The first step of the experiment process at Ters Company was a physical examination. Since the upcoming tests might cause discomfort to participants with poor physical fitness or incomplete recovery, this step was essential. Only those who passed the physical exam could move on to the next stage.
Because the participants had already undergone brain-machine implantation and the number of participants was relatively small, the examination took place right there at the facility. Ters Company had specialized equipment and medical staff on hand.
Zhang Chenyang and the others were led in for their exams one by one. After Zhang Chenyang's physical examination, the doctor even complimented him: "Even compared to previous participants, your recovery is among the best. You've recovered very well, at least based on the current data."
Hearing this, Zhang Chenyang felt reassured. People naturally worry about their health, and he was no exception, even at his young age.
"This might be thanks to my family and colleagues. They took great care of me and helped me a lot," Zhang Chenyang replied with a smile.
"That's right, the recovery environment is crucial," the doctor said while finalizing Zhang Chenyang's examination report.
In reality, it was more of a verification process. With the rapid advancement of medical technology, even specialized exams had corresponding equipment that automatically generated reports after the examination. However, due to a general distrust of machines and a preference for human expertise, a doctor would always verify the report, sign off on it, and only then would the final report be sent out.
After all, if a machine makes a mistake, there's no one to hold accountable except its creators. Ultimately, someone has to sign and take responsibility so that if an error occurs, there's a clear trail for accountability.
After the examination, Zhang Chenyang was taken to a special room. The room was entirely green—walls, ceiling, and even the floor—with fluorescent lights embedded in the edges of the ceiling. The only piece of furniture was a metal chair placed in the center of the room.
Zhang Chenyang took another careful look around and finally noticed a barely visible camera in a corner of the ceiling.
"This chair has connection lines that can monitor your physical state at any time. If you feel any discomfort while using the brain-machine, we will know immediately."
"Once you're ready, we'll project the specific steps and precautions for using the brain-machine to you. Just follow the steps."
"Don't be nervous; it's like using a pod. Just relax."
The staff member's voice was gentle, almost soothing, and Zhang Chenyang gradually relaxed. He walked over to the metal chair and sat down, letting the staff connect various monitoring lines to him.
"Because we're still in the experimental phase and need to collect various data points, it's a bit cumbersome."
"Later, when the brain-machine is officially launched, it won't be this complicated."
"Of course, our company is also developing a health monitoring chip, which is another type of human implant."
"This chip will be similar to the chair you're using now, though even more versatile."
"Of course, these are additional products, optional. The health monitoring chip isn't just for the brain-machine but can be used for routine health checks or during surgeries, providing valuable data for everyone involved."
Listening to what sounded like a sales pitch, Zhang Chenyang relaxed further and joked, "You really are a businessman. You've got all the selling points lined up. But I'm not your target customer—I'm frugal."
"Good, just keep that lighthearted attitude and follow the instructions," the staff member replied gently. "There might be some discomfort at first since it's your first time entering the digital world directly through the brain-machine, but you'll get used to it."
Zhang Chenyang nodded. After pressing the button behind his ear, the first thing he saw was a password setup screen.
This was a special step to prevent accidental activation. Users could set up a numerical password, a pattern, a simple voice command, or even a gesture as their password.
For those who were more carefree, there was also the option to skip setting a password entirely. It all depended on personal preference.
After setting up the password, Zhang Chenyang re-entered the login screen and confirmed his entry into the digital world.
As soon as he clicked "confirm," the scenery before him changed dramatically. The green surroundings vanished, and what appeared before him was a vast map. As an architect, Zhang Chenyang immediately recognized it as the map of the digital world.
Without hesitation, he clicked on the Beta entrance in City R. Almost instantly, as soon as his mind made the decision, he found himself standing at the Beta entrance of City R.
Zhang Chenyang then glanced at the instructions. If it's the first login, it might be a bit complicated, but once logged in, the system defaults to returning you to the last location you logged out from. If you need to go somewhere else, you can bring up the map and make changes.
The system tries to be as convenient as possible while still respecting the user's personal preferences.
It must be said that Zhang Chenyang did feel a bit dizzy during his first experience, but the feeling passed quickly, and he soon adjusted. The brain-machine wasn't standalone; fundamentally, it functioned like the pod, but it was clearly much faster. At least this high-speed transmission was something Zhang Chenyang had never experienced in a pod. In the pod, transmissions still required some loading time, unlike this seamless experience.
"You? Zhang Chenyang?" 0810's voice came from behind him.
Zhang Chenyang turned around and smiled, greeting 0810, "Good afternoon."
"Aren't you supposed to be participating in the test today? Why are you here?" 0810 asked, somewhat surprised.
"I'm testing the brain-machine, so isn't it normal for me to be here?" Zhang Chenyang responded with a smile.
0810 suddenly realized how foolish her question was. In truth, she had been so worried about Zhang Chenyang that seeing him so unexpectedly threw her off balance.
"You came in through the brain-machine?" 0810 asked curiously.
Zhang Chenyang nodded, "Of course, it's part of the test. One of the test requirements is to interact with both humans and AIs in the digital world. Thanks to you, I've already completed one of those tasks."
"How's your body feeling?" 0810 ignored Zhang Chenyang's teasing and asked.
"No discomfort, actually a bit excited," Zhang Chenyang replied honestly. That was exactly how he felt—eager to try out new things.
Seeing that Zhang Chenyang wasn't lying, 0810, understanding his current state, politely stepped aside, "You still need to find a human, so go ahead."
Just before parting, 0810 offered an unusual piece of advice: "With such a cool setup, it's best to test it outdoors with a close colleague to avoid causing a stir and wasting work time."
As he watched 0810 walk away, Zhang Chenyang frowned slightly. She was always like this, more loyal to her work than the average office worker.
Even so, Zhang Chenyang stood outside and sent a message to Alex, telling him that they needed to meet.
If Zhang Chenyang wasn't so socially awkward, he wouldn't need to go through this trouble; he could just strike up a conversation with anyone on the street. But he was the type who found it difficult to approach others, often imagining awkward scenarios before anything even happened.
While waiting for Alex, Zhang Chenyang double-checked that his ID was logged in, then opened his storage bag and saw all his items, including his avatar, his merit points, and all the virtual items he had purchased...
But the most important thing, of course, was the merit points. As a currency that circulated between the digital and physical worlds, no one could afford to ignore it.
When Zhang Chenyang checked his account balance, he was so pleasantly surprised that he almost shouted. He never expected that part of the merit compensation from Ters Company had already arrived—it was an astronomical figure.
Next, Zhang Chenyang reviewed his inbox and saw a letter from Ters Company. The letter explained the reason for the payment and also mentioned that Chen Yijing's estate would be settled and transferred within three business days.
Seeing that name made Zhang Chenyang's chest ache. He contacted the orphanage and expressed his desire to adopt a child—not just providing financial support, but actually taking the child into his home and raising them.
Zhang Chenyang also identified himself and explained his reasons for wanting to adopt.
The orphanage informed him that the adoption process required various checks, including health, family, and income status.
Zhang Chenyang wasn't worried. He had just undergone several rounds of medical exams, both he and his mother Xie Han were easygoing people, and they had nothing to fear from the orphanage's review. As for income, he was now more than capable of supporting a child.
If Zhang Chenyang had a specific child in mind to adopt, it would be someone like Chen Yijing.
But he also understood that the past was gone. Since he had accepted Chen Yijing's gift, he felt he had to do something in return. If he couldn't help a "past Chen Yijing," then he would help a "future Chen Yijing."
"You're going to adopt a child?"
Zhang Chenyang had just finished his conversation with the orphanage when he heard a familiar voice in his ear.
"When did you get here?" Zhang Chenyang asked Alex, trying to change the subject.
But Alex wasn't buying it, "You're adopting a child? Are you crazy? From some perspectives, you're still a child yourself."
"I've been an adult for a long, long time," Zhang Chenyang said calmly, "and I'm more mature than most people. At least I don't make a scene in the middle of the street, attracting everyone's attention."
"What? Are you implying something?" Alex asked, pointing at himself, then looked around and noticed that quite a few people were indeed watching them.
Zhang Chenyang nodded and then decisively dismissed him, "Alright, you can go now."
"Go? You called me over just to send me away?" Alex was confused, "You called me here just to tell me to leave?"
If it weren't for his knowledge of English, Zhang Chenyang might not have understood Alex's last sentence, even with a translator.
"Or are you subtly telling me that you want to adopt?" Alex, perhaps finding the situation absurd, began to rationalize.
"The adoption thing you overheard—don't spread it around!" Zhang Chenyang warned, "The process isn't finalized yet. If it goes through, I'll make it public."
"You can count on me," Alex nodded, then asked, "So why did you call me over?"
"I called you over just to send you away," Zhang Chenyang replied with a smile, then added, "I can't trust you to get things done, but I have no choice but to trust you."
Zhang Chenyang had no fear of tongue-twisters.
Seeing Alex's puzzled expression, Zhang Chenyang finally explained his mission, "I'm currently testing the brain-machine, and I needed to talk to a human. I chose you. Now that we've talked, you can go—I still have more tests to complete."
Hearing this, Alex perked up, "Brain-machine testing?! So you're in the digital world through the brain-machine right now?!"
Zhang Chenyang nodded, "Yes, I'm not using a pod. You should have seen it—Ters Company has already released some information about that inconspicuous button behind the ear."
"I've seen it! I've seen it!" Alex exclaimed excitedly, "What other tests do you need to do? Let's do them together!"
"You're not working?" Zhang Chenyang asked, surprised, "I recently took time off—did you take time off too?"
In the past, Zhang Chenyang would have balked at taking time off, but now...he looked at his account balance and felt he could afford it. Besides, since the test required time off, Ters Company would reimburse his wages, essentially making it a paid business trip.
Alex gritted his teeth, "I'll take time off! I want to follow you and experience it too!"
Seeing Alex's determination, Zhang Chenyang couldn't refuse. For someone who wasn't great at socializing, having a lively companion like Alex might make things less boring.
"What's the next test?" Alex asked.