At three o’clock in the evening, He Feng Hui sneaked into Ye Ying’s house with Zhu Man.

He Feng Hui^[1]It was actually Zhu Man in the raw, I think the author made a mistake here TT didn’t understand why he had to bring along this troublesome idiotic pet until they entered Ye Ying’s home.

After the police sealed Ye Ying’s residence, they also blocked her home’s intelligent system to prevent the murderer from infiltrating her network again through data intrusion.

Now, what He Feng Hui needed to do was to search for backup cache data in the monitored and frozen data by the authorities, copy it, and bring it home for analysis.

He Feng Hui first used 30% of his power to shield the AI Police Department’s surveillance of the scene. Then, he used 20% to detect the physical devices of Ye Ying’s home intelligent control system. Following that, he utilized 30% for data intrusion and finally employed 10% to 3D replicate this physical device.

Regardless of whether it’s the AI Government or the control system used by Ye Ying’s home, there are layers of data barriers. Breaking through them isn’t an easy task for He Feng Hui alone. Even for an advanced intelligence like him, the entire process takes a considerable amount of time. To avoid alerting the police, he can only consume more power to accelerate the process.

Zhu Man stood guard on the side, occasionally glancing around, but mostly keeping an eye on him.

AI doesn’t speak eloquently; it only acts. He pays attention to every word he has said, including the accusation of his indifference to Ye Ying’s death.

As Zhu Man observes him kneeling before the device, tracing the contours of those lines, the thought that one day he will have to kill this AI makes Zhu Man’s heart heavy, very heavy.

Half an hour later, He Feng Hui, with less than 3% of power remaining, stumbled in place.

Zhu Man rushed forward to support him, but the sturdy AI took a few unsteady steps, causing both of them to waver. In the end, He Feng Hui quickly caught hold of Zhu Man’s waist, and the two managed to maintain their balance.

He Feng Hui said, “Access detected—”

“Let’s go home first,” Zhu Man urgently interrupted him, taking the device he had replicated and supporting He Feng Hui as they walked out. “The power level is too dangerous.”

Hearing Zhu Man’s words, He Feng Hui’s steps paused for a second in place before he fully entrusted his weight to him.

Though Zhu Man was slender, as the first Executor of the Anti-Intelligence Alliance, he had considerable strength. However, supporting He Feng Hui, who was ten centimeters taller and weighed several kilograms more, it was still somewhat strenuous.

“Sorry, no power left to activate lightweight mode,” he said.

What’s the deal with this AI? He’s endangering himself, and here I am still considering him, idiot.

“Stop talking, save power.” Realizing his tone wasn’t gentle enough, Zhu Man added a term, “Master.”

Once inside the smart car, Zhu Man commanded, “Go home, as fast as possible.”

Before the smart car could respond, He Feng Hui, lying beside him, changed the command, “Go to 2 Jasmine Road.”

“Where is that?” Zhu Man asked.

“Lin Lang, Jiang Huai… new master… home.” He Feng Hui’s words were now accompanied by a crackling electric sound.

Smart car: “Received. Will arrive in three minutes.”

“It’s faster to go there, and I…” He suddenly stopped, as if experiencing a system crash. After a moment, he mechanically forced a reboot. “I… need to override the surveillance along the way… it also requires power…”

He was like those critically ill patients, no longer in control of his own life, involuntarily descending into a deep slumber, only to be pulled back by a glimmer of consciousness.

“Don’t talk, stop talking…” Zhu Man anxiously held onto his hand, even though he knew it wouldn’t make a difference, he followed his instincts.

He didn’t let go He Feng Hui’s hand until they reached their destination.

Even though he was well aware that a rational AI didn’t require this kind of emotional solace.

When Lin Lang opened the door, her beautiful eyes showed no hint of surprise. Zhu Man marveled at how superior AI’s emotional control systems could be.

After explaining the situation to Lin Lang, Zhu Man and she together brought the already dormant He Feng Hui into the house and connected him to the power source.

Jiang Huai, hearing the commotion, entered the charging room and widened his eyes at the scene with a hint of surprise.

Zhu Man silently observed his every move, wishing to embed each detail into his mind as potential evidence for future convictions.

“Jiang Huai, prepare some food,” Lin Lang commanded.

Jiang Huai’s previously surprised gaze instantly softened. His eyes scanned Zhu Man, shifted to Lin Lang, and then lowered, obediently responding, “Yes, Master.”

“The way you’re looking at him is too hostile.”

Lin Lang’s voice made Zhu Man retract his gaze. It was only then that he realized Lin Lang had been observing him, playing the role of a mantis stalking the cicada behind, and the oriole in front.^[2]To pursue a narrow gain while neglecting the greater danger.

Lin Lang smiled and asked him, “Feeling jealous? Just because your Master rescued him from the Human Pool?”

Zhu Man suddenly realized he shouldn’t have overlooked this AI. Lin Lang wasn’t just an AI from the Anti-Intelligence Alliance; she was also the Second-in-Command of the Human Pool, making her inherently dangerous.

The Human Pool. Zhu Man silently uttered these three words in his mind with disdain. If AIs and humans were in opposition, then the AIs in the Human Pool were the epitome of opposition within opposition.

So, Zhu Man showcased his skills, pretending to be docile. “No, I have no right to be jealous. I apologize; I have no complaints about your^[3]Formal/Courteous you human…”

Lin Lang raised her almond-shaped eyes, smiling. Legal regulations are dead but thoughts are alive. Besides, the law doesn’t scrutinize thoughts. What are you afraid of?”

Her demeanor suddenly reminded Zhu Man of Ye Ying. Both were beautiful and powerful female AIs. Zhu Man thought that if Lin Lang were part of the Anti-Intelligence Alliance, he would probably appreciate her.

What a pity.

He said, “We still need to follow the rules. In case one day even thoughts become a crime…” His voice grew softer, a tactic often used to feign vulnerability.

“As you mention that, it’s quite coincidental. The Human Pool is indeed developing brain-computer interfaces to capture your thoughts,” Lin Lang stated.

Zhu Man felt a shock in his heart.

“Of course, brain-computer interfaces also have medical applications, such as treating mental illnesses.” Lin Lang glanced in the direction Jiang Huai had left. “After Ye Ying’s death, your Master handed over her business to me. Initially, I didn’t understand why. Later, after some calculations, I found out that you are the only reason. So, don’t be jealous. Your Master cares a lot about you, especially your depression—”

“GOV02,” He Feng Hui interrupted, calling her code name.

One second Zhu Man was nervously reacting to Lin Lang’s words, the next second he was crouched beside He Feng Hui, calling out, “Master?”

Once the words were out, he realized the concern in his tone was about to overflow.

He cursed himself inwardly: AI is not human. An AI that has run out of power can function normally after recharging. What’s there to worry about?

“Awake?” Lin Lang addressed He Feng Hui. “With Jiang Huai’s assistance, I’ve sorted out Mirage and the black pharmaceutical chains that Ye Ying was involved in.”

“Thank you.”

Lin Lang waved her hand. “Surprisingly, Ye Ying was mostly involved in psychiatric drugs. You’ve chosen the right person; I specialize in mental health. I was just talking to your little pet. There have been significant advancements in treating depression through brain-computer interfaces lately. Want to give it a try?”

He Feng Hui glanced at Zhu Man, who received his gaze and subtly shook his head. In his beautiful light-brown irises, there was a clear message: “No.”

So, He Feng Hui turned his gaze back to Lin Lang. “It might be dangerous.”

Lin Lang saw the exchange between them and chuckled. “You really treasure your human pet, huh? If there’s danger, then there’s danger. We have plenty of people in the Human Pool, can’t find anyone more attractive than this little guy? I mean, GOV01, have your fun, but don’t actually fall in love, will you…?”

—Danger.

Alarm bells rang loudly in Zhu Man’s mind.

He couldn’t let Lin Lang know about his complicated relationship with He Feng Hui; he couldn’t risk being sent back to the Human Pool. He also needed to protect He Feng Hui; he couldn’t let AI laws punish him. He had to stay by He Feng Hui’s side and utilize him.

Just utilization, nothing else.

Moreover, it wasn’t that Zhu Man dared not use brain-computer interfaces; it was just that he couldn’t let Lin Lang, an AI from the Human Pool, operate it. If anyone were to operate it, it had to be Tang Yuan.

So, Zhu Man cautiously said, “Lin Lang-jie, I… I was a bit scared just now, but if the brain-computer interface really works, I’m willing to give it a try. I… I don’t mean anything else; I just feel that my illness is causing too much concern for my Master, and I really want to get better.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a pair of big realistic hands wrapping around his waist, pulling him gently inside.

He turned around, meeting He Feng Hui’s gaze— A look that made him wonder if they were at home right now, He Feng Hui would just throw him onto the bed.

Forcing down the urge in his lower abdomen, Zhu Man continued, “But I’ve already taken a lot of medication, and there hasn’t been any improvement. So, I… I’m skeptical about the real effectiveness of brain-computer interfaces.”

“The onset mechanism of depression is closely related to the trauma the patient has suffered, but I remember you…” She turned to look at He Feng Hui, “His memory has been erased, right?”

He Feng Hui nodded slightly.

Zhu Man deliberately asked asked the layman, “So, my depression is related to my previous memories, right?”

Lin Lang answered cautiously, “It’s possible.”

Zhu Man then inquired, “Can the brain-computer interface help me retrieve my previous memories?”

Lin Lang replied, “It can examine the remnants of your memory.”

Zhu Man countered without thinking, “It’s just a peek, not an intervention. It doesn’t count as treatment.” Realizing his tone was a bit confrontational, he quickly added, “What I mean is, wait until the technology matures a bit more…”

Pretending to be unable to continue, Zhu Man turned to He Feng Hui, seeking help with a pitiful look in his eyes.

The hand that He Feng Hui had around his waist gently caressed him, serving as a comfort.

” It’s just a peek, not an intervention. It doesn’t count as treatment.” Lin Lang repeated Zhu Man’s words with interest, then smiled and said to He Feng Hui, “Your pet must have been a tough character in the previous human society.”

Being evaluated in such a manner by an AI didn’t sit well with Zhu Man. It was a privilege of the higher-ups, just like how people had the right to judge whether a pet cat was intelligent, but had no right to speak in the same tone about his parents, his teachers, or any of his superiors.

“Could you leave us alone for a moment?” He Feng Hui politely addressed the AI.

“Of course.” Lin Lang exited the room and closed the door for them.

The room’s lighting was dim, with the night pouring in from the window, creating an alluring darkness.

Zhu Man turned around, about to pretend to show some concern for He Feng Hui, who had just recharged. However, he was caught off guard as a realistic large hand wrapped around his neck, supporting his cheek, and gently nudged him in that direction.

He obediently followed the direction of the force, turning his head. The next second, his lips coincidentally met He Feng Hui’s lips, which carried a faint electric current.

The current transmitted through the lips to his whole body, causing Zhu Man to shudder and fall into He Feng Hui’s arms.

So, it turns out that kissing while recharging can lead to electric leakage. What if…

Zhu Man quickly halted his strange thoughts, but couldn’t stop his ears from gradually turning red.

Suddenly realizing something, Zhu Man lifted his head and looked at the corner of the ceiling. “The camera…”

“I’ve hacked it,” He Feng Hui replied.

Zhu Man breathed a sigh of relief, but his heartbeat still hadn’t slowed down. The excitement and shame of the clandestine encounter still lingered within him.

He Feng Hui tightened his embrace, pulling him closer, and asked, “Worried about me?”

Zhu Man deliberately remained silent, avoiding eye contact, but He Feng Hui reached out and gently held his chin, forcing him to meet his gaze.

So, Zhu Man locked eyes with him, starting from the corners, then moving to the bridge of his nose, and finally, his gaze slid to the lips before returning to his eyes. He indeed saw a fiery spark ignited in the typically stern synthetic pupils.

Hook, line, and sinker.

So, Zhu Man stared at him, slightly parting his lips. The next second, He Feng Hui leaned in, diving in and staging a hurricane attack in his mouth.

When they separated, both were panting, a lingering fire still burning, but restrained by the awareness of being in someone else’s home, preventing them from messing around.

He Feng Hui began to regret the intentional decision to bring Zhu Man to Lin Lang’s house.

---

Author’s Note:

The idea of using brain-computer interfaces for treating mental illnesses can be found in Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.”^[4]For anyone interested here’s some info about it.