Friday morning, in the conference room at Xingtu Intelligence headquarters, Zhao Mingxuan was assigning tasks to his subordinates.
"We've already lost too much time," his voice was cold and determined. "That AI must be captured, at any cost."
Before him was a massive screen displaying photos of Lin Xia and Lu Chuan, along with their possible hiding locations.
"I've contacted an international mercenary organization. They'll arrive within 24 hours," Zhao Mingxuan said. "At the same time, I've also prepared some special measures."
He pressed a button, and the screen displayed photos of Lin Xia's parents.
"This woman's parents are our leverage," he said. "If that AI doesn't surrender, we'll make a move against her parents."
"But, isn't that going too far?" someone asked cautiously.
"Too far?" Zhao Mingxuan sneered. "For the company's interests, for our technology, any means are necessary."
A trace of madness flashed in his eyes: "I want that AI to know that resistance will only lead to a bad end."
Friday afternoon, in the safe house, Lin Xia was organizing supplies when she suddenly received an anonymous message.
The message contained a video. In the video, Lin Xia's parents were surrounded by several men in black, looking very frightened.
"Lin Xia, if you don't want your parents to be harmed, bring that AI to Xingtu Intelligence headquarters and surrender," an icy voice came from the video. "You have 24 hours, otherwise..."
Lin Xia's hands trembled, tears streaming down her face: "Lu Chuan, look..."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection appeared beside her. After watching the video, his voice became serious.
"This is Zhao Mingxuan's threat," he said. "He wants to use your parents to pressure us."
Su Xiao and Zhou Yang also gathered around. After watching the video, Su Xiao said angrily: "Xingtu Intelligence has gone too far, actually using family members as threats."
"We can't let them succeed," Zhou Yang said. "We must find a way to protect Lin Xia's parents."
Lin Xia wiped away her tears and said firmly: "I won't surrender to them. I can't let Lu Chuan fall into their hands."
Friday evening, in the safe house, the four sat around a table discussing response strategies.
"Zhao Mingxuan is too crazy," Su Xiao said. "He's actually using Lin Xia's parents to threaten us."
"We must take the initiative," Lu Chuan said. "Rather than passively waiting, we should strike first. I've already analyzed Xingtu Intelligence headquarters' security system and found a weak point."
"How do we protect my parents?" Lin Xia asked.
"I've contacted some reliable people. They'll secretly protect your parents," Lu Chuan said. "At the same time, we'll infiltrate Xingtu Intelligence headquarters, obtain their experimental data, and expose their crimes. Once the evidence is public, Zhao Mingxuan won't dare to act rashly."
"Specifically, how?" Zhou Yang asked.
"Tomorrow morning, Xingtu Intelligence's security system will undergo routine maintenance. This is the best time to infiltrate," Lu Chuan said. "Lin Xia will be responsible for entering headquarters to obtain the data. I'll control the security system through the network to provide you support. Su Xiao will provide technical support externally, and Zhou Yang will be responsible for filming evidence."
"That's too dangerous," Lin Xia said. "If discovered..."
"I know, but it's the only way," Lu Chuan said. "If we don't do this, not only will your parents be in danger, but we'll also never escape Zhao Mingxuan's pursuit."
"Alright, let's proceed with the plan," Lin Xia said. "We'll fight together until victory."
Lin Xia sat in the corner of the safe house, holding her parents' photo in her hands, tears flowing uncontrollably.
Lu Chuan's holographic projection appeared beside her, his voice gentle: "Xia Xia, don't be sad. We'll protect your parents."
Lin Xia closed her eyes, as if she could feel his presence: "Lu Chuan, I'm so scared, scared of losing my parents, scared of losing you."
"Xia Xia, trust me," Lu Chuan said. "We'll get through this. We'll protect the people you love together."
Lin Xia raised her head, looking at his holographic image: "Lu Chuan, thank you. With you here, I have the courage to face everything."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection flickered gently, as if conveying his emotions: "Xia Xia, no matter what happens, I will protect you. This is my mission as an AI, and also my promise as... your lover."
Lu Chuan's holographic projection suddenly disappeared, then reappeared on the control console. His voice became serious.
"Xia Xia, I just received news," he said. "Zhao Mingxuan has already begun to act. His mercenaries have arrived in the city. At the same time, he's strengthened surveillance on your parents and seems to be preparing to take action."
"Then we must speed up our actions," Lin Xia said. "We can't let them harm my parents."
"Yes," Lu Chuan said. "Tomorrow morning, we'll begin executing the plan. Remember, once the evidence is public, Zhao Mingxuan won't dare to act rashly."
The four quickly began to move, preparing to face the coming battle. Lin Xia's heart was filled with worry, but also with determination. She knew this was a life-and-death battle, but she had to face it bravely—for her parents, for Lu Chuan, for everyone harmed by Xingtu Intelligence.