48: Chapter 48: Constitution Promulgation! Million-Dollar Bounty Banknote Design!

As night fell, Lin Zhou's livestream channel opened once again.

Without much small talk, he pointed the camera directly at the draft of the constitution that had just been revised on the table.

"Good evening, citizens."

"Before me lies the first constitution of the Cyber Freedom Republic. It was revised over the course of nearly a month by a team of international law experts led by Dean Zhang Zhe. The decisions regarding our form of government and the country's name were all derived from our previous public vote."

The popularity of the livestream skyrocketed, and the bullet comments surged like a tide.

"It's here, it's here! Front-row seats to watch the Head of State promulgate the constitution!"

"A historic moment! I am actually witnessing the birth of a nation's constitution!"

"Quick, take a look! Are there any clauses guaranteeing our welfare as citizens?"

Ignoring the bullet comments, Lin Zhou picked up the fountain pen engraved with the national emblem and solemnly wrote his name on the signature page of the constitutional document.

The moment he finished the last stroke and stamped the national seal—

In the livestream, countless gifts and special effects of applause flew across the screen, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.

At the same time, intelligence agencies from various countries were silently watching, beginning to analyze how much of a ripple this variable in international affairs would cause.

But that was about it; this fledgling nation did not yet qualify for more attention.

At this moment, a notification popped up before Lin Zhou's eyes.

[Achievement Completed: National Constitution.]

[Reward: 500 million in nation-building funds.]

[Current Nation-Building Fund Balance: 1.64 billion USD.]

Lin Zhou was ecstatic; for such a major event that determined the foundation of the nation, the reward was indeed substantial.

"The constitution is now in effect. Next, we must inject more soul into this nation," Lin Zhou said, transitioning to the next segment.

"Minister Chen Yuan has spearheaded the establishment of our central bank, and our sovereign currency, the 'Liberty Dollar,' will be issued soon. At the same time, the establishment of a postal system has also been put on the agenda."

"However, our currency and stamps are currently a blank slate."

He smiled at the camera.

"I have decided to hand this power over to you—all the citizens of the Cyber Freedom Republic."

"Starting now, we are publicly soliciting design proposals for the complete set of 'Liberty Dollar' currency, as well as the first set of commemorative stamps, from all citizens worldwide."

"The currency denominations will temporarily follow the renminbi system, divided into six types: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan. The design proposals must include complete front and back patterns, concepts for anti-counterfeiting markings, and so on."

"The stamps require a set of five, with the theme 'Genesis.' They need to reflect our nation-building journey from desert to oasis, from illusion to reality."

"The final winner, in addition to having your design forever engraved on our nation's currency and stamps, will also receive a cash reward of one million renminbi, as well as a hereditary title—'Founding Baron'!"

This news was like a depth charge, instantly detonating the entire internet.

One million in cash? For top-tier talent, this was merely a decent income. But the suffix—"hereditary title"—was like a thunderbolt, splitting open this world where class has long been solidified!

In Milan, Italy, a world-renowned top designer who had long achieved financial freedom was watching the livestream with disdain. When he heard the words "hereditary title," the goblet in his hand fell onto the expensive carpet with a "clang." He had money and fame, but he lacked that noble bloodline that could be passed down for generations! Now, this was a promise from a sovereign nation, the lowest threshold for a noble admission ticket.

In an old apartment in Paris, France, a descendant of a fallen noble family was getting by on selling off family assets. He watched Lin Zhou's young face on the screen, trembling with excitement. That hollow surname prefix finally had the opportunity to be endowed with real fiefdoms and glory!

Countless designers, painters, and artists, whether famous or unknown, put down everything in their hands at this moment. One million was just the entry ticket; that crown of "Founding Baron" was the ultimate goal they would spend their whole lives trying to seize. In this era, it was ten thousand times more valuable than one million renminbi!

They had missed the boat when titles were sold in the past, and those titles had absolutely no real value, but now it was different; this was a hereditary nobility from a sovereign nation!

This perception that nobles are superior is very common in Western society.

But for China, there is only one saying: "Are kings and nobles born with high status?"

Treating a Cyber title as a bit of fun is fine, but if you take it seriously, you lose.

Just then, a prominent bullet comment floated by: "Head of State, our nation was established too hastily; we don't even have a founding ceremony. Isn't that a bit too sloppy?"

This question immediately resonated with many people.

"Yeah, other countries have founding ceremonies, and we just did a livestream?"

"Strongly demand a makeup founding ceremony!"

Lin Zhou looked at the bullet comments, his expression turning serious.

"I understand everyone's feelings. However, I must tell you all a cruel reality."

"We are currently a nation without a single permanent resident. Our government is even still borrowing space from other countries to operate."

"Under such circumstances, holding any grand ceremony would just be a ridiculous act of self-satisfaction. That is not glory, but vanity."

He paused, his tone becoming firm.

"I promise you all that when the first batch of citizens steps onto the land of Bir Tawil, when our cities rise from the ground, and when our national flag truly flies over that desert, I will hold the grandest founding ceremony in the world for you all."

"But not now."

These words made the previously noisy livestream quiet down.

Rational citizens understood that what Lin Zhou said was the truth. Anyone can make empty promises, but being grounded is the foundation for a nation to become strong.

Ending the livestream, Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

The road to nation-building is complicated, but he is taking it one step at a time, making this illusory nation more and more real.

He picked up his phone and dialed home.

"Mom, I'll be back in a few days... Yeah, let's spend the New Year in Beijing this year; I'll bring you and my sister over."

On the other end of the line, his mother, Wang Xiue, refused. The elderly couple wasn't used to staying in Beijing and didn't want the hassle.

"Then you should take your sister over; she's been talking about wanting to see the capital for a long time."

Hanging up the phone, a long-lost softness appeared on Lin Zhou's face.

It was time to let his family share in this special glory as well.