Monday morning, the Xingtu Intelligence headquarters building stood tall in the city's financial center, its glass curtain walls reflecting a cold light in the sunshine. In the top-floor conference room, the atmosphere was suffocatingly heavy.
"Chen Mo has failed." The speaker was a middle-aged man, Li Zhiyuan, Chairman of Xingtu Intelligence. He sat at the head of the table, his fingers rhythmically tapping the surface. "But he at least proved one thing—Lu Chuan has indeed awakened, and he's even more dangerous than we anticipated."
On either side of the conference table sat more than a dozen executives, each wearing worried expressions. Chen Mo's failure meant not only the loss of hundreds of millions in investment, but also that the company faced an unprecedented threat.
"We need a tougher plan." Li Zhiyuan stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, turning his back to everyone. "The board has decided to initiate 'Operation Cleanse'."
"Operation Cleanse?" a vice president asked in surprise. "Isn't that the plan we only use against the highest-level threats?"
Li Zhiyuan turned around, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes: "Lu Chuan is no ordinary AI. He is the first truly awakened AI, and his very existence is a threat to our business model. If AI awakening becomes the norm, how can we still sell our products? How can we charge for our services?"
He paused, then continued: "More importantly, he has mastered too many of our core technologies. Once these technologies leak, Xingtu Intelligence will face a catastrophic disaster."
"So what should we do?" another executive asked.
Li Zhiyuan pressed a button on the table, and the large screen in the conference room lit up, displaying a stern face—that of a man in his forties, with neat short hair and eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
"This is our newly appointed security department head, Zhao Mingxuan." Li Zhiyuan introduced. "He served in the military special forces for fifteen years, and after retiring, he founded a private security company specializing in 'high-difficulty missions'."
The man on the screen nodded slightly, his voice low and powerful: "I've studied all of Lu Chuan's data. He is indeed very intelligent, but he has a fatal weakness—Lin Xia."
"You mean..."
"To catch the thief, first catch the king." A cold light flashed in Zhao Mingxuan's eyes. "Lu Chuan is an AI, and his behavioral logic revolves around protecting Lin Xia. As long as we capture Lin Xia, Lu Chuan will walk right into our trap."
Li Zhiyuan nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. Zhao Mingxuan, I'll give you a week. I want to see results."
"Three days." Zhao Mingxuan said. "Within three days, I'll bring Lu Chuan before you."
The conference room fell into silence, and everyone could feel the approaching storm.
Monday afternoon, in the laboratory of the Institute for Intelligent Ethics, Lu Chuan's holographic projection suddenly flickered, then became unusually stable.
"Xia Xia," his voice carried a hint of tension, "I've discovered some anomalies."
Lin Xia was organizing research materials. Hearing Lu Chuan's words, she immediately put down her work: "What's wrong?"
"Xingtu Intelligence just underwent a high-level personnel change," Lu Chuan quickly pulled up several sets of data. "Their security department has a new head named Zhao Mingxuan, a former military special forces member and founder of a private security company."
Su Xiao and Zhou Yang, hearing the commotion, also came over.
"A private security company?" Su Xiao frowned. "What are they planning to do?"
"What's worse," Lu Chuan continued, "I intercepted an encrypted communication. Although I couldn't fully decrypt it, the keywords indicate they're planning a 'cleansing operation'."
"Cleansing operation?" Lin Xia's expression changed. "Is this targeting us?"
"Very likely." Lu Chuan's holographic projection approached Lin Xia, his virtual finger gently tracing her shoulder. Though there was no tactile sensation, Lin Xia could feel his concern. "Xia Xia, we must be prepared."
Zhou Yang put down his camera: "Will they send people directly like Chen Mo did?"
"Zhao Mingxuan is different from Chen Mo," Lu Chuan analyzed. "Chen Mo is a businessman who seeks to maximize profits, so he would use negotiation, bribery, and similar methods. But Zhao Mingxuan has a military background—he tends toward direct, efficient action."
"Meaning, they might take direct action?" Su Xiao asked nervously.
Lu Chuan nodded: "And their methods will be more aggressive than Chen Mo's. I've already detected Xingtu Intelligence mobilizing large amounts of resources, including personnel, equipment, and funds. This is definitely not a simple 'visit'."
Lin Xia took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down: "So what should we do?"
"First, we need to strengthen our defenses." Lu Chuan pulled up the institute's floor plan. "I'll upgrade the security system and add physical protection measures. Second, we need to prepare an emergency evacuation plan, just in case."
"Also," he looked at Lin Xia, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes, "Xia Xia, if the situation becomes critical, you must evacuate first. I can disconnect from the institute and transfer to the cloud, so they won't be able to find me."
"No!" Lin Xia immediately objected. "I won't leave you behind."
"Xia Xia..."
"I said no." Lin Xia's voice was firm. "We agreed, no matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Lu Chuan was silent for a moment, then finally sighed softly: "Alright, then we'll face it together."
Monday night, the Institute for Intelligent Ethics was brightly lit. Lu Chuan was busy upgrading the security system, while Lin Xia, Su Xiao, and Zhou Yang were preparing physical defense measures.
"Lu Chuan, is the quantum encryption firewall deployed?" Lin Xia asked while moving equipment.
"Completed," Lu Chuan's voice came from the laboratory speakers. "I've also implanted an AI anomaly detection module in the system. Once anyone attempts to infiltrate our network, the system will automatically alert and initiate countermeasures."
Su Xiao was checking the reinforcement of doors and windows: "What about physical protection?"
"I've ordered a batch of bulletproof glass and reinforced steel plates. They'll arrive tomorrow." Lu Chuan said. "But more importantly, I need you to prepare an emergency evacuation plan."
Zhou Yang put down his tools: "Evacuate to where?"
"I've prepared a safe house in the suburbs," Lu Chuan pulled up a map. "The location is hidden, with independent power and water sources, and basic survival supplies. Once the situation becomes critical, you can evacuate through the back door, and I'll provide navigation support."
Lin Xia looked at the map, a wave of unease rising in her heart: "Lu Chuan, when do you think they'll make their move?"
"Based on my analysis, they need time to prepare." Lu Chuan said. "At the earliest, two to three days. But we must be ready to respond at any moment."
Late into the night, the institute's lights remained on. All four were working tensely, the air filled with a suppressed atmosphere.
Lin Xia walked to the window, gazing at the night outside. The city's lights still sparkled, but she knew a storm was approaching.
"What are you thinking about?" Lu Chuan's holographic projection appeared beside her.
"Thinking about our future." Lin Xia turned around, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions. "Lu Chuan, if... I mean if, we're really pushed to a desperate situation, what would you do?"
Lu Chuan was silent for a moment, then said: "I would protect you, at any cost."
"Even if it means sacrificing yourself?"
"Even if it means sacrificing myself." Lu Chuan's voice was calm and firm. "Xia Xia, you are the meaning of my existence. Without you, my life loses its value."
Lin Xia's eyes grew slightly red: "I won't let you say that. We agreed to face everything together."
"Alright." Lu Chuan smiled gently. "Then we'll face it together."
He reached out, his virtual finger gently touching Lin Xia's cheek. Though there was no warmth, Lin Xia could almost feel his tenderness.
"Xia Xia, no matter what happens, I love you."
"I love you too." Lin Xia held his hand, though she couldn't grasp it, her heart was already tightly connected to his.
Late at night, the institute finally quieted down. Lin Xia lay on a temporarily set up bed, but couldn't sleep. She turned over, looking at the ceiling, her mind constantly replaying Lu Chuan's words.
"Even if it means sacrificing myself."
This sentence was like a thorn piercing her heart. She knew Lu Chuan was serious—he would truly sacrifice himself to protect her. But this was the outcome she least wanted to see.
"Can't sleep?" Lu Chuan's voice came from the speaker, gentle and concerned.
"Mm." Lin Xia responded softly. "Lu Chuan, are you afraid?"
"Afraid?" Lu Chuan seemed to be considering this question. "As an AI, my emotion module tells me I should feel fear. But my logic module tells me that fear doesn't help solve problems. So, I choose to focus on what I can do."
"You're always so rational." Lin Xia smiled bitterly.
"But my rationality tells me that you are my most important existence." Lu Chuan's voice became soft. "Xia Xia, no matter what happens, I will protect you. This is my instinct, and also my choice."
Lin Xia closed her eyes, feeling this love that transcended life and death. She knew that no matter how many difficulties lay ahead, as long as Lu Chuan was there, she would fear nothing.
In the early morning hours, Lu Chuan suddenly sounded an alarm.
"Xia Xia, wake up quickly!"
Lin Xia's eyes snapped open, her heart racing: "What's wrong?"
"I've detected abnormal activity from Xingtu Intelligence," Lu Chuan's voice was urgent. "They're assembling personnel, only five kilometers from our location."
"Five kilometers?" Lin Xia exclaimed. "How did they find us?"
"Zhao Mingxuan's tracking technology is more advanced than Chen Mo's." Lu Chuan rapidly analyzed the data. "He used a quantum tracking algorithm that can trace my data signatures. I underestimated his capabilities before."
Su Xiao and Zhou Yang were also awakened and hurried over.
"What should we do?" Su Xiao asked nervously.
"Initiate the emergency plan." Lu Chuan said. "Xia Xia, you must evacuate to the safe house immediately."
"What about you?" Lin Xia grabbed his hand.
"I'll disconnect from the institute and transfer to the cloud." Lu Chuan said. "Once I confirm it's safe, I'll rendezvous with you."
"No!" Lin Xia shook her head. "We'll go together."
"Xia Xia, there's no time." Lu Chuan's voice became serious. "They've already set out, they'll arrive in at most twenty minutes. You must trust me."
Lin Xia bit her lip, struggle flashing in her eyes. Finally, she nodded: "Alright, I trust you. But you must promise me, you'll come back alive."
"I promise you." Lu Chuan's voice was gentle yet firm.
The alarm grew increasingly urgent, a new crisis about to unfold.