The netizens were utterly bewildered, as were the people in the company.
They had no idea how they, or their boss, possessed such immense influence to make the administrator bend the rules for them.
This was unprecedented.
Compared to the rookie 002, 001 was an old hand with thousands of years of work experience. He knew how to strike a balance, how to manipulate the scales of public opinion to sway them in his favor.
Not even the officials could escape this; on several occasions, he had forced them to make painful but necessary reforms. Sometimes, people were so infuriated they wanted to dismantle him, but they all knew that ever since they jointly agreed to activate 002 decades ago, many things were no longer in their own hands.
They themselves had agreed to have him be absolutely fair, to always consider the interests of the majority.
Tonight, this impartial administrator had, for the first time, acted against his own principles. This was not just entertainment news; it was a major setback for the officials.
Although, due to 002, they had already suffered countless setbacks.
"At first, a powerful regional official made solemn guarantees, and then 002 released evidence to slap him in the face. The administrator who could openly confront even [REDACTED], is actually promoting a movie today. Is this a deficiency in humanity or a decline in morality?"
"This is a deficiency in 002's machine nature. Everyone, keep working hard and let 002 see your progress. Perhaps one day, you too will receive such an honor."
"Unbelievable. I'd rather believe in the Mandela Effect than believe that the administrator who grew up with me is showing favoritism to an actor. This definitely isn't something he would do."
"Is it because Yin Yang Kaleidoscope is so brilliant? The administrator couldn't bear to see a good movie be buried, so he recommended it?"
"I've seen it. It's alright, no dull moments, and the actors' performances are passable."
"So many quality films are produced every year, why does Yin Yang Kaleidoscope deserve such an honor?"
"Why does Yin Yang Kaleidoscope deserve such an honor?"
After reading it aloud, Zhou Lu looked up at Zhu Ying and asked, "Why?"
Zhu Ying shook her head, indicating she didn't know.
They had just finished filming the first episode of their variety show and had returned to shoot the fourth installment. However, due to the administrator's recommendation, everyone was now in the spotlight and it was unlikely they could film for the time being.
"Should we respond?"
Zhu Ying thought for a moment and said, "You decide."
The reason for the main network's action was actually quite easy to guess.
Although he had helped Zhong Yan before, it had caused all his previous works to flop. Now, he probably wanted to compensate him.
However, he had underestimated his own influence.
Zhou Lu found her calm demeanor frustrating.
She felt she was understanding her... boss less and less.
Issuing a response was simple.
They wouldn't dare to seek attention by association; they feared backfiring and losing more than they gained.
Thus, at noon that day, the production company of Yin Yang Kaleidoscope released a letter of thanks, expressing their gratitude for the administrator's positive appraisal of the film and their commitment to continue working hard to create better cultural products.
Originally a simple reply, it was once again pushed to the trending list by 001's single word: "Cheer up."
As an artificial intelligence with an independent account, 001 had hundreds of millions of fans, most of whom were active and constantly monitored his every move.
One could only imagine the reaction of those people upon seeing such a message.
Weibo exploded. It was down for a good fifteen minutes before it could barely recover. Below that message, new replies continuously popped up, with tens of thousands of comments appearing with almost every refresh.
This sudden event was no longer just an entertainment news item; the officials had also immediately entered a state of emergency, investigating the cause of this incident.
After the creators of the administrator, Gu Ying and her husband, died together, Sheng Jiangchen voluntarily transferred most of his shares to the officials. The money was used for charity, and years later, he completely left Future Star.
From that point on, Future Star became a state-owned enterprise, with all its operations taken over by the officials. After decades of development, its internal workings had long been established.
The only person connected, Sheng Qingchi, was a researcher and did not manage its affairs much.
However, he was the only one the current head of Future Star could find who might be able to explain this matter.
Facing this method, Sheng Qingchi, over 50 years old, shook his head helplessly: "I was not involved in the creation of 002 back then. To be precise, no one was. Miss Gu created this artificial intelligence herself, giving it the ability to think independently. I only witnessed its awakening; I know nothing else."
The current head of Future Star, though disbelieving this account, could find no argument against it.
Decades had passed, and the administrator had never behaved so abnormally.
"Then Professor Sheng, can you communicate with him? We hope to understand why he did this."
Sheng Qingchi was more concerned about this matter than anyone else.
Rather than talking to 002 and asking him the reason, he wanted to see the person who had caused him to break his principles.
"I will try, but please don't get your hopes too high."
This was enough to relieve those people.
After they left, he asked his assistant to prepare the car and went to that still obscure small company.
On the way, he called Sheng Jiangchen to inquire about the matter.
Despite the fleeting glimpse a few months ago and countless doubts in his heart, Sheng Qingchi had refrained from being curious or investigating, suppressing his urge.
Even when Qin Yuerong behaved so unusually, he forced himself not to ask.
However, now, he could no longer sit still.
"I suspect it's her, but I'm not sure."
Sheng Qingchi was greatly startled: "When did you suspect it? Just because of this incident?"
He recounted the incident at the amusement park, saying, "At the time, I only felt she might be problematic and didn't investigate further. Recently, I heard Qin Yuerong was pursuing her, and his nephew spoke rudely to her, so he was punished and sent outside. And the man she fancied is also named Zhong Yan."
Sheng Qingchi repeated the two names.
Yao Ying, Zhong Yan.
Gu Ying, Zhu Zhongyan.
Could it really be such a coincidence?
"Professor, we've arrived."
He hung up the phone, got out of the car, and walked in.
After the receptionist contacted them, they were taken up by the elevator.
Then, Zhou Lu led them to Zhu Ying.
From many details, their similarities could be seen. Sheng Qingchi's eyes flashed with surprise as he looked at the woman with an extraordinary aura. His heart raced, and he almost hesitated to speak.
"Sit down. Sister Lu, you can go out for a moment."
Zhou Lu turned and left.
Sheng Qingchi's assistant also followed her out, leaving only the two of them in the office.
He asked disbelievingly, "Is it really you?"