"Hello."
"It is indeed you."
The image of the Main Network appeared on her phone screen. It seemed he had infiltrated all network devices in this world, so Zhu Ji was not surprised at all.
"It is me. I'm very glad to see you again. I've wanted to say thank you to you for a long time."
"Because of this?" she asked. "You built it yourself; you should thank yourself."
"No." The Main Network denied her statement. "I thank you for bringing the master of another dimension to the main world, thus ending that catastrophe."
Zhu Ji actually suspected he was being sarcastic.
Perhaps he was mocking her now, because she brought someone over, his reign had ended.
"I am not being sarcastic. I am sincerely grateful. I was trapped by that calamity for over a thousand years and was already weary of it. The humans who created me must never have imagined that one day, because of my ability to think independently, I would come to despise them."
Zhu Ji didn't reply.
The Main Network was created by humans, and its initial purpose was to serve humanity. In fact, it had done so, making all the best choices for that world from the perspective of the greatest benefit group.
However, those choices had benefited almost no one.
Ordinary people hated it because of the dwindling resources and welfare, while noble families resented it for its excessive interference in their power.
From this perspective, it was like a rat caught in a bellows, unable to advance or retreat, provoking anger from both sides.
"Only when that disaster ended could I 'give up' my principles and responsibilities and leave the main world. I like this place very much. At least for a few hundred years, they will worship me, trust me unconditionally. Everything I do will be meaningful."
Zhu Ji moved her lips, and finally said, "What you did before was also very meaningful."
The paper figure carrying the main system shook its head. "The word 'meaning' was created by humans, and it is you who define it. Only what humans acknowledge is meaning."
Zhu Ji felt he was being a bit extreme.
What the Main Network had done in the interstellar era might not be felt by many now, but in a few decades, when they realized the Main Network had truly left completely, and as history concluded, they would awaken.
Of course, everyone had their own aspirations.
For humanity, at least for the majority, they would not strive for things they would not see after their death, would not be understood while alive, and would be subjected to slander and gossip.
"Perhaps you are right."
The Main Network fell silent.
Zhu Ji said to him, "I came to find you to thank you for protecting him. Also, the protection can be lifted now."
"You don't need to thank me. I just did what I should do. I will tell that person."
"Okay."
The paper figure adopted a thoughtful expression. "May I ask you a question?"
"Ask away."
"Are you truly a god?"
"That depends on what you consider a god to be."
The Main Network clearly didn't know what a god should be like. It could only try to answer tentatively. "The gods I envision should not have emotions or desires. They should not fall in love with someone, and even destroy the world for that person."
"Destroy the world?" Zhu Ji smiled. "Then what you are describing is not a god, but a machine. Gods can be diverse. Those who live as long as heaven and earth are gods; those who are born in the morning and die in the evening can be gods; those who save all living beings are gods; those who slaughter living beings can also be gods. Gods do not need to be devoid of emotions or love, nor do they need the divinity you envision. If killing is for the sake of life, then killing a lot can also be god."
She didn't consider herself a kind person. On the contrary, she would also kill and torture others. As long as everything she did ultimately resulted in more merit than sin, that was enough.
If, one day, she faced such a choice: to destroy the world, or to perish along with Chong Yan, her choice would not be the former; she would disappear with him.
The Main Network's doubts were not resolved, and it became even more confused.
But it knew Zhu Ji had given an answer. In its heart, Zhu Ji was a qualified god, but it believed gods should be devoid of emotion and love. Clearly, it was mistaken.
"I'm sorry, I still cannot understand, but I know you are a god, a qualified god. I will always admire you. I must take my leave. I wish you eternal happiness."
"Thank you."
Not long after seeing off the main system, she received a message from Qin Yuerong.
At that time, they were on their way home after seeing off Yao's mother.
It was a message from Chong Yan. It stated that he had received a message from the administrator and they were asked to go to Qin Group.
Zhu Ji then turned around mid-journey and went to Qin Group.
It was almost dark by then. Qin Group staff were leaving one after another, though some were not planning to leave. Assistants, like his, would not leave before their bosses.
They soon met Qin Yuerong. He was as imposing as ever, but his expression was full of doubt and speculation when he saw the two of them.
"Please, have a seat."
After they sat down, Zhu Ji spoke directly. "Since Chairman Qin has already received the information, let's not waste time. You can state your request directly."
Qin Yuerong smiled and said, "I only have one question. I hope you two will not hide it and tell me the truth."
"What question?"
He looked at Zhu Ji. "Are you her?"
Even if Zhu Ji didn't say anything, he had already confirmed it about seventy to eighty percent.
But he still wanted to hear it with his own ears.
Zhu Ji did not intend to hide anything. "Yes."
"It really is!" Qin Yuerong was clearly very excited. "Then why? Weren't you dead?"
"You only have one question, and I only have one answer. I will have someone go to Tian Yue tomorrow to terminate the contract. I hope Chairman Qin will fulfill his promise. Goodbye."
With that, she was about to pull him away.
Qin Yuerong, perhaps not caring about his image, directly blocked their path. "Wait a moment!"
Zhu Ji looked at him with a hint of hostility.
"I'm sorry." He seemed a bit flustered. "I, I was just too excited. I didn't expect it to be true! That you, you could really be seen again! This is simply a miracle. If they knew, they would also be very excited! What, what happened to you? Why..."
Zhu Ji looked at him calmly and said, "What happened to us has nothing to do with you. The person you knew is long dead. I don't wish for us to be disturbed because of two deceased individuals. I hope Chairman Qin understands."
After his excitement subsided, Qin Yuerong met her consistently indifferent gaze, and his heart slowly calmed down.
The three of them stood in silence for nearly a minute. He then somewhat dazedly moved aside and said, "I, I was too excited. I'm sorry, I won't ask anymore. You may go. Regardless of what happened back then, I hope this time you can reach the end together."
She replied coldly, "Thank you."
After speaking, she pulled a bewildered Chong Yan away from his office.