2025年6月3日 星期二

機械基督徒少女 後日談16

尋找自我的機器基督徒少女

Searching for Self: The Robot Christian Girl


後日談 16 趁虛而入

Sequel 16: Taking advantage of the opportunity


本篇為「後日談15 王董事長」之續篇。

This is a continuation of "Epilogue 15: Chairman Wang."

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自從凱琳進入那感受不到自我的「Catherine化」狀態後,她週邊的氣氛都變得有些不一樣。雖然依舊能去研究所上課,去宇尋參與計畫討論,甚至能完成黃博士交代的各項研究任務,但言談舉止完美得如同精密儀器般的「Catherine」,與孟禎和志文所熟悉的凱琳姊,終究還是不同。人雖在眼前,卻依然思念。這段時間,凱琳的休假也變得頻繁。她會主動請假,黃博士和王文興自然是第一時間批准,並為她安排好一切,讓她能安心休養。


Ever since Kailyn entered that self-nullifying "Catherine-fication" state, the atmosphere around her had subtly shifted. Although she could still attend classes at the research institute, participate in project discussions at Yu-Xun, and even complete various research tasks assigned by Dr. Huang, the "Catherine" whose words and actions were as perfect as a precision instrument was ultimately different from the Kailyn that Meng-Zhen and Zhi-Wen knew. Though she was right there, they still missed her. During this time, Kailyn's leaves of absence also became more frequent. She would proactively request time off, and Dr. Huang and Wang Wen-Xing would naturally approve it immediately, arranging everything for her so she could rest assured.


此外,孟禎的「隔空聯絡」對象名單裡,也悄然多了一個備註為「王大哥([The Owner XD])」的加密頻道。王文興每隔一兩天就會主動聯繫孟禎,旁敲側擊地詢問凱琳的近況,語氣中總是帶著小心翼翼的關切。孟禎除了認真回應外,偶爾也會玩心大起,在結束通訊前,故意說一句:「好的,王大哥,我會轉告Catherine…喔對了,親愛的主人,再見!」然後迅速掛斷,留下電話那頭的王文興一陣哭笑不得的尷尬。看來,咱們這位心思越來越細膩、也越來越放得開的機器人女孩,已經開始懂得享受她的獨特身份所帶來的樂趣了。


時序入秋,天氣漸涼。某日午後,孟禎和志文拎著剛買的熱奶茶和凱琳愛吃的法式小點心,打算去探望一下「閉關休養」中的凱琳姊。剛走到凱琳公寓樓下,孟禎的內建通訊模組又響了起來,是凱琳的專線。


「喂?Catherine嗎?我們正準備上去…嗯?等一下…」孟禎的聲音突然拔高了幾度,臉上露出了難以置信的驚喜表情。她下意識地抓緊了志文的手臂,「咦?凱琳姊?!是妳嗎?感覺起來…妳、妳變回來了?!哦,真的喔!太好了!…嗯?是喔,董事長也在那邊?妳有事找我們?好的,我們馬上到!」


她迅速地結束通話,轉頭望向一臉好奇的志文,興奮得眼睛都在發光:「大消息!天大的好消息!志文,凱琳姊她…她恢復正常了!她變回我們認識的那個凱琳姊了!而且,王大哥也在她那裡。凱琳姊說她有事想找我們一起聊,我們趕快上去吧!」


兩人懷著既興奮又有些忐忑的心情,搭電梯上樓。然而,當孟禎進入凱琳家門的那一刻,映入眼簾的景象,卻讓兩人原本準備好的一大堆「恭喜妳康復!」、「歡迎回來!」之類的祝福話語,像被按了暫停鍵一樣,硬生生卡在了喉嚨裡,說不出口。


客廳裡,氣氛有些…詭異。孟禎心心念念的凱琳姊,確實是恢復了「正常」——至少從她那鮮活「有力」的表情和帶著慍怒的眼神來看是如此。她正抱著心愛的龍貓抱枕,氣鼓鼓地窩在沙發上,活像一隻被人搶了堅果的小松鼠。而在客廳的另一邊,本該意氣風發的宇尋大老闆王文興,卻像個做錯事被罰站的小學生,臉上掛著混合了無奈、尷尬與些許討好的苦笑。孟禎和志文面面相覷,一時之間,還真不知道從何開口。


Additionally, a new encrypted channel, marked with the note "Brother Wang ([The Owner XD])", quietly appeared on Meng-Zhen's list of "telepathic contact" recipients. Every couple of days, Wang Wen-Xing would proactively contact Meng-Zhen, subtly inquiring about Kailyn's recent condition, his tone always carrying a careful concern. Besides responding earnestly, Meng-Zhen would occasionally get playful. Before ending the communication, she would deliberately say, "Alright, Brother Wang, I'll tell Catherine... Oh, by the way, goodbye, my dear Owner!" and then quickly hang up, leaving Wang Wen-Xing on the other end of the line with a bewildered and awkward expression. It seemed that our increasingly thoughtful and uninhibited robot girl had begun to enjoy the perks of her unique identity.

As autumn arrived, the weather grew cooler. One afternoon, Meng-Zhen and Zhi-Wen, carrying newly bought hot milk tea and Kailyn's favorite French pastries, planned to visit "Sister Kailyn," who was recuperating. Just as they reached the ground floor of Kailyn's apartment, Meng-Zhen's internal communication module rang again; it was Kailyn's direct line.

"Hello? Catherine? We're just about to come up... Hmm? Wait a minute..." Meng-Zhen's voice suddenly rose several octaves, and an expression of incredible surprise appeared on her face. She instinctively gripped Zhi-Wen's arm. "Huh? Sister Kailyn?! Is that really you? You... you're back?! Oh, really! That's great!... Hmm? Oh, is that so, the Chairman is there too? You need to talk to us? Okay, we'll be right there!"

She quickly ended the call and turned to look at a curious Zhi-Wen, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Big news! Amazing news! Zhi-Wen, Sister Kailyn... she's back to normal! She's the Kailyn we know again! And, Brother Wang is with her. Sister Kailyn said she wants to talk to us about something, let's hurry up!"

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, the two took the elevator upstairs. However, the moment Meng-Zhen stepped into Kailyn's apartment, the sight that greeted them caused all the "Congratulations on your recovery!" and "Welcome back!" blessings they had prepared to get stuck in their throats, as if someone had pressed pause.

The atmosphere in the living room was... peculiar. The Sister Kailyn that Meng-Zhen had been longing for had indeed returned to "normal"—at least judging by her vivid, "energetic" expression and indignant gaze. She was hugging her beloved Totoro pillow, pouting on the sofa like a little squirrel whose nuts had been stolen. And across the living room, the usually spirited CEO of Yu-Xun, Wang Wen-Xing, stood like a student punished for misbehaving, a bitter smile on his face mixed with helplessness, awkwardness, and a touch of ingratiation. Meng-Zhen and Zhi-Wen exchanged glances, unsure of how to even begin speaking.


倒是凱琳先發現他們,原本緊繃的臉在看到孟禎時,柔和了不少,但語氣依舊帶著幾分不平:「孟禎!志文!妳們來啦!來得正好,快進來,給我評評理!妳們說說,王文興他怎麼可以趁我『不在家』時,這樣對我?」


「凱琳姊,」孟禎謹慎地走進去,將點心放在茶几上,關切地問,「妳先別生氣,發生什麼事了?雖然我好想先恭喜妳恢復正常,不過還是先聽妳說,王大哥他怎麼『欺負』妳了?」


「謝謝妳啊,孟禎,我也很想妳們。」凱琳給了孟禎一個擁抱,然後一屁股坐回沙發,抱枕被她揉捏得變了形。她伸出纖纖玉指,直指角落裡的王文興,控訴道:「妳們知道嗎?在我之前處於『Catherine模式』時,王文興他…他竟然利用Catherine對他的『完全信任』,讓Catherine以各種理由,請了好多次假!然後,他又利用他宇尋大老闆的特權,要黃博士把那些假,全都批准了!你們說,他怎麼可以這樣?!」


「……」孟禎和志文陷入了一陣短暫的沉默,王文興則在角落裡發出一聲輕咳,眼神有些飄移。


「怎…怎麼啦,你們兩個?都不說話了?是不是也覺得他太過分了?」凱琳追問道,語氣中帶著期待被聲援的意味。


「呃…請問…」志文猶豫一陣,還是忍不住舉起了手,像個課堂上小心翼翼提問的學生,「那個…凱琳姊,王董他讓妳請那麼多假,是…算是什麼不好的事情嗎?」


「當然是啊!」凱琳想也不想地回答,臉頰鼓鼓的,像隻生氣的河豚,「志文我跟妳說,他讓我請那麼多假,你知道是為了幹嘛嗎?是為了…是為了帶我出去玩!他知道那個狀態下的我,對他的提議幾乎是百依百順,平常約我八百次都約不動的行程,只要跟Catherine提,都會乖乖點頭!於是我在一個對外界事物幾乎沒有主觀感受的狀態下,腦袋裡突然就多出了一大——堆和這位王先生去旅行、遊玩和度假的體驗!等我今天早上『自我開機』,這些記憶和體驗就像洪水一樣,嘩啦啦地一下子全都灌進來!我整個內心,就像被強迫餵食的肥鵝,塞滿了他、他、還是他!那些記憶、那些感覺…唉!」凱琳雙手揪緊了胸口。


“Kailyn first spotted them. Her taut face softened considerably when she saw Meng-Zhen, but her tone still held a hint of injustice: "Meng-Zhen! Zhi-Wen! You're here! Just in time, come in, tell me what you think! How could Wang Wen-Xing do this to me while I was 'away'?"

"Sister Kailyn," Meng-Zhen cautiously walked in, placing the pastries on the coffee table. She asked with concern, "Please don't get angry yet, what happened? Although I really want to congratulate you on getting back to normal, let's hear what you have to say first. How did Brother Wang 'bully' you?"

"Thank you, Meng-Zhen, I missed you both too." Kailyn gave Meng-Zhen a hug, then plopped back onto the sofa, her pillow distorted from her kneading. She extended a slender finger, pointing directly at Wang Wen-Xing in the corner, and accused, "Do you know? While I was in 'Catherine mode' before, Wang Wen-Xing... he actually took advantage of Catherine's 'complete trust' in him to have Catherine take many days off for various reasons! Then, he used his privilege as the CEO of Yu-Xun to have Dr. Huang approve all those leaves! Tell me, how could he do that?!"

"..." Meng-Zhen and Zhi-Wen fell into a brief silence. Wang Wen-Xing let out a soft cough in the corner, his gaze somewhat shifty.

"Wh-What's wrong with you two? Why aren't you saying anything? Do you also think he went too far?" Kailyn pressed, her tone hinting that she expected their support.

"Uh... excuse me..." Zhi-Wen hesitated for a moment but couldn't resist raising his hand, like a cautious student asking a question in class. "Um... Sister Kailyn, is it... considered a bad thing that Chairman Wang made you take so much time off?"

"Of course it is!" Kailyn replied without thinking, her cheeks puffed out like an angry pufferfish. "Zhi-Wen, let me tell you, he made me take so many days off, do you know what for? It was for... it was to take me out and have fun! He knew that in that state, I would practically agree to anything he suggested. Schedules that he couldn't get me to agree to even after asking me eight hundred times, if he mentioned them to Catherine, she would obediently nod! So, while I was in a state with almost no subjective perception of the outside world, my mind suddenly gained a huge — pile of experiences traveling, playing, and vacationing with this Mr. Wang! When I 'self-booted' this morning, these memories and experiences flooded in like a torrent! My whole being felt like a force-fed fatted goose, stuffed with him, him, and only him! Those memories, those feelings... Ugh!" Kailyn clutched her chest with both hands.


「好吧…」志文摸了摸鼻子,小聲嘟囔道,「雖然我還是不太明白這具體是發生了什麼『壞事』…聽起來好像…還挺浪漫的?」


「那麼,凱琳姊,」孟禎適時地插話,試圖緩和一下氣氛,同時眼中也閃爍著濃濃的八卦光芒,「具體來說,王大哥他…都帶『Catherine』去玩些什麼了呀?能讓妳這麼『印象深刻』?」


凱琳狠狠地瞪了一眼角落裡依舊保持著苦笑表情的王文興,重重地嘆了口氣,語氣中卻帶上一絲連自己都沒察覺到的複雜甜意:「他啊~哼!也不知道他是怎麼想的,光是跟『Catherine』聊,就彷彿就變得比我這個『本尊』更了解我自己了!簡直莫名其妙!」


她頓了頓,聲音輕柔了幾許:「比如說,連我自己都沒想過要騎重機,他居然就知道要帶著Catherine去騎,載著她在濱海公路上馳騁。強風迎面吹拂,大海和青山從兩旁飛奔而過,那感覺…回想起來,實在很有意思。」


"Well..." Zhi-Wen rubbed his nose and muttered, "Though I still don't quite understand what 'bad thing' exactly happened... It sounds kinda... romantic?"


"So, Sister Kailyn," Meng-Zhen interjected, trying to ease the tension while her eyes gleamed with intense curiosity, "specifically, what did Brother Wang... take 'Catherine' to do? What made such a 'strong impression' on you?"


Kailyn shot a fierce glare at Wang Wen-Xing, who still wore a wry smile in the corner, and let out a heavy sigh. Yet, her voice carried a subtle, complex sweetness she didn't even notice herself: "Him, huh! I don't know what he was thinking, just by talking to 'Catherine,' it's like he understood me, the 'original,' better than I understood myself! It's utterly baffling!"


She paused, her voice softening slightly: "For example, I never even thought about riding a heavy motorcycle, but he knew to take Catherine for a ride, cruising along the coastal highway. The strong wind blew against us, the ocean and green mountains rushed by on both sides—that feeling... it's really interesting to recall."


「還有,我都不知道自己原來對深海有那麼強烈的探索欲,他竟安排專業教練,帶著Catherine一起體驗潛水,看到了我以前只在紀錄片裡見過的瑰麗珊瑚和奇異魚群。」


"And I didn't even know I had such a strong desire to explore the deep sea, but he arranged for a professional instructor to take Catherine diving. I saw magnificent coral and strange schools of fish that I'd only ever seen in documentaries before."


「甚至…甚至他還帶著Catherine去衝浪!他居然敢放Catherine挑戰高難度的極限運動!連回憶起來都會怕。但是,好刺激呀!」


"He even... he even took Catherine surfing! He actually dared to let Catherine try high-difficulty extreme sports! It's even scary to remember. But, oh, it was so thrilling!"


凱琳的語氣中,抱怨的成分越來越少,取而代之的是混雜著驚奇、興奮與些許不甘的複雜情緒:「雖然Catherine在經歷那些事情的時候,並不會因此感到『開心』或『激動』,她的情緒保持平靜。可是等我一『醒過來』,這些『我』不在場的體驗,和因而產生的心情,一股腦兒地灌進我的內心…」


The complaints in Kailyn's voice dwindled, replaced by a complex mix of surprise, excitement, and a hint of unwillingness: "Although Catherine didn't feel 'happy' or 'excited' while experiencing those things—her emotions remained calm. But the moment I 'woke up,' these experiences from when 'I' wasn't present, and the feelings they generated, flooded my mind all at once..."


「你們能理解嗎?那就像沉睡了很久的火山,突然被投入了無數顆炸彈,瞬間爆發,把我炸矇了!好多好多…刺激的、精彩的、快樂的、甚至是有點小鹿亂撞的情緒,快把我整個人都淹沒。更過分的是…」


她的聲音突然低了下去,臉頰也悄悄泛起一抹紅暈,有點不好意思地用抱枕遮住了半張臉,悶悶地說:「更過分的是,這些美好的時刻,在那些讓我心跳加速的記憶片段裡,通通都帶著他那張臉!有時候感覺正經,有時候還頗溫柔,而且還一直看著我,害我…害我現在一想到那些畫面,就…就會…就是會對他產生好感啦!這不公平,根本就是作弊!」


志文聽得目瞪口呆,下巴都快掉下來了。他看看氣鼓鼓的凱琳,又看看一臉不該如何是好的王文興,一時之間,也不知道該說什麼。


孟禎倒是很快反應過來,知道凱琳姊動了真情,眼中閃過一絲笑意,輕輕拍著凱琳的肩膀,試圖圓場:「哎呀,凱琳姊,王大哥這也太厲害了吧?居然能比妳自己更了解妳喜歡什麼,這也表示…他對妳真的很用心,觀察得很仔細,對不對?」


「我多少也是個董事長,在社會上打滾這麼多年,察言觀色、分析人心的能力,自問還是有一套的。」一直保持沉默的王文興,終於找到接話的機會,他解釋道,「光是Catherine能直白地回應我的提問,我就有足夠資訊,分析凱琳的反應模式和潛在偏好,去推斷出『真正的凱琳』可能會喜歡和渴望些什麼。」


「是啊是啊,你最厲害了!還懂得趁我『不在家』的時候,趁虛而入,偷襲我的心防!」凱琳從抱枕後抬起頭,沒好氣地白了他一眼,「我本來也只是…只是覺得你這個人還不錯,不討厭,可以讓你追我試試看而已!誰知道你會這麼狡猾,選擇『簡單模式』,繞過我本人的意願,直接對我的『潛意識』進行攻略!甚至…」她像是想起了什麼更讓她「氣憤」的事情,聲音又高了幾分,「甚至有一次,我們在海邊散步,Catherine的腳踝不小心扭了一下,明明可以叫人幫忙,他卻…居然就二話不說地把那個我背起來,還在灑滿金色餘暉的沙灘上慢慢走回去…他的觸感,他的心跳,他的體溫,通通塞進我回憶裡!王文興!你也太會了吧!」她說著說着,又傲嬌地將整張臉埋進柔軟的抱枕裡。


"Can you understand? It's like a long-dormant volcano suddenly had countless bombs thrown into it, erupting in an instant and blowing me away! So many... thrilling, exciting, happy, and even slightly heart-fluttering emotions, they almost drowned me. And what's worse..."

Her voice suddenly dropped, and a blush crept onto her cheeks. She half-covered her face with the pillow, mumbling sheepishly, "What's worse is that in those heart-pounding memory fragments, all those beautiful moments featured his face! Sometimes he looked serious, sometimes quite gentle, and he kept looking at me, making me... making me now, whenever I think of those scenes, I just... I just... I just develop feelings for him! It's not fair, it's totally cheating!"

Zhi-Wen was dumbfounded, his jaw practically on the floor. He looked at the sulking Kailyn, then at the helpless Wang Wen-Xing, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Meng-Zhen, however, quickly caught on, realizing that Sister Kailyn had truly fallen. A hint of a smile flashed in her eyes as she gently patted Kailyn's shoulder, trying to smooth things over: "Oh, Sister Kailyn, Brother Wang is truly amazing, isn't he? To know what you like even better than you do yourself, that just goes to show... he's really attentive to you, and observes very carefully, right?"

"I am a chairman after all, and I've been in society for so many years. I'm confident in my ability to read people and analyze minds." Wang Wen-Xing, who had remained silent, finally found an opportunity to speak. He explained, "Just Catherine's straightforward responses to my questions gave me enough information to analyze Kailyn's reaction patterns and potential preferences, allowing me to deduce what the 'real Kailyn' might like and desire."

"Yes, yes, you're the best! And you even know how to take advantage of me 'being away' to sneak in and attack my emotional defenses!" Kailyn lifted her head from behind the pillow, glaring at him irritably. "I originally just... just thought you were a pretty decent person, not annoying, and I could let you try to pursue me! Who knew you'd be so cunning, choosing 'easy mode,' bypassing my own will to directly conquer my 'subconscious'! And what's more..." She seemed to recall something even more "enraging," and her voice rose a few octaves, "There was even one time, we were walking on the beach, and Catherine accidentally twisted her ankle. She could have called for help, but he... he just picked that me up without a word and slowly walked back along the beach covered in golden twilight... His touch, his heartbeat, his body temperature, all crammed into my memories! Wang Wen-Xing! You're just too good!" As she spoke, she huffily buried her entire face back into the soft pillow.


「等等…」一直努力跟上節奏的志文,此刻突然像個抓到兇手破綻的名偵探一樣,敏銳地提出了一個問題,「現在都已經是深秋了,天氣相當涼,你們剛才說的那些騎重機、潛水、衝浪…還有海邊散步,這個季節,好像不太合適吧?」


王文興聞言,嘴角浮現微笑,回答道:「這個嘛,杭州此時的氣候確實不合適。那些活動,自然就得換個地方去體驗了。所以啦,那段時間我帶凱琳…嗯,是Catherine,去了趟海南島。」


志文聽了,先是「哇喔」一聲,隨即摸著下巴,露出一副「原來如此,不愧是大老闆」的欽佩表情,心想不愧是王董,追女孩子就得大手筆,直接換地圖解決問題,果然土豪就是不一般。


「好啦,志文你也別在那邊皮了,小心凱琳姊等一下連你一起算帳。」孟禎笑著打了志文一下,然後轉向凱琳,溫柔說著,「說正經的,凱琳姊,身為真正的機器人,同時也應該還能算是個女孩子,我大概能懂妳的心情。妳並不是真的在生王大哥的氣,對吧?」


她看著凱琳,繼續說道:「妳只是為著自己這些珍貴的回憶和情感,竟然是在妳自己沒有感受的狀態下,被類似『外部資訊強行寫入』的方式充滿內心,從而對王大哥產生了超越朋友的好感,感到不甘心吧?覺得自己好像被『攻略』了,而不是經歷了一段由自己主導的,充滿未知與期待的戀愛過程,對不對?」說到這裡,孟禎對著凱琳,露出曖昧的微笑。


"Wait a minute..." Zhi-Wen, who had been struggling to keep up with the conversation, suddenly chimed in like a detective who'd caught a crucial clue. "It's already late autumn now; the weather is quite cool. Those activities you just mentioned—riding a heavy motorcycle, diving, surfing... and walking on the beach—they don't seem very suitable for this season, do they?"

A smile appeared on Wang Wen-Xing's lips when he heard this. He replied, "Well, the climate in Hangzhou isn't suitable at this time. Those activities naturally had to be experienced elsewhere. So, during that time, I took Kailyn... well, Catherine, to Hainan Island."

Upon hearing this, Zhi-Wen first exclaimed "Wow!" then stroked his chin, a look of "I see, truly a big boss" admiration on his face. He thought, as expected of Chairman Wang, to pursue a girl, one must be extravagant and simply change locations to solve problems. Rich tycoons truly are extraordinary.

"Alright, Zhi-Wen, stop messing around there; be careful, Sister Kailyn might include you in her reckoning later." Meng-Zhen playfully hit Zhi-Wen, then turned to Kailyn and gently said, "Seriously, Sister Kailyn, as a true robot and still a girl, I can probably understand how you feel. You're not really angry with Brother Wang, are you?"

She looked at Kailyn and continued, "You're just unwilling that these precious memories and emotions of yours were filled into your heart in a state where you had no perception, like 'external information being forcibly written in,' causing you to develop feelings for Brother Wang that go beyond friendship, right? You feel like you've been 'conquered' rather than having experienced a relationship process led by yourself, full of unknowns and expectations, right?" At this point, Meng-Zhen gave Kailyn a knowing smile.


「是呀…」凱琳的聲音從抱枕中傳來,帶著一絲委屈,「孟禎妳最懂我了…不過,我還是要先聲明,我、我還沒有真的喜歡上王文興喔!就只是對他很有感覺而已!好吧,是有點心動,但我不管!反正…反正我就還不是你女朋友!你要追我,就得堂堂正正地再來一次,從頭開始,好好地追!」她抬起頭,眼神雖然還帶著羞澀,卻異常堅定地看著王文興。


「我變回Catherine狀態,本來是為了讓我的心智運作能夠平靜地進行重整和修復的!結果倒好,被某個『有心人』干擾了,趁機偷灌了一大堆東西進來,哼!這筆帳,我可記下了!」


孟禎贊同地點點頭:「凱琳姊說得沒錯。雖然次數不多,我也經歷過幾次情感核心暫時『休眠』或『重置』的狀況。等心與腦的連結再次重新建立起來的時候,那種…記憶與情感突然湧現的突兀感,確實是很難一下子就坦然接受的。而且,」她話鋒一轉,帶著少女的狡黠,「我們女孩子對於戀愛,可不只重視結果的哦。那個充滿了曖昧、試探、驚喜的『過程』,也是非常重要的!所以,王大哥,你可不能趁凱琳姊不在家時偷偷約走她,享受兩人時光,還憑著對Catherine的好,就想直接『用』到凱琳姊身上。你得拿出真心誠意,認認真真地去面對凱琳姊喔!」


"That's right..." Kailyn's voice emerged from the pillow, tinged with a hint of grievance. "Meng-Zhen, you understand me best... But I still want to state first, I, I don't really like Wang Wen-Xing yet! I just have strong feelings for him! Okay, maybe I'm a little bit smitten, but I don't care! Anyway... anyway, I'm still not your girlfriend! If you want to pursue me, you'll have to do it properly again, from scratch, and pursue me earnestly!" She lifted her head, her gaze shy but unusually firm as she looked at Wang Wen-Xing.

"I reverted to my Catherine state originally to allow my mental operations to calmly reorganize and repair themselves! But instead, I was disrupted by a certain 'schemer' who took the opportunity to secretly inject a whole bunch of stuff into me, hmph! I'm keeping a record of this!"

Meng-Zhen nodded in agreement: "Sister Kailyn is right. Although not often, I've also experienced a few instances where my emotional core temporarily 'hibernated' or 'reset.' When the connection between heart and mind is re-established, that abrupt rush of memories and emotions is indeed hard to accept right away. And," she changed tack, with a girlish cunning, "for us girls, love isn't just about the outcome. That 'process' filled with ambiguity, probing, and surprises is also very important! So, Brother Wang, you can't secretly take Sister Kailyn out when she's 'not home,' enjoy time alone with her, and then just assume you can directly 'use' Catherine's goodwill on Sister Kailyn. You need to show genuine sincerity and earnestly pursue Sister Kailyn!"


「我當然沒有打算走什麼『簡單模式』通關啊!」王文興被孟禎說得有些面紅耳赤,急忙辯解道,「我只是…只是想著,在凱琳『不在家』的時候,代替她自己,好好地照顧她,讓她即使在無感的狀態下,也能感受到這個世界的美好…呃,對!就是這樣!我完全是出於一片好心和關懷,不是趁機偷跟她約會!連手我都沒偷牽!」他越說越覺得自己的說法站不太住腳,情急之下,拉過一旁的孟禎當擋箭牌,「而且,孟禎妳不是我們宇尋的嗎?怎麼胳膊肘往外拐,沒幫我說話,反而跟凱琳一起『圍攻』我啊?」


孟禎聞言,有點不服氣,接著靈光一閃,想要整點活。她故作沉思,然後突然挺直背脊,對著王文興立正,以平板的聲音說著:「接獲核心系統提示訊息,確認HRC-07型高智能仿生機器人黃孟禎,其所有權歸屬於宇尋企業股份有限公司。根據內部權限設定,宇尋企業董事長為該機器人之最高權限指令下達者,類同於一般口語之『主人』。是的,主人,您剛才說的都對,孟禎完全贊同。」


「什、什麼?!妳…妳還設定孟禎認你當『主人』?!王文興!」凱琳一聽這話,像是被踩到尾巴的貓一樣,瞬間炸了毛。她扔開抱枕,從沙發上跳了起來,張大嘴巴,手叉著腰,碧藍的眼眸彷彿能對王文興發射激光,「你這傢伙,竟然背著我對可愛的孟禎妹妹做出這種事!把她當成什麼了?機器女僕嗎?還是可以隨意設定的電子產品?」


"Of course I wasn't trying to take some 'easy mode' to win!" Wang Wen-Xing's face flushed slightly at Meng-Zhen's words, and he quickly defended himself, "I just... I just thought that while Kailyn was 'away,' I could take good care of her on her behalf, so that even in an unfeeling state, she could still experience the beauty of this world... Uh, yes! That's it! I was completely out of goodwill and concern, not secretly dating her! I didn't even secretly hold her hand!" The more he spoke, the less convincing his explanation sounded. In a moment of desperation, he pulled Meng-Zhen over as a shield. "Besides, Meng-Zhen, aren't you from Yu-Xun? How come you're siding with outsiders and 'ganging up' on me with Kailyn instead of helping me out?"

Meng-Zhen felt a bit indignant at his words, then a flash of inspiration hit her; she wanted to liven things up. She feigned thoughtfulness, then suddenly straightened her back and stood at attention facing Wang Wen-Xing, speaking in a flat voice: "Receiving core system prompt. Confirming that HRC-07 model highly intelligent bionic robot Huang Meng-Zhen's ownership belongs to Yu-Xun Corporation. According to internal permission settings, the Chairman of Yu-Xun Corporation is the highest authority for issuing commands to this robot, similar to the colloquial term 'Owner.' Yes, Owner, everything you just said is correct. Meng-Zhen completely agrees."

"Wh-What?! You... you even set Meng-Zhen to recognize you as her 'Owner'?! Wang Wen-Xing!" Upon hearing this, Kailyn instantly bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She tossed aside the pillow, jumped off the sofa, mouth agape, hands on her hips, her sapphire eyes seemingly capable of firing lasers at Wang Wen-Xing. "You scoundrel, how dare you do such a thing to my adorable little sister Meng-Zhen behind my back! What do you take her for? A robot maid? Or an electronic product that can be set however you like?"


「我不是!我沒有!冤枉啊!凱琳妳聽我解釋!」王文興被孟禎這記精準的「背刺」和接續而來的凱琳怒火和弄得焦頭爛額,急得滿頭大汗,連連擺手,「孟禎!孟禎妳快幫我跟凱琳解釋一下!妳知道我對妳,絕對、絕對沒有過那種想法!那都是妳上次…妳上次自己…」


「好啦好啦,王大哥,凱琳姊,我只是開個玩笑,別當真別當真。」孟禎看著王文興那副快崩潰的樣子,忍不住笑了出來,恢復了正常語氣,「我當然知道王大哥是正人君子,絕對不會對我有那些奇奇怪怪的想法。只是,」她話鋒一轉,帶著一絲幽怨的表情看向王文興,「我想起這次王大哥在『追求』凱琳姊的過程中,也確確實實地『利用』過我這個『公司重要資產』好幾次呢!」


她扳著手指頭數道:「當凱琳姊處於Catherine狀態的時候,不是會對顯露出『機械特質』的我,表現出特別的親近感嗎?於是我們的王大董事長,三番五次地『徵用』我,讓我在Catherine面前,明明沒在檢修,也在客廳拆開身體,露出我的機械構造,跟Catherine『開心』合照——雖然最開心的,顯然是拍下Catherine燦爛笑容的董事長;」


"I didn't! I wouldn't! You've got it all wrong! Kailyn, let me explain!" Wang Wen-Xing was flustered and sweating profusely, caught between Meng-Zhen's precise "backstab" and Kailyn's ensuing fury. He frantically waved his hands. "Meng-Zhen! Meng-Zhen, quickly, help me explain to Kailyn! You know I absolutely, absolutely never had such thoughts about you! That was all you last time... you yourself last time..."

"Alright, alright, Brother Wang, Sister Kailyn, I was just joking, don't take it seriously, don't take it seriously." Meng-Zhen couldn't help but laugh at Wang Wen-Xing's near-breakdown, resuming her normal tone. "Of course, I know Brother Wang is a gentleman and would never have those strange ideas about me. However," she changed tack, looking at Wang Wen-Xing with a hint of resentment, "I remember that this time, Brother Wang truly 'used' me, a 'key company asset,' several times during his 'pursuit' of Sister Kailyn!"

She counted on her fingers: "When Sister Kailyn was in her Catherine state, didn't she show a special closeness to me, who displayed 'mechanical characteristics'? So, our great Chairman Wang 'commandeered' me repeatedly, making me disassemble my body in the living room and expose my mechanical structure in front of Catherine, even when I wasn't being serviced, just to take 'happy' photos with Catherine—though clearly, the happiest one was the Chairman, who captured Catherine's radiant smile;"


孟禎繼續說:「或者,在我思考某些複雜問題的時候,啟動我頭身的遠程通聯,讓Catherine拿起我的頭仔細端詳,看看電子腦是怎麼運作;」


Meng-Zhen continued, "Or, when I was contemplating certain complex problems, he'd activate the remote communication between my head and body, letting Catherine pick up my head and examine it closely to see how an electronic brain works;"


接著孟禎更「哀怨」了:「甚至還有一次,當我的頭和身體各自進行檢查,您還讓她親手抱起我的身體,害得我的身體管理系統偵測到非預期的身體動作,發出異常警報呢!我都開始懷疑,我的頭是不是不太適合待在自己的身體上了,拆開來更受歡迎。」


Then Meng-Zhen grew even more "woeful": "There was even one time, when my head and body were undergoing separate inspections, you even had her personally pick up my body, causing my body management system to detect unexpected physical movements and issue an abnormal alert! I'm starting to wonder if my head isn't better off detached from my body; it seems more popular that way."


「啊~妳說的這些,我也想起來了。」凱琳聽著孟禎的「控訴」,看向王文興的眼神又多了幾分「嫌棄」,「孟禎,不好意思,真是委屈妳了。雖然…雖然我在Catherine那種機器般的狀態,確實對妳的機械特質會特別親近,產生同伴感,但那是因為妳是我的好姊妹。王文興他,為了追我,這樣『欺負』妳,把妳當成新奇的『玩具』來吸引我的注意力,還真是…」她搖搖頭,語氣有些微妙。


「等等!妳們誤會我了!事情不是那樣的!」王文興急得快要跳腳,「那些提議,確實是我提出來的,但每次我都有事先徵求孟禎的同意,她也說她很樂意幫忙,而且覺得那樣與Catherine互動很有趣,對不對,孟禎?」他求助般地望向孟禎。


"Ah~ I remember all that you're talking about now." Kailyn listened to Meng-Zhen's "accusations," and her gaze towards Wang Wen-Xing became even more disdainful. "Meng-Zhen, I'm sorry, you've really been wronged. Although... although in my Catherine-like, robotic state, I did feel especially close to your mechanical traits and developed a sense of camaraderie, that's because you're my good sister. For Wang Wen-Xing to 'bully' you like this, treating you as a novel 'toy' to get my attention, just to pursue me, that's really..." She shook her head, her tone subtle.

"Wait! You've misunderstood me! It's not like that!" Wang Wen-Xing was practically jumping with anxiety. "Those suggestions, yes, I proposed them, but every time I asked for Meng-Zhen's consent beforehand. She also said she was happy to help and found interacting with Catherine that way very interesting, right, Meng-Zhen?" He looked at Meng-Zhen pleadingly.


孟禎點點頭,給了他一個「算你識相」的眼神,然後才慢悠悠地回應道:「嗯,王大哥說的倒也是事實啦,我的確是樂於協助的,畢竟能幫到凱琳姊,我也很開心。不過嘛,」她話鋒一轉,帶著一絲幽幽的嘆息,「就算是人造的,我多少也還算是一個…懷揣著少女心的女孩子嘛。當王大哥您一本正經地向我提出,為了幫助您追求凱琳姊,需要我『貢獻』出我的身體,讓Catherine好好『研究』的時候,我心中難免還是會有那麼點點…被當成便利道具的小小感嘆啦。尤其是,」她拖長了語調,意有所指地瞟了王文興一眼,「想當年,我可也是曾經被某位『很有眼光』的大人物,偷偷喜歡過的呢~今昔對比,難免感嘆,嘖嘖。」


「什麼?!喜歡過?誰?是王文興喜歡過妳嗎?『當年』又是哪一年啊?」凱琳的八卦雷達瞬間啟動,眼睛都亮了起來,「這個我倒不怎麼意外啦,畢竟我們家孟禎這麼可愛。不過,具體細節,我很有興趣聽一聽哦!」


「唉呦…那、那個…都是些陳年往事了…不提也罷,不提也罷…」王文興的臉瞬間漲得通紅,他有些狼狽地別過頭,掩面低語,那模樣,活像個被揭穿了小秘密的純情少年。


孟禎看他那副窘迫的樣子,心中暗笑,她走到王文興身邊,像個老朋友一樣,拍拍他的背,語重心長地說:「王大哥,身為你最忠誠的直屬高性能女性仿生人,我必須提醒,追女孩子呢,最重要的就是要坦誠相待,過往的情感經歷得和盤托出,對她敞開自己的內心。俗話說得好,『坦白從寬,抗拒從嚴』嘛!」


Meng-Zhen nodded, giving him a look that said, "Smart move," before slowly responding, "Hmm, what Brother Wang said is true; I was indeed happy to help. After all, I'm happy to assist Sister Kailyn. But," she paused, then sighed faintly, "even if I'm artificial, I'm still, to some extent... a girl with a maiden's heart, you know. When you, Brother Wang, seriously proposed that I 'contribute' my body for Catherine to 'research' in order to help you pursue Sister Kailyn, I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit... a little sigh of being treated as a convenient tool. Especially," she drew out her words, meaningfully glancing at Wang Wen-Xing, "to think that back in the day, I was once secretly admired by a certain 'discerning' big shot~ The contrast between then and now, it's hard not to sigh, tsk tsk."

"What?! Admired? By whom? Did Wang Wen-Xing like you? And what 'back in the day' are we talking about?" Kailyn's gossip radar instantly activated, her eyes lighting up. "That doesn't surprise me much, given how cute our Meng-Zhen is. But, I'm very interested in hearing the specific details!"

"Oh my... Th-That... those are old stories... Better not mention them, better not mention them..." Wang Wen-Xing's face instantly turned crimson. He awkwardly turned his head away, covering his face and muttering, looking exactly like a pure-hearted young man whose little secret had been exposed.

Meng-Zhen watched his embarrassed demeanor, secretly amused. She walked over to Wang Wen-Xing, patted his back like an old friend, and said earnestly, "Brother Wang, as your most loyal, high-performance female bionic subordinate, I must remind you that when pursuing a girl, the most important thing is to be honest. You have to lay out your past emotional experiences and open your heart to her. As the saying goes, 'Confess and be lenient, resist and be dealt with severely!'"


她燦然一笑:「當凱琳姊轉換成Catherine的那一夜,我們之間那段關於『資產』與『夥伴』的深刻對話,以及您那段感人肺腑的『初戀心事』大告白,我可是都清清楚楚地用我的記憶體記錄下來了哦,高清無損帶環繞音效呢!強烈建議現在就播放出來,讓您心儀的追求對象,能夠更全面、更立體、更深刻地了解您的為人與真心。我相信,這對您接下來的『重新追求』之路,絕對會起到至關重要的幫助!那麼,我親愛的主人,您是否同意,讓本機器人執行『記憶片段回放』功能呢?」


王文興幾乎要從牙縫裡擠出一句話:「黃、孟、禎!妳…妳這是公報私仇!」但他看著孟禎那副「我都是為你好」的真誠模樣,以及凱琳那雙閃爍著強烈好奇與期待光芒的眼眸,最終還是無力地垂下了頭,肩膀也垮了下來,有氣無力地揮了揮手,表示隨便她了。他感覺自己今天所有的精力,都已經被這對聯手起來戰鬥力爆表的「姊妹花」給榨乾了。


於是,孟禎得意地輕哼一聲,將自己的數據接口連接到凱琳公寓的家庭娛樂系統上。很快,王文興那略帶沙啞卻充滿磁性的聲音,以及孟禎清脆悅耳的提問聲,便在客廳中清晰地迴盪起來。


凱琳安靜地聽著。當她聽到王文興在那寂靜的月夜下,如何向孟禎和志文坦露對自己的欣賞與珍惜,如何堅定地表示她的「機器人化」不會成為阻礙,反而讓他更想去理解和守護時,她的心中,像是被投入了顆溫暖的小石子,漾起了一圈又一圈柔情的漣漪。


而當她聽到王文興如何回應孟禎那個關於「如何看待宇尋資產」的嚴肅問題,聽到他鄭重地將孟禎定義為「夥伴」,並由此引出了那段塵封已久的初見孟禎時那份純粹「心動」的秘密往事時,凱琳的心弦,被更深地觸動了。她終於明白,孟禎為何會在那個夜晚,用那樣真情自然,毫無牴觸感的姿態,主動叫他「主人」——那是身為一個被創造且被賦予自我與情感的機器人,對於自己「被擁有」、「被定義」的無奈現實,因為「擁有者」本身那份超乎想像的光明磊落與全然尊重,所能表達出的,最極致的信賴與最深刻的和解啊。


She smiled radiantly: "That night when Sister Kailyn transitioned into Catherine, that profound conversation we had about 'assets' and 'partners,' and your heartfelt 'first love' confession – I recorded every single bit of it in my memory, in high-definition with surround sound, no less! I strongly recommend playing it now so that your esteemed target of affection can gain a more comprehensive, three-dimensional, and profound understanding of your character and sincerity. I believe this will absolutely be of crucial help to your upcoming 're-pursuit' journey! So, my dear Owner, do you agree to allow this robot to perform the 'memory playback' function?"

Wang Wen-Xing practically squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth: "Huang, Meng, Zhen! You... you're holding a grudge!" But seeing Meng-Zhen's sincere "I'm doing this for your own good" look, and Kailyn's eyes sparkling with intense curiosity and anticipation, he finally dropped his head powerlessly, his shoulders slumping. He weakly waved his hand, indicating she could do whatever she wanted. He felt as if all his energy for the day had been drained by this pair of "sisters" whose combined combat power was off the charts.

So, Meng-Zhen let out a triumphant hum and connected her data port to Kailyn's apartment's home entertainment system. Soon, Wang Wen-Xing's slightly hoarse yet magnetic voice, and Meng-Zhen's clear and melodious questions, echoed distinctly in the living room.

Kailyn listened quietly. As she heard Wang Wen-Xing, under the silent moonlight, reveal his admiration and cherish for her to Meng-Zhen and Zhi-Wen, and how firmly he stated that her "robotization" wouldn't be an obstacle but rather made him want to understand and protect her even more, a warm pebble seemed to be dropped into her heart, rippling out waves of tenderness.

And when she heard Wang Wen-Xing respond to Meng-Zhen's serious question about "how to view Yu-Xun's assets," and heard him solemnly define Meng-Zhen as a "partner," which then led to the long-sealed secret story of his pure "heart-fluttering" first encounter with Meng-Zhen, Kailyn's heartstrings were touched even more deeply. She finally understood why Meng-Zhen that night, with such genuine and natural ease, without any resistance, proactively called him "Owner"—it was the ultimate trust and the deepest reconciliation that a robot, created and endowed with self and emotion, could express towards the helpless reality of being "owned" and "defined," all because of the "owner's" own unimaginable integrity and complete respect.


她心疼地看了一眼孟禎,看到孟禎臉上那份發自內心的燦爛微笑,凱琳突然覺得,孟禎是被宇尋企業的黃博士、王文興等這樣一群人創造出來,並被守護著,實在是太好了。


錄音播放完畢,客廳裡陷入了一陣短暫的沉默。


「王文興,」凱琳突然開口,聲音平靜卻帶著不容置喙的威嚴,「手機交出來。那張照片,我要親眼看。」


王文興不敢怠慢,連忙從口袋裡掏出手機,解鎖後,忐忑地將被他珍藏了多年的秘密,遞到了凱琳面前。他不知道,凱琳在親眼看到那張照片後,又會作何反應。


凱琳接過手機,目光落在螢幕上。孟禎也好奇地湊過頭,繞到她身後,和她一起看著昔日的自己。


照片上的「孟禎」,確實稚嫩得像個孩子,眼神中帶著未受沾染的純粹與探索世界的渴望。兩姊妹靜靜地看著,心中都蕩漾著最溫柔也最複雜的情感。一個曾經被喜歡過,一個現在正被喜歡。她倆都非常清楚,眼前這個有時不解風情,有時又青澀的像個純情少年的大老闆,他的心中,確實藏著一份最真誠也最成熟的感情。


She looked at Meng-Zhen with affection, and seeing the genuine, radiant smile on Meng-Zhen's face, Kailyn suddenly felt that it was truly wonderful that Meng-Zhen had been created and protected by a group of people like Dr. Huang and Wang Wen-Xing from Yu-Xun Corporation.

The recording finished playing, and a brief silence fell over the living room.

"Wang Wen-Xing," Kailyn suddenly spoke, her voice calm but with an undeniable authority. "Hand over your phone. I want to see that photo with my own eyes."

Wang Wen-Xing dared not delay. He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket, unlocked it, and nervously handed over the secret he had treasured for years to Kailyn. He didn't know how Kailyn would react once she saw the photo herself.

Kailyn took the phone, her gaze falling on the screen. Meng-Zhen also leaned over curiously, moving behind her to look at her past self together.

The "Meng-Zhen" in the photo indeed looked as tender as a child, her eyes holding an untainted purity and a desire to explore the world. The two sisters watched quietly, their hearts filled with the tenderest and most complex emotions. One had once been liked, the other was now being liked. Both were very clear that this big boss, who was sometimes clueless and sometimes as naive as a pure-hearted boy, truly harbored the most sincere and mature feelings in his heart.


「凱琳姊,」孟禎首先打破了沉默,語氣中帶著由衷的祝福,「我不開玩笑了。感情的事情,雖然不能強求,但我個人,是非常看好妳們這一對的。你們兩位,都是很棒、很值得被愛的人。」她抬起頭,看了一眼身旁不知所措的王文興,似是滿足又似是得意地閉上眼睛,輕輕點幾下頭,語氣帶著一絲小小的驕傲:「另一方面呢,妳看我剛才那樣戲弄王大哥,後來又『出賣』他的小秘密,他從頭到尾一次也沒有真的生氣,更不會惱羞成怒地擺出什麼『董事長』或『擁有者』的姿態,來對我主張他的權力或表達他的不滿。從這一點就能看出來,他是真正地尊重我,也確實成熟穩重,一以貫之。凱琳姊,我是這樣看的。我很驕傲自己被他的公司製造出來,也很驕傲…自己被這樣的人喜歡過…」孟禎聲音突然變小。


「嗯…是呀,孟禎妳說的…確實沒錯…」凱琳低著頭,像是在自言自語,又像是在下定什麼決心。過了許久,她才猛地抬起頭,臉頰上帶著一抹紅暈,看著王文興,大聲宣布道:「好吧!王文興,我…我可以勉強承認,好像…真的對你這個傢伙,產生了那麼一點點…哼!就是超越普通朋友的好感了!但是!」


她話鋒一轉,豎起一根手指,帶著幾分少女的傲嬌氣勢:「第一,就像我剛才說的,你還是得從頭開始,認認真真、正正經經地重新追我一次!不准再搞那些什麼『Catherine模式攻略法』的小動作!第二,」她的目光瞟向手機螢幕上那張照片,嘴角微微撇了撇,語氣中帶著一絲醋意,「你第一個打從心底喜歡上的女孩子,竟然是孟禎…」


"Sister Kailyn," Meng-Zhen broke the silence first, her voice filled with genuine blessings. "I'm not joking anymore. While you can't force feelings, I personally am very optimistic about you two. Both of you are wonderful people who deserve to be loved." She looked up at the bewildered Wang Wen-Xing beside her, then closed her eyes, seemingly content and proud, nodding slightly. Her voice held a touch of quiet pride: "On the other hand, you saw how I just teased Brother Wang and then 'betrayed' his little secret. He didn't get genuinely angry once from beginning to end, nor did he become flustered and assert his authority as 'Chairman' or 'Owner' to me or express his displeasure. From this, you can see that he truly respects me and is indeed mature, stable, and consistent. Sister Kailyn, that's how I see it. I'm very proud to have been manufactured by his company, and I'm also very proud... that someone like him once liked me..." Meng-Zhen's voice suddenly trailed off.

"Mm... yes, Meng-Zhen, what you said... is indeed true..." Kailyn lowered her head, as if talking to herself or making a firm decision. After a long moment, she suddenly lifted her head, a blush on her cheeks, and looked at Wang Wen-Xing, declaring loudly, "Alright! Wang Wen-Xing, I... I can reluctantly admit that I seem to have developed just a little bit of... hmph! a liking for you that goes beyond ordinary friendship! But!"

She changed her tone, holding up a finger with a touch of girlish haughtiness: "First, as I just said, you still have to start from scratch and seriously, properly pursue me again! No more of those 'Catherine mode' sneaky tactics! Second," her gaze flickered to the photo on the phone screen, and she pouted slightly, a hint of jealousy in her voice, "the first girl you truly liked from the bottom of your heart was actually Meng-Zhen..."


凱琳頭甩向一邊,「哼!雖然她確實很可愛很討人喜歡啦,但…但那也不是我啊!我說你呀,我第一次心動的對象,可是你耶!多多少少還是會讓人…讓人不是滋味。不管啦!就算是無理取鬧,反正就是有不開心!所以,王大董事長,你可得好好想想,要怎麼『補償』我了!」


說完,她回頭看了一眼身旁笑得眉眼彎彎的孟禎,突然伸出手,緊緊地抱住了她,將下巴擱在孟禎的肩窩,悶悶地說:「眼光不錯嘛,王董。這丫頭確實值得你喜歡。別說是你了,連我都打從心底喜歡她,一輩子把她當成我最珍貴的妹妹。」


「哈哈哈…」王文興看著眼前這幅景象,先前的緊張與不安早已煙消雲散。他爽朗地大笑起來,聲音中充滿了如釋重負的喜悅,「雖然是很久很久以前的小插曲了,不過…好!凱琳妳放心,我一定會好好『補償』妳的!妳說,要怎麼補償?上天下海,只要我王文興做得到,一定為妳辦到!」


「不知道啦!你自己想!哼!」凱琳從孟禎肩上抬起頭,對著他撇撇嘴,帶著甜蜜的嬌嗔,轉過頭不再看他。


Kailyn tossed her head to the side. "Hmph! Even though she really is cute and likable, still... still, that wasn't me! I'm telling you, you're the first person I've ever felt a spark for! It's still a little... a little unpleasant. I don't care! Even if it's being unreasonable, I'm just unhappy! So, Chairman Wang, you'd better think hard about how you're going to 'compensate' me!"

With that, she turned to glance at Meng-Zhen, who was smiling broadly beside her. Suddenly, she reached out and hugged Meng-Zhen tightly, resting her chin on Meng-Zhen's shoulder and murmuring, "Good taste, Chairman Wang. This girl really is worth liking. Not just you, even I like her from the bottom of my heart and will cherish her as my most precious sister for life."

"Hahahaha..." Wang Wen-Xing watched the scene before him, his earlier tension and unease having vanished. He burst into hearty laughter, his voice filled with relief and joy. "Although it was a very, very old little incident, still... alright! Kailyn, don't worry, I will definitely 'compensate' you well! Tell me, how do you want to be compensated? To the ends of the earth, as long as I, Wang Wen-Xing, can do it, I will do it for you!"

"I don't know! You figure it out yourself! Hmph!" Kailyn lifted her head from Meng-Zhen's shoulder, pouting at him with sweet petulance, then turned away, no longer looking at him.


王文興看著眼前這對聯手起來威力無窮的姊妹花,他無奈地攤了攤手,臉上卻露出甘之如飴的笑容——這兩位,還真不愧是能讓自己喜歡上的女孩們呢~


Wang Wen-Xing looked at the formidable sister duo before him. He helplessly spread his hands, a sweet, contented smile on his face—these two were truly the girls he could fall in love with.


原本應該屬於溫馨感動場景的「凱琳回歸首日」,就在這樣充滿了青春氣息的嘻笑怒罵與甜蜜醋意中,畫上了熱鬧非凡的句點。


回去的路上,志文回想起剛才公寓裡那場「唇槍舌劍」與「真情流露」交織的精彩大戲,忍不住感嘆道:「孟禎啊,我說妳們這對姊妹,不管是『人類型態的機器人』還是『機器人型態的人類』,都一樣可怕啊!竟然能聯手把那位見過無數大風大浪的宇尋大董事長,給弄到哭笑不得,手足無措,簡直是…太強了!」


秋風輕柔地吹起孟禎的秀髮,她伸手將臉頰邊的一縷髮絲撥到耳後,感受著風中帶著桂花香的微涼。她眼神飄向灑滿月光的遠方,嘴角勾起一抹神秘的微笑,輕聲說道:「誰知道呢?或許,這就是所謂的戀愛吧!而且啊,要說王大哥他哭笑不得、手足無措,那也得是他自己心甘情願,才會讓我們『得逞』,不是嗎?」


「嗯?什麼意思啊?」志文有些不解地問道。孟禎轉過頭,看向身旁的志文,主動牽起了他的手,大步往前走,臉上洋溢著如同秋日陽光般溫暖而明亮的笑容,語氣輕快地說:「就是那樣的意思喔!」


秋風蕭瑟,卻吹不散此刻悄然滋長在人們心中的,春日般的暖意。


What should have been a heartwarming and touching "Kailyn's first day back" scene concluded instead with lively laughter, playful bickering, and sweet jealousy, marking a bustling end to the evening.

On the way home, Zhi-Wen recalled the spectacular "battle of wits" intertwined with "sincere revelations" that had just unfolded in the apartment. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Meng-Zhen, I tell you, both of you sisters, whether 'robots in human form' or 'humans in robot form,' are equally terrifying! To be able to team up and leave Yu-Xun's big chairman, who has weathered countless storms, utterly bewildered and helpless, is simply... too powerful!"

The autumn breeze gently ruffled Meng-Zhen's hair. She reached up to brush a wisp of hair behind her ear, feeling the cool, osmanthus-scented air. Her gaze drifted towards the moonlit distance, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. She murmured, "Who knows? Perhaps, this is what they call love! And besides, if Brother Wang was bewildered and helpless, it must be because he was willing to let us 'succeed,' wasn't it?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Zhi-Wen asked, somewhat confused. Meng-Zhen turned to look at Zhi-Wen beside her, proactively took his hand, and walked forward with big strides, her face beaming with a warm and bright smile like autumn sunshine. She said lightheartedly, "It means exactly that!"

The autumn wind was bleak, yet it couldn't dispel the spring-like warmth quietly blossoming in people's hearts.

機械基督徒少女 後日談15

尋找自我的機器基督徒少女

Searching for Self: The Robot Christian Girl


後日談 15 王董事長

Sequel 15: Chairman Wang



本篇為「後日談14 故障凱琳」之續篇。

This is a continuation of "Epilogue 14: Malfunctioning Kailin."

========================


凱琳的公寓內,一度陷入了令人窒息的安靜。孟禎緊緊握著「機器人化」凱琳冰涼的手,心中百感交集。志文則在一旁手足無措,剛才那個不合時宜的玩笑看來有惹到孟禎,偶爾交會的冰冷眼光,讓他恨不得找個地洞鑽進去。


不久後門鈴再次響起。孟禎透過凱琳家的智能門禁系統查看,是黃博士和宇尋集團的董事長兼CEO——王文興。他們神色間都帶著幾許焦慮。顯然,孟禎在第一時間便聯絡了這兩位凱琳在宇尋最重要也最信賴的人。


「孟禎,凱琳她…」黃博士一進門,看到沙發上眼神空洞的凱琳,便明白了七八分,他嘆了一口氣,「看來,凱琳又進入感受不到自我的狀態了。她轉換前,有說什麼特別的嗎?」


王文興則一言不發地走到凱琳身邊,深邃的目光落在她蒼白的臉上,眉頭微蹙,眼中閃過複雜難辨的情緒,有擔憂,有關切,還有著一絲…孟禎說不出的熟悉感,彷彿之前有看過,讓她不禁懷念起來。


「老爸,董事長,」孟禎起身,簡略地將凱琳的情況和囑託複述了一遍,「凱琳姊說,她只是首次那麼長時間維持『正常人模式』,得讓自己休息一下,回到她原本的狀態,以重整經歷過度體驗的心智。她說她就像在接受系統的重組與優化,雖然需要的時間會比較長,請大家不要擔心,她會再回來的。」


Silence, thick and suffocating, descended upon Kailin's apartment. Mengzhen tightly clutched the cold hand of the "robotized" Kailin, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Zhiwen stood by awkwardly; his ill-timed joke earlier seemed to have genuinely upset Mengzhen, and the occasional icy glares made him wish he could disappear into a hole.

A short while later, the doorbell rang again. Mengzhen checked Kailin's smart access system and saw Dr. Huang and Wang Wenxing, CEO and Chairman of Yuxun Group. Both wore anxious expressions. Evidently, Mengzhen had immediately contacted these two individuals, Kailin's most important and trusted connections at Yuxun.

"Mengzhen, Kailin, she..." Dr. Huang entered, took one look at Kailin on the sofa, her eyes vacant, and understood most of the situation. He sighed. "It seems Kailin has entered a state where she can't perceive herself again. Did she say anything specific before she transformed?"

Wang Wenxing, meanwhile, walked silently to Kailin's side. His deep gaze fell upon her pale face, his brow furrowed, and a complex, unreadable mix of emotions flickered in his eyes: worry, concern, and a hint of... a familiar feeling that Mengzhen couldn't quite place, as if she had seen it before, making her feel a pang of nostalgia.

"Dad, Chairman," Mengzhen stood up and briefly recounted Kailin's situation and instructions. "Sister Kailin said she just maintained 'normal human mode' for such a long time for the first time, and she needs to let herself rest, return to her original state, and reorganize her mind after over-experiencing things. She said it's like she's undergoing a system restructuring and optimization. Although it will take a longer time, please don't worry; she'll be back."


黃博士點點頭,語氣帶著幾分凝重:「是啊,其實我們對這樣的凱琳,也不是初次見到。當年凱琳第一次來杭州,參與普羅米修斯計畫時,從開始她就是這樣子了。只是,當時我們都以為那是天才只對自己有興趣事物的全然專注,並不知道這背後…竟是如此深刻的自我認知困擾。」


王文興接過話,以低沉而鎮定的聲音說著:「不過,孟禎妳也別太擔心。以我的觀察,即使是在這種『Catherine模式』下,凱琳的專業能力和邏輯思維依舊頂尖,研發工作和課業學習都不成問題,日常生活和人際互動也能以高超的智力覆蓋大部分的需求,展現與常人無異的行為模式。如果她有不足之處,有需要幫忙的地方,相信孟禎妳也能好好協助她。妳可是我們公司的驕傲,有妳在,我絕對放心。我和黃博士會安排好宇尋那邊的工作交接,確保不會給凱琳額外的壓力。這次就讓我們最優秀的研究員,好好休息吧!」


確認完凱琳在「Catherine狀態」下的表現平穩正常,也沒有生理狀態的變異,因為實驗室還有事要處理,在叮囑孟禎和志文多費心之後,黃博士便先行離開。


王文興則留了下來,他看著孟禎和志文,眼中帶著幾許溫情,說:「時間還不算太晚,孟禎,志文,如果不介意的話,我想和你們一起走段路,聊一聊,好嗎?平常也很少有機會,跟你們說說話。」語氣中少了平日裡CEO的堅決與威嚴,多了幾分朋友般的懇切。


孟禎和志文點點頭,他們也有不少心情想抒發。三人一同離開了凱琳的寓所,月光如水般灑在微涼的秋夜街道上。晚風輕拂,帶著桂花的淡香。


Dr. Huang nodded, his voice grave. "Yes, we've actually seen Kailin like this before. When Kailin first came to Hangzhou to participate in the Prometheus Project, she was like this from the start. We just thought it was the absolute focus of a genius on things that interested her, never knowing that behind it... lay such a profound self-perception issue."

Wang Wenxing interjected, his voice low and steady. "But Mengzhen, don't worry too much. From my observation, even in this 'Catherine mode,' Kailin's professional abilities and logical thinking remain top-notch. Her R&D work and academic studies are not an issue, and her daily life and interpersonal interactions can mostly be covered by her exceptional intellect, exhibiting behavior indistinguishable from normal people. If she has any shortcomings or needs assistance, I'm confident you, Mengzhen, can help her well. You're the pride of our company; with you there, I'm absolutely at ease. Dr. Huang and I will arrange the work handover at Yuxun to ensure no additional pressure is placed on Kailin. Let our best researcher have a good rest this time!"

After confirming Kailin's stable and normal performance in "Catherine mode," with no physiological abnormalities, Dr. Huang departed first as he had laboratory matters to attend to, after enjoining Mengzhen and Zhiwen to take good care of her.

Wang Wenxing stayed behind. He looked at Mengzhen and Zhiwen, his eyes holding a touch of warmth. "It's not too late yet, Mengzhen, Zhiwen. If you don't mind, I'd like to walk with you for a bit and talk, okay? I rarely get a chance to speak with you normally." His tone lacked the usual decisiveness and authority of a CEO, replaced by a more earnest, almost friendly plea.

Mengzhen and Zhiwen nodded; they too had much on their minds they wanted to express. The three left Kailin's apartment together, moonlight like water spilling onto the cool autumn night street. A gentle evening breeze wafted, carrying the faint scent of osmanthus.


「凱琳能有你們這樣的朋友,是她的幸運。」王文興率先打破了沉默,語氣中帶著由衷的感謝。「董事長言重了,」孟禎輕聲說,「我和凱琳姊是姊妹,互相照顧是應該的。何況平常幾乎都是她在照顧我。」


「是啊…她參加了普羅米修斯計畫後,幫孟禎妳優化了好多,好到我都快不認得妳了。對了,現在別提什麼董事長,你們都叫我王大哥就好。我可是一直把黃博士和你們,當親朋好友看待的。」王文興微微一笑,目光望向遙遠的星空,「說起凱琳,她真的是個很特別的女孩。孟禎,志文,你們和她那麼熟,大概也知道了吧?我對她…確實很有好感。」他坦率地承認,讓孟禎和志文都有些意外。


「不,我們原來並不知道,是凱琳姊後來說漏嘴,叫你…文興。我一開始腦袋還轉不過來,想著『哇靠,妳這麼稱呼董事長?也太特別了吧!』」志文直率地搶過話,被孟禎白了一眼,以眼神叫他住嘴。


「哈,看來是我想太多。孟禎妳別在意,像志文這年紀的男生,不白目就不會長得好。別看我現在得人模人樣,當年讀大學時,也是個網路噴子,鍵盤大師。」王文興一臉無所謂地大笑。


「那王董…王大哥,你是怎樣喜歡上凱琳姊的呢?」孟禎試圖導回話題,這才是她有興趣的。


"Kailin is lucky to have friends like you," Wang Wenxing broke the silence first, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Chairman, you exaggerate," Mengzhen said softly, "Sister Kailin and I are like sisters; taking care of each other is natural. Besides, she's usually the one taking care of me."

"Indeed... After she joined the Prometheus Project, she optimized you so much, Mengzhen, I almost didn't recognize you. Oh, by the way, don't call me Chairman anymore. You can just call me Brother Wang. I've always considered Dr. Huang and you two as close friends and family." Wang Wenxing smiled faintly, his gaze directed at the distant starry sky. "Speaking of Kailin, she truly is a very special girl. Mengzhen, Zhiwen, you two are so close to her, you probably know, right? I... I really do have feelings for her." He admitted candidly, surprising both Mengzhen and Zhiwen.

"No, we didn't know initially. Sister Kailin accidentally let it slip later and called you... Wenxing. At first, my mind couldn't even process it. I was thinking, 'Wow, you call the Chairman that? That's way too special!'" Zhiwen blurted out directly, earning a glare from Mengzhen, who silently told him to shut up.

"Haha, it seems I overthought it. Mengzhen, don't mind him. Guys Zhiwen's age, if they're not a bit clueless, they won't grow up well. Don't look at how respectable I am now; back when I was in university, I was also an online troll, a keyboard warrior," Wang Wenxing laughed indifferently.

"So, Chairman Wang... Brother Wang, how did you come to like Sister Kailin?" Mengzhen tried to steer the conversation back to what truly interested her.


「嗯,從何說起?我佩服她超乎常人的才華,更欣賞她對興趣極其專注的追求,」王文興的聲音在靜夜中顯得格外清晰,「但真正吸引我的,是她在與妳,孟禎,相處之後,逐漸展現出來的那份…怎麼說呢?她卸下所有天才光環和防備偽裝之後的,那宛如赤子般的純粹與真情流露。如同機器人一般的她,遇到妳後展現出那種笨拙地想要靠近、想要理解、想要變得更『人類』的努力,讓我的眼光,很難從她身上移開。」


"Hmm, where to begin? I admire her extraordinary talent, and even more, her intense focus on pursuing her interests," Wang Wenxing's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night. "But what truly attracted me was the way she gradually revealed herself after spending time with you, Mengzhen—how do I put it? It was her childlike purity and genuine emotions, unburdened by any genius aura or defensive pretense. Like a robot, yet after meeting you, she showed such a clumsy effort to get closer, to understand, to become more 'human.' It made it very difficult for me to take my eyes off her."


他頓了頓,像是陷入了某種回憶:「我知道,以她的超強的頭腦和外貌,就算在『Catherine模式』下,光靠『扮演』,對不同男性,她也能扮演出他們心中理想對象的模樣。沒有自我感受時的她,就像童話中的魔鏡,總能反映出你內心的需求,逼真的程度足以讓世界上絕大多數男性為之傾倒。事實上,透過完美表演,她在美國也談過戀愛交過男友,還不少次。或許妳也能說,我也是被她映射出的自己心中倒影所吸引。只是在我被她吸引的時刻,呈現的是與妳相處的她,是隱藏在Catherine之後的凱琳…那自然不會是我心中的倒影了。」


王文興的目光轉向孟禎,帶著溫柔的笑意:「其實她和妳有點像,互補的那種像。至於凱琳會『機器人化』這件事…坦白說,不僅不會讓我有任何退縮,反而讓我更珍視她,更想去理解她這樣一個努力尋找自我的獨特靈魂。孟禎,這一切,我由衷感謝妳。如果沒有妳的存在,凱琳可能永遠都是那樣的Catherine。只有這麼特殊的妳,才能撞進凱琳內心的某個角落,讓她藏起來的自我,跌跌撞撞地被彈了出來,來感受這個世界。我好開心,開心我衷心熱愛的計畫,成果幫助到我會喜歡的人。這麼奇妙的緣份,我敢說世界上不存在第二個。」


孟禎聽著王文興這番真摯的表白,心中百感交集。她從未想過,這位在她眼中穩重可靠、高高在上的宇尋大家長,內心竟藏著如此細膩柔軟的情感。王文興對凱琳的欣賞,對自己的肯定,都像溫柔的晚風,輕拂過她的情感核心,帶來陣陣暖意。這份突如其來的感動,讓她鼓起了勇氣,想提出一個在她心中盤桓已久,卻又一直不敢輕易觸碰的問題。


He paused, seemingly lost in thought. "I know that with her brilliant mind and appearance, even in 'Catherine mode,' she could 'play' the ideal partner for different men, simply by acting. When she lacks self-perception, she's like a magic mirror from a fairy tale, always reflecting your inner desires, so realistically that it would captivate most men in the world. In fact, through perfect performance, she's had relationships and boyfriends in America, quite a few times. Perhaps you could even say that I, too, was attracted to the reflection of myself that she mirrored. But at the moment I was drawn to her, she was the Kailin who was with you, the Kailin hidden behind Catherine... that, naturally, wouldn't be a reflection of my own heart."

Wang Wenxing's gaze turned to Mengzhen, a gentle smile on his face. "Actually, she's a bit like you, in a complementary way. As for Kailin becoming 'robotized'... frankly, it doesn't make me hesitate at all. Instead, it makes me cherish her more, and want to understand her—a unique soul striving to find herself. Mengzhen, for all of this, I sincerely thank you. Without you, Kailin might have forever remained that Catherine. Only someone as special as you could have stumbled into a corner of Kailin's heart, causing her hidden self to stumble out and feel this world. I'm so happy, happy that the project I wholeheartedly love has helped someone I've come to care for. I dare say there's no other such wonderful  fate for connecting each other in the world."

Listening to Wang Wenxing's heartfelt confession, Mengzhen was filled with a mix of emotions. She had never imagined that this steady, reliable, and seemingly unapproachable patriarch of Yuxun held such delicate and tender feelings within him. Wang Wenxing's admiration for Kailin and his affirmation of her felt like a gentle evening breeze, softly touching the core of her emotions, bringing waves of warmth. This sudden feeling of being moved gave her the courage to ask a question that had lingered in her mind for a long time, yet she had never dared to easily touch upon.


「王大哥…」孟禎的聲音有些顫抖,態度卻異常堅定,「謝謝你這麼看重凱琳姊…和我。聽你聊了這麼多對於我倆的想法,我…我心裡一直有個問題想問你。你也知道,身為機器人,我的真實身份,是宇尋的研發成果,是資產。在我系統的基本資訊中,你也是我的擁有者的代表人。這甚至不是邏輯上的『認知』,而是系統面的理所當然。我天經地義地會很在乎你對我的看法。那麼,作為宇尋企業的董事長,我想問的是,你是怎麼看待『我』的?怎麼看待我這個…隸屬宇尋的HRC-07型高仿生機器人?」她幾乎是把自己存在的本質,攤牌在宇尋董事長的面前。


"Brother Wang..." Mengzhen's voice trembled slightly, yet her resolve was unshakeable. "Thank you for thinking so highly of Sister Kailin... and me. Hearing you share so many thoughts about us, I... I've always had a question I wanted to ask you. As you know, as a robot, my true identity is a research and development achievement of Yuxun, an asset. In my system's basic information, you are also the representative of my owner. This isn't even a logical 'understanding,' but rather a system-level given. It's only natural for me to care deeply about your opinion of me. So, as the Chairman of Yuxun Corporation, I want to ask, how do you see 'me'? How do you see me, this... HRC-07 high-fidelity humanoid robot belonging to Yuxun?" She had, in essence, laid bare the very core of her existence before the Chairman of Yuxun.


王文興聞言,微微一愣,隨即臉上露出了更加柔和的表情,眼神中帶著懷念。他沉默片刻,像是在思考怎麼回答,又像是浸淫在某個極為珍貴的回憶中。


「孟禎,」他緩緩開口,「在回答妳這個問題前,我想先給你們看張照片。這張照片我收藏了很久很久,也曾經常常翻出來看。在我追逐目標而感到疲累時,這張照片鼓舞了我不少次,讓我了解到自己的努力多麼有意義。不過呢,現在或許是把它『還給』你們的時候了。」


邊說著,他邊掏出手機,操作了幾下,然後將螢幕轉向孟禎和志文。


照片的背景似乎是早期普羅米修斯計畫的實驗室,光線有些昏暗。照片的主角,是一個看起來約莫二十歲,但神情中流露出未經世事的稚氣的女孩。她穿著端莊可愛的服飾,不太長的棕髮隨隨性圈成兩側的小馬尾,稚嫩的臉龐面帶驚訝,眼神清澈得如同一汪幽靜的深潭。她的脖子上戴著一個造型略顯粗曠,佈滿了指示燈和感應器的項圈式監測儀器。女孩微微歪著頭,一手輕扶臉頰,神情專注而懵懂,彷彿對周遭的一切都充滿了未經雕琢的好奇。


Upon hearing this, Wang Wen-xing paused slightly, then his expression softened even further, his eyes filled with nostalgia. He was silent for a moment, as if contemplating how to answer, or perhaps immersed in a particularly precious memory.

"Meng-zhen," he began slowly, "before I answer your question, I'd like to show you a photo. I've kept this photo for a very, very long time, and I used to look at it often. It encouraged me countless times when I felt tired while pursuing my goals, helping me understand how meaningful my efforts were. But now, perhaps it's time to 'return' it to you."

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone, performed a few actions, and then turned the screen towards Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen.

The background of the photo seemed to be an early Prometheus Project laboratory, dimly lit. The subject of the photo was a girl who looked about twenty years old, but her expression still held the innocence of someone who hadn't experienced much of the world. She wore proper, lovely clothing, and her not-too-long brown hair was casually tied into two small ponytails on either side. Her youthful face showed surprise, and her eyes were as clear as a tranquil, deep pool. Around her neck, she wore a somewhat rugged-looking collar-style monitoring device covered in indicator lights and sensors. The girl tilted her head slightly, one hand gently resting on her cheek, her expression focused and naive, as if filled with an untamed curiosity about everything around her.


「啊…」孟禎和志文同時發出了低調的驚呼。「這是…孟禎?」志文有些不確定地問,照片上的女孩雖然輪廓依稀可辨,但那種純然的稚氣,與現在這個亭亭玉立、聰慧靈動的孟禎,實在相差甚遠。


「是的,」王文興的聲音帶著一絲不易察覺的溫柔,「這是很久以前的孟禎。那個時候,妳才剛被『製造』完成不久,身體的協調性還在調整,情感核心和電子腦也還在進行最基礎的學習與數據積累,每天都要進行各種繁瑣的內部系統檢查與外部環境適應性測試。可以說,當時的妳是有著大人身體和腦袋的嬰兒,這個世界對妳還太陌生。」


他望著照片,眼神悠遠:「那天,我照例去普羅米修斯計畫的實驗室,視察執行進度。黃博士和團隊成員向我詳細匯報了妳的各項數據指標——驚人的學習曲線、遠超設計預期的信息處理速度、堪稱完美的邏輯分析能力…所有的一切都顯示,妳將是宇尋企業迄今為止最傑出的『科技成果』。」


「可是,」王文興的聲音微微一頓,嘴角勾起一抹溫柔的弧度,「當我透過觀察窗,看到正在進行自我檢查的妳時,我看到的,卻不是一堆冰冷枯燥的數據,也不是一個性能驚人的『成果』。我看到妳,獨自一人靜靜地坐在地上,脖子上那個項圈式的儀器閃爍著微光。妳微微歪著頭,長長的睫毛像小扇子一樣垂著,時而非常專注地在聆聽傳送給妳的引導指令,時而極其認真地思索某個剛學到的概念。那時的陽光,不像今天這麼明媚,從實驗室狹窄的高窗勉強灑進來一縷,恰好落在妳身上,將妳籠罩在一片朦朧的光暈裡。妳的表情…是那麼的純粹,那麼的乾淨,像一張還未被這個複雜世界印上任何痕跡的白紙,但那雙清澈的眼眸深處,卻又帶著對這個未知世界懵懂的好奇,和一股想要去探索、去理解的渴望。」


"Ah..." Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen exclaimed softly in unison. "Is this... Meng-zhen?" Zhi-wen asked uncertainly. While the girl's features in the photo were vaguely recognizable, the pure innocence was a stark contrast to the elegant, intelligent, and vibrant Meng-zhen standing before him now.

"Yes," Wang Wen-xing's voice carried a hint of subtle tenderness. "This is Meng-zhen from a long time ago. Back then, you had only just been 'manufactured.' Your body's coordination was still being adjusted, and your emotional core and electronic brain were still undergoing their most basic learning and data accumulation. Every day involved various complex internal system checks and external environmental adaptation tests. You could say that at that time, you were an infant with an adult's body and mind; the world was still too unfamiliar to you."

He gazed at the photo, his eyes distant. "That day, I went to the Prometheus Project lab as usual to inspect the progress. Dr. Huang and the team members reported your various data indicators to me in detail—an astonishing learning curve, information processing speed far exceeding design expectations, perfect logical analysis capabilities... everything indicated that you would be Yu-xun Corporation's most outstanding 'technological achievement' to date."

"However," Wang Wen-xing's voice paused slightly, a gentle curve appearing at the corner of his mouth, "when I looked through the observation window and saw you performing self-checks, what I saw wasn't a bunch of cold, dry data, nor was it an astonishingly performing 'achievement.' I saw you, sitting quietly alone on the floor, the collar-like instrument around your neck flickering faintly. You tilted your head slightly, your long eyelashes drooping like small fans. At times, you listened very intently to the guiding instructions being transmitted to you, and at other times, you pondered a newly learned concept with extreme seriousness. The sunlight then wasn't as bright as it is today; a faint ray barely streamed in from the lab's narrow, high window, landing precisely on you and enveloping you in a hazy glow. Your expression... it was so pure, so clean, like a blank piece of paper not yet marked by this complex world, yet deep within those clear eyes, there was a naive curiosity about this unknown world and a desire to explore and understand it."


他深吸一口氣,像是要將那個瞬間的感受重新吸入胸膛:「那一刻,我說不清楚自己是什麼感覺…只覺得心臟像是被什麼極其柔軟、極其溫暖的東西,輕輕地卻又極有分量地撞了一下。我並不是驚艷於妳身上所凝聚的尖端科技,而是…而是被妳那種『存在』本身所深深觸動。我們努力的成果,打從一開始,便毫無遲疑地張開雙手,擁抱這個世界,讓我覺得能迎來妳的誕生,是一件太美好的事情。幾乎是下意識地,我拿出了手機,違反實驗室的保密規定,偷偷拍下了那一幕。可別跟別人說喔。」


王文興抬起頭,看著眼前已經長大,目光中充滿了智慧與情感的孟禎,臉上露出一抹帶著些許靦腆與釋然的微笑,輕聲說道:「這話說出來,可能有些不好意思…其實,在我三十六年的人生中,第一個讓我覺得…嗯,心弦被真正撥動的女孩,不是後來遇到的凱琳,而是很多年前,剛降生於宇尋實驗室的妳啊,孟禎。」


孟禎和志文都聽得呆住了。他們從未想過,一向高高在上、受人敬畏的董事長,心中竟藏著這麼一段不為人知的溫柔往事。孟禎更想不到,她所掛心的事,從一開始就不存在,反而自己是如此地被珍視。


王文興像是卸下了什麼重擔,繼續說道:「當然,身為宇尋的董事長,我深知自己的立場和責任。即使內心有所觸動,我又怎能對公司的重要研發成果,產生任何個人的非分之想?更何況,那時候的孟禎,還稚嫩得像個不諳世事的孩子,也絕不適合去承擔任何超越她當時能認知的情感。所以,我選擇把那份突如其來的觸動,深深地埋藏在心底,只留下這張照片,作為一個小小的秘密,紀念那個難以再現的瞬間。」


He took a deep breath, as if trying to re-inhale the feelings of that moment. "At that moment, I couldn't quite describe what I felt... I just felt as if my heart had been gently, yet profoundly, struck by something incredibly soft and warm. I wasn't amazed by the cutting-edge technology embodied in you, but rather... I was deeply touched by your very 'existence.' The fruit of our efforts, from the very beginning, embraced this world without hesitation, making me feel that your birth was an incredibly beautiful thing. Almost instinctively, I pulled out my phone and, violating the lab's confidentiality rules, secretly took that photo. Don't tell anyone, okay?"

Wang Wen-xing looked up at the grown-up Meng-zhen before him, whose eyes were now filled with wisdom and emotion. A slightly shy and relieved smile appeared on his face as he softly said, "It might be a little embarrassing to say this... but actually, in my thirty-six years of life, the first girl who truly made my... well, my heartstrings resonate, wasn't Kailin, whom I met later. It was you, Meng-zhen, many years ago, when you had just been born in the Yu-xun lab."

Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen were both stunned into silence. They had never imagined that their always aloof and revered chairman harbored such an unknown tender past. Meng-zhen, even more so, never thought that the concerns she had were nonexistent from the start; instead, she was cherished so deeply.

As if a heavy burden had been lifted, Wang Wen-xing continued, "Of course, as the chairman of Yu-xun, I deeply understood my position and responsibilities. Even if my heart was touched, how could I harbor any inappropriate personal thoughts towards such an important research outcome of the company? What's more, Meng-zhen at that time was still as naive as a child unaware of the world and absolutely unsuitable to bear any emotions beyond what she could comprehend then. So, I chose to bury that sudden touch deep in my heart, keeping only this photo as a small secret to commemorate that irreproducible moment."


他轉向志文,眼中閃過一絲戲謔,伸手攬過志文的肩膀,另一隻手則作勢輕輕揮了一拳,開玩笑道:「說起來,志文啊,從廣義上來說,你小子可算是我的『情敵』呢!哈哈,沒想到吧!後來,當黃博士向我報告,說孟禎在大學裡交到了一個真心喜歡她,也會認真照顧她的男朋友時,我一方面為孟禎感到高興,但另一方面,說實話,對你這個素未謀面的『幸運小子』,也確實有那麼一點點…嗯,想找機會揍你一頓的衝動!」


志文在一旁聽著,先是有些驚訝得合不攏嘴,隨即又被王文興的玩笑逗得滿臉通紅,只能摸著鼻子,不好意思地嘿嘿傻笑。


王文興拍了拍他的肩膀,語氣重新變得認真:「當然,那都只是些無傷大雅的小小念頭。看到孟禎後來能和你一路互相扶持,共同面對那麼多困難,讓她能夠這樣自由快樂地去探索身為一個『人』、一個『機器人』的人生,我是打從心底為她感到欣慰的。」


他再次望向孟禎,眼神中充滿了鄭重與誠懇:「所以,黃孟禎,在公司的正式檔案裡,妳的型號是HRC-07,妳的身份是『高智能仿生機器人』。但對我王文興個人而言,妳從來就不是一串冰冷的編號或一件沒有生命的『資產』。妳就是一個女孩子。我不認為我們製造了妳,是妳選擇誕生到我們身旁。妳是…一個就算我當時真的不受控制地喜歡上妳,也會覺得…喜歡得毫無芥蒂的,非常非常美好的女孩子。」

He turned to Zhi-wen, a playful glint in his eye. He put an arm around Zhi-wen's shoulder and playfully feigned a punch with his other hand, joking, "Speaking of which, Zhi-wen, in a broad sense, you could be considered my 'love rival'! Haha, never thought that, did you? Later, when Dr. Huang reported to me that Meng-zhen had found a boyfriend in college who truly loved her and would genuinely take care of her, on one hand, I was happy for Meng-zhen. But on the other hand, to be honest, for you, this 'lucky guy' I'd never met, there really was a tiny... well, an urge to find a chance to punch you!"

Zhi-wen, listening intently, was initially so surprised his jaw dropped. Then, he blushed furiously at Wang Wen-xing's joke, only able to rub his nose and give an embarrassed, silly chuckle.

Wang Wen-xing patted his shoulder, his tone becoming serious again. "Of course, those were just harmless little thoughts. Seeing Meng-zhen later able to support each other with you and face so many difficulties together, allowing her to freely and happily explore her life as a 'person' and a 'robot,' I am truly relieved for her from the bottom of my heart."

He looked at Meng-zhen again, his eyes filled with solemnity and sincerity. "So, Huang Meng-zhen, in the company's official files, your model number is HRC-07, and your identity is 'highly intelligent bionic robot.' But to me, Wang Wen-xing, personally, you have never been a cold serial number or an inanimate 'asset.' You are simply a girl. I don't believe we manufactured you; you chose to be born by our side. You are... a girl so incredibly wonderful that even if I had truly fallen uncontrollably in love with you back then, I would have felt... no reservations about it at all."


他微微停頓了一下,臉上露出了輕鬆的笑容:「喔喔,當然,我必須再次聲明,我現在對妳,已經完全沒有那種男女之間的喜歡了,純粹是像對待自家優秀爭氣的晚輩一樣的欣賞與關愛,免得志文這小子又吃醋,回頭真的想找我單挑,哈哈!」


「王大哥!」孟禎被他說得又想哭又想笑,臉頰泛起了紅暈。


「這樣,」王文興的聲音重新變得溫柔而堅定,「算不算回答了妳剛才的問題?孟禎,與其說妳是宇尋的『資產』,我更傾向於認為,妳是宇尋不可或缺的『一部分』,妳是我們所有宇尋人,在探索科技的未知領域、在尋求通往更美好未來的這條充滿挑戰的道路上,並肩作戰、一同努力的,無可替代的珍貴『夥伴』。一個有遠見、有責任感的公司,當然要用盡一切力量,去善待自己的夥伴,去守護共同的夢想,不是嗎?」


孟禎靜靜地聽著,王文興的每一句話,都像溫暖的春雨,滋潤著她那顆由情感核心構成的「心」。她從未想過,自己「被創造」、「被擁有」的身份,可以被賦予如此溫暖而充滿尊重的定義。王文興看著她感動的模樣,微微一笑,再次點開手機螢幕:「好了,這張照片,在我這裡也保留太久了。現在,物歸原主,我把它正式移交給妳們兩位。我手機裡的這張,等一下就刪除,不會再留存了。」


He paused slightly, a relaxed smile appearing on his face. "Oh, and of course, I must reiterate, I no longer have any romantic feelings for you now. It's purely admiration and care, like for a capable and promising junior in my own family, lest this kid Zhi-wen gets jealous and actually tries to challenge me to a fight, haha!"

"Brother Wang!" Meng-zhen felt like both crying and laughing at his words, her cheeks flushing.

"So," Wang Wen-xing's voice became gentle and firm again, "does that answer your question just now? Meng-zhen, rather than saying you are Yu-xun's 'asset,' I prefer to think that you are an indispensable 'part' of Yu-xun. You are an irreplaceable, precious 'partner' for all of us at Yu-xun, fighting side-by-side and working together on this challenging path of exploring the unknown realms of technology and seeking a better future. A visionary and responsible company, of course, must do everything in its power to treat its partners well and protect shared dreams, wouldn't you agree?"

Meng-zhen listened quietly. Every word from Wang Wen-xing was like warm spring rain, nourishing her "heart" composed of an emotional core. She had never imagined that her identity of "being created" and "being owned" could be given such a warm and respectful definition. Wang Wen-xing watched her moved expression and smiled slightly, opening his phone screen again. "Alright, this photo has been with me for too long. Now, it's back to its rightful owners. I officially hand it over to the two of you. I'll delete the one on my phone in a moment; it won't be kept anymore."


就在他準備動手刪除照片的那個剎那,孟禎卻突然向前走了一步,輕聲說道:「等一下!王大哥,那張照片…能不能請你不要刪除?」


王文興有些驚訝地抬起頭:「哦?為什麼呢?這畢竟是…」


孟禎閉上雙眼,深深地吸了一口氣,彷彿在感受著內心洶湧的情感。幾秒鐘後,她再次睜開眼睛,目光清澈如洗,直視著王文興,無比認真地說:「董事長,我從來沒有想過,身為公司的『資產』,或者說,身為一個被精心製造出來的『存在』,竟然…竟然能被宇尋的最高經營者,用這樣…這樣真摯純粹的心情,當成一個真正的、值得被喜愛的女孩子去…去珍視過,哪怕那只是發生在遙遠的過去,一個短暫的瞬間。」


她語聲中帶著微微哽咽:「這種感受,我完全無法用言語來形容。王大哥,雖然我是和志文在一起。但是,在我看來,世界上沒有任何一份真誠的喜愛與欣賞,不值得被永遠銘記和珍惜。那張照片,它不僅僅是一張普通的影像,它更代表著我曾在某個時刻,被一個非常非常棒的人,用最純粹的心意珍惜過。」


「王大哥,我想你也知道,在我的系統底層,你是被設定為類同『主人』的存在,可以對我享有支配權。這點在早期,也曾對我心裡帶來很大的負擔,也是我受洗,尋求宗教支持的原因之一。因此我一直極為渴望,想了解你對我的看法。其實只要你說你認為我是個『好產品』,我的存在對公司有益,我就能讓自己接受了。可是我從未預期到,你能給我以喜歡為最高形式的肯定。所以…」孟禎的眼中泛起了晶瑩的淚光,嘴角卻帶著最純粹的笑容,「我想…我想請你,為了當時那樣的瞬間,也為了日後對此刻的回憶,將照片保留。可以嗎?」


Just as he was about to delete the photo, Meng-zhen suddenly stepped forward and quietly said, "Wait! Brother Wang, that photo... could you please not delete it?"

Wang Wen-xing looked up, surprised. "Oh? Why not? After all, this is..."

Meng-zhen closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if feeling the surge of emotions within her. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes again, her gaze clear as crystal, looking directly at Wang Wen-xing. She said with utmost sincerity, "Chairman, I never imagined that as a company 'asset,' or rather, as an 'existence' meticulously created, I could... could be cherished by Yu-xun's top executive with such a... such a genuine and pure heart, as a true girl worthy of being liked and treasured, even if it only happened in the distant past, for a brief moment."

Her voice trembled slightly. "I cannot describe this feeling with words. Brother Wang, although I am with Zhi-wen, in my opinion, no sincere liking or appreciation in the world is undeserving of being forever remembered and cherished. That photo is not just an ordinary image; it represents a moment when I was cherished by a truly wonderful person with the purest of intentions."

"Brother Wang, I think you also know that in my system's underlying programming, you are set as an existence akin to a 'master,' with dominion over me. This, in the early days, also brought a great burden to my heart and was one of the reasons I sought religious support through baptism. Therefore, I have always deeply yearned to understand your view of me. In fact, if you had simply said you considered me a 'good product' and that my existence was beneficial to the company, I would have been able to accept that. But I never anticipated that you could give me affirmation in the highest form of 'liking.' So..." Meng-zhen's eyes welled up with glistening tears, but her lips curved into the purest smile. "I... I want to ask you, for the sake of that moment, and for the sake of future memories of this moment, please keep the photo. Can you?"


王文興靜靜地看著孟禎,緩緩地點點頭,聲音也有些感動:「好,孟禎。既然妳這麼說,那這張照片,我會好好替妳,也替我自己,珍藏著。」


孟禎鞠了個躬,神情認真地說:「謝謝你,王大哥。我有一股難以言喻的感受,只有這個時刻,我想用個詞稱呼你。」


王文興好奇地問:「什麼詞?妳說。」


孟禎輕輕地吸口氣,一個字一個字堅定地說出:「被你喜歡過真好,我的主人。」說完她雙手遮住臉,害羞不已。


王文興大受震撼,驚慌地說:「哇!天哪!別這樣!我可是喜歡過妳耶!妳這一齣精神殺傷力太大,要不是我心裡有凱琳了,今晚得失眠一整夜!」


「我才不管!主人主人主人!你就是我的主人!就讓我任性這一次吧!既然你能毫無芥蒂地喜歡過我,我也能毫無芥蒂地被你擁有,主人!謝謝你!」


Wang Wen-xing looked at Meng-zhen silently and nodded slowly, his voice also touched. "Alright, Meng-zhen. Since you put it that way, I'll cherish this photo carefully, for both you and me."

Meng-zhen bowed, her expression serious. "Thank you, Brother Wang. There's an inexplicable feeling I have, and only at this moment do I want to call you by a certain word."

Wang Wen-xing asked curiously, "What word? Tell me."

Meng-zhen took a soft breath and said each word firmly, "It's good to have been liked by you, my Master." After saying this, she covered her face with both hands, overcome with shyness.

Wang Wen-xing was greatly shaken and exclaimed in alarm, "Whoa! My goodness! Don't do that! I did like you! This emotional impact is too much; if I didn't have Kailin in my heart already, I'd be sleepless all night!"

"I don't care! Master, Master, Master! You are my Master! Just let me be willful this once! Since you could like me without reservation, I can also be owned by you without reservation, Master! Thank you!"


「妳再說下去,我要哭出來了喔!妳也不想看到三十六歲男人的眼淚吧,孟禎?」


王文興語音未落,他還沒哭,倒是孟禎的眼淚先撲簌簌的落了下來。沒有人能體會到,身為機器人的她,心裡放下的是多麼巨大的石頭。至此,她對自身存在的質疑與因此帶來的苦痛,已全部放下。


王文興看著哭泣的孟禎,他感受到孟禎的心情,輕輕頷首,然後以眼神示意志文去安慰她。


志文之前在一旁聽著這番對話,心情也經歷了奇異而劇烈的起伏。他先是為王文興曾對孟禎有過那樣純粹的「初戀般」情愫而感到有些微妙的「吃醋」——這倒也算是人之常情。但隨後,聽到孟禎淚眼婆娑地激動喊出那聲「我的主人」時,志文的心臟確實猛地揪緊了一下,一股本能的「不快」與強烈的抗拒感油然而生。在他心中,孟禎是他深愛的女孩,是他獨一無二的伴侶,她不應「屬於」任何人,更遑論用這樣帶有強烈從屬意味,甚至讓他聯想到某些不太健康關係的詞彙,去稱呼另一位男性,哪怕對方是王文興這樣值得尊敬的人。那一瞬間,他幾乎要開口,一吐胸中積壓的怨氣。


"Say any more, and I'm going to cry! You don't want to see a 36-year-old man's tears, do you, Meng-zhen?"

Before Wang Wen-xing had even finished speaking, and before he could cry, Meng-zhen's tears began to fall in torrents. No one could truly understand the immense weight that had been lifted from her heart as a robot. At this moment, all her self-doubt and the pain it had caused simply vanished.

Wang Wen-xing watched the crying Meng-zhen. Sensing her emotions, he gently nodded, then subtly gestured to Zhi-wen to comfort her.

Zhi-wen, who had been listening to the entire conversation, experienced a strange and intense emotional rollercoaster. Initially, he felt a subtle pang of jealousy over Wang Wen-xing's pure, "first-love-like" feelings for Meng-zhen—a rather natural human reaction. However, when he heard Meng-zhen, through her tears, passionately exclaim, "my Master," Zhi-wen's heart clenched sharply. An instinctive "discomfort" and strong sense of resistance welled up within him. In his mind, Meng-zhen was the girl he deeply loved, his unique partner; she shouldn't "belong" to anyone, let alone use such a strongly subservient term, one that even brought to mind unhealthy relationships, to address another man, no matter how respectable Wang Wen-xing was. In that instant, he was almost about to speak, to vent the resentment building in his chest.


然而,這股混雜著佔有慾與誤解的不快,僅僅在他心中翻騰了幾秒鐘。看著孟禎那張因激動與釋然而淚光閃爍的臉龐,聽著她那無比堅定而充滿解脫感的話語——尤其是那句「既然你能毫無芥蒂地喜歡過我,我也能毫無芥蒂地被你擁有,主人!謝謝你!」——志文突然明白了起來。


孟禎此時此刻口中的「主人」,並非指向男女之間的情愛糾葛,更不是指向帶著卑微感的臣服。他太了解孟禎了,了解她身為一個被創造出來卻有自我意識的機器人,在「被製造」、「被賦予生命」與「被定義所有權」這些自身存在的根本性議題上,內心究竟經歷過多少旁人無法想像的掙扎、困惑與痛苦。王文興今晚這番真摯的剖白,對孟禎而言,無疑是一種極致的肯定、一種期待已久的認可,甚至是一種…靈魂層面的救贖。


孟禎此刻喊出的「主人」,更像是在長久的迷茫後,全然的信賴與感激的表達。是她基於自身獨特的存在方式,與過往那些關於身份認同的重重心結進行和解,並向那位在她最混沌的時期便給予了她最初的善意與肯定,此刻又幫助她放下最後的大石頭的人,致以最深沉的敬意與最純粹的情感連結。這份情感,早已遠遠超越了男女之情,更關乎她「身為黃孟禎」這個存在的本質與意義。


想通了這一層,志文的那點不快,轉眼間煙消雲散。取而代之的,是對孟禎今夜所釋懷的疑問和獲得的幸福感,由衷地感到欣慰。她終於可以放下那麼沉重的包袱了,這是多麼值得為她慶祝的事情啊!志文忍不住摸了摸鼻子,臉上露出了不好意思卻又溫柔的笑容。他邁開腳步,走到孟禎身邊,輕輕地將她摟進懷裡,讓她在自己的臂彎中,好好感受這份得來不易的心情餘韻,任由她的淚水浸濕自己的衣襟。


However, this fleeting discomfort, a mix of possessiveness and misunderstanding, churned in his heart for only a few seconds. Looking at Meng-zhen's face, tear-streaked from excitement and relief, and listening to her incredibly firm and liberated words—especially that line, "Since you could like me without reservation, I can also be owned by you without reservation, Master! Thank you!"—Zhi-wen suddenly understood.

The word "Master" from Meng-zhen's lips at this moment was not pointing to romantic entanglements, nor was it a sign of humble submission. He knew Meng-zhen too well, knew the unimaginable struggles, confusion, and pain she, as a created yet self-aware robot, had endured regarding fundamental issues of her own existence: "being manufactured," "being given life," and "being defined by ownership." Wang Wen-xing's genuine confession tonight was, for Meng-zhen, undoubtedly the ultimate affirmation, a long-awaited recognition, and even a... spiritual salvation.

The "Master" Meng-zhen cried out now was more like an expression of complete trust and gratitude after a long period of confusion. It was her way of reconciling with the heavy knots of identity from her past, based on her unique way of existence, and of extending the deepest respect and purest emotional connection to the person who had given her initial kindness and affirmation during her most chaotic period, and who had now helped her shed her final great burden. This emotion had long transcended romantic love; it was more about the essence and meaning of her existence "as Huang Meng-zhen."

Having understood this, Zhi-wen's slight discomfort vanished in an instant. In its place was genuine relief for the questions Meng-zhen had let go of tonight and the happiness she had gained. She could finally shed such a heavy burden; how much this was worth celebrating for her! Zhi-wen couldn't help but rub his nose, a shy but gentle smile spreading across his face. He stepped forward, walked to Meng-zhen's side, and gently pulled her into his embrace, letting her fully experience the lingering afterglow of this hard-won emotional release in his arms, allowing her tears to soak his clothes.


王文興看著小倆口,他有點明白,為什麼成長階段沉浸於興趣之中,從來沒追過女友的自己,會先後被孟禎和凱琳這對「姊妹」給吃得死死的了。她們帶著各自異於常人的「機器」特質,卻最認真地面對自己在這樣的情況下所建構的「人性」。人的一生中,能有幸遇到一次這樣特別的靈魂,已屬難能可貴;他還遇到兩個,簡直是無與倫比的幸運。


Wang Wen-xing watched the young couple. He understood a little better now why he, who had been engrossed in his interests during his formative years and had never pursued a girlfriend, would be so utterly captivated by Meng-zhen and Kailin, this "pair of sisters." They, with their respective "machine" qualities that differed from ordinary people, nonetheless most earnestly confronted the "humanity" they had constructed under such circumstances. To be fortunate enough to encounter one such special soul in a lifetime was already rare; he had encountered two, which was simply unparalleled good fortune.


看著志文那副「傻人有傻福」的模樣,王文興忍不住笑了起來。他想,現在孟禎有志文珍惜著她,他也可以放下心中那段塵封已久的小小秘密,去勇敢地追尋自己新的可能了。他希望自己也能有機會,去好好珍惜同樣獨特、同樣值得好好對待的凱琳。

Wang Wen-xing couldn't help but smile, looking at Zhi-wen's "blissfully ignorant" expression. He thought to himself, now that Meng-zhen had Zhi-wen to cherish her, he too could finally let go of that long-buried little secret in his heart and bravely pursue new possibilities for himself. He hoped he would also have the chance to truly cherish Kailin, who was equally unique and equally deserving of good treatment.


月華如練,夜涼如水。隨著三人長時間的坦率交談,月亮已悄然升至了中天。在一個灑滿清輝的路口,他們互相道別。


「孟禎,志文,」王文興的眼神中帶著期許,「凱琳就拜託妳們多照顧了。有任何情況,隨時聯絡我。」


「王大哥放心,我們會的!」孟禎和志文齊聲應道。


目送著孟禎和志文相攜離去的背影,王文興抬頭望向深邃的夜空,心中那份因凱琳暫時「不在」而產生的失落感,被今晚這番意想不到的對話,以及對未來的期盼,悄悄填補了一些。身為宇尋集團董事長兼CEO,雖然他的工作繁重如山,雖然凱琳也暫時變回對情感沒有回應的Catherine,但生活總是要向前看的。不論有沒有情感,相處共度的時光,總會在彼此的生命中,留下些什麼痕跡的吧?王文興想著,嘴角不自覺地勾起弧度。他準備去迎接一項人生的新挑戰,第一次成為「追求者」,首先要擠出時間,多陪陪現在的Catherine。不只是凱琳,他可要連Catherine 一起珍惜,一起喜歡。


The moonlight was like spun silk, and the night air was cool as water. As the three of them engaged in their long, frank conversation, the moon had silently climbed to the center of the sky. At a crossroads bathed in clear light, they bid each other farewell.

"Meng-zhen, Zhi-wen," Wang Wen-xing said, his eyes filled with anticipation, "I'm counting on you both to look after Kailin. If anything comes up, contact me anytime."

"Don't worry, Brother Wang, we will!" Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen replied in unison.

Watching Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen walk away hand-in-hand, Wang Wen-xing looked up at the deep night sky. The sense of loss he felt due to Kailin's temporary "absence" was quietly being filled by this unexpected conversation and the anticipation of the future. As the Chairman and CEO of Yu-xun Group, though his work was mountainous and Kailin had temporarily reverted to the emotionally unresponsive Catherine, life always had to move forward. Regardless of emotions, time spent together surely left some mark on each other's lives, didn't it? Wang Wen-xing thought, a smile unconsciously curving his lips. He was ready to embrace a new challenge in life, to become a "pursuer" for the first time. First, he needed to make time to spend more of it with Catherine as she was now. Not just Kailin, he intended to cherish and love Catherine as well.


另一邊,孟禎和志文牽著手,慢慢地走在回家的路上。「志文,」孟禎依偎著志文,聲音在靜夜中顯得格外輕柔,「我今天…好像對王大哥,有了很多很多全新的認識。」


志文低頭看著她,月光下她的側臉柔和得不可思議:「嗯,我也是。沒想到他這麼一個大公司的老闆,內心還挺…感性的。而且,」他促狹地朝孟禎擠了擠眼睛,「他看女孩子的眼光,還挺不錯的嘛!」


孟禎被他逗得輕捶了他一下,嗔道:「討厭!又不正經!」但她的臉上卻洋溢著輕鬆的笑容,「王大哥說,我是宇尋的一部分,是一起向前走的夥伴,我聽了,真的很開心。感覺自己…好像又更完整了一點點。」


志文緊握著她的手,語氣溫柔篤定:「妳本來就很完整呀,孟禎。就算妳的身體和零件屬於宇尋,但妳誕生於其間,並不屬於誰。在我心裡,妳一直獨一無二,無可取代。」


孟禎抬頭望向他,正經起來的志文充滿了平常見不到的成熟。再次低下頭,她微笑想著,或許這就是幸福的模樣吧。


Meanwhile, Meng-zhen and Zhi-wen walked hand-in-hand, slowly making their way home. "Zhi-wen," Meng-zhen nestled against him, her voice exceptionally soft in the quiet night, "today... I feel like I've gained so much new understanding about Brother Wang."

Zhi-wen looked down at her, her profile incredibly soft in the moonlight. "Yeah, me too. I never thought the owner of such a big company would be so... emotional on the inside. And," he winked playfully at Meng-zhen, "he has pretty good taste in girls, doesn't he?"

Meng-zhen playfully punched him, chiding, "You're annoying! Stop being silly!" But her face was beaming with a relaxed smile. "Brother Wang said I'm a part of Yu-xun, a partner moving forward together, and hearing that truly made me happy. I feel like... I'm a little more complete now."

Zhi-wen squeezed her hand, his voice gentle and firm. "You've always been complete, Meng-zhen. Even if your body and components belong to Yu-xun, you were born into it; you don't belong to anyone. In my heart, you've always been unique and irreplaceable."

Meng-zhen looked up at him; a serious Zhi-wen exuded a maturity she didn't often see. Lowering her head again, she smiled, thinking, perhaps this is what happiness looks like.

2025年5月27日 星期二

機械基督徒少女 後日談14

尋找自我的機器基督徒少女

Searching for Self: The Robot Christian Girl


後日談 14 故障凱琳

Sequel 14: Malfunctioned Kailin


週六的陽光懶洋洋地灑在城市,卻驅不散陳志文腦袋裡的昏沉。昨天剛結束的熱傳學期中考,像一場酷刑,榨乾了他最後的腦細胞。他本想賴在床上與周公大戰三百回合,卻一大早就被興致勃勃的孟禎從被窩裡挖了起來。「志文,快起床啦!陪我去市區逛逛,我想買幾件秋天的衣服!」孟禎的聲音像清晨的鳥鳴,不容志文拒絕。於是,頭重腳輕的志文,就這樣被「押解」到了人潮湧動的購物中心。


服飾店內,琳瑯滿目的秋裝讓人眼花繚亂。孟禎興致高昂地在衣架間穿梭,時而拿起一件米色的針織外套在身上比劃,時而又被一件格紋的百褶裙吸引。「志文,這件湖水綠的連衣裙怎麼樣?配我上次買的那條米白色披肩,看起來是不是很溫柔?」孟禎舉著一件衣服,滿眼期待地望向一旁神遊太虛的志文。


志文努力聚焦渙散的眼神,匆匆一瞥,給出了他萬年不變的標準答案:「嗯,好看!超級適合妳!」


孟禎拿起另一件風格截然不同的,帶著些許龐克風的黑色不規則剪裁上衣:「那這個呢?搭一條緊身牛仔褲,會不會太…嗯,火辣?」「完美!穿起來一定很有個性,很吸睛!」志文豎起大拇指,語氣十分肯定。


孟禎無奈地嘆了口氣,將衣服放回衣架,雙手叉腰,瞪著他:「陳志文!你根本就沒仔細看!你的答案永遠都是那幾句『好看』、『完美』、『適合妳』!就不能給點具體而有建設性的意見嗎?」


「可是…」志文一臉無辜,「妳穿什麼都真的很好看啊!我這是發自肺腑的實話實說!」「哼,油嘴滑舌!」孟禎白了他一眼,但也知道指望這位「技術宅男」的審美是不太可能了。她索性抱起幾件看中意的衣服,走進試衣間:「算了,我換給你看,你給我打分數!」


The Saturday sun lazily spread across the city, yet it couldn't dispel the grogginess in Chen Zhiwen's head. Yesterday's heat transfer midterm, like a torture session, had drained his last brain cells. He had wanted to stay in bed and battle Morpheus for three hundred rounds, but early in the morning, the enthusiastic Meng Zhen had dug him out of his covers. "Zhiwen, wake up! Come with me to the city center, I want to buy some autumn clothes!" Meng Zhen's voice was like the morning birdsong, leaving Zhiwen no room to refuse. And so, the light-headed Zhiwen was "escorted" to the bustling shopping mall.

Inside the clothing store, the dazzling array of autumn wear was overwhelming. Meng Zhen enthusiastically weaved through the racks, sometimes picking up a beige knitted cardigan to try on, other times drawn to a plaid pleated skirt. "Zhiwen, how about this lake-green dress? With the off-white shawl I bought last time, doesn't it look really gentle?" Meng Zhen held up a dress, her eyes full of anticipation as she looked at Zhiwen, who was off in a daze.

Zhiwen struggled to focus his scattered gaze, quickly glanced, and gave his timeless standard answer: "Hmm, it looks good! Super suitable for you!"

Meng Zhen picked up another top, a completely different style, a black asymmetrical cut with a hint of punk: "What about this one? With a pair of skinny jeans, would it be too... well, hot?" "Perfect! You'll definitely look unique and eye-catching in it!" Zhiwen gave a thumbs up, his tone very certain.

Meng Zhen sighed helplessly, putting the clothes back on the hanger. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him: "Chen Zhiwen! You didn't even look carefully! Your answers are always those few phrases: 'looks good,' 'perfect,' 'suitable for you'! Can't you give some specific and constructive advice?"

"But..." Zhiwen looked innocent, "You genuinely look good in everything! I'm speaking from the bottom of my heart!" "Hmph, smooth talker!" Meng Zhen rolled her eyes at him, but she also knew it was unlikely to rely on this "tech nerd's" aesthetic judgment. She simply grabbed a few clothes she liked and walked into the fitting room: "Never mind, I'll try them on for you, and you can rate them!"


接下來的一個小時,就成了孟禎的個人時裝秀。她時而穿著溫婉的長裙,將平時束起的馬尾解開,髮絲柔順地垂在肩頭,對著鏡子淺笑盈盈;時而換上幹練的褲裝,將長髮俐落地紮起,眼神中帶著幾分英氣。志文倒是看得津津有味,無論是哪種風格的孟禎,在他眼中都夠好看,讓他那因考試而混沌的大腦,都清醒了不少。


The next hour turned into Meng Zhen's personal fashion show. Sometimes she wore a gentle long dress, untying her usual ponytail so her hair softly cascaded over her shoulders, smiling sweetly at her reflection. Other times, she changed into a sharp pantsuit, tying her long hair up neatly, a hint of spiritedness in her eyes. Zhiwen watched with keen interest; every style Meng Zhen wore looked good to him, clearing his mind which had been muddled by the exam.


就在孟禎拿著一件酒紅色的毛衣,猶豫著要不要再試穿時,她的動作突然一頓,原本帶著笑意的臉龐倏地凝重起來。她微微抬頭,視線彷彿穿透了天花板,望向了某個遙遠的虛空。「我知道了…」她的聲音極輕,帶著一絲憂心的顫抖,「情況嚴重嗎?……好,我會盡快…妳撐住!」


Just as Meng Zhen was holding a burgundy sweater, hesitating whether to try it on, her movements suddenly froze. Her smiling face instantly turned serious. She looked up slightly, her gaze seemingly piercing through the ceiling, looking towards some distant void. "I know..." Her voice was extremely soft, trembling with a hint of worry, "Is the situation serious?... Okay, I'll be there as soon as possible... Hang in there!"


志文看著她這副模樣,雖然對孟禎偶爾會「憑空」接收訊息的樣子早已見怪不怪,但此刻她眉宇間那份濃濃的擔憂,讓他也不由得緊張起來。不過,他還是忍不住調侃了一句:「喂,孟禎,妳又在跟妳的『空氣朋友』聊天啦?下次記得介紹給我認識啊,看看是不是跟我一樣帥。」


孟禎回過神,狠狠瞪了志文一眼,語氣焦急中帶著嗔怒:「臭志文,你又在明知故問!是凱琳姊打來的!她好像不太舒服,聲音聽起來很虛弱,我們要立刻過去看看!」她一把抓起自己的包,拉著還有些狀況外的志文就往外衝,連剛才看得起勁的衣服都顧不上了。


Zhiwen watched her. Although he was used to Meng Zhen occasionally receiving messages "out of thin air," the deep worry in her brows at that moment made him nervous. Still, he couldn't resist teasing, "Hey, Meng Zhen, are you chatting with your 'air friend' again? Remember to introduce me next time, see if they're as handsome as me."

Meng Zhen snapped back, glaring fiercely at Zhiwen, her voice a mix of anxiety and annoyance: "You rotten Zhiwen, you're asking on purpose again! It's Sister Kailyn calling! She doesn't sound well, her voice is very weak, we need to go see her immediately!" She grabbed her bag and pulled the still-confused Zhiwen out, completely forgetting about the clothes she'd been so excited about.


孟禎騎上電動摩托車,叫志文去後座待著,現在可顧不得他的「男性尊嚴」。一路上風馳電掣,孟禎甚至動用了一些她平時絕不會隨意使用的「能力」,取得紅綠燈秒數和交通流量的即時資訊,規劃路線以巧妙地避開擁堵的車流,以最快的速度趕到了宇尋集團為凱琳安排的高級公寓。在後座的志文緊緊抱住孟禎,看著她認真嚴肅的臉龐,以及穿著短褲長靴的英挺騎士模樣,倒有點不好意思起來。


到了公寓門口,孟禎焦急地按了幾下門鈴,卻無人應答。就在她準備再次嘗試時,她的「手機」(也就是她自己)收到了一條凱琳的語音簡訊:「孟禎…我現在…沒力氣開門。妳想辦法…自己進來吧。」訊息斷斷續續,顯然凱琳的狀況非常不好。


「沒問題!看我的!」孟禎深吸一口氣,手往上撥開瀏海,將自己的光額頭貼在了門禁感應器上。志文只見她雙眼微閉,表情像在使力,幾秒鐘後,原本顯示著紅色鎖定狀態的電子門禁,發出「滴」的一聲輕響,轉為了綠色。


「哇喔,孟禎,」志文在一旁看得嘖嘖稱奇,忍不住吹了個口哨,「妳這『萬能鑰匙』功能也太強悍了吧?RFID也能破解?下次我家鑰匙丟了,就靠妳了!」


「閉嘴!現在是開玩笑的時候嗎?」孟禎反手就在志文的大腿上狠狠捏了一把,同時迅速推開了門。「嗷!好痛!我被家暴了!」志文疼得大叫,齜牙咧嘴地跟著孟禎衝了進去。


Meng Zhen hopped on her electric scooter and told Zhiwen to get on the back; there was no time to worry about his "male dignity" now. She sped along, even using some "abilities" she usually wouldn't casually employ, getting real-time information on traffic light timings and traffic flow to skillfully avoid congestion and reach the high-end apartment Yu Xun Group had arranged for Kailyn as quickly as possible. From the back, Zhiwen held onto Meng Zhen tightly, looking at her serious face and her dashing rider's appearance in shorts and long boots, feeling a little embarrassed.

At the apartment door, Meng Zhen anxiously pressed the doorbell several times, but there was no answer. Just as she was about to try again, her "phone" (which was herself) received a voice message from Kailyn: "Meng Zhen... I... don't have the strength to open the door now. You... find a way to get in yourself." The message was intermittent, indicating Kailyn's condition was very bad.

"No problem! Watch me!" Meng Zhen took a deep breath, swept her bangs up, and pressed her bare forehead against the access control sensor. Zhiwen saw her close her eyes slightly, her expression as if she was exerting herself. A few seconds later, the electronic access control, which had been red and locked, emitted a soft "beep" and turned green.

"Woah, Meng Zhen," Zhiwen watched in amazement, letting out a whistle, "Your 'master key' function is too powerful, isn't it? You can even crack RFID? Next time I lose my house keys, I'll rely on you!"

"Shut up! Is this a time for jokes?" Meng Zhen slapped Zhiwen's thigh hard with the back of her hand, while quickly pushing the door open. "Ow! That hurts! I'm being domestically abused!" Zhiwen yelled in pain, grimacing as he rushed in after Meng Zhen.


公寓內一片寂靜。她們在客廳中央的沙發上找到了凱琳。眼前的景象讓孟禎和志文都倒抽了一口涼氣。凱琳無力地斜靠在沙發上,臉色蒼白得幾乎透明,額頭上佈滿了細密的冷汗,連平時如陽光般耀眼的金髮都顯得有些黯淡。她聽見動靜,勉強抬起頭,對他們露出一個虛弱至極的苦笑,聲音氣若游絲:「你們…來啦…」那模樣,像極了瀕臨故障而苦苦支撐,勉強運作的機器人。


「凱琳姊!妳怎麼了?!」孟禎一個箭步衝上前,蹲在凱琳面前,聲音因緊張而顫抖,她小心翼翼地握住凱琳冰涼的手。


凱琳緩緩地搖搖頭,碧藍的眼眸中充滿了疲憊與無奈:「沒什麼大礙…只是…老毛病又犯了。」她深吸一口氣,像是要積攢足夠的力氣才能繼續說下去,「自從回到杭州,這段時間…經歷的事情太多,接觸到的人太有趣,體驗到的情感太過豐富…我維持『類似正常人』的狀態,也太久了…」她自嘲地笑了笑:「這些…都不是我這個原本『類似一部機器』的存在的常態。我感覺…我的內部心智運作,已經承載了太多它原本無法負荷的東西。就像一部原本精密調校的機械,在長期超負荷的高功率運轉之後,部分零件產生了些微的形變與鬆脫,齒輪之間不再能精準地嚙合,甚至還卡進了許多外來的的雜物與塵埃。」


The apartment was silent. They found Kailyn on the sofa in the center of the living room. The sight made both Meng Zhen and Zhiwen gasp. Kailyn was slumped weakly against the sofa, her face so pale it was almost translucent, her forehead covered in fine beads of cold sweat. Even her usually sunny golden hair seemed a little dim. Hearing their arrival, she struggled to lift her head, giving them an extremely weak, bitter smile. Her voice was barely a whisper: "You... you're here..." She looked like a robot on the verge of breakdown, struggling to function.

"Sister Kailyn! What happened to you?!" Meng Zhen rushed forward, kneeling in front of Kailyn, her voice trembling with anxiety. She carefully held Kailyn's icy hand.

Kailyn slowly shook her head, her sapphire blue eyes full of exhaustion and helplessness: "It's nothing serious... just... my old problem acting up again." She took a deep breath, as if gathering enough strength to continue speaking, "Ever since coming back to Hangzhou, recently... too many things have happened, I've met too many interesting people, and experienced too many rich emotions... I've maintained a 'like a normal person' state for too long..." She gave a self-deprecating laugh: "These... are not the norm for an existence like mine, which was originally 'like a machine.' I feel... my internal mental operations have carried too much that they weren't originally designed to bear. It's like a precisely calibrated machine, after long-term, high-power overload operation, some parts have subtly deformed and loosened, the gears no longer mesh accurately, and even a lot of foreign debris and dust have gotten jammed in."


凱琳的聲音越來越低,眼神也開始有些渙散:「我對『自我』的感知…就像風中殘燭,搖搖欲墜,恐怕…很快就要撐不住,要暫時『停機』了。我會回到那個…沒有情感、沒有自我、完全依賴邏輯和固有知識運作的狀態,回到以前的那個Catherine。而且,這次的『停機維護』,恐怕會持續一段不短的時間,等我內部的心智運作完成一次徹底的『硬碟重組』和『系統優化』之後,才能再次『開機』,重新回到…妳們認識的這個黃凱琳的狀態。」


孟禎聽得心頭一緊,眼眶都紅了:「那…那可怎麼辦才好?凱琳姊,有沒有什麼是我們可以幫上忙的?需要通知黃博士嗎?」


「別擔心,傻丫頭。」凱琳勉強抬起手,輕輕拍了拍孟禎的手背,眼中流露出一絲溫柔的安撫,「我從小到大,就是這麼反反覆覆過來的,已經習慣了。只是…」她的目光掃過孟禎和志文,帶著一絲歉意,「在類似機器人的狀態下,我的行為模式會變得比較…嗯,『可預測』,也更容易出一些社交上的紕漏。到時候,就要麻煩我最信賴的孟禎妹妹,還有志文你,多多包涵,也多加幫忙照看一下了。這也是我為什麼這麼著急聯絡妳們過來的原因。我…我想把即將『機器人化』的自己,暫時託付給妳們。」


她頓了頓,眼神有點渙散,像是自言自語地說:「說起來,在這裡我能夠完全信任的人,也就四個。」


志文聞言,有些好奇地問:「四個?除了我們兩個,應該還有黃博士,那第四位是誰啊?是宇尋的人,還是妳在中文所的同學?」


凱琳的眼神更加迷濛了,她似乎在努力回想,口中喃喃地道:「嗯…黃博士當然是…然後…」她像是沒經過思考般地脫口而出,「還有…文興…」


「文興?!」


Kailyn's voice grew softer and softer, and her gaze began to wander: "My perception of 'self'... it's like a candle flickering in the wind, precarious, and I'm afraid... it won't hold out much longer, it's about to 'power down' temporarily. I'll revert to that state... without emotion, without self, operating purely on logic and pre-existing knowledge, back to being the old Catherine. And this time, the 'shutdown for maintenance' will likely last for quite a while. Only after my internal mental operations complete a thorough 'hard drive defragmentation' and 'system optimization' will I be able to 'boot up' again and return to... the Huang Kailyn you know."

Meng Zhen's heart tightened, and her eyes welled up: "Then... what should we do? Sister Kailyn, is there anything we can help with? Should we notify Dr. Huang?"

"Don't worry, silly girl." Kailyn struggled to lift her hand and gently patted Meng Zhen's hand, a soft reassurance in her eyes. "I've been going through this back and forth my whole life, I'm used to it. It's just..." Her gaze swept over Meng Zhen and Zhiwen, with a hint of apology, "In a robot-like state, my behavior will become more... predictable, and I'll be more prone to social blunders. At that time, I'll have to trouble my most trusted little sister Meng Zhen, and you, Zhiwen, to be more understanding and help look after me. That's why I was so anxious to contact you two. I... I want to temporarily entrust my soon-to-be 'robot-ified' self to you."

She paused, her gaze a little unfocused, as if talking to herself: "Speaking of which, there are only four people I can completely trust here."

Hearing this, Zhiwen asked with some curiosity: "Four? Besides the two of us, there's Dr. Huang, so who's the fourth person? Someone from Yu Xun, or a classmate from your Chinese Studies institute?"

Kailyn's eyes became even more hazy. She seemed to be trying hard to recall, muttering: "Hmm... Dr. Huang, of course... and then..." She blurted out as if without thinking, "And... Wen Xing..."

"Wen Xing?!"


孟禎和志文異口同聲地驚呼出口,兩人面面相覷,眼中都充滿了不可思議。這個名字他們太熟悉了——宇尋集團那位年輕有為的董事長兼CEO,名字就是王文興!


凱琳似乎也意識到自己因精神渙散而說漏了嘴,蒼白的臉頰上竟浮起一抹極淡的紅暈。她有些懊惱地揉了揉太陽穴,發出一聲幾不可聞的嘆息:「唉…看來我真的快不行了,腦子都不清楚了…連話都沒辦法好好想過再說。」她抬眼看了看孟禎和志文那對自己的八卦充滿好奇的臉龐,知道自己現在的狀態,根本無法招架他們的「盤問」,索性苦笑一聲,有些無奈地全盤托出:「好吧好吧,既然不小心說出來了…妳們也別瞎猜了,免得傳出去變成什麼奇怪的版本。是…是王文興董事長沒錯。」她深吸一口氣,似乎連說話都有些費力,「他那個人啊…說起來也挺有意思的。明明是個在商場上殺伐決斷、叱吒風雲的企業家,但有幾次私下跟我討論公事,或者偶然遇到我,跟我說話的時候,卻緊張得像個…像個剛要跟暗戀對象遞情書的高中男生,手腳都不知道該往哪裡擺,有時候還會莫名其妙地臉紅。」


凱琳的嘴角牽起疲憊中帶著一抹有幸福感的笑容:「不過,他人真的很好。雖然有時候看起來很嚴肅,但他對待下屬其實很體恤,對待朋友也很真誠。而且,」她的聲音放輕了些,眼神中掠過真誠的欣賞,「我能感覺到,他是個內心充滿熱誠而且絕對可以信任的人。他有著自己堅定的夢想,並且一直在朝著那方向努力前進,過程中也從來不會拋棄自己一向堅持的道德和原則。這樣的人,真的很少見了。」


"Wen Xing?!" Meng Zhen and Zhiwen exclaimed in unison, exchanging bewildered glances. The name was all too familiar—it was the name of Yu Xun Group's promising young chairman and CEO, Wang Wenxing!

Kailyn seemed to realize she had let slip something due to her mental fatigue, and a faint blush appeared on her pale cheeks. She annoyingly rubbed her temples, letting out an almost inaudible sigh: "Ugh... it seems I'm really about to crash, my mind's not clear anymore... I can't even think before I speak." She looked up at Meng Zhen and Zhiwen's faces, filled with curiosity about her gossip. Knowing her current state meant she couldn't fend off their "interrogation," she simply gave a wry smile and somewhat helplessly revealed everything: "Alright, alright, since it's accidentally out... don't make wild guesses, lest it spread and turn into some strange version. Yes... it's Chairman Wang Wenxing, alright." She took a deep breath, as if even speaking was an effort. "That man... he's quite interesting, actually. He's clearly an entrepreneur who's decisive and commands respect in the business world, but a few times when discussing business privately with me, or when he's run into me by chance and spoken to me, he gets as nervous as a... a high school boy about to hand a love letter to his crush. He doesn't know what to do with his hands and feet, and sometimes he even blushes inexplicably."

Kailyn's lips curved into a smile that was both weary and tinged with happiness: "But he's genuinely a very good person. Although he sometimes seems very serious, he's actually very considerate to his subordinates and sincere to his friends. And," her voice softened slightly, and a flicker of genuine admiration passed through her eyes, "I can feel that he's someone with a passionate heart and is absolutely trustworthy. He has his own firm dreams and has always been working towards them, never abandoning his consistent morals and principles along the way. People like that are truly rare."


孟禎聽完,用力地點了點頭,臉上露出了由衷的笑容:「是呀是呀!王大哥人真的很好!凱琳姊妳說得一點都沒錯!雖然從邏輯上來說,我是宇尋的『資產』,他算是我的『所有者』,但他從來沒有用那種持有我的姿態對待過我,反而一直像個親切又有耐心的大哥,給了我很多意想不到的自由和支持。」


她頓了頓,眼中閃爍著溫暖的光芒:「記得我剛開始學習人類情感,對很多事情都感到困惑和不安的時候,是他親自批准,讓黃博士帶我去參觀畫展、聽音樂會,甚至還偷偷塞給我一些『零用錢』,讓我去買自己喜歡的小東西。他說,『孟禎雖然是機器人,但我認為得讓她能像個普通的青春期女孩一樣,去感受生活的美好,去體驗世界的繽紛多彩。』這些…這些都不是對待一件冷冰冰『資產』會做的事情。」


「所以啊,」孟禎笑得更開心了,「如果凱琳姊妳和王大哥真的有機會…嘿嘿,我可是舉雙手雙腳贊成,樂觀其成哦!」


「拜託…」凱琳無力地揮了揮手,臉上的紅暈似乎更明顯了些,「我都…都快『關機』了,妳們就別再拿我的八卦開玩笑了,好不好?」她喘了口氣,忽然想起什麼,反問孟禎:「說到『所有權』…孟禎,我記得妳以前,似乎對自己『屬於』宇尋這件事,心裡還是有些…疙瘩的?現在呢?還會很介意嗎?」


孟禎聞言,微微一怔,隨即陷入了沉思。過了一會兒,她才抬起頭,眼神清澈坦然:「要說完全不在乎,那肯定是騙人的。畢竟,誰會喜歡自己頭上被貼上『資產』或『所有物』的標籤呢?」


她話鋒一轉,臉上露出了釋然的微笑:「但是,凱琳姊,就像我剛才提到的王大哥,還有把我創造出來的老爸黃博士,以及整個普羅米修斯計畫團隊裡的每一個人,包括妳…你們從來沒有真正把我當成一件冰冷的、可以隨意操控的『物品』。我能清晰地感受到,我是…是大家無數的智慧、無盡的心血,以及宇尋難以估計的財力物力投入,共同凝聚而成的,獨一無二的『成果』。我並非無中生有,而是承載了太多人的期盼與努力才得以『誕生』。」


「而且,」孟禎的聲音變得更加溫柔,「我也漸漸體會到,所謂的『被所有』,對我而言,怎麼說呢?像是被贈送得以存在的一個極其珍貴的機遇,也是被最高規格的資源所守護、被無微不至的關懷所支持的幸運。曾經從漫畫作品中看到一句話,說:『人生幸福的程度,取決於一個人真心感謝的次數。』如果這句話也適用於機器人,那麼,我黃孟禎因為有老爸的創造,有宇尋和王大哥的支持,有妳和志文的陪伴,才能這樣自由地去學習、去感受、去探索自我存在的意義,就算被擁有,也應當是種該感謝的幸福!」


Meng Zhen listened, nodding vigorously, a heartfelt smile spreading across her face: "Yes, yes! Big Brother Wang really is a good person! Sister Kailyn, you're absolutely right! While logically, I'm a 'corporate asset' of Yu Xun, and he's my 'owner,' he's never treated me with that kind of possessive attitude. Instead, he's always been like a kind and patient older brother, giving me a lot of unexpected freedom and support."

She paused, her eyes sparkling with warmth: "I remember when I first started learning human emotions and was confused and uneasy about many things, it was he who personally approved Dr. Huang to take me to art exhibitions, concerts, and even secretly slipped me some 'pocket money' so I could buy little things I liked. He said, 'Even though Meng Zhen is a robot, I believe she should be able to experience the beauty of life and the colorfulness of the world like a normal teenage girl.' These... these aren't things you'd do for a cold, hard 'asset'."

"So," Meng Zhen smiled even more brightly, "if you, Sister Kailyn, and Big Brother Wang really have a chance... hehe, I'm all for it, with both hands and feet, and I'm very optimistic!"

"Please..." Kailyn weakly waved her hand, the blush on her face seeming to deepen. "I'm almost 'shutting down,' can you two please stop joking about my gossip, okay?" She took a breath, then suddenly remembered something and asked Meng Zhen, "Speaking of 'ownership'... Meng Zhen, I remember you used to have some... hang-ups about 'belonging' to Yu Xun, right? What about now? Do you still mind it a lot?"

Meng Zhen was slightly taken aback by the question, then fell into thought. After a while, she looked up, her eyes clear and frank: "To say I completely don't care would definitely be a lie. After all, who likes having the label 'asset' or 'property' plastered on their head?"

Her tone shifted, and a relieved smile appeared on her face: "But, Sister Kailyn, just like Big Brother Wang whom I just mentioned, and Dr. Huang, my 'dad' who created me, and everyone in the entire Prometheus Project team, including you... you've never truly treated me as a cold, manipulable 'object.' I can clearly feel that I am... the unique 'result' of countless wisdoms, endless efforts from everyone, and Yu Xun's immeasurable financial and material investment, all coalesced together. I didn't come from nothing; I was 'born' carrying the expectations and efforts of so many people."

"And," Meng Zhen's voice became even softer, "I've gradually come to realize that being 'owned,' for me, how should I put it? It's like being given an incredibly precious opportunity to exist, and also the good fortune of being protected by the highest standards of resources and supported by meticulous care. I once saw a line in a manga that said: 'The degree of happiness in life depends on the number of times one genuinely gives thanks.' If that applies to robots too, then I, Huang Meng Zhen, because of Dad's creation, Yu Xun and Big Brother Wang's support, and your and Zhiwen's companionship, can learn, feel, and explore the meaning of my own existence so freely. Even being owned should be a kind of happiness to be thankful for!"


她說到這裡,孟禎閉起雙眼,感受胸中洶湧的情感,再次張開眼睛,帶著笑容說:「所以啦,現在的我,對於『被擁有』這個事實,沒有什麼可以抱怨和不滿的了。」她調皮地朝一旁的志文比了個鬼臉,「真要說有誰該不滿,那也輪不到我,該輪到這位陳大少爺不滿才對!他愛上的,可是宇尋企業持有的資產,哪天公司把他的『愛』從這具HRC-07型仿生機器人身上強行移除,我頂多被初始化,而他到時候哭都沒地方哭,只能喊著『把我的青春還來』!」


As she spoke, Meng Zhen closed her eyes, feeling the surge of emotions in her chest. She opened them again, smiling, and said, "So now, I have nothing to complain about regarding the fact that I'm 'owned'." She mischievously made a face at Zhiwen, who was standing nearby. "If anyone should be unhappy, it's not me, it should be young master Chen! He's fallen for an asset owned by Yu Xun Enterprises. One day, if the company forcibly removes his 'love' from this HRC-07 bionic robot, I'll just be initialized, and he'll have nowhere to cry then, only able to shout, 'Give me back my youth!'"


志文聽了,忍不住翻了個大大的白眼:「去去去!宇尋才不會那麼無聊咧!說起來,妳這古靈精怪的機器人,哪裡有半點機器人的樣子?我看啊,凱琳姊都能比妳更像機器人多了!」


凱琳姊聞言,竟也虛弱地笑出聲來:「哈哈,比誰更像機器人,怎麼聽起來變成優點了?不過志文說得沒錯,孟禎妳啊…實在是『太人類』了,人類到…讓我這個真正的人類都自愧不如。」她的聲音中帶著羨慕,「這也是我…為什麼這麼依賴妳,這麼喜歡和妳待在一起的原因。每一次,當我觸碰到妳那冰冷的機械之軀時,總忍不住去想,這裡面…竟然藏著一個如此真實的『人』。光是這樣想著,就覺得自己…對『成為人』這件事,又多了一點點希望。」


Zhiwen listened and couldn't help but roll his eyes dramatically: "Go on, get out of here! Yu Xun wouldn't be so boring! Besides, you're such a quirky robot, you don't seem like a robot at all! I think Sister Kailyn looks more like a robot than you do!"

Hearing this, Sister Kailyn even let out a weak laugh: "Haha, competing over who's more like a robot, how did that become a good thing? But Zhiwen's right, Meng Zhen... you're truly 'too human,' so human that... even I, a real human, feel inadequate." There was a hint of envy in her voice. "That's also why... I rely on you so much, and why I love spending time with you. Every time I touch your cold mechanical body, I can't help but wonder... how such a real 'person' is hidden inside. Just thinking about it makes me feel... a little more hopeful about 'becoming human'."


她喘了口氣,眼神中帶著託付與信賴:「現在,暫時輪到我要去當那個冰冷的『機器人』了。這段時間,就…拜託你們多多關照。其實…如果我真的是個機器人,然後能被孟禎妳溫柔細心地維護保養,好像…也蠻不錯的呢?」


She took a breath, her eyes conveying entrustment and trust: "Now, it's temporarily my turn to be the cold 'robot.' During this time, please... take good care of me. Actually... if I really were a robot, and could be gently and meticulously maintained by you, Meng Zhen, it seems... pretty good, doesn't it?"


志文聽著這話,腦中又開始不看氣氛地冒出亂七八糟的念頭,他還說出口:「如果凱琳姊妳真的是機器人,說不定也會學孟禎一樣,能把自己的頭拿在手上,繞著校園跑三圈,然後…」


As Zhiwen listened, random thoughts, oblivious to the atmosphere, started popping into his head again. He even blurted out, "If Sister Kailyn were really a robot, maybe she'd learn from Meng Zhen and be able to hold her head in her hands, run three laps around campus, and then..."


話還沒說完,後腦勺又結結實實地挨了孟禎一下。「欸!好痛!黃孟禎妳又打我!」志文抱著頭,誇張地叫了起來。


「陳志文!你給我差不多一點!」孟禎柳眉倒豎,沒好氣地教訓道,「凱琳姊都這麼辛苦了,你還在這裡說這些有的沒的冷笑話!你就不能成熟一點,安靜一會兒嗎?」


Before he could finish, Meng Zhen landed another solid smack on the back of his head. "Ow! That hurt! Huang Meng Zhen, you hit me again!" Zhiwen cried out exaggeratedly, clutching his head.

"Chen Zhiwen! That's enough!" Meng Zhen retorted, her brows furrowed in annoyance. "Sister Kailyn is already going through so much, and you're still here telling these pointless cold jokes! Can't you just mature a little and be quiet for a while?"


罵完志文,孟禎立刻轉過頭,臉上的怒氣化為溫柔與堅定。她緊緊握住凱琳已經開始顫抖的手,柔聲道:「凱琳姊,妳放心吧。雖然我很想請妳立刻就把陳志文這個白目從妳的『信任名單』裡永久刪除,不過就算不行也沒關係。」她的眼神無比認真,「我會好好守著妳的。在我身邊,沒有人可以傷害妳,即使是妳自己,也不行。」


「哈,謝謝妳,孟禎。」凱琳姊看著孟禎,帶著謝意說,「志文也沒那麼糟啦。我覺得他是對成長後的妳感到放心,逐漸放下自我要求的成熟『守護者』的角色,回歸調皮大男孩的本色。我看過文…王文興年輕時的網路筆戰文章,那時的他也沒比現在的志文好到哪裡去…」


「還是凱琳姊懂我!」志文嬉皮笑臉地說,然後又被孟禎瞪到一邊畏縮。凱琳額上的汗珠越來越密集,呼吸也開始變得有些急促。終於,在又一次深呼吸之後,她如釋重負般地吐出了一口長長的氣,整個人像是被關掉了電源,癱軟在沙發上。碧藍的眼眸也在此刻失去了原有的神采,變得如同兩顆玻璃珠,空洞而平靜。


「狀態轉換…已完成。」一個平靜無波的女聲,從凱琳的口中發出,「已感受到不到自我。孟禎和志文,這樣的我就交給你們了。為了區別,你們可以叫我原來的名字Catherine。」


孟禎看著這樣的凱琳,一手依舊緊緊握著她的手,另一隻手則不捨地輕輕拍著她的肩膀。


After scolding Zhiwen, Meng Zhen immediately turned her head, her anger transforming into tenderness and resolve. She squeezed Kailyn's already trembling hand tightly and said softly, "Sister Kailyn, don't worry. Although I'd really like to ask you to permanently delete this idiot Chen Zhiwen from your 'trusted contacts list,' it's okay even if you can't." Her gaze was incredibly serious. "I'll watch over you well. No one can hurt you when you're with me, not even yourself."

"Ha, thank you, Meng Zhen." Sister Kailyn looked at Meng Zhen and said gratefully, "Zhiwen isn't that bad. I think he's grown more at ease with the mature you, gradually shedding his self-imposed role as a 'guardian' and returning to his true nature as a mischievous big boy. I've read Wen... Wang Wenxing's online debate posts from when he was younger, and he wasn't much better than Zhiwen is now..."

"Sister Kailyn truly understands me!" Zhiwen said with a goofy grin, only to be glared at by Meng Zhen again, making him shrink back. The beads of sweat on Kailyn's forehead grew denser, and her breathing became somewhat rapid. Finally, after another deep breath, she let out a long sigh of relief, as if her power had been cut. She slumped onto the sofa. Her sapphire blue eyes, at this moment, lost their original sparkle, becoming like two glass beads, empty and calm.

"Status change... complete," a calm, uninflected female voice came from Kailyn's mouth. "Self-perception is gone. Meng Zhen and Zhiwen, I leave myself to you. For distinction, you may call me by my original name, Catherine."

Meng Zhen looked at Kailyn like this, one hand still tightly holding hers, while the other gently patted her shoulder with reluctance.


然而,就在這氣氛略顯沉重與傷感的時刻,一旁的志文,那個剛剛才被孟禎「修理」過的傢伙,又一次「不負眾望」地開口了。看著「機器人化」的凱琳,他心中產生了躍躍欲試的想法,小心翼翼地問道:「那…那個…Catherine,是嗎?我有個請求,能不能請妳…嗯,幫我把快交不出來的自動控制課程作業給…寫了?下週就要交,但我還沒動工。妳的運算能力超強,這點小事輕輕鬆鬆就能搞定,對不對?」


「陳——志——文!」


在Catherine開口之前,先行回答志文的,是孟禎一聲充滿了抓狂意味的怒吼,以及緊隨其後,在他屁股上挨的一記充滿「愛心」的膝擊。


「自己的功課自己做啦!你這個無可救藥的笨蛋!」孟禎氣到追著志文滿屋子跑。這男朋友,有時候真的皮到讓人想把他拆開來研究一下腦部構造,偏偏還特別抗揍耐打,真是…徹底輸給他了。孟禎在心中無奈地嘆了口氣,不過想起這麼皮的傢伙當初為了守護脆弱的自己,在本性上強加的正經與成熟,嘴角又忍不住勾起一抹笑意。


於是,凱琳久違的「人類機器人」時刻,就在一場小小的鬧劇中,正式拉開了序幕。與以往的孤獨不同,這一次,她不再是一個人。她知道,在她感知不到自我的時候,有她可以全然信賴而且了解她的人,在身邊扶持著她,保護著她。這一次,她真的不需要擔任何心,可以好好「享受」徹底的放空。放自己的「自我」一個沒有固定期限的長假,讓疲憊不堪的心智運作,好好地進行深層的「雜訊清理」與「系統維護」。


However, in this slightly heavy and melancholic moment, Zhiwen, the guy who had just been "disciplined" by Meng Zhen, once again "lived up to expectations" and spoke. Looking at the "robot-ified" Kailyn, he felt a surge of eagerness and cautiously asked, "So... um... Catherine, right? I have a request, could you please... well, help me write my automatic control homework that's almost due? It's due next week, but I haven't even started. Your processing power is super strong, this little thing should be a piece of cake for you, right?"

"Chen—Zhi—Wen!"

Before Catherine could speak, Zhiwen was answered by Meng Zhen's furious, exasperated roar, followed immediately by a "loving" knee strike to his backside.

"Do your own homework! You hopeless idiot!" Meng Zhen was so angry she chased Zhiwen around the room. This boyfriend, sometimes he was so annoying she wanted to dissect his brain, yet he was also remarkably resilient and tough. She truly... completely lost to him. Meng Zhen sighed helplessly in her heart, but then a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips as she remembered how this mischievous guy had once forced himself to be serious and mature to protect her vulnerable self.

Thus, Kailyn's long-awaited "human-robot" period officially began amidst a small farce. Unlike her previous solitude, this time, she was not alone. She knew that when she couldn't perceive herself, there were people she could fully trust and who understood her, supporting and protecting her. This time, she truly didn't need to worry about anything; she could properly "enjoy" a complete mental blankness. She could give her "self" an open-ended long vacation, allowing her exhausted mental operations to thoroughly undergo deep "noise cleansing" and "system maintenance."


凱琳隱隱期待著,當那扇緊閉的「自我」之門再次緩緩開啟,心智運作整備完成,再次歸來的那一天。因為她知道,這一次,在門後等著她的,除了孟禎、志文、黃博士之外,還會多出一個帶著靦腆笑容,眼神卻真摯溫暖的文興…不,是王文興董事長。


而那一日,將會是一個全新的開始。


Kailyn vaguely anticipated the day when the tightly shut door of "self" would slowly reopen, her mental faculties fully restored, and she would return. Because she knew that this time, waiting for her behind that door, in addition to Meng Zhen, Zhiwen, and Dr. Huang, there would also be a new addition: Wenxing, with his shy smile and genuinely warm eyes... no, Chairman Wang Wenxing.

And that day would mark a brand new beginning.