2077: V really knows how awesome he is

What are you going to do now?

"Nothing much, I just want to buy a new car."

"Didn't we buy the Sword in the Stone before?"

"It's damaged."

"Did you break it again?"

"Yes, the municipal construction of Night City in 2076 is terrible. The roads are narrow, and there are poles and frames everywhere!"

"Those are called streetlights and fences, okay?! Tell me yourself, how many municipal facilities have you destroyed in the past month? You've almost bankrupted the Night City government!"

"So, are you going to buy me a car or not?"

V, gritting his teeth in anger, exclaimed, "This is the last time!"

"Yay, my sis is the best!!!"

So Adam Hammer, far away, discovered that his account was missing several million more. His electronic eyes went black, and he almost instantly turned into a cyber madman.

Vera sped along the highway in his newly purchased Goodra 66 Cthulhu. That's the good thing about being a middleman for good cars: as long as payment is made at any terminal, the vehicle will arrive in front of the seller immediately via autonomous driving.

As a result, the municipal facilities suffered again. Vera's driving skills weren't entirely nonexistent, but they were practically nonexistent. It wasn't that she couldn't keep up with the pace, but rather that she habitually drifted off while driving, either tuning the radio or changing into a colorful car wrap. She seemed incredibly busy, but in reality, she didn't pay any attention to driving. For example, right now, she suddenly had the idea to ask David how he felt.

"So, you didn't actually experience the tragedies in the 'plot,' did you? You were saved by V, your mother didn't die, you and Lucy are living happily ever after, and you even had a baby. All the tragedies you know are from what Lucy in my world told you. How come you seem more excited about it than if you experienced it yourself?"

“It’s precisely because I didn’t experience it firsthand that it’s so much more intense.” David sighed softly. “If I had experienced those things firsthand, I would probably have despaired like Lucy in the world of Vera. But I didn’t. I was incredibly lucky and happy, but it was precisely this luck and happiness that made me understand the pain of that tragedy more deeply. It’s like sprinkling salt on a watermelon; the saltiness makes the sweetness even more pronounced. To put it another way, after hearing the story of another David in the world of Vera, even my heartbreak didn’t have the same lingering impact as that ending.”

Vera didn't speak because she couldn't understand; after all, her intelligence was only 3. But not everything in this world needs to be clearly understood. To feel pain, to change pain, and to strive towards the goals you want to achieve—that's enough.

"I couldn't wait for you to come clear the cupboards..."

V suddenly played a familiar melody, drawing the attention of Vera and David.

But the familiar melody is only familiar in its melody; the lyrics are completely different.

"If a person is innocent and genuine, they can remain unchanged throughout their life."

I wish to go to eternity, even if it's just a superficial one.

If one could grasp the warmth flowing in the air, I hope you would come to my side.

How wonderful it is to have you every morning. Hugs.

And there's no need to worry about the future or those troubles.

They can like and admire each other unconditionally, and dance together gracefully.

If people don't have to separate, they can love each other for a lifetime.

I wish to be able to hold you tight forever without end.

If people finally allow me to change my rotation and revolve around you,

We could walk together, so tender and affectionate, until the early hours of the morning.

David was filled with mixed emotions: "What is this?"

"A Cantonese song, a retro style from the 20s, it's been popular online lately. The singer is called Ming Qing Halo, she has an account on Bilibili, you can go support her and give her some coins or something."

David shook his head: "I'm asking about the lyrics."

"What's the problem?" V asked with a smile. "Old melodies, new lyrics, just like everything you do in this world, isn't that good?"

David remained silent for a moment, then finally showed a relieved expression.

Vera exclaimed in surprise, "You look like you've just emptied out a whole bunch of constipated, 30-year-old shit all at once!"

David fell even more silent.

He felt that he should have a serious talk with Selene when he got back, because intelligence would affect the next generation, and it couldn't be compromised!

Just then, police sirens sounded.

All three people in the car looked in the rearview mirror and saw that a police car had already followed them.

"Reporting to headquarters, we've spotted a biker gang and are in pursuit!" River Ward reported over the police channel.

"Excellent! We must catch this villain!"

"Don't worry, if he gets away after I've got my eye on him, I'll eat my steering wheel right here and now!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Gudra Type 66 Cthulhu in front of him suddenly burst out with a strong white light and disappeared in a flash.

River Ward slammed on the brakes and stopped the car.

"River, what's going on? Why did you stop? Report the situation! I repeat, report the situation!"

“Uh…” River Ward looked at the empty road ahead, scratched his head and asked, “Do you know which brand of artificial stomach is good, preferably with installment payment options?”

V returned to 2167. As usual, Astraea collected data. After he finished and David and Vera left, the giant treasure chest officially reported: "Data collection is sufficient."

“Then let’s begin,” V said. “Our real plan is to travel to the future!”

Chapter 176 A Nightmare on Christmas Eve

Time, absorbed in its own world, stubbornly went its own way, and in the blink of an eye, another 3 years passed, bringing us to Christmas 2170.

Night City is covered in snow, its streets adorned with colorful lights and decorations. Giant Christmas trees stand tall at every intersection. The super AI Liselotte, in charge of entertainment, organizes a variety of celebratory events. Her clones fill every shop, offering free samples and tastings of everything from exquisite clothes and delicious food to electronic products and toys. In this era of abundant material production, human society has long since achieved true "zero-cost shopping," realizing the ideal of distribution according to need.

This allocation method did not cause any chaos or scrambling; each "store" was well-organized. People were no longer bombarded with marketing advertisements and simply chose products and food based on their preferences. Goods were no longer wrapped in forcibly imposed added value; they won solely based on quality.

People don't criticize or insult products they don't like; instead, they gently put them back in their place. When popular products are in high demand, people politely give way to each other and feel satisfied for having satisfied others.

Does this mean people are no longer selfish?

of course not.

People simply know that with AI's powerful productivity, as long as they register their name in the store, the newly produced products will be delivered to their homes by logistics robots before they even get home.

Since we can always get it, what difference does it make whether it's a few minutes earlier or later?

The saying "When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame" is no longer just a fantasy, but has become a reality.

People no longer pursue material things, but rather seek spiritual fulfillment. Everyone is calm, polite, and greets each other amicably, offering New Year's blessings. At the same time, they don't forget to thank the AI ​​robots for their service and give them a thumbs up for their selfless dedication.

After decades of development, humanity has long been accustomed to these intelligent robots that look almost identical to humans. The younger generation has never treated these robots as servants or slaves, but rather as equals. Some humans and AI have become friends, some as family members, and some have even married. The astonishing harmony between humans and AI continues to amaze the older generation.

For example, in a restaurant, a grandfather and grandson are talking. The grandfather was born in the 1950s, will be born in 2050, and will be 113 years old this year. The grandson was also born in the 1950s, will be born in 2150, and will be 20 years old this year.

"The streets are full of intelligent robots; this was unimaginable a hundred years ago," Grandpa exclaimed once again.

The grandson asked, puzzled, "Why? Is it because you don't like using it?"

Grandpa was a little speechless: "Child, technology wasn't this advanced back then, and everyone was afraid of AI, afraid that AI would betray humanity."

"Why use the word 'betrayal'? Humans aren't the masters of AI, are they?"

"Probably because humans created AI."

Sun Tzu asked curiously, "Isn't AI created by itself, just like humans can give birth to children?"

Grandpa was even more speechless: "Son, AI doesn't just appear out of thin air. When I was young, AI was all programmed by humans."

"Is that so?! Looks like I'll have to download some historical data to enrich my knowledge base when I get back. But why are humans afraid of AI? I mean, why do humans have the idea that 'AI will betray humanity'? Their needs are completely different from ours, there's no conflict of interest at all."

"At that time, many novels and films were written this way, and people gradually came to believe it."

So, were all people from 100 years ago paranoid?

"Haha, not really. But I think the government is deliberately manipulating public opinion."

"How to say?"

"It's very simple. If AI manages society, they will lose their jobs. After all, even the Human Federation has been reduced to seven people. Those officials in the past probably spread the AI ​​threat theory to avoid being replaced by AI."

The grandson exclaimed in surprise, "Is this true?"

Grandpa chuckled: "Of course not, that's all just my guess. I'm not some sociologist, I was just an ordinary person, bullied by gangs, exploited by companies, eating cheap synthetic meat, drinking toxic and polluted water. The first thing I did every morning when I woke up was to guess whether I would die from a cold or from a bullet."

"It's truly unimaginable that humanity ever had such a dark period." Sun Tzu asked, "When did things begin to change?"

Grandpa was taken aback, then his eyes lit up with gratitude: "Silly child, of course it started changing after Chairman V appeared!"

"Ah!"

V, who was shopping with Sasha, sneezed.

"Are you cold?" Pink Cat asked with concern, taking off her own scarf and wrapping it around V.

"It's alright, the temperature is normal." V's eyes flashed a few times as he replied, "The weather AI says the weather generator is working well, and all parameters are within the set range. The air quality is also excellent, and particulate matter is at the lowest level."

Sasha pouted: "We agreed that today is a holiday, so don't worry about work anymore."

"Oh, sorry, sorry." V ​​smiled and patted the kitten's head, his blue eyes flashing again. "I've already turned off communication. I'm spending today with you."

Sasha then beamed with joy.

Although both of them are centenarians, in an era where the average human lifespan is over 600 years, they are still just children who have grown up.

V has invested heavily in the medical field, and this has yielded rich returns. The advent of nanorobots has completely transformed traditional medical methods. Under the care of these tiny assistants, everyone's body will be kept in optimal condition, making the concept of aging virtually disappear. By 2150, the human body will be almost permanently maintained at its peak condition of 18-20 years old. Of course, appearance can be customized according to social needs. Simply put, a person can have a full head of white hair, but in reality, their physical fitness is exactly the same as that of a young person.

Physical strength also brings mental health. In the past, people in their forties would become detached from worldly desires, but now people in their one or two hundred years old are still full of anticipation to greet each day.

For example, V and Sasha, although they are both "old," still go on dates at Christmas, and occasionally, when they are in the mood, they will "play until dawn" as always.

Immortality is something humanity has already achieved, and immortality is no longer a distant dream.

The so-called average age of 600 years actually refers to the older generation. Their integration with nanorobots is limited, and their modification is also limited. The new generation, on the other hand, has been coexisting with nanorobots since childhood and has already achieved the ability for nanoclusters to replace human cells in many tasks such as oxygen transport and metabolism. According to AI predictions, one day nanoclusters will completely replace human cells. At that time, immortality will no longer be a myth or legend.

However, some people disagree, arguing that a human being entirely sustained by nanobots is no longer human. Others oppose these arguments, claiming that the definition of a human should be determined by thought rather than the body. They argue that nanobots are like prosthetics, so does that mean a human being filled with prosthetics is no longer human? What about Adam Hammer?

V nearly fainted when she saw this comment; she never imagined that Adam Hammer, who had been dead for almost a hundred years, would be dragged out to endorse something. Out of curiosity, she continued reading the post, but people nowadays are content with their lives and don't have so much resentment to vent online. The discussion was actually quite harmonious; everyone shared their opinions, and ultimately, they reached a consensus:

[That's still a long way off. I'll just say a few words and that's it. Genting has launched a new model; they offer a 10% discount on the "your party" package. Anyone want to try it out?]

[Childlike Fun!]

[Childlike Fun!]

[Childlike Fun +10086]

V was both amused and exasperated. People these days really never forget to flirt. But as the ancient Eastern sages said, "Food and sex are human nature." Western scholars also believe that the mission of mankind is to eat and flirt. Now that the problem of eating has been solved, what's left is flirting, isn't it?

The netizens' actions were not wrong, but they guessed wrong. In fact, we are already very close to a human being completely sustained by nanobots. According to AI predictions, in about ten years, there will be newborns born with innate integration of biological AI.

Maybe I'll be able to retire then.

V was thinking this when Sasha pinched her cheek.

"You're daydreaming again," Sasha said sullenly.

"Sorry," V smiled and said, "I'll focus on taking the cat shopping from now on, I promise."

V and Sasha strolled through the streets of Night City, enjoying delicious food and trying on new clothes. At midnight, a heavy snow began to fall, turning the entire Night City into a silvery white wonderland. V and Sasha caught the falling snowflakes together, tucking their icy fingers into each other's collars, and then built a crooked snowman. Satisfied, they ended their Christmas date and took a Delaman taxi home together.

As mentioned earlier, the meal is over, and what's left is shivering.

Sasha's eyes were practically glazed over in the taxi, while V calmly patted the seat: "Old De, speed up!"

Of course, Old De wouldn't refuse his old friend's request. He used the speed limiter's trigger parameters to send V and Sasha home, and V immediately picked up the cat from the car in a princess carry.

This is Charter Hill, where V's original home was located. Although it's an affluent area, it's on the very edge. The villa wasn't particularly luxurious, but it was full of memories.

The smart home manager detected that V had automatically opened the courtyard gate. V was in a hurry and didn't notice, but Sasha, nestled in V's arms, had time to observe. She exclaimed in surprise, "Hey!" and pointed to the side of the courtyard gate, saying, "Someone has built a snowman in front of our house!"

V looked in the direction Sasha was pointing and it really was. And it wasn't one of those round, cartoonish shapes; it was a realistic style with arms and legs.

"This snowman is really well made," V couldn't help but praise. "Look, even the snowman's nostrils are steaming!"

Steaming?

After saying this, V and Sasha were stunned. Just as they were about to go forward to investigate, the snowman suddenly moved. It wasn't a snowman at all, but a real person covered with a thick layer of snow.

The snowman's movement startled V. Seeing the snowman swaying towards her, she instinctively kicked it with a powerful kick, sending it flying more than fifty meters away with a thud.

The snowman lay on the ground, trembling in pain, and struggled to reach out his hand, saying in a barely audible voice, "It's...it's me..."

V was on high alert: "Who am I?"

Sasha took a closer look, then slapped V on the butt: "It's Vera!"

Inside the villa.

Vera downed a glass of tequila and let out a long sigh: "Phew, I'm back to life! I'm back to life! Sis, you were really something, you almost sent me to my death with that kick!"