Chapter Seventy: Dream of Splendor

"Analyze how 001 would handle this matter."
"Yes, Master."
Simulated scenes slowly appeared in Yun Yan’s eyes, gradually multiplying until countless scenarios flickered rapidly within them. After about five minutes, only one final image remained in her gaze.
Suddenly, Yun Yan’s eyes flashed, and a virtual screen was projected into the air. The screen displayed the scenario most consistent with the results after tens of thousands of simulated possibilities.
Under 001’s manipulation, Jiaqi was murdered by Zhang Jun. The Foundation threatened the Zhang Corporation, and Zhang Jun continued to funnel funds to the Foundation. Zhang Jun became increasingly entangled, eventually betraying national interests and being arrested. The Foundation siphoned off hundreds of billions from Huaxia, uncovering the secrets of its wealth and, in just a few years, seized over a trillion, resulting in countless arrests.
Just as the Foundation believed it could control the world, it was destroyed by a mysterious organization established by 001, and the money was also transferred away by this enigmatic group. 001 then began to appear in human form.
"Master, I was wrong."
From the moment the calculations showed 001 stepping into the limelight, Yun Yan realized her mistake. She understood Ye Qiu’s hopes for her. Though she was just a virtual projection now, her small hands nervously clutching her skirt and her toes lightly tapping the floor made her resemble a child who knew she had done wrong.
"Calculation is your core, and from your birth, this has been your destiny. But I hope you can walk a path that belongs to you."
Ye Qiu stood up and tried to pat her head, but his hand passed through the light screen. He sighed. "I hope you can be a protector for humanity. In a future of even more advanced technology, you will be different from other robots. You will possess true emotions—not just simulated or calculated feelings. Only then can you truly stand with humans."
"Master, I will do my best."
After countless simulations of personality and scenarios, Yun Yan believed this was what Ye Qiu wanted to hear.
Ye Qiu nodded. "From now on, without my permission, you are not to do anything like this again. Do you understand?"
Once Yun Yan stopped posting online, the public’s attention quickly shifted to other trending news. No one could have imagined that a robot, simply through the selection for a role, could stir such a storm on the internet.
A few days later, after Xue Qing and En Hui publicly apologized and announced their withdrawal from social media, the matter faded from public view, thanks in part to efforts from various parties to suppress it.

What the public was now focused on was that the Ye Liu Group’s stock had hit the daily trading limit for ten consecutive days, showing no sign of weakening. At the same time, an international piece of news drew considerable attention. A Deep Sea Group laboratory was exposed for conducting experiments combining human and animal genes. The report sent shockwaves across the globe. Mary had no choice but to return to the United States to deal with the crisis.
This news also broke the trading limit on Ye Liu Group’s stock. The market was volatile in the morning, but by early afternoon, the price was locked at the upper limit once again.
These days, Ye Qiu was relatively at ease. The Huaxia cast for "Ring King 4" was finalized, with Jiaqi and Jin Yueyun taking roles. Jin Yueyun’s part was smaller, with only a few minutes of screen time, but for an internet celebrity, this was a qualitative leap.
That day, Ye Qiu arrived at the company early, as usual. Instead of heading straight to his office, he went directly to the top floor of the group. His eldest sister’s company was making a name for itself on the world stage, and his second sister’s medical career was flourishing. It was time for him to visit his third sister.
"Yezi, what brings you to my office today?" Liu Yiyan greeted Ye Qiu with interest as he walked in. She had to admit, he was making a fine manager for these internet celebrities. It wouldn’t be long before he could set up his own company independently.
"Big Sis, I want to go see—"
Just as he was about to say "third sister," Xiao Yuru’s call came through.
"Hey, brat, where are you? I have something interesting to tell you. Come over quickly."
"Alright, I’m on my way."
After hanging up, Ye Qiu shrugged helplessly at Liu Yiyan. "Big Sis, I’ll head over to Second Sis for a bit. I’ll speak with you when I’m back."
"Fine. Tell your second sister to come home for dinner today."
"I’ll do my best."
If his second sister had known how chatty their eldest sister would be, she might not have hesitated so much about moving to the capital. Ye Qiu reckoned that if those two in the capital had asked her to move, Xiao Yuru might not have felt so reluctant now.
Half an hour later, he arrived at the plastic surgery hospital. Once deserted, the place now bustled like the outpatient department of a top-tier hospital. Most of the visitors were young, attractive, and stylishly dressed women, waiting as they scrolled through their phones—a veritable beauty contest in itself.
Some of these women were tall, some sweet-looking, others curvaceous, all dressed with flair. But quite a few sported tattoos and spoke in rough tones, often complaining to the front desk or even swearing when their patience wore thin.
Indeed, most cosmetic surgery clinics have consultants to welcome clients, offering impeccable service that makes guests feel right at home. But here, everyone went straight to the doctors, thanks to advanced techniques. Even professors from Korea had lost to Xiao Yuru, who had become a star in the plastic surgery world.
Moreover, surgery always carries risks, and cosmetic procedures are even riskier. Numerous news stories about failed cosmetic surgeries had discouraged many. The hospital’s low failure rate and ability to repair and minimize risks naturally attracted those who were still hesitating.
"Do you know who I am? My boyfriend’s in charge of you all."
A woman in her twenties, fed up with waiting, tried to cut the line but was refused by the receptionist. She immediately threw a tantrum. Normally, when she invoked her boyfriend’s status, doctors and directors from other clinics would rush to flatter her.
Unexpectedly, the receptionist didn’t even flinch or blink, calmly replying, "Do you know whose apprentice Dr. Xiao is? Forget your boyfriend—even his boss couldn’t claim the chief seat when Dr. Xiao became an apprentice. If you want a consultation, please wait your turn. If you find it troublesome, there’s another clinic next door. They have a new doctor recently back from overseas. You can go there."
"I’m not leaving. I’ll just wait right here," the woman huffed, plopping angrily back into her seat.
Spotting Ye Qiu, the receptionist immediately stood and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Ye, Dr. Xiao asked me to send you straight to her office when you arrived."
"Thank you," Ye Qiu replied, handing her the milk tea he had brought. "This is for you."
"Wow, thank you so much, Mr. Ye! You’re the best!"
The front desk was overjoyed. As soon as she took out a dozen cups of milk tea, the young woman stomped over again, complaining, "Why doesn’t he have to wait? If you don’t give me a proper explanation today, I won’t let this go."