focused on electronics.
LEDs blinked to life as they were tested. Circuit boards were soldered with steady hands. The software team began writing the interface commands, occasionally glancing at Bai Xia for approval or adjustment.
"Check the timing on the refresh rate," she instructed. "If even one panel lags, the video will look unnatural. Every panel must update together."
Day 3 brought the first panel assembly.
A small spark jumped at first power test — someone held their breath — but the system stabilized. Confidence rose.
Day 4 was integration day.
Panels connected. Cameras synced. Software commands sent signals across the system. A few issues surfaced — a short reset one panel, and alignment needed recalibrating — but under Bai Xia's sharp guidance, problems fell one by one.
Day 5 — the first full test.
The engineers gathered. The room was silent.
Bai Xia handed the camera to an engineer.
"Record a short clip."
The camera recorded — a spinning fan, a falling sheet of paper.
The display flickered — then came to life.
The image was clear. Smooth. Real.
The room froze for a heartbeat. Then—
A quiet, controlled breath of relief.
A smile from the usually emotionless electronics lead.
Pride.
"Good," Bai Xia said. "This is the first working prototype. From here, we refine, test, and scale. Make notes of every improvement needed. Limited production will follow."
By evening, the prototype stood complete — the first digital signage display of its kind in the world.
"Tomorrow, we start planning for demonstrations in stores and exhibitions," Bai Xia said. "We'll limit production for now, but the demand will follow."
The team nodded, exhausted — but fulfilled.
For the first time, their work was no longer just internal.
It was something the world would soon see.