Chapter 364 - 256: Born a Monster_2

"Red signal, Model Three data error, failure."

"Luo Group, Zero’s life signs are abnormal, she’s not going to make it!"

"It’s almost New Year’s, we can’t let Zero die in our group, or the director will dock all our year-end bonuses!"

"Over twenty years... I believe in my model..."

"Luo Group!"

"...I believe in my model! These are the calculations I made just yesterday, haven’t validated them on other receptors yet. Input them... Overload experiment! Model Four! Begin!!!"

An unprecedented electrical impulse flooded the brain area, Zero convulsed uncontrollably; initially, she could feel warmth in her eyes, mouth, and nose, but soon her nerves were completely numb, feeling nothing.

Zero’s eyelids contracted incessantly under the electric current; she exerted all her effort to keep them open, attempting to catch one last glimpse of Xiaoqi.

Her eyelids twitched uncontrollably, opening and closing, her eyeballs influenced by the current, trembling erratically.

One last glance...

She struggled to control her eyes, her vision blurred with the tremor.

Just one last look...

Finally, she overcame the electrical interference with her eyes, her vision shifted from blurry to clear, focusing on Xiaoqi’s face.

"Zzz." A researcher zipped up the body bag.

The last thing Zero clearly saw was the cold, black body bag.

"Is this... a green signal?..."

"Luo Group! Luo Group, look! It’s a green signal!!!"

"Model Four data is correct! Repeat! Model Four data is correct!!!"

In an instant, the lab was transformed into a sea of celebration. Researchers howled crazily, embracing each other with cheers, some even rolled on the floor hugging printed data, faces flushed with joy, kicking their legs like children.

Luo Mingsheng stared blankly at the signal on the computer, momentarily stunned.

In life, he actually didn’t like green, as it always reminded him of a declining investment market.

But at this moment, he suddenly discovered the charm of this color; it was so deeply refreshing.

Over twenty years...

How many twenty-year spans does one have?

Such a long period, countless times he himself wanted to give up, holding on purely by obsession.

Perhaps his edges had been worn smooth by age, witnessing the fruition of over twenty years of effort, he did not plunge into wild jubilation but took off his glasses, silently wiped the tears, and embraced and shook hands with colleagues.

The wild cheers from Laboratory One attracted attention from other groups; those researchers rushed over to inquire, and upon learning the situation were both surprised and delighted.

"Luo Group, your group is incredible!"

"Congratulations, we’ve made another giant step towards the success of the AI project! In the future, when people discuss the greatest scientist of the Dawn Era, your name will be indispensable!"

"Next, using the same receptor, continue deducing data on this model; believe that AI technology will soon emerge!"

"Hey, little Zero, our treasure, uncle will help wipe away the blood. Over the years, after so many receptors, it still had to be you! Be good in the future too~"

Once congratulating Luo Mingsheng, the researchers also gathered around Zero, laughing and chatting, all past coldness seemingly gone.

Someone came over and accidentally stepped on the body bag containing Xiaoqi; he merely glanced down and then kicked it aside, revealing a smile, joining everyone in petting Zero’s little head.

The major breakthrough in the AI project caused a stir among all the research groups and delighted the managers at Eden Garden.

That evening, Miyata Junren contacted all of Eden Garden’s investors, and everyone gathered at the garden to host a celebratory banquet.

The banquet was held in the administrative main building’s banquet hall, compared to the stifling atmosphere of the experimental area’s dining hall, it was like another world, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the tall ceiling, light spilling around.

Tantalizing food filled the table, laid out exquisitely by the chef’s hand, champagne fizzed in crystal glasses, its golden liquid shimmering under the light, emitting a tempting aroma.

The attendees of the banquet were figures from New Moon City’s upper society, including business elites, corporate executives, government officials. They wore glamorous evening dresses, wandering with glasses in hand, laughter filling the hall.

Miyata Junren took the stage, enthusiastically holding the microphone: "Ladies and gentlemen, I presume you all know, the AI project has made significant progress tonight. Let us first extend our heartfelt tribute to Luo Mingsheng!"

The guests applauded warmly, and Luo Mingsheng, seated at the lead position, stood up and waved to everyone, full of smiles.

Miyata Junren’s tone turned solemn: "This journey has seen too many failures, countless receptors have perished in experiments."

"But the sacrifice of those children was meaningful, it was their lives that won today’s great achievement. I propose we observe a minute of silence for those fallen small heroes."

The banquet hall fell silent, everyone bowing their heads with solemnity.

Occasionally, there arose muffled chuckles from those who held back laughter.

The minute’s silence concluded.

Miyata Junren’s expression of mourning quickly vanished, restoring an enthusiastic smile: "Lastly, I want to introduce someone to all of you; she is the most special among those small heroes. It is because of her that we could achieve this critical progress."

"Let us welcome—Zero!"

The grand doors at the other end of the banquet hall opened, and Zero was escorted inside by guards.

Her previous lab-worn clothes were gone, replaced with an elegant white dress suited to the banquet’s atmosphere.