"…"
"…"
With Zhui Yun no longer at the table, Long Hua occupies the opposite side, and faces Tian Cheng.
To the side, there is a power outlet—that Tian Cheng is currently plugging a white cord into to recharge her batteries. This cord extends out from her wrist, and should anyone see it, they would probably raise an eye—in response to how unnatural the sight is.
"Out of curiosity, what do you think of that imp?"
Interested in how Tian Cheng views those that they are spending their time with today, Long Hua asks her about her impressions of these individuals.
"Although she hates master, master doesn't seem to hate her."
"Because she's just a brat."
"According to my database, individuals of her age tend to act rebellious towards those that they look up to."
Towards this mechanical remark, Long Hua raises an eye, and replies—
"Look up to? As far back as I can remember, I don't think she's ever looked up to me."
"I do deem her as someone that could threaten master's life. If master wishes for it, I shall look for an opportunity to remove her."
(Saying something like that with such a serious tone while having her eyes closed is just sca—… No, terrifying is more like it.)
Clearing his throat, Long Hua shakes his head towards Tian Cheng's offer.
"No need."
"…I see."
"Wait, what are you frowning for?"
Noticing the subtle frown that had appeared for but a brief instance on Tian Cheng's face, Long Hua can't help but feel like this doll would readily commit a serious crime when he isn't looking. Towards his question—
"Error. Do you wish to restart?"
"Again?"
Recalling what had happened back at the Mirrored Moon Café's garage, Long Hua feels a headache beginning to well up.
(If I recall wasn't her model discontinued due to a buggy AI? Is this it? Is that AI based off a serial killer?)
Thinking of this, Long Hua takes a sip out of his glass of mixed fruit juice.
"Erro—"
"Moving on, what of Jing and Yao Yao?"
"Ever since Lady Jing had returned to the car, she seems like something is bothering her. I cannot say much more about her other than this."
"Something is bothering her? What makes you think that?"
"Her face wasn't completely relaxed. It's barely noticeable, but she was frowning with her brows pressed together."
Taking a bite out of his ice cream, Long Hua asks—
"Oh? And the other one?"
"Judging by Lady Nian's above average heartbeats when discussing matters related to New Moon Village, she seems anxious about anything related to this topic. Perhaps, it would be best to not talk about the matter too much—as it would only serve to ruin her mood? Although, due to her special constitution, her heartbeats at the time may have been considered her norm? It would require further observations to be certain."
Being given this lengthy response that can only be described as machine-like, Long Hua heaves a subtle sigh, and remarks—
"This only answers their mental and health conditions. What of your impressions of them as people?"
"It is still too early to say—as I have yet to know them well. Would it be fine for me to ask master a question as well?"
"Speak your mind; no need to be so formal about it. If possible… I would like to hear you be less mechanical with your speech and tone."
Responding to Long Hua's remark with a nod, Tian Cheng asks—
"Master mentioned how people say—that there is no relationship thicker than blood. Is this true?"
"Blood relationships are valued highly—because the concept called family exists in human society. So, it should be true."
"Allow me to rephrase the question. Does master—as an individual, personally, think that is true?"
"You really are just…"
Recalling the story that Jing Yao had told him—the story regarding a married couple bringing their daughter in for a cure to "Sinner's Branding," Long Hua raises a sigh.
(Right… Family and blood really doesn't matter all that much in this world, or in the cultivation world…)
Should a bar code like tattoo appear on the body of a child, the parents of the child tend to always sell them off to the government, for living conditions outside of the first and second ward—isn't something that most are able to stomach.
"I suppose, blood really doesn't count for much depending on the situation, and…"
"And?"
As an occasionally stern figure flashes in Long Hua's mind, a light smile appears on his face, as he raises his head to the ceiling.
"The person I respect the most isn't related to me by blood, but I still consider them a father figure. He is the person who I aspire to be like. Where he is, is where home for me is, I guess?"
"…"
Hearing this, Tian Cheng turns mute, seemingly attempting to process these words. Although it is subtle, she is pressing her brows together before gradually beginning to relax them. Eventually, she asks—
"And who is this individual?"
"My shizun, but I can't remember his face. All I know is, they really cared for me."
Looking towards Tian Cheng, Long Hua is reminded of his shizun's words once more—regarding the difficulties involved with keeping a pet.
"When you asked me to register a name, his words came to mind. "Foolish disciple, what have you brought back this time? If you truly intend to take this weak creature in, are you prepared to care for it for life? Shizun can only protect you temporarily; there will eventually come a day in which you would have to fend for yourself. While fending for yourself, do you think you'd have the leisure to care for someone else?" I don't know when he said these words to me, but I still remember them so clearly to this day."
Hearing this, Tian Cheng turns silent again.
"Hm?"
Noticing Tian Cheng's closed eyes to be trembling as if in fear of something, Long Hua frowns, but before he can ask about it—
"…Error. Do you wish to restart?"
"…?"
Unsure as to what could have promoted this response, Long Hua pinches the bridge of his nose.
"I'm not even sure what it is that I am asking of you anymore by bringing his words up…"
Removing his hand away from his nose, Long Hua can only sigh, as he chooses to drop the subject completely.
Finishing his ice cream, Long Hua remarks—
"Actually, with you asking questions that lead to me answering in such a way… It's as if you're attempting to… To search for the meaning of life through me."
"A machine is a machine. Life for me may end at the press of a switch. But…"
Tilting her head, Tian Cheng seems confused about how she should continue.
Rather than saying that she is attempting to search for the meaning of life, Tian Cheng finds it more appropriate to think that she is looking for something—something that could make her feel a sense of supposed completion.
"So even machines of your caliber can be confused?"
Towards Tian Cheng's display of confusion, Long Hua smiles with amusement, and responding to his teasing smile, the former replies with—
"Error. Do you wish to restart?"