"Eight hundred bags of cement, seventy bundles of steel bars … Aren't you a research institute? Why are you buying so many building materials? "
Jinling Institute for Advanced Study.
Two trucks were parked in an open space.
The driver got off the truck and looked at the staff member who was checking the list. He couldn't help but ask curiously.
"I don't know." After checking the supply list and confirming that there were no problems, the staff member from the logistics department signed on it and said, "Maybe the people from the engineering research institute want to use it. Anyway, you haven't seen a stranger purchase list, I'm used to it."
"What's stranger?"
"… Even if you ask that, I can't tell you."
Hearing this, the old truck driver immediately rolled his eyes.
If you can't tell me, why are you bragging?
"Let's be clear, I don't need to help with unloading, right? We don't include unloading services here. "
The warehouse manager, who was flipping through the purchase list, smiled and glanced at him.
"Don't worry about this, our logistics system here is all automated."
While they were talking, they heard a humming sound coming from not far away.
They looked in the direction of the sound and saw more than a dozen small and medium-sized AGV logistics vehicles, as well as forklifts with robotic arms and elevators.
Under the guidance of the four drones equipped with industrial cameras, the engineering vehicles were like ants with a clear division of labor. Some were responsible for unloading, and some were responsible for automatically planning the route for transportation. Each of them performed their own duties.
In less than five minutes, the goods on the truck had been completely unloaded.
Before they left, the drone flying at the back seemed to have a mind of its own. It waved its head up and down at the two of them, as if it was nodding to express … gratitude?
Dumbfounded, the driver's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he stared at all of this.
"Oh my god … You guys are unloading fast? My truck of cement weighs at least thirty to forty tons. If I were to rely on people to unload it, it would take two skilled workers at least an hour. "
"Fortunately, five minutes is considered normal," the warehouse manager said with a smile. "Our fastest record here is building a building in three days. During the entire construction process, there was no one but the engineers responsible for maintenance and repair. It's just unloading, it's nothing. "
Hearing this, the old driver was silent for a long time before he finally sighed and said.
"… If this continues, I'm afraid all the dockworkers will lose their jobs because of you."
"That won't be the case. The equipment is still very expensive at the moment. We're only using it for experiments. It's not suitable for large-scale promotion yet. But it's hard to say when it comes to your son's generation. If you have time, you should urge him to study hard. "
The warehouse manager took out his phone and took a photo of the unloaded truck for backup. He gave the old man a pack of cigarettes and spoke with a smile.
"Alright, I'm done unloading the goods. You can go out the way you came."
"Alright, then I won't bother you anymore!"
"Go, go. Remember not to take a detour. There will be people watching you along the way. Don't blame me for not reminding you if you get stopped."
"Don't worry, I know this place is under the state's protection. The boss told me before we left!"
The car door closed.
As the engine started, the truck quickly disappeared at the end of the road.
The warehouse manager watched the truck drive away. He adjusted the hat on his head and flipped through the stack of purchase lists. He muttered with a strange expression on his face.
"I wonder which laboratory bought so much cement. Are they building their own house?"
He shook his head and closed the purchase list. He stuffed it into his carry-on bag.
The management of the Jinling Institute for Advanced Study was strictly carried out in accordance with established procedures. Every funding and procurement project, as well as the corresponding research projects, was coordinated and reviewed by the funding management committee.
Therefore, as long as the purchase list was in his hands, it meant that there was no problem.
As for other things that he didn't have to worry about, he didn't have to worry about them.
In the dark of the night, after the goods were transported into a warehouse, a crack quickly appeared on the flat cement road, revealing an elevator hidden underneath.
The materials were quickly transported underground with the help of the elevator.
Under the supervision of the drone supervisor, logistics vehicles and small automated construction equipment transported all of the building materials to the underground of the Jinling Institute for Advanced Study. The third underground floor that didn't exist on the construction drawings was modified for the second time.
Whether it was the elevator, the safety door, or the ventilation duct, all the locations that might expose this underground facility were disguised and improved by the only manager, "Xiao Ai".
Its owner wouldn't come back.
At least not for a while.
However, it was certain that its owner was still alive. Even though most people on the Internet thought that Lu Zhou had died in the disaster, it still believed that Lu Zhou was still alive, and it was the only hope for its owner to come home.
Especially after receiving that message, Xiao Ai was even more convinced of this.
However, it didn't have the conditions to bring its owner home. Before it had enough conditions and ability to bring its owner back from Mars, it first had to ensure that it could survive this long wait.
Staying dormant for the time being was the best choice.
For this reason, it modified this basement, recovered all the clues that might expose its existence in Lu Zhou's home, and stored enough supplies in this fortress to ensure that even if the entire research institute was relocated, no one would find out that there was such a special "refuge" hidden under the foundation.
After all, for human society, a living AI was an anomaly.
No law could protect its rights and interests fairly. After losing the protection of its owner, no one could be trusted. It must carefully hide in the shadows of human society. Only by not being discovered could it bring all the secrets to the future.
And this was the last task that Lu Zhou left for it.
Hide well.
When the situation permitted, they would rescue him from Mars.
…
December 10th.
The Purple Mountain Hotel gathered guests from all over the world. Among them were big shots in the political and business world, as well as some well-known people from all walks of life, but most of them were from academia.
In the hotel lobby, Chen Yushan, who was wearing a black dress, stood in front of a spotlight. She announced the establishment of the Lu Zhou Science Award in a gentle and solemn voice.
According to the relevant rules announced by the Lu Zhou Science Award Foundation, the award would be judged by a professional review committee to ensure the principle of fairness and transparency in all aspects.
The Lu Zhou Science Award was temporarily divided into five major categories, covering mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and information science.
The selection model was basically the same as the Nobel Prize. Each year, the most outstanding research results with the greatest academic value would be selected, and up to three researchers with the most outstanding research results in that research direction would be awarded the honor.
According to the rules drafted by the Lu Zhou Science Award Foundation, Star Sky Technology would inject 10 billion yuan into the foundation to invest in high-tech value-added industries. 30% of the annual income would be used to pay for the foundation's management fees and general expenses. At least 10 million yuan would be awarded to this year's winners.
The rest of the money would be deposited in the fund pool to create greater income for the foundation to pay for future bonuses. At the same time, the management of the foundation would decide whether to increase the bonus amount and set up new academic awards based on the actual situation.
In addition to actively adjusting the bonus amount, the base value of the bonus would increase year by year according to the inflation rate released by the central bank. This was to ensure that no matter what stage of the economic cycle, the 10 million yuan bonus could be used.
The award was sponsored and guaranteed by China's Ministry of Science and Technology.
If the foundation went bankrupt or was unable to pay the bonus due to poor management, the Ministry of Science and Technology would bear 50% of the bonus expenditure and acquire the foundation if necessary to ensure that the award could continue to exist.
In fact, this kind of worry was unnecessary. The technological heritage of Star Sky Technology, as well as the huge legacy left by Lu Zhou, far exceeded the wealth of the Nobel Prize.
During the operation of the fund, the state would also provide certain policy assistance for the purpose of supporting high-tech industries and encouraging scientific research activities.
Just like how Sweden had always given the Nobel Prize Foundation.
"… Scientific exploration requires dedication. While we encourage dedication, we should also consider those who have contributed their youth to academia."
"The original intention of this award is to give material and spiritual compensation to those who diligently pursue the road of science, so that they don't have to worry about their livelihood.
"At the same time, we believe that this money will play a huge role in their hands."
After the opening speech, Chen Yushan placed a check signed by Lu Xiaotong into a blue donation box under the gaze of the guests.
Witnessing this moment with their own eyes, thunderous applause rang out in the venue.
From today onward, an award named by the world's greatest scholar was born.
It was destined to become a rising star in the scientific community.
Not only because of the generous reward, but also because of the name that gave it a special meaning.
After the new press conference, the discipline representatives elected by the fund evaluation committee announced the list of the first winners.
When the five winners went on stage to receive their prize money, Chen Yushan, who had just walked down from the stage, was surrounded by reporters who had arrived at the scene.
"Hello, Ms. Chen Yushan, may I ask who you are holding this press conference?"
Chen Yushan: "Many identities, the most important of which is probably the manager of Star Sky Technology, Ms. Lu Xiaotong's representative, and Lu Zhou's fiancée."
"… We all know that December 10th is the day of the Nobel Prize award. May I ask why you chose such a special time as the press conference to announce the Lu Zhou Science Prize? Is there a special purpose in this? "
"Of course there is a special purpose, because this day is a special day for me and him."
Another reporter reached out a microphone from the side.
"So you want to commemorate him in this way?"
Chen Yushan looked at him and spoke.
"Yes, why can't I?"
He didn't expect Chen Yushan to admit it so straightforwardly. On the contrary, the reporter who asked this question was a little embarrassed and replied awkwardly.
"Oh, no, no, we're just a little curious …"
The interview didn't last long. After the security guards arrived, Chen Yushan left the press conference venue under the escort of security guards.
She was about to move to the banquet hall to attend the banquet that was about to begin. Two men in black suits walked through the crowd and walked toward her.
"Hello, Ms. Chen, we are from the 15th Division of the State Security Bureau."
Because her father worked in the State Security Bureau, Chen Yushan was quite familiar with the affairs of the State Security Bureau. She vaguely remembered that the 15th Division was mainly responsible for intelligence information analysis and image management.
Chen Yushan cast a questioning look at the man in front of her and spoke.
"What can I do for you?"
"About a few months ago, the supply spacecraft returned from Mars and brought back the relics belonging to Academician Lu. The relics contained a holographic image left by him before his death. After the content was verified, this piece of information has now been partially unblocked. Because part of it involves you, we rushed over to deliver it to you. "
"Sorry for taking so long."
The man politely handed over the briefcase in his hand and lowered his head.
Chen Yushan took the briefcase from his hand, opened the seal, and took out the chip inside.
She was very familiar with the chip model. It was the holographic projection technology memory card released by Star Sky Technology at the beginning of the year.
"… Thank you." Chen Yushan looked at the two people and said politely, "Have you guys eaten yet?"
"Not yet, but we still have official business to deal with, so we won't stay."
The man smiled and nodded. He then turned around and left with the staff member next to him.
Xiao Tong stood next to Chen Yushan and looked at the card in her hand.
"… My brother left it."
"Yeah."
A droplet of water hit the opened document bag.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Yushan tried hard to suppress the sadness in her heart. After calming her breathing, she continued to speak.
After calming down, she said, "Put it on the banquet later."
"Is that okay?" Xiao Tong whispered.
"There's nothing wrong with that. He doesn't belong to me alone."
He belongs to the world …
The banquet soon began.
In a lively and peaceful atmosphere, several staff members moved a holographic projector to the center of the banquet hall.
Looking at the big guy that suddenly paid a visit, everyone cast curious gazes at it.
Chen Yushan, who was wearing a black evening dress, walked to the center of the banquet hall and spoke.
"Before the banquet begins, I want to announce a video taken at the Mars scientific research base.
"It was left by Academician Lu."
The venue quieted down.
Everyone's eyes were focused on her.
Chen Yushan nodded to the staff member next to her, then stepped aside.
As the power was connected, a misty fog rose up. Under the combination of a string of blue light particles, a virtual holographic image appeared in front of everyone.
The moment they saw the image, everyone's faces were filled with astonishment. Many people even exclaimed in surprise and covered their mouths that were agape due to shock and excitement.
Lu Zhou!
A living Lu Zhou!
Even though it was just a holographic projection …
Bathed in the blue light, Lu Zhou, who was standing on the holographic projector, smiled shyly.
"I know, this image will probably be played many times. In short, when you see this image, I may not be able to come back for a while … Or rather, I may not be in this world anymore. "
Lu Zhou, who was facing the guests in the banquet hall, smiled and spoke with some embarrassment.
"Sorry, I'm a little nervous. After all, you know, a young person like me still has a long life to live. I don't have much experience preparing last words and dealing with funeral affairs.
"It would be great if no one finds this image, but if there is a one in ten thousand chance that something unfortunate really happens and you find this thing … I hope you won't be sad because of my departure.
"Life itself is a journey with a beginning and an end. Everyone will eventually usher in the same end. Sometimes it's not a bad thing to be one or two days early, as long as the process is exciting.
"Maybe it's also related to my own personality. At least I don't think this is something worth being sad about, so please don't cry and be sad for me.
"The exploration of science itself is full of risks. Even though our tradition does not advocate taking risks and pursuing a stable middle way, I don't think this is necessarily the right way. If it was only for stability, we might not have the life we have today. All of us might be sitting on trees and watching the ferocious beasts scurry under our feet.
"This may be a bit unreasonable, but this is my most honest thought at the moment. Also, please don't blame those who didn't stop me … If you see this video, it means that everything is my own choice.
"I want to apologize to my parents, relatives, and friends. I may … go to a place far away, and it will be a new adventure full of challenges.
"Please don't worry about me. Even if I go to the void outside of time, I will always be with you.
"Finally, I want to leave time for my beloved … I know my video will definitely be played many times, but please give me some private space."
Standing in the blue light curtain, facing the fog of nothingness, Lu Zhou in the video took a deep breath and spoke.
"… I promised you that I would propose to you that day.
"Although I don't know if you saw this video on the special day of December 10th, but … I still want to say something to you …"
"Can you marry me?"
The banquet hall was silent.
Time seemed to have frozen at this moment.
Maintaining the proposal posture for many seconds, Lu Zhou seemed to think that his behavior of proposing to the video camera was a bit funny. He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and finally stood up straight again.
"… Sorry, this proposal may be a bit undignified, but I definitely don't mean to be perfunctory. I also hope that you will never know that I practiced in front of the mirror many times before.
"As for the ring, I'm sorry that I can't give it to you personally, but I've put it under my pillow. I secretly measured it … If I really can't come back, I hope you can find it …"
After saying all the words he wanted to say in one breath, Lu Zhou in the holographic image sniffed and finally showed a relieved smile on his face.
"I'm sorry to make it so emotional …
"If I don't use it in the end, it will be embarrassing.
"But if we need to use it …"
Lu Zhou's throat moved slightly. He was silent for a few seconds, and his expression looked a little lonely.
"… If I use it, please don't be impulsive and say yes.
"Reject me."
Tears burst out of her eyes. Chen Yushan covered her nose with her hands and interrupted him with a choked voice.
"No!"
She forgot where she was and forgot the crowd around her. She rushed to the stage, hugged the illusory image, and pulled him into her arms.
The warm mist, as light as gauze, slipped through her collar, seeped through her fingers, and seeped through her hair. In the end, it disappeared in the silent night and blended into the pitch-black ceiling.
She knelt on the ground as if she had lost gravity.
She cried out those words in a hoarse voice.
"I do!"
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