Can Intellitrons Have Hearts Too?

As Chasing the Moon illusory moon swept across the sky above the Dual-Phase Paradise, Jingxing stood by the window, rubbed his eyes, and stared blankly at the moon, which had a very lively expression.

"Truly worthy of being called the Dual-Phase Paradise, a haven for Imagenae." He murmured to himself, unable to resist daydreaming, "If only I could create some Imagenae too, it would save me so much effort, whether it's fighting or doing chores."

However, considering that the principle behind creating "Imagenae" seems to be related to Path of Elation, Jingxing felt that he might not be able to achieve this goal.

Pale blue clouds drifted slowly past the ship. Jingxing leaned against the porthole for a while longer and finally got a clear look at the Dual-Phase Paradise. A river flowed through the center of the city, and everywhere you could see brightly colored signs, floating advertisements, and strangely shaped public facilities.

The morning light fell on the river, cut into shimmering pieces of silver by the flowing water, and as the Chasing the Moon descended, the whole city gradually became clearer.

"Well... it has a rather artistic feel to it," Jingxing remarked, looking down at the Two-Dimensional City.

He originally came here for field research and further studies, and now it seems this place is indeed very suitable for him. However, thinking about the people he was going to meet next, Jingxing looked away again.

Although he had made up his mind before sending the message, now that the Dual-Phase Paradise was about to open, he was unsure how to face her.

The Chasing the Moon entered the designated Star Lane. The port system at the Dual-Phase Paradise Mooring Station quickly completed the identification and automatically popped up a private berth permit. Jingxing glanced at it, found no problems, and lowered the ship into the berth. The Chasing the Moon quickly came to a stop. He unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to get up when the Communicator next to the bridge lit up.

"Mr. Jingxing." It was a woman's voice, seemingly without any obvious emotional fluctuation. "After exiting the station, please take the subway to Pearl Star Building. Chairperson Zhenzhu is waiting for you."

Jingxing was taken aback. "Huh?"

Before he could ask any further questions, the call was disconnected.

Jingxing glanced down at his clothes. Having come all the way from the Herta Space Station, he decided to take a shower here first and then change his clothes.

After quickly tidying up, he grabbed his painting box and personal terminal and walked down from Chasing the Moon.

The breeze at the Dual-Phase Paradise harbor was quite refreshing, making Jingxing squint his eyes involuntarily as it blew by. He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight streaming through the clouds, then followed the signs toward the subway line heading towards the Pearl Star Building.

After getting off the train, he saw the Pearl Star Building standing not far ahead. At the foot of the steps in front of the building stood a woman with a silver-white hair tie, wearing a high-quality business suit. When she saw Jingxing, she quickly walked up to him.

But Jingxing's steps slowed down. The woman in his Remembrance gradually overlapped with the figure in front of him.

Is it because she's Intellitron? Zhenzhu seems completely unchanged. Time is a river that flows ever forward for humans, but for her, it's just a continuously running string of data.

More than a decade has passed, and she remains as calm, profound, and somewhat noble as Remembrance her.

Zhenzhu looked up. Their eyes met from a distance of more than ten meters. She nodded slightly and stood there waiting for Jingxing to come forward.

"Ms. Zhenzhu."

"Jingxing."

"Why did you have to come out in person?" Jingxing bowed slightly.

"We agreed that you would visit me first, so naturally I should come out to greet you," Zhenzhu explained. "If I hadn't had a meeting this morning, I would have gone to Mooring Port to pick you up."

Jingxing didn't know how to respond. Zhenzhu, however, didn't want him to remain awkward. She turned to the side and said, "Come in first. Let's talk about how you've been lately."

The elevator ascended steadily. The transparent cabin swept past layers of office buildings, and the city shrank beneath our feet.

Jingxing stood beside Zhenzhu, unsure of what to say to start a conversation.

Zhenzhu didn't say anything, but occasionally glanced at him sideways.

As the elevator approached her destination floor, she remarked softly, "You look considerably thinner than in the previous photos."

Jingxing tilted his head. "Photos?"

"I occasionally ask Kamar how you're doing. He sent me a picture of you a few months ago."

Jingxing was unaware for the first time that his mentor had helped him maintain so many connections.

Zhenzhu looked at the floor numbers flashing by outside the elevator window. "Although I really want to ask you how you've been, I hesitated after thinking about it."

"Why"

"Because you never contacted me first. I think you might see me as the culprit who made you an orphan, so subconsciously you were rejecting me." Zhenzhu paused, "So this time you were willing to contact me first, and I breathed a sigh of relief."

After she finished speaking, Zhenzhu stepped out of the elevator, and Jingxing followed her.

Is this truly befitting the exclusive office of the de facto "ruler" of Dual-Phase Paradise? The view here is superb. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows face the center of Two-Dimensional City, with the World-Painting Academy located to the east. From afar, the Academy's buildings resemble a painting.

Zhenzhu noticed that Jingxing's gaze was unconsciously drifting outwards.

Do you like the scenery here?

"It's quite pretty."

"How about settling down here? With me protecting you, you just need to focus on your creation. The last Phantasmoon Games ended more than ten years ago, and the next one won't be held for several more decades. In the decades in between, there won't be a safer place in the entire universe than here."

"I'm sorry, I'd rather see more of the sights." Jingxing shook his head, politely declining Zhenzhu's invitation.

Zhenzhu wasn't discouraged. She took a cup from the side, poured some water, and handed it to him.

Jingxing took the cup and then sat down opposite Zhenzhu.

"Tell me about yourself," she said, looking at him. "How have you been since graduation?"

Jingxing lowered his head and took a sip of water. "It's alright. Since receiving my diploma, I've been traveling and painting around. Recently, one of my works even caught the eye of Ms. Herta."

"To be recognized by a genius, your creative talent is truly remarkable."

"There was also an element of luck involved, perhaps a bit of opportunism," Jingxing said modestly.

"Ha, luck isn't the deciding factor in creation." Zhenzhu pointed to her eyes. "Don't forget my origins. Ever since I came to Dual-Phase Paradise, I've been studying the style of Wuliangta Huishi, but even now I feel I can't capture her essence."

"Wuliangta Huishi is the most outstanding artist in Dual-Phase Paradise, but it's difficult to capture her spirit simply by studying her style." Jingxing put down his cup. "You also need to have the same heart as her."

"My heart..." Zhenzhu lowered her head, her right hand pressed against her chest, "For Intellitron, this technology is far too difficult to learn."

"But I think Ms. Zhenzhu has a kind heart just like Wuliangta Huishi, so there shouldn't be any problem."

"Ha... let's get back to you." Zhenzhu looked at Jingxing again, "I can sense the energy of Path emanating from you, isn't it—"