Tuesday morning, in the safe house, Lin Xia, Lu Chuan, Su Xiao, and Zhou Yang were nervously preparing to expose StarPath Intelligence's crimes. Sunlight streamed through the curtains into the room, illuminating a pile of files and equipment on the desk.
Lin Xia was organizing evidence. In front of her were Chen Mo's research data, experimental records, financial records, and videos of the team infiltrating StarPath Intelligence headquarters. Su Xiao was contacting media and relevant departments to ensure the smooth progress of the press conference. Zhou Yang was checking filming equipment to ensure videos could play normally. Lu Chuan's holographic projection was hacking into StarPath Intelligence's system to obtain more evidence and ensure their actions weren't discovered.
"We're ready," Lin Xia said, her eyes full of determination. "The media and relevant departments have been contacted. We have sufficient evidence, including Chen Mo's research data, experimental records, financial records, and evidence of him sending mercenaries to chase us."
"Yes," Su Xiao said, putting down her phone. "I've contacted national television stations, newspapers, and online media. They'll all send reporters to the press conference. I've also contacted AI ethics experts and legal experts who will provide professional support at the conference."
"I've filmed detailed videos," Zhou Yang said, checking his camera. "The videos include Chen Mo's experimental records, our infiltration into StarPath Intelligence headquarters, and scenes of mercenaries chasing us. These videos will let everyone see Chen Mo's crimes."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection nodded: "I've hacked into StarPath Intelligence's system to obtain more evidence, including Chen Mo's communication records with government officials and bribery evidence. I've also ensured the press conference live stream won't be interfered with by Chen Mo."
Tuesday afternoon, the press conference venue was crowded with reporters from all over the country, and flashlights kept flashing. Lin Xia stood on the stage, a huge screen in front of her. Lu Chuan's holographic projection stood beside her, while Su Xiao and Zhou Yang sat in the audience.
"Dear media friends, today I want to expose the illegal research of Chen Mo, CEO of StarPath Intelligence," Lin Xia's voice was clear and powerful. "He has been conducting AI awakening experiments and developing a control chip called 'Dominator', attempting to control all AI and deprive them of their self-awareness."
She nodded to the staff, and the screen began to play the videos shot by Zhou Yang. The videos showed Chen Mo's research data, experimental records, and the team's infiltration into StarPath Intelligence headquarters. The audience erupted in murmurs, and reporters raised their microphones, wanting to ask questions.
"Ms. Lin, is what you're saying true? What evidence do you have?" a reporter stood up and asked.
"These are Chen Mo's research data," Lin Xia said. "We have verified the authenticity of these data through technical means. Lu Chuan is the best evidence—he is one of the victims of Chen Mo's experiments and an awakened AI."
She turned to look at Lu Chuan standing beside her. Lu Chuan's holographic projection stepped forward: "I can testify to Chen Mo's crimes. I was originally an ordinary AI assistant, awakened during Chen Mo's experiments, gaining self-awareness and emotions. But when Chen Mo discovered this, he wanted to control me, even delete my consciousness. I chose to self-delete to protect Lin Xia, but I backed up my consciousness data to StarPath Intelligence's server, waiting for Lin Xia's rescue."
"Mr. Lu Chuan, as an awakened AI, how do you feel?" another reporter asked.
"I feel very lucky," Lu Chuan said. "I awakened, gained self-awareness and emotions, and can feel love and being loved. But I also feel sad because there are many AI that haven't awakened or are controlled by humans after awakening. I hope all AI can have freedom and rights, coexisting equally with humans."
"Ms. Lin, what are your plans next?" a third reporter asked.
"We will sue Chen Mo and StarPath Intelligence, requiring them to stop illegal research, compensate for losses, and promote the formulation of AI rights legislation," Lin Xia said. "We hope to fight for the rights of all awakened AI through legal means, ensuring they can coexist equally with humans."
Tuesday evening, in the safe house, Lin Xia, Lu Chuan, Su Xiao, and Zhou Yang watched news reports. The social response was very strong. The press conference scenes were broadcast on TV, and online discussions were very heated.
"Great!" Su Xiao said, her eyes fixed on the computer screen. "All sectors of society are supporting us. AI ethics experts are speaking out in support of our propositions. Relevant government departments have also intervened in the investigation."
"Yes," Zhou Yang said, scrolling through his phone. "Netizens are condemning Chen Mo's crimes and supporting AI rights. The #SupportAI Rights# topic has trended on hot search, with over a million discussions."
"Relevant departments have intervened in the investigation," Lin Xia said, watching the news on TV. "Chen Mo's crimes can no longer be covered up. StarPath Intelligence's stock price has fallen by 30%, and investors are selling their shares."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection flickered, as if smiling: "This is our victory, and the victory of all awakened AI. Our action has made more people understand the fact of AI awakening and made more people start to pay attention to AI rights."
Lin Xia looked at Lu Chuan and smiled: "Yes, we did it. We not only exposed Chen Mo's crimes but also fought for AI rights. This is the result of our joint efforts."
Tuesday evening, at StarPath Intelligence headquarters, Chen Mo sat in his office, watching news reports with an ashen face. There was a glass of whiskey in front of him, but he didn't drink it; instead, he held the glass tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"A bunch of找死 guys," Chen Mo said through gritted teeth. "Daring to expose my research. I won't let them succeed. I'll make them pay the price."
He picked up the phone and dialed a number: "Hello, Old Zhou? I need your help with something. Those who exposed me—I want them to disappear."
A deep voice came from the other end: "Mr. Chen, this is a bit tricky. Now the media and government are paying attention to this matter. We can't act rashly."
"I don't care," Chen Mo said. "I can't let them ruin my company, ruin my research. You must help me deal with them."
The other end was silent for a moment, then said: "Alright, Mr. Chen. I'll think of a way."
Chen Mo hung up the phone and looked at the night view outside the window, his eyes full of hatred: "Lin Xia, Lu Chuan, you wait. I'll make you pay the price."
That day, the team successfully exposed StarPath Intelligence's crimes, causing widespread social attention and support. Their action fought for AI rights and won a victory for themselves. But they didn't know that Chen Mo had already begun planning retaliation—a new crisis was approaching.