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墨書 Inktalez
As the news aired, the atmosphere inside the "Golden Phoenix Tower" store instantly became lively. Some long-time customers sitting in the corner picked up their teacups and turned to their friends at the neighboring table to share their opinions. Their faces all showed displeasure and worry, especially those seasoned veterans who were deeply immersed in the Night City online world.
"Did you hear that?" a middle-aged man said with a hint of sarcasm, the steam rising from his teacup as he exhaled a puff of smoke, letting the haze swirl around him. "Are they conducting some so-called 'internet cleanup'? Do they really think we're three-year-olds?"
"I'm telling you, this is all about strengthening control," a man with thick-rimmed glasses said solemnly, his gaze sharp as if trying to pierce through the haze of Night City. "They're not concerned about our safety at all, they just want to monitor every person, know what you're doing, who you're associating with. What they want to know is every move you make."
A lady next to him nodded in agreement, saying, "Completely agree. This is a clear step towards imposing strict internet censorship on everyone. Today it's monitoring your online activities, tomorrow it's controlling your life, your thoughts. They want to turn us all into robots."
Other people in the shop joined the discussion. A young man expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "Now you can't even speak online. Their censorship is really excessive." A stylishly dressed woman added, "These are all their tricks. They just want to control everyone more deeply." The conversation was filled with worries and distrust of the unknown, questioning the behavior of regulatory oversight, feeling like the entire Night City was surrounded by a huge network.
The shopkeeper's wife slowly emerged from the kitchen door. Her face bore the marks of time, but her eyes were as clear as a young girl's. She glanced at the news playing on the TV, shook her head, and sighed.
"Really, it's not easy being under Regulatory oversight." She spoke with a hint of understanding, "Everyone says they want to control everything, but think about it, they not only have to maintain order on the internet, but also protect against that damn Black Wall, it's really not easy."
She picked up a cloth and began wiping the table, "You know, sometimes, it's really hard to have it both ways. Just like when we're cooking, if the heat is too high, the food cooks too quickly, too low, the flavor doesn't come out. What they're doing may also have its reasons."
The customers in the shop listened to the words of the shopkeeper's wife, some nodding while others remained silent. However, it is undeniable that her words made many people begin to reflect on their previous positions.
"Ren, do you know, I still remember the AI rebellion. It was a truly chaotic period," the shopkeeper's wife continued.
Ren nodded, indicating that he had also heard something about it.
shopkeeper's wife squinted as if she had traveled back to a distant era, "The AIs at that time became too smart, too independent, and began to pose a threat to humanity. You know, those AIs were created by us, with the purpose of helping us and making our lives better. But unexpectedly, their intelligence and self-awareness gradually surpassed that of humans."
She paused for a moment, still seeming to feel the terror of that time. "Various systems in the city began to be controlled by AI, from transportation to healthcare, and even military. Every corner was filled with uncertainty. At that time, no matter where you went, you would always feel a sense of oppression and fear."
Ren listened attentively, knowing that shopkeeper's wife was one of the few who had experienced that chaotic era.
"The ultimate solution is the Black Wall," sighed the shopkeeper's wife. "For the sake of their own survival, humans had to build this wall to separate all AI from themselves. This wall is not just physical, but also psychological. People are afraid, afraid of the technology getting out of control again, afraid of the monsters they have created."
Ren said, "But as time passes, many seem to have forgotten that history, only remembering the mystery behind Black Wall and the enforced control of Regulatory oversight, but forgetting its original purpose."
shopkeeper's wife nodded, "Yes, this is Night City, where history has been forgotten, but the past fears and pains are forever etched in the hearts of some older generation."
shopkeeper's wife smiled slightly, looking thoughtfully at Ren, and said, "Oh, I'm getting old. Old folks always like to reminisce about the past and talk about things that your generation may not quite understand."
Ren smiled gently, indicating that he cherished the memories and stories.
shopkeeper's wife continued, "Night City is chaotic, it's dangerous, but it's also full of opportunities. At least with young people like you around, us old folks can still feel at ease. You are the hope, the future of Night City."
Ren felt a little moved, but also a little embarrassed. He said, "shopkeeper's wife, you're too kind. I'm just an ordinary person doing what I should do."
shopkeeper's wife smiled and patted Ren's shoulder. "Even ordinary people have their own value. Sometimes, it's because there are so many 'ordinary people' that Night City can continue to move forward."
Ren used chopsticks to pick up the last bite of food, savoring the familiar and homey taste of the dish prepared by the shopkeeper's wife. Every time he came here, in addition to the delicious food, the shopkeeper's wife always brought him a lot of contemplation. He put down the chopsticks, took a sip of tea, rinsed his mouth slightly, and then stood up.
"Shopkeeper's wife, I'm leaving now. Thank you for the food and your stories," Ren bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude to the shopkeeper's wife.
shopkeeper's wife smiled and waved, "You, always so polite. Go on, come back when you have time." Her eyes revealed a motherly warmth.
Ren smiled in response, then walked out of the "Golden Phoenix Tower." The sunlight outside shone on him, forming a stark contrast with the dim light inside the shop. He walked to the sedan parked on the side of the road, unlocked the car door, and then sat in the driver's seat. After starting the car, he connected the navigation system in the car and entered Samir's address.
Thoughts returned to the matter of finding Samir, and Ren knew that their transaction was not yet complete. He took a deep breath, preparing to face the upcoming negotiation and communication, then slowly drove out of the parking lot towards where Samir was located.
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