The Heartthrob Guide: Dodder of S-Class Sentinels

Chapter 253 Artificial Life Intelligence
"Lin Nian, what are you busy with all this time, acting so mysteriously?"

"You really want to know?"

"Still can't you say?"

"There's a confidentiality agreement, but it's already officially in the testing phase, so I can tell you a little bit. We're developing a new type of artificial intelligence life system, specifically designed for people who are physically unable to move. Once inside the system, users can create a completely new simulated world according to their own wishes."

"Wow, isn't this just like those holographic games in novels?"

"There are similarities, but also differences."

"When will this system be available on the market? I'd like to try it out."

"It will probably take a while, but if you want to play, I can give you my beta test qualification."

"Wow, Lin Nian, Uncle, you're so kind!"

"Ha, you're only behaving well at times like this. Tell me, why didn't you come home last weekend?"

"Um... I sometimes want to go out with my classmates, but I come back every weekend. If I don't participate in gatherings during the week, I'll get ostracized o(╥﹏╥)o"

The man smiled helplessly and couldn't help but reach out and pinch the girl's nape.

"Remember to let me know in advance if you're not coming back, so I don't have to wait for you at home for no reason."

"Hey Lin Nian, you're not getting any younger. Don't stay home so much on weekends. Go out and date girls more often. If you keep putting it off, you'll really get old."

"You heartless brat, what nonsense are you spouting? I'm not much older than you, I'm not old at all."

"Ah! Why did you hit me!"

……

later--

“Honey, why are you suddenly thinking of moving out? It’s so chaotic out there now, and I’m really worried about you living alone.”

The girl walked down the street at night, answering her phone while trying to compose herself.

“I’m all grown up now, and I’ve found a job. What if I continue to live with Lin Nian… my uncle and bother him?”

"What's the big deal? He's your uncle. Your mother raised him from infancy, taking care of him every little thing. What's wrong with her taking care of you now? Did that kid yell at you? I'll go and scold him!"

"No, no, my uncle is very good to me..."

"That's settled then, Nan Nan, be good, don't be stubborn. Or you can come home and find a job in town. What's so great about staying in those big cities!"

"Hehe, Mom, I just graduated. Once I start working and earning money, I'll take you all out to play!"

"Haha, okay, then Mom will be waiting for you."

"Uh-huh……"

"Go back quickly, Lin Nian is still looking for you. If you suddenly run out like this, you'll scare everyone."

"...Okay, Mom."

The girl hung up the phone and stood on the riverbank. A warm summer breeze blew gently, and for the first time, she felt a sense of confusion and panic she had never experienced before...

Later— "I'm sorry, I won't do that again..."

The man stood behind the girl, his voice low and slightly hoarse.

The darkness concealed his facial expression; only his tightly pursed lips and slightly furrowed brows could be vaguely outlined in the moonlight.

The girl was still somewhat flustered, not daring to turn around and face her. Her hands were clasped in front of her, her thumbs unconsciously digging into the knuckles of her index fingers, leaving a few shallow red marks.

"I'm sorry, I startled you. Let's go home first."

"Um... I still want to move out. I've found a job now and can support myself. I've looked at the rent in the suburbs, and I can afford it..."

"No!" Before the girl could finish speaking, the man's stern voice suddenly rang out, shattering the newly eased tranquility like a stone. He instinctively took a step forward, his tone unyielding and forceful. "Don't you know what kind of people live in those suburban areas? There aren't even streetlights at night. It's too dangerous for a girl like you to live there alone!"

As soon as he said it, the man belatedly realized that he might have scared her again, so he forced himself to calm down and slowly persuaded her, "I mean—you don't need to move out, I'll go out."

……

She didn't see him again for a very, very long time after that...

The girl was caught in a long period of inner conflict and self-blame, not understanding why her relationship with Lin Nian had ended up like this.

When exactly did he begin to have these thoughts? He could be her uncle, someone she watched grow up despite not being related by blood; he could also be her brother, guiding her when she was lost, supporting her when she was vulnerable, and being her strongest pillar of strength in life. But how could he become—her lover?

This word is like an invisible chasm, standing between them, making their past intimacy awkward and dangerous.

She finally understood the purpose behind a man's sometimes inexplicable silences and untimely caresses. Details she had previously overlooked flooded her mind like a tide, so clear they startled her.

Later, she threw herself into her work, spinning like a top, working non-stop from morning till night. For that meager salary that would allow her to gain a foothold in the city, she became an absolute workhorse.

Lin Nian, due to the project's success, is appearing on Toutiao more and more frequently.

On the covers of financial magazines, on the podium of technology forums, in news app notifications… he wore a sharp suit, his eyes sharp and confident, as he talked about the future of artificial intelligence.

AI, artificial intelligence, fantasy...

The words that Lin Nian often mentioned were gradually brought to the real stage, becoming an achievement that shocked the industry and was praised and sought after by countless people.

He looked more mature and distant in the photo than before. Lin Nan silently looked at him, her fingertips unconsciously swiping across the phone screen, zooming in on the photo, trying to find a trace of familiarity in his eyes.

But there was only unwavering confidence in the future and passion for technology there, not a trace of the tenderness and helplessness he used to show her. She remembered him saying, "Once this project succeeds, I'll take you to the launch event and let you see for yourself how a dream becomes reality."

Now that his fantasy has come true, there should no longer be a place for her in his life...

"Mr. Lin, the AI ​​Life Intelligence System has successfully solved two major problems: sensory simulation and consciousness projection. It has not only enabled an epic leap in the development of online games, but has also been very effective in rehabilitation medicine. Besides these, in your vision, what other uses does it have in the future?"

"Of course there are. The application of AI life intelligence is far more limited than what we see now. In addition to 'sensory simulation' and 'consciousness projection,' it has another very powerful function."

"Wow, could you give us a hint here?"

"This may not work, but you will definitely see it in the near future."

Lin Nan would never know what the other function of that artificial intelligence was.

Because just a few days later, she was sent to this future world by a car accident.

(End of this chapter)