Chapter 207 - Death and Conspiracy (11) (1/2)
On B University’s campus it was almost October but scorching heat was still lingering. Luckily, a wisp of an autumn breeze had reached the long corridor in the teaching building through the phoenix trees and across the lawn.
Lu Jia’er had on a white gauzy dress. The hemline of her skirt was lifted by the breeze, adding a touch of grace and elegance to her. Several students were gathered around Lu Jia’er who had just finished teaching a class.
Those students were members on the research team for the independent project Lu Jia’er was in charge of.
“Professor Lu, I sent you an analysis report on a mental illness case the day before yesterday. Have you read it yet?” A girl asked Lu Jia’er.
Lu Jia’er, whose life was completely disrupted recently, replied with an apology. “I will take a look this afternoon!”
“Thank you, Professor Lu. I look forward to your comments.” The girl nodded.
Lu Jia’er nodded as a response. Another boy chimed in with his invitation. “Professor Lu, the project lab for our team is ready. Please go and check!”
“Sure!” Lu Jia’er accepted. “Thank you so much for what you have done so far.”
“It’s okay. The other project groups are jealous of us! The robots to harvest big data donated to us by BUA Technology have become popular like pandas on campus!” That boy was not without pride.
Lu Jia’er smiled. The independent research project she was in charge of was in cooperation with BUA Technology. The support given towards both equipment and funding was more than enough.
“I will go and take a look.” Lu Jia’er said.
When Lu Jia’er was about to follow her student to the lab, she heard someone calling her, “Lu!”
Lu Jia’er stopped. She could tell from the voice alone that it was Professor Han Yi. Besides, on campus, few people would address her as Lu. She told her students to go to the lab without her. “Go ahead! I will swing by later!”
The students left. Professor Han Yi came to her. Lu Jia’er greeted him politely. “Professor Han Yi!”
“You have finished your class!” Professor Han Yi said with a smile.
Lu Jia’er nodded. “Yes!”
“A few days ago, you asked for a leave. Were you feeling unwell?” Professor Han Yi was concerned.
Lu Jia’er did not tell him the reason that she was asking for a leave a few days ago. He must have been worried.
Her professor cared about her, which made Lu Jia’er smile. “No, I had some personal business to take care of. Thank you, Professor Han, for granting me the leave!”
She did not go beyond what she should say. But her answer was not enough to settle Professor Han Yi’s mind. “Have you sorted that out?”
Not even close! Where was Su Han transferred to? Could Jason be brought back to life? Besides, there was herself. Could she be completely free from the shackles of the team that created her after she gained consciousness?
“Yes, I have!” Lu Jia’er replied against her will.
Professor Han Yi had further questions. “That day, Deputy Xu from the criminal police unit asked for you so urgently. Was everything fine?”
“Well, he asked me for some favors!” Still, Lu Jia’er did not reveal too much information.
“Has he asked you to assist in another case?” Professor Han Yi wondered. “If so, I have to phone their chief. He is treating you as if you work for him!”
Hearing this, Lu Jia’er hurried to say no at once. “No, it’s not like that, Professor Han. Deputy Xu just asked me to help him with some matters. He didn’t tell me to assist in a case!”
“Okay, good! If they ask you to assist in a case when you are too busy, don’t be afraid to turn them down. Understand?” Professor Han Yi reminded her.
Lu Jia’er nodded. “Yes!”
“Don’t forget to tell me if you need anything!” Professor Han Yi reiterated.
Lu Jia’er nodded again. “Of course!”
Professor Han Yi patted her shoulders before he left. Watching as he went, Lu Jia’er felt warm-hearted. At the same time, she was wondering something.
Of all those years, nobody wondered that she was AI? Was she, as a product, too flawless that nobody around her had detected something wrong? Or… was the world she lived in… an illusion?