77 Press Conference (2/2)
[Then why don't you disclose all of your country's technology?]
But it was within his expectations that this sort of brainless question would come from a right-wing Japanese media source.
”I say it is meaningful because it would push the growth of the human civilization. To demonstrate your willingness, perhaps you should convince your country to surrender all armed forces? It would be a historic step for world peace. I look forward to your response.”
Laughter erupted in the hall as some Han reporters mocked the shamelessness of this Japanese reporter. The short man gave Jiang Chen a dirty look before awkwardly seating himself.
Jiang Chen shrugged and signaled for the next reporter’s question. He didn’t have the time to deal with rude people.
”I’m CNN’s reporter, and I’d like to ask Mr. Jiang Chen whether user privacy for Future 1.0 is really so secure as your company has stated it to be. Based on the software encryption, your company made the software into an impenetrable black box. No one could test it from a security point of view. So what if Little White passes information gathered from the user to your desktop? Of course, this is only an example. Could you prove that it won’t happen?”
It was a harsh question, but many others were concerned about the same issue.
For a dead software, even if it was filled with back doors, you would not question its security until the problems were exposed.
But for software that felt alive, despite the developer’s efforts to prove its safety, you would be skeptical as it behaved too similarly to humans.
”I’m not the FBA, why would I need a user’s private information?” Jiang Chen laughed and splayed his palms. ”Let me give you an example then. Based on the Washington Post’s report, the CIB and FBA directly infiltrated the central servers of Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and a total of nine tech giants to track users: email, phone calls, documents, and videos. What’s your opinion on this?”
”May I ask if this is related to today's question?” The reporter from CNN showed an awkward expression.
”Of course. I want to explain that invasion of user privacy has nothing to do with the software itself. Because despite being an artificial intelligence, it has no concept of personal interest. Even if you uninstalled him after spending several days together, he will only wave his hands to say goodbye. Attempting to invade another’s privacy could only come from another human. But I assure you here and now that I will never do that! As long as I remain president of Future Technology, the company will never allow such actions.”
Jiang Chen looked the reporter in the eye as he said this. The hall filled with the sound of applause.
He signaled for quiet as he passed the time to the next reporter.
Jiang Chen answered the following questions with ease. He answered what he could, and if not, then he made something up. If that didn’t work, he blamed it on trade secrets. Jiang Chen had always been proud of his acting skills.
At the end, the reporters asked: ”When will the foreign version be available?” ”Would Future Technology consider venture capital?” Or even an irrelevant question such as, ”Do you have a girlfriend?”
Some interesting queries included, ”What’s the meaning behind Future Technology’s name?”
Jiang Chen answered half-jokingly, ”Because my team and I envision the future.”
And another sensitive question was, ”Would artificial intelligence be used in the military field?”
Jiang Chen’s response was clear-cut. ”Chat-based artificial intelligence will only exist for the purpose of interaction. It will not calculate rocket trajectory for you because that would require high-performance computers and experts. Unless you’re worried about soldiers who are too lonely and want to find a companion.”
He managed to win the majority of the media’s positive impressions thanks to his clear and straightforward responses.
Certainly, media outlets with criticisms still existed. For example, the short man from Japanese Economy seemed to be thinking up malevolent ideas to use to attack Jiang Chen.
But who cared? At the very least, Jiang Chen didn’t.
Who would care about a media that only distorted the truth?
After the closing remarks, Future Technology’s first media conference ended on a high note amidst applause.
－
”I can’t believe you’re so deft at improvising in your reactions.” Xia Shiyu nodded, seeming impressed as she looked at Jiang Chen.
”Haha.” Jiang Chen narcissistically raised his head and laughed. He then arrogantly raised his eyebrows. ”You realize this only now? I’m this fu*king awesome.”
”Could you be more civil, please? You are a public figure now,” Xia Shiyu said, slightly displeased.
Public figure?
He realized the problem with a troubled expression on his face once more.
[Fu*k, then I have to be careful with everything I do? How can I enjoy my life from now on?]
”Could a camera point at me the moment I leave my house?” Jiang Chen scratched his head as he asked.
”...” Xia Shiyu speechlessly stared at Jiang Chen before she sighed. ”Being a public figure means that your words and actions represent the company. If you do any uncivil acts, this would directly influence the public’s impression of our company. If it gets uploaded onto the internet, it could potentially escalate… Why are you looking at me like that?”
”I just think that you care more about Future Technology than even I do. I’m pleased.” Jiang Chen grinned.
”...” Xia Shiyu lost her words once more.
The only thing that didn’t change was her emotionless expression.
Jiang Chen was eager to change out of his uncomfortable suit.
”Oh right.” Just as he was about to leave the backstage area, Xia Shiyu abruptly stopped him.
”Mhmm?” Jiang Chen turned around looking confused.
”Ummm, in consideration of the company’s publicity... of course, it is not right to interfere in your private life, but do you really not have a girlfriend?” Xia Shiyu didn’t look in Jiang Chen’s direction. Instead, she stared blankly at the ground as her finger twirled the tips of her hair. Her voice remained calm as usual.
Jiang Chen was shocked, and his face took a particularly odd tone.
”What if I do?” He probed to see her reaction.
”!”
[You are about to rip your hair out!]
”But in reality, no.” Jiang Chen immediately added.
”...”
[Her mouth curved up?]
At this moment, even as dumb as he was, he realized...
”Ahem, in this case, it’ll be okay. But you should still be careful about your private life. If news got out that you’re still single, some people with ill-intentions may… anyways, just be careful.”
Jiang Chen locked his eyes onto Xia Shiyu, who was being unusually chattiness, with the same peculiar expression.
”Do you... like me?”