Misaligned Affection 17: Technology and Dreams
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墨書 Inktalez
Li Xue couldn't help but applaud after finishing the modern web novel "Contemporary China: The Rise of AI." The author's writing was exceptional, and the plot was very well-structured. The protagonist, a contemporary Chinese individual, became a leading figure in the AI field through technological inventions, ultimately driving China's technological advancement. 0
 
The book not only narrated the journey of technological development but also depicted emotions such as family ties, friendship, and love, making it deeply moving. What Li Xue appreciated most was the author's profound reflection on the future of technology and the protagonist's love and sense of responsibility towards his family. 0
 
Regrettably, the book had not yet been signed for publication, and there was no contact information for the author. Li Xue felt it was a pity and decided that if she had the chance, she would definitely want to meet this author. 0
 
Lost in the novel, she completely lost track of time. It wasn't until her stomach growled that she remembered she hadn't had dinner yet. She opened her phone to order takeout. Noticing several missed calls from Zhang Lin, Li Jin, and an unknown number, she blacklisted the unknown number before placing her order. 0
 
She then replied to Zhang Lin's message: "That book is amazing; I really liked it. If the author gets signed, I'll treat him to dinner." Zhang Lin quickly responded: "Sure, the author has already agreed." 0
 
Li Xue was surprised: "How come it feels like you know the author well?" Zhang Lin replied: "Yeah, I've known him for many years." This revelation astonished Li Xue even more. She had thought Zhang Lin was just an editor at a publishing house, not realizing he was so familiar with the author. 0
 
"Alright then, you can arrange for us to have dinner together," Li Xue replied. Zhang Lin responded with an "ok." 0
 
Putting down her phone, Li Xue lay on her bed, lost in thought. She realized that since she had decided to start a business, she should take action as soon as possible. She resolved to meet with Zhang Lin the next day to discuss company registration. 0
 
--- 0
 
Around six o'clock in the evening, Li Xue's spicy hot pot arrived. After having dinner, she returned a call to Li Jin. The phone rang a few times before connecting. 0
 
"Sis, you finally decided to answer your phone," Li Jin's tone carried a hint of complaint. 0
 
"..." Li Xue frowned slightly. "What's wrong?" 0
 
 
"You're still asking what's wrong." Li Jin said dissatisfiedly, "Grandma and aunt are coming soon." "..." Li Xue's face suddenly darkened when she heard that. Her grandmother favored boys over girls and had always been mean to her, while her aunt was the apple of her grandmother's eye and was spoiled by her grandmother. "Don't come back now." Li Jin said, "They both came with bad intentions." "I know." Li Xue said indifferently, "Thank you for reminding me." "Humph." Li Jin snorted, "If you want to thank me, don't make me angry in the future." "..." Li Xue shook her head helplessly, "Got it, Master Li." After hanging up the phone, Li Xue picked up her iPad and continued reading novels. —— Time flies, and five days have passed in a blink of an eye. In the past few days, apart from attending classes, Li Xue spent the rest of her time writing and reading novels. She has now accumulated more than 100,000 words of manuscripts, and her new book is about to be released. She looked at the calendar and remembered that she promised Zhang Lin to treat the author named "Blue Sea" to dinner. She sent a message to Zhang Lin, asking the author to have dinner the next night. Zhang Lin quickly replied: [OK. ] At about seven o'clock the next night, Li Xue and Zhang Lin drove to the agreed restaurant together. When they arrived at the hotel's private room, the author "Blue Sea" had not arrived yet. "Please sit down for a while." Zhang Lin said to Li Xue, "The author hasn't arrived yet." "Yes." Li Xue nodded and sat down on the chair. She looked around and found that the environment of this restaurant was quite good, quiet and elegant, suitable for discussing things. After more than ten minutes, the door of the private room opened, and a young man in a white shirt and black trousers walked in. The man was tall and handsome, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and looked gentle and refined. "Editor-in-Chief Zhang." The man walked in and nodded politely to Zhang Lin. "Mr. Luo." Zhang Lin smiled and shook his hand, "Please sit down." "Thank you." After the man sat down, he looked at Li Xue. "This is the author I was talking about, Li Xue." Zhang Lin introduced, "Li Xue, this is Luo Ming, the author of Contemporary China: The Rise of AI." "Hello." Li Xue smiled. "Hello." Luo Ming nodded, "Nice to meet you." 0
"I feel the same way," Li Xue said with a smile. 0
 
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Lin suggested, "Let's start ordering." 0
 
"Sure," Li Xue and Luo Ming nodded in agreement. 0
 
Zhang Lin called over the waiter to bring the menu, and the three began to order their dishes. Once they finished, Zhang Lin turned to Luo Ming and said, "Mr. Luo, Li Xue really enjoys your novels and holds you in high regard." 0
 
"Thank you," Luo Ming replied with a smile. "I also admire Miss Li's work." 0
 
Li Xue was momentarily taken aback by his words. She hadn't expected Luo Ming to like her novels as well. 0
 
"Really?" she said quickly. "Thank you." 0
 
"You're welcome," Luo Ming smiled back. 0
 
As Li Xue looked at Luo Ming, she felt an inexplicable sense of warmth. Perhaps it was because they both shared a passion for science fiction that created this connection, she thought. 0
 
"Mr. Luo," Li Xue asked, "your novels involve artificial intelligence. What are your thoughts on it?" 0
 
"I believe artificial intelligence is a remarkable invention," Luo Ming replied with a smile. "I am confident that one day in the future, AI will change our lives." 0
 
Li Xue gazed at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was surprised to find that his views were so similar to hers. 0
 
"I agree with you," she nodded. "Artificial intelligence will indeed transform our lives." 0
 
"Yes," Luo Ming said with a smile. "The role of AI in our work and daily lives is becoming increasingly significant." 0
 
The two of them engaged in a lively discussion while Zhang Lin listened in, occasionally chiming in. The meal lasted for over two hours before they finally finished. 0
 
After eating, Zhang Lin paid the bill, and the three of them walked out of the restaurant together. 0
 
"Editor Zhang," Luo Ming said as he looked at Zhang Lin, "I have some matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now. Goodbye." 0
 
"Goodbye," Zhang Lin smiled. 0
 
Luo Ming nodded at Li Xue and said, "Miss Li, goodbye." 0
 
"Goodbye," Li Xue waved back at him. 0
 
Once Luo Ming left, Zhang Lin turned to Li Xue and said with a smile, "So, what do you think? He's quite a nice person, isn't he?" 0
 
"Yes," Li Xue nodded. "His thoughts are very similar to mine." 0
 
 
"That's good," Zhang Lin said with a smile. "I was afraid that when you met him, you'd think he was arrogant." 0
 
"I won't," Li Xue shook her head. "I think he's quite humble." 0
 
"Then that's settled," Zhang Lin replied with a grin. 0
 
After parting ways, Li Xue drove back to school. Once she returned to her dormitory, she freshened up and climbed into bed. 0
 
Just as she lay down, a sudden realization struck her—she had forgotten something important. After thinking it over carefully, she finally remembered. She had forgotten to return Liu Wen's call. 0
 
That day, Liu Wen had called her more than ten times from five in the afternoon until ten at night, but she had been so engrossed in her novel that she hadn’t heard any of them. Later, when she recalled the missed calls, it was already too late. She didn’t want to contact Liu Wen anymore and decided to act as if she hadn’t seen his calls. After all, they had broken up; there was no need for further communication. 0
 
Li Xue turned off the light, closed her eyes, and gradually drifted into sleep. 0
 
--- 0
 
Meanwhile, on the other side, Liu Wen lay on a hospital bed, staring out at the pitch-black night sky with a heavy heart. He never expected Li Xue to be so heartless as to not even answer his calls. 0
 
Frustrated, he dialed Li Xue's number again. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before it finally connected. 0
 
"Hello," Li Xue's voice came through. 0
 
Hearing her voice made Liu Wen's heart ache painfully. He suppressed his inner turmoil and said softly, "Xiao Xue, why won't you answer my calls?" 0
 
"..." Li Xue paused for a few seconds before responding, "Liu Wen, we've broken up." 0
 
"..." Liu Wen clenched his fingers tightly. 0
 
"I don't want any more ties with you," Li Xue said flatly. "Please don't disturb me again." 0
 
"..." Listening to her words felt like a knife twisting in Liu Wen's heart. He took a deep breath to steady himself and replied calmly, "Xiao Xue, I know you're still angry with me. I'm willing to make it up to you." 0
 
"..." Li Xue couldn't help but laugh at his response. She hadn't expected Liu Wen to say that. 0
 
 
Who does he think he is? 0
Does he think that without him, she wouldn't be able to survive? 0
How ridiculous. 0
“Liu Wen,” Li Xue scoffed, “I don’t need your compensation.” 0
“…” Liu Wen felt a sharp pain in his heart at her words. 0
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 0
“Xue, I love you,” he said softly. 0
“…” Upon hearing this, a complex emotion stirred within Li Xue. 0
She had once fantasized that if Liu Wen ever said those words to her, she would be overjoyed. 0
But now, her heart was completely unmoved. 0
Perhaps it was because she no longer loved him. 0
Or maybe it was because she was no longer the Li Xue she used to be. 0
Regardless of the reason, she didn’t want to have any ties with Liu Wen anymore. 0
“Liu Wen,” Li Xue said calmly, “I no longer love you.” 0
“…” Liu Wen’s eyes flew open at her words. 0
He stared at the ceiling in disbelief. 0
What did she just say? 0
She no longer loved him? 0
How could that be? 0
They had once loved each other so deeply! 0
Liu Wen closed his eyes again, trying to calm his emotions. 0
No, he wouldn’t believe it! 0
He refused to believe that Li Xue could stop loving him! 0
He still had confidence in himself; as long as he kept trying, he would surely win her heart back again. 0
 
 
 
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