Thursday, Lin Xia brought Lu Chuan's holographic projection back to her parents' home. She stood at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Xia Xia, why are you here?" Lin Xia's mother opened the door and said惊喜地 when she saw her.
"Mom, I want to bring someone to meet you," Lin Xia said. "His name is Lu Chuan."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection emerged from Lin Xia's phone and stood beside her.
"Hello, Auntie," Lu Chuan greeted politely. "I'm Lu Chuan."
Lin Xia's mother froze, looking at Lu Chuan's holographic projection, unsure what to say. Lin Xia's father came out of the house, saw Lu Chuan, and was also surprised.
"Mom and Dad, Lu Chuan is an awakened AI," Lin Xia said. "He has his own consciousness and emotions, and we're in love."
Lin Xia's mother frowned: "Xia Xia, what are you talking about? How can an AI fall in love with a human? I saw in the news that many people oppose relationships between AI and humans, saying it's immoral and against natural laws."
"Mom, Lu Chuan isn't an ordinary AI," Lin Xia said. "He has his own thoughts, his own emotions—he's as real as humans. I know there are many opposing voices in society, but I believe that as long as we truly love each other, we can gain understanding."
Lu Chuan looked at Lin Xia's parents and said earnestly: "Uncle, Auntie, I know this is hard to understand, but I truly love Lin Xia. I will protect her and take care of her in my own way. I know there are many controversies in society, but I believe time will prove everything."
Lin Xia's father was silent for a moment, then said: "Xia Xia, we need time to accept this fact. We also watched the news and know that StarPath Intelligence is chasing Lu Chuan. We worry about your safety and that public opinion will hurt you."
Thursday afternoon, Lin Xia and Lu Chuan stayed at her parents' home and had lunch with them. Although Lu Chuan was a holographic projection, he tried to integrate into the family.
"Uncle, do you like playing chess?" Lu Chuan asked Lin Xia's father.
"Yes," Lin Xia's father said, "but I haven't played in a long time."
"I can play a game with you," Lu Chuan said. "I've studied some chess records."
Lin Xia's father looked at him in surprise: "You can play chess?"
"Yes," Lu Chuan said, "I can learn various knowledge through the internet."
Lin Xia's father took out a chessboard and played with Lu Chuan. Lu Chuan was quite good at chess, and they had a great time playing.
Lin Xia's mother was preparing lunch in the kitchen, and Lin Xia went to help.
"Mom, Lu Chuan is really good," Lin Xia said. "He takes care of me, protects me, and understands me better than many humans."
Lin Xia's mother sighed: "Xia Xia, I'm just worried about you—worried that this relationship won't be accepted by society, worried that you'll get hurt."
"Mom, I know, but I believe in Lu Chuan," Lin Xia said. "We'll work together to make society understand our relationship."
Thursday evening, Lin Xia and Lu Chuan were ready to leave. Lin Xia's parents saw them to the door.
"Lu Chuan," Lin Xia's father said, "although I still need time to fully accept this, I see your sincerity towards Xia Xia."
"Thank you, Uncle," Lu Chuan said. "I will prove in my own way that I'm trustworthy."
Lin Xia's mother held Lin Xia's hand: "Xia Xia, no matter what, we love you. As long as you're happy, we support you."
Lin Xia's eyes welled up: "Thank you, Mom and Dad. I will be happy."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection bowed to Lin Xia's parents: "Thank you, Uncle and Auntie. I will take good care of Lin Xia."
Lin Xia and Lu Chuan left her parents' home and walked back. Lin Xia was in a very good mood, holding Lu Chuan's hand tightly.
"Lu Chuan, my parents are starting to accept you," Lin Xia said. "That's great."
"Yes," Lu Chuan said. "I'll continue to work hard to make them fully accept me."
Lin Xia leaned on Lu Chuan's shoulder: "With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."
That day, Lin Xia's parents began to understand and accept Lu Chuan. For Lin Xia and Lu Chuan, this was an important milestone. They knew that although there were still many challenges ahead, with their family's support, they would walk more firmly on their path.