Chapter 252:

“Ailei, can you let go now?”

“Yes, Master.”

This time, the head pat lasted longer than ever before—so long that Xu Xi’s arm went numb.

But seeing Ailei return to normal, no longer appearing fragile, pitiful, or helpless, Xu Xi felt that the numbness was worth it.

“Was it the intensity of the battle that exhausted Ailei’s machine soul? Or…”

In the control room of the eco-starship, through the synchronized projections, Xu Xi gazed at the remains of the interstellar insects scattered across space, his heart filled with silent contemplation.

Life…

Fate…

They were often accompanied by twists and suffering.

Xu Xi had no power to change it, nor did he have a solution to the predicament. The only thing he could do was hold Ailei’s hand and keep moving forward before the fourth simulation ended…

Until they could break free from this cruel prison.

…

[Simulation Year 300: You are 319 years old, and Ailei has been with you for 297 years.]

[Time continues to pass, yet the traces of years have no impact on your body.]

[Since the first simulation, this is the first time you’ve experienced eternal youth, keeping your body at its peak condition—this is the confidence Ailei has given you.]

[“Ailei’s care—everyone approves.”]

[With the increasing resonance between your machine soul and Ailei, your thinking has become faster. To relieve the monotony of endless experiments, you set aside regular time to relax with your loyal companion.]

[In the artificial spring season, you and Ailei watched flowers bloom.]

Spring is a season of renewal, its formation closely linked to the light of stars and planetary geology.

On a cold mechanical starship, recreating the beauty of spring was not an easy task. But in Ailei’s hands, any challenge could be simplified.

With her vast computing power and an endless fleet of intelligent machines, she could create miracles beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Like now…

The warm sun broke through the cold clouds, turning the barren land green and covering it with a soft layer of new grass. Flowers bloomed in silence, their fragrance spreading in the breeze.

“Ailei, did you do all this?”

Xu Xi was surprised to see flowers blooming out of season in the wind-swept fields.

“I thought Master would like it, so I made it happen,” Ailei said calmly.

With graceful movements, she poured him the first cup of hot tea of spring.

According to her data archives, this gesture held a special meaning. Even though Ailei couldn’t fully understand it, she followed the tradition nonetheless.

…

[In the blazing golden summer, you and Ailei went fishing on a boat.]

Summer was both intense and tranquil.

The virtual sun’s temperature was set to a scorching level, creating dazzling golden light that illuminated the starship’s living quarters.

As the technological system evolved, the eco-starship had expanded several times in size. Thanks to Ailei’s modifications, it now featured a vast lake, its shimmering waves reflecting silver light, adding to the charm of the summer heat.

Xu Xi sat at the bow of the anti-gravity boat, fishing.

Ailei sat nearby, swinging her legs and quietly watching the splashes in the water.

“Ailei, where did you catch these fish?”

“Master, the fish in the lake are from planet RKS-4546B, a species similar to Earth’s fish.”

Xu Xi silently put down his fishing rod.

If he remembered correctly, the creatures of 4546B were massive aquatic beasts, each tens of meters long and as fierce as mythical Leviathans.

“Ailei, I think I forgot to finish some experiments.”

…

[The fishing trip ended abruptly, but a miracle happened again. As the starboat powered up, the propulsion force was so strong that it dislodged a fish, sending it crashing onto the starship’s hull.]

[You stared at the massive 20-meter-long creature that nearly sank the boat, falling into deep silence.]

[?]

[??]

[???]

[Your silence was deafening.]

[Ailei stood beside you, composed and elegant, completely unfazed by the incident.]

…

[Autumn arrived—the season of harvest and the gradual descent into cold.]

Leaves fell, fragile and withered.

Standing at the doorstep, Xu Xi watched the once-vibrant green leaves scatter in the wind.

Perhaps the wind was too chilly, making Xu Xi feel stiff.

“Master.”

At just the right moment, Ailei draped a coat over his shoulders. Her swift actions suggested she had anticipated this moment long ago.

“Thanks, Ailei.”

Xu Xi felt touched by her thoughtfulness.

…

[Winter arrived, with falling snowflakes turning the world silent.]

To ensure the ship’s normal operations, the artificial winter snow wasn’t set to extreme temperatures—its purpose was more for atmosphere than realism.

Xu Xi sat on the bridge, gazing at the snow-covered living quarters while looking out at the vast starry sky. He found it fascinating.

Pure white snow…

Endless darkness of space…

Somehow, they blended perfectly together.

“Master, do you like the universe?” Ailei asked, offering him a cup of hot tea as she tilted her head curiously.

“I wouldn’t say I like it… it’s more curiosity,” Xu Xi replied.

Taking a sip of the tea, he felt the warmth spread through his body. As he swirled the cup, he could see delicate brown ripples.

In truth, Xu Xi had long since grown weary of space exploration.

Years of encountering alien civilizations and endless interstellar journeys had drained all novelty.

“I was just thinking about the past,” Xu Xi explained. “Back when we were still in the underground lab.”

Ailei remembered those difficult, primitive days when even charging Xu Xi’s power armor was a challenge.

But why was he reminiscing now?

“I used to think… if only I could take Ailei into space to see the stars up close one day, it would be amazing,” Xu Xi said softly.

“After all, there’s a big difference between stargazing from afar and observing them up close.”

As he spoke, he smiled. “Back then, I thought it would be impossible, but now it’s something we do so easily.”

“Time really flies…”

His voice was filled with nostalgia for the past and thoughts of the future.

Strangely…

Even though Xu Xi was right in front of her, drinking the tea she prepared with a familiar posture, Ailei felt a strong sense of distance…

As if they were drifting apart, yet also becoming closer in an instant.

“Thank you…”

“But I… am just an emotionless machine… I don’t deserve this kindness.”

A glitch seemed to occur in her voice module.

Her words became fragmented and hesitant.

Kneeling down slightly, she gently held Xu Xi’s hand, pressing it against her cheek to feel its warmth… the undeniable reality of his presence.