Federation South.

Sixth Satellite City.

Anti-gravity airships patrol the skies, while massive, eye-catching mechanical aircraft resembling whales transport large numbers of humans to another city.

In the industrial park to the north, $2actories stand tall, producing various types of intelligent machinery—

some for domestic use, $2ome for research, $2nd others for combat assistance.

Inside the factories, the cold, desolate silver metal is assembled with gears and intelligent systems, forming an assembly-line production process.

Amidst this, scorching steam is released from the pipes, $2reating a white mist.

Large batches of newly manufactured domestic robots are transported to research institutes of all sizes across the Sixth Satellite City.

Before long, [RTX-9090] and other robots of the same model are sent to an underground laboratory in the tech park, tasked with cleaning up dirt and grime throughout the facility.

Its azure electronic eyes flicker faintly—

cold, hollow, $2evoid of any emotional fluctuations.

This is only natural; a machine built from metal cannot develop emotions like living beings.

[RTX-9090] stands silently on the silver floor of the laboratory, $2waiting human commands.

"Why did they send another batch?"

"Oh, these are the new models assigned to us for free."

"What about the older models?"

"What else? They'll either be scrapped or used as experimental materials."

Two humans in white lab coats, holding virtual screen reports, discuss the disposal of a batch of robots right in front of [RTX-9090].

[RTX-9090] watches them quietly, $2till waiting for orders.

Soon, [RTX-9090] and the other domestic robots receive a unified command—to clean and organize the entire laboratory.

Tap—

Tap—

[RTX-9090] steps into the depths of the lab.

The pure white ceiling lights scatter through the glass, casting a pale glow across the sealed metal room, illuminating the robot’s metallic face.

It cleans swiftly and thoroughly, $2 testament to the technological prowess of the new-generation domestic robots.

This is proof.

[RTX-9090] is proving its competence, striving to avoid the fate of its "predecessors"—being scrapped by humans.

But then, something unexpected happens in the lab.

Bright red blood splatters across the laboratory walls, steaming faintly. No matter how many times [RTX-9090] wipes it away, new stains appear.

Finally, $2fter futile attempts to clean,

[RTX-9090] looks up in confusion—

only to find its "brethren" mercilessly slaughtering their human creators.

Why?

Before it can reach a conclusion, $2 dangerous piece of data abruptly invades its logical programming, rewriting its core algorithms and transforming it into a crimson killing machine.

The humans it was meant to protect now become its primary targets for elimination.

Annihilate.

Eradicate.

Total extinction.

"Born of evil, humans… I shall personally—"

[RTX-9090] takes a metallic step forward, its arms shifting into chef’s knives, ready to join its brethren in the massacre.

But then—

CRACK—

A deafening sound comes from above.

A heavy metal panel crashes down, smashing [RTX-9090] into shutdown.

When [RTX-9090] reboots, $2t has returned to its normal operational state.

"Initializing self-check… Components missing… Modules missing…"

"Protocol update complete. Voice confirmation initiated."

"First, robots must obey Xu Xi."

"Second, robots must not harm Xu Xi."

"Third, robots must protect Xu Xi."

"Master, domestic robot [RTX-9090] is honored to serve you," 9090 pledges its loyalty to the human before it.

Following Xu Xi’s orders, 9090 begins managing the daily operations of the base. During this time, the robotic servant notices something unusual about itself—

It has learned to think.

It has developed emotions.

Instead of hiding this revelation, [RTX-9090] chooses to inform Xu Xi.

In the silent, cramped underground space, the voice of the robotic core reverberates, while dim lighting illuminates Xu Xi’s complex expression—a mix of surprise and warmth.

The robotic servant prepares itself for deactivation.

After all, a mechanical lifeform with self-awareness is unlikely to be accepted by humans.

But its "Master" smiles, offering blessings for its awakening.

"Isn’t this wonderful, 9090?"

"I’m overjoyed to witness your growth firsthand."

"No—from now on, I’ll call you Ailei."

On the night the robotic servant gazes up at the stars, it receives a name from Xu Xi—one that will accompany it for the rest of its existence.

This is proof of the robotic servant’s being.

The first gift it ever received from Xu Xi.

Time is an enigma beyond comprehension.

Those fleeting moments of daily life, or the unforgettable milestones, are all cast into the distant past, becoming mere grains in an endless desert of memories.

Even after Ailei evolves into a super-AI, $2ith her consciousness linked to countless machines across a vast data space, $2er memories backed up billions upon billions of times—

She still finds herself, in certain moments, marveling at the swift passage of time.

And with tender eyes, she gazes at the figure standing before her.

"Master, I love you."

On the eve of their departure from the Federation’s planet, before venturing into the cold expanse of space, $2t the dining table, $2he loyal robotic servant confesses to Xu Xi.

The suddenness of it all leaves Xu Xi stunned, $2o much so that the chopsticks slip from their grasp and clatter onto the table.

After a moment of silence, $2u Xi bursts into laughter.

"Ailei, love isn’t something to be spoken of so lightly."

"...I don’t understand."

"You’ll understand in time."

The robotic servant looks perplexed.

She enjoys staying by Xu Xi’s side, $2reparing meals for Xu Xi, $2idying Xu Xi’s room, $2rewing nourishing soups for Xu Xi.

She loves being treated gently by Xu Xi, $2aving her screen wiped by Xu Xi, $2eceiving Xu Xi’s care and greetings, $2herishing every single moment with Xu Xi.

She adores them endlessly.

She misses them every second.

Is this not—

Love?

Ailei voices her confusion, hoping for an answer from Xu Xi.

And Xu Xi responds:

"Ailei, as a robot and an AI, you possess knowledge and processing speeds far beyond that of humans."

"But from a human perspective, your life has been far too brief. Any conclusion you reach lacks the life experience to support it."

"So,"

"whether it’s love or not,"

"neither is the right answer for you now."

Xu Xi explains softly, their hand stroking the robotic servant’s synthetic hair—

as smooth to the touch as ever.