After listening to Zhang Chenyin's reply, his mother, Xie Han, remained silent for a long time. Just as Zhang Chenyin was hesitating whether to say something, she finally spoke, "Human lifespan is limited. I do worry about who will take care of you after I'm gone. If it could really help take care of you, maybe I'd be willing. But I'm not entirely comfortable with it. What if it wants to harm you? What if it treats you badly?"
Watching his mother frown and seriously contemplate, listening to her usual nagging, Zhang Chenyin suddenly felt a pang of emotion. Yes, everyone thinks about this issue from different angles, and this is his mother's perspective.
His mother, Xie Han, was different from the trendy women like 0810's mother. She was simple but incredibly resilient. Over the years in the underground city, Xie Han had raised Zhang Chenyin on her own. In the early years, she had some hope because his father was still around. Though they were apart, they knew each other was alive and striving to survive.
But since Zhang Chenyin could remember, his father had been missing. All he had were photos and videos, showing his mother's sweet smile and his father's handsome, gentle demeanor. They looked like a perfect couple.
If he hadn't come along, they could have entered the underground city together and lived happily. But the world doesn't have so many "ifs." To them, he was an unexpected threat to their lives, but they accepted him calmly and firmly.
In all these years, Zhang Chenyin had never heard his mother complain. Even when he asked if she blamed him for causing his father's death, she would sternly reprimand him.
"Your dad loved you a lot. Even before you were born, we were looking forward to your arrival. When you were born, your dad wasn't in the underground city, but I sent him a photo, and he cherished it, always keeping it with him."
His mother's habitual nagging always spoke of their love for him. After washing the dishes, Zhang Chenyin sat next to Xie Han and cautiously asked again, "Do you want to visit the digital world?"
Yes, it might sound strange, even unbelievable to many, but Zhang Chenyin's mother, the architect of the digital world, had never entered the digital world.
It was said that his father had been a conservative. Conservatives had always resisted current technology, believing that the rapid development of technology was one of the reasons humanity had reached this point. They believed humanity needed to stay grounded in the physical world to research ways to combat viruses and severe cold, rather than relying on fantasies in the digital world.
Xie Han wasn't opposed to technology per se, but she didn't pay much attention to it because of his father. However, technological development was so fast that even if you wanted to catch up one day, you'd find yourself far behind. People have inertia, and over time, you start to fear and avoid it.
Zhang Chenyin had tried to persuade her several times, but she always deflected. This time, he wasn't very hopeful.
"Did you say that duplicate appeared in the digital world?" Xie Han suddenly asked.
Zhang Chenyin nodded, "Yes, currently it's over there. We still need to investigate the specifics."
"Isn't that very dangerous?" Xie Han asked, seemingly thinking of something.
"The more unclear the cause, the more dangerous it is," Zhang Chenyin replied. "I'm not sure about the details. It's pretty much what I told you."
Then, as if afraid his mother would worry, he added, "But don't worry, I'll protect you."
A moment later, Xie Han, as if making a decision, finally nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go with you. It's been years, and I've never seen your work environment."
"Really?" Zhang Chenyin was incredulous, then quickly confirmed, "No take-backs! I'll start preparing!"
It's no wonder Zhang Chenyin was so excited. His mother meant the world to him. After achieving some success, everyone wants to share it with their loved ones. But most of the time, his mother didn't understand what he was talking about. Now he could take her to see and feel it for herself. How could he not be excited?
Checking his schedule, he saw he was off the day after tomorrow.
After confirming his mother's willingness to visit the digital world, Zhang Chenyin was in a great mood at work the next day.
Seeing him, 0810's first reaction was to think he had found a clue.
But even she, the longtime arbiter of City R, had no clues. What could Zhang Chenyin have discovered?
"Something good happened?" 0810 asked directly.
To her, humans love to share good news.
She wasn't wrong. Zhang Chenyin immediately told her about his mother agreeing to visit the digital world.
"Where do you plan to take her?" 0810 asked.
"Of course, City R," Zhang Chenyin answered without hesitation.
To him, his greatest achievement over the years was City R. Naturally, he wanted to show his mother his best work.
Unexpectedly, 0810 frowned, "Are you sure she'll like City R? It's hard to find a smooth road, and the buildings are unconventional. The few decent-looking places are research institutes, which are extremely dull for non-professionals." 0810's words were awkward, but Zhang Chenyin understood her meaning—it was a well-intentioned suggestion.
"Do you have any recommendations? Places like City Z are definitely not suitable. It's a paradise for the young. My mother prefers quiet places," Zhang Chenyin asked humbly.
After thinking for a moment, 0810 replied, "How about taking her to City A?"
Hearing this, Zhang Chenyin was momentarily stunned before remembering what City A was.
It was a place for many to reminisce.
City A was the most similar to the physical world, with its layout, structure, and buildings modeled after past human environments. Some places were even recreated one-to-one, like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You could see famous old-world buildings there. Many old-world people said they felt a sense of home there, feeling like they were still living in their homeland.
However, as old-world people became fewer and people got used to current life, they gradually saw City A as a scar from the past, a place to reminisce.
Unlike the underground city, City A had day and night, though both were technological creations, not natural phenomena.
Some said it felt familiar, while others argued that technology and nature were different, and technology could only simulate, not truly replicate the feeling.
Whether it was nitpicking or discussing physiological versus psychological experiences, Zhang Chenyin understood, as did most people.
He hesitated, considering if it was a good suggestion.
Seeing his expression, 0810 quickly added, "Of course, if it would upset her, it's better not to go. But many people choose it as a transition when first entering the digital world, so I suggested it."
Knowing their long-standing cooperation, Zhang Chenyin realized that 0810 explained more when she felt she had done something inappropriate.
He quickly reassured her, "Don't worry. My mother isn't overly sentimental. Your suggestion is good. City A is a good transition. Taking her straight to City R might be too overwhelming and could make her reject the digital world."
"So, have you decided?" 0810 asked, her eyes showing a hint of expectation.
Zhang Chenyin cooperatively asked, "Do you have any recommendations? You seem quite familiar with City A."
He didn't expect much since most AIs weren't curious about the old world, seeing it as unfamiliar. Hence, AIs were rarely seen in City A unless for special work needs.
Surprisingly, 0810 quickly replied, "Do you know a place called Kanbula? It's beautiful."
Zhang Chenyin had heard of many famous places but wasn't familiar with Kanbula. It seemed quite niche. It was impressive that 0810 knew about it, indicating her deep affection for City A.
Seeing his confusion, 0810 added, "It's a geological park with stunning scenery. The majestic beauty of the mountains and waters will surely help your mother relax."
0810 now seemed like any ordinary girl, sharing her favorite places.
Zhang Chenyin nodded, typing "Kanbula" into his device and instantly seeing relevant information.
He had to admit, 0810's recommendation was indeed beautiful. Even just from pictures, it felt refreshing.
"How did you find this place?" Zhang Chenyin asked.
Given that less than ten thousand people visited annually, it was indeed niche.
"I like being alone and quiet when I'm in a bad mood, so I specifically searched for such places," 0810 explained, then added, "I consider it my secret base."
For some reason, looking at the pictures, Zhang Chenyin also felt drawn to the place.
"Alright, that's our must-visit spot tomorrow."
Hearing this, 0810 slightly smiled and then turned to leave, "I need to get back to work. Don't slack off."
Her words made Zhang Chenyin smile too.
Sometimes, he was truly baffled by the blurred lines between humans and AIs, thanks to technology.
But facing lower-level AIs, he never felt this way; they always seemed like cold machines.
After work, Zhang Chenyin was unusually eager to go home.
Waking from the work pod, he began checking the equipment prepared for his mother. Since Xie Han had never shown interest in the digital world, their home lacked the necessary pods. Zhang Chenyin had pre-rented an experience pod.
Unlike him, who had a department-approved work pod due to his job, most people had to buy their own equipment to enter the digital world, including Xie Han.
To ensure her good experience, Zhang Chenyin rented the best equipment, comparable to his work pod.
After confirming everything, he discussed the itinerary with his mother.
Hearing about the plan to visit a place resembling the surface world, Xie Han was incredulous. She doubted the digital world could replicate so much. But with Zhang Chenyin's assurances, she agreed, even looking forward to it.
The next morning, after having the breakfast Xie Han prepared, Zhang Chenyin swiftly washed the dishes, and they were ready to go.
Zhang Chenyin's previous meticulous preparations paid off. When they arrived in City A, the look on Xie Han's face said it all—shock and awe.
"Is this the City A you mentioned?" Xie Han asked.
Though he had never seen the surface world, Xie Han's expression reassured him that it was close enough.
Zhang Chenyin nodded, "Yes. Does it feel familiar?"
The entrance to City A was a train station, or rather, it was designed to look like one.
"If you want to experience it, you can buy a ticket," Zhang Chenyin said.
In this place, trains were no longer a means of transportation. Instead, they served as an amusement ride.