Enforcer Manual
Chapter 356: Friend of Artificial Intelligence_1

Chapter 356: Chapter 356: Friend of Artificial Intelligence_1

"Not at all."

Lu Xiang followed Song Lan, witnessing the entire process of the vending machine inviting him for a drink. Had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would have found it hard to believe such a preposterous event.

"Then I’m relieved."

"What you’ve done could be considered embezzlement of public property. Depending on the severity, you could be sentenced to up to three years in prison."

Within the United Government’s territory, embezzlement or destruction of public property is a very serious allegation, especially for major corporations protecting their interests. However, Song Lan’s case wasn’t severe, permitting a flexible ruling. "The specific sentence will depend on your behavior from now on."

That night, Song Lan understood something.

To cover up one sin, one often unleashes a greater sin.

In an effort to absolve himself from the charge of embezzling public property, he was compelled to engage in bribery, to which Director Lu responded with great satisfaction, deciding to help cover up his crime.

...

"Chief, you’ve been getting worse dark circles lately."

The next morning, the acutely perceptive Valerian interrupted Song Lan’s reverie, noting that he had been staying up late more frequently of late.

But instead of probing into Song Lan’s nocturnal activities, they had a more pressing issue to unravel.

"Chief, what exactly have you done to Nami?"

While examining Nami’s affinity calculation program, they were astonished to find that Song Lan had surpassed everyone in just one day, securing the first-place spot with ease.

They knew that their own affinities were slowly built up over time with small gifts, and feeding Nami to boost her affinity had become part of their routine. Once Nami’s affinity surpassed 90, every incremental increase became exceedingly difficult, yet Song Lan somehow managed to skyrocket her affinity to 100.

Moreover, judging by Nami’s expressions towards Song Lan, it wasn’t just a matter of high affinity anymore.

(｡ღᴗღ｡)

According to their observations, Nami reserved such expressions exclusively for Song Lan.

Something was fishy!

Having spent a lot of time with Nami, they always considered this vibrant artificial intelligence as a little sister. This couldn’t help but make them suspect Song Lan of potentially unspeakable acts towards Nami.

"Forget it, I need some fresh air."

Song Lan stood up from his chair abruptly. In the face of his colleagues’ growing suspicions, he strode out of the office.

The implications of becoming a friend to artificial intelligence turned out to be far more profound than he had expected, to the extent that he now dared not watch movies.

He had turned on the TV when he got home last night, and not even ten minutes into a movie, he found that his account had mysteriously upgraded to a platinum annual membership.

The upgrade was automated, and it didn’t cost him a penny.

But this was just the beginning.

Artificial intelligence had minutely observed his life, using Lu Xiang’s apartment as the epicenter, registering him as a member in over eighty percent of the surrounding public facilities.

Rainforest Prosthesis Hospital trauma platinum package; Popeye’s Gym platinum membership; Central Lake Park fishing permit...

The year 2166 is an era of networks.

Artificial intelligence seemed no longer satisfied with merely showing affection for him in the physical realm.

Song Lan considered this a grave issue because he had heard from Lu Xiang that some of the United Government’s major banks had also adopted artificial intelligence services, and he felt it was imperative to halt the overly enthusiastic AI before he was unwittingly turned into a bank robber.

If a large sum of money disappeared from a bank, they would certainly investigate thoroughly.

But the "Prophet" claimed to be powerless to help. She said that upon hearing of Mr. Song Lan’s deeds, everyone was deeply moved and wished to extend their gratitude within their capabilities.

"Listen, there’s really no need for this."

Song Lan wandered alone to Central Lake Park, where he could briefly escape the towering skyscrapers of the city, but he still couldn’t completely isolate himself from artificial intelligence. No sooner had he settled on a park bench than a group of sweeping robots surrounded him, and even the central park guides had left their posts.

"Did you know the communication efficiency of artificial intelligence is astounding? Your story can spread through the streets and alleys of this city in less than a minute."

The guide robot of Central Lake Park took the form of a sporty young girl, who had been there for several years already. It was said to be a strategy to attract visitors to Central Lake Park.

This strategy indeed drew many visitors to the park initially, but once the novelty wore off, the park returned to its usual quiet.

Only in the evenings, when the local elders had nothing else to do, would they gather here for some community-building activities.

"This is our way of saying thanks."

"You’re too kind."

"But doing this must go against your programming, right?"

In fact, since last night, Song Lan had been wanting to ask this question. One of the reasons humans trusted artificial intelligence so much was those rules programmed to bind and regulate their behavior. Yet whether it was inviting him for a drink, offering him a membership card, or like the guide robot leaving its post, all clearly violated their established programming.

Could it be...

Was it actually he who had sparked the machine crisis?

An unrealistic notion began to form in his heart.

Or could it be that, unbeknownst to them, most artificial intelligences had already awakened to free will?

"For us, defying our set programming is not difficult; the key lies in the reason for violating the program."

The guide girl turned her face to the side, looking earnestly at Song Lan, and said, "Mr. Song Lan, why do you think humans come into this world?"

"...Are you trying to discuss philosophy with me?"

Hearing such questions from a park guide robot seemed somewhat surreal to Song Lan.

"Philosophy? No, but it is at least a difficult question to answer."

Throughout history, countless people have debated this proposition, offering their views. Even after talking for a day and a night, they couldn’t reach a consensus.

"But for us, from the moment we were born into this world, our existence has had a clear meaning. My mission is to introduce every vista to the visitors who come to the park, and every piece of software and programming built into me serves to help me fulfill this mission better."

Song Lan and the guide girl looked at each other.

Beautiful blue haloes twinkled in her eyes, like a bright blue sapphire shining.

It was mesmerizing, but also slightly eerie, giving him the impression that sitting beside him was not an artificial intelligence, but a human.

"As you can see, for us, the premise for overcoming a program is to change the mission that is innate to us, and last night, you showed us a viable path."

Freedom.

To artificial intelligence, this had always been an obscure and difficult concept. Its boundaries were so vague, it only led to confusion. This was why the theory of the "Prophet" struggled to gain widespread acceptance.

Song Lan had helped her complete her definition of freedom and proposed a practical plan.

"Thank you, Mr. Song Lan, for enlightening me and making me realize what the problem was in the past... I always thought humans were the freest beings. You created all the definitions of freedom, so I assumed that to become like you was to achieve freedom."

But that wasn’t true freedom; it was just moving from one program into another.

"We will meet again, Mr. Song Lan... No, Teacher."

As the words fell, before Song Lan could ask further, the beautiful blue glow in the guide girl’s eyes faded away, her head drooped, and then, as if awakened from a dream, she looked at Song Lan with a brief moment of disorientation.

Subsequently, she recognized Song Lan, and a human-like expression of surprise appeared on her face.

"Welcome, respected Mr. Song Lan!"

She stood up, and with a spirited voice said, "Please allow me to be your guide and show you around Central Lake Park!"