"Your marital relationship is very good, but please, Ms. Cen, bear with us for a moment. I will begin the formal questioning. Mr. Jiang needs to answer completely independently and with complete honesty," Zhu Lingyao said.
Cen Yemeng nodded vigorously, pursed her lips, and assumed a posture of absolute silence.
Zhu Lingyao took out two small black boxes from her pocket.
She opened one and produced a metal tube resembling a lipstick and a round chip the size of a coin.
"This attaches to your forehead, and this you hold in your hand," Zhu Lingyao said.
Jiang Ye cooperatively pressed the round chip onto his forehead. The chip had an adhesive, sticking to his skin like a sticker. He then grasped the metal tube in his right hand.
Four windows immediately appeared on the desktop, with various data points flickering.
Jiang Ye only understood the heartbeat displayed in the first window and the brain color shown in the second. He couldn't comprehend the latter two at all.
So, it was a lie detector.
This exam was truly rigorous.
"First, I will make a brief pre-exam statement." Zhu Lingyao's usually amiable expression vanished instantly, replaced by a stern demeanor.
"According to the Basic Ethical and Moral Laws of the Galactic Empire and the Regulations for Artificial Human Markets in the Galactic Empire, any entity with real power on a planet who wishes to contact, purchase, research, or utilize artificial humans must undergo this specialized examination."
"The examination will be conducted purely through interviews. The examiners will be certified Level 7 Examination Supervisors of the Galactic Empire, and authorization from the Galactic Empire's Human Social Ethics Organization is also required, along with identity verification at the examination site."
Zhu Lingyao clicked a few times on the screen.
Three electronic identification documents were displayed.
They were her Level 7 Examination Supervisor qualification certificate, the authorization permit, and the identity verification issued by Daughter Star.
All three documents had photos. The photos of Zhu Lingyao on the first two were very youthful, resembling a middle school student, suggesting she had taken them many years ago.
"Please, candidate, verify the examiner's qualifications. After verification is complete, please state: 'I have confirmed Zhu Lingyao as the examiner for this examination, and I voluntarily participate in this examination.'"
"I have confirmed Zhu Lingyao as the examiner for this examination, and I voluntarily participate in this examination."
As Jiang Ye spoke, his heart rate surged.
This exam was too formal!
Even the college entrance examination didn't have this kind of setup!
"Please, Mr. Jiang, listen carefully to my questions and answer them with caution," Zhu Lingyao said, looking directly at him.
Jiang Ye's palms were sweating.
A moment of silence ensued.
"Are you a bit nervous? Would you like a drink of water or something?" Zhu Lingyao suddenly smiled.
Jiang Ye was taken aback and smiled as well.
The tension dissipated considerably.
"Why have you come here?" Zhu Lingyao asked.
"Of course... to purchase some artificial humans."
"Do you believe that the word 'purchase' is disrespectful when applied to artificial humans?" Zhu Lingyao continued to ask.
A fine sheen of sweat immediately broke out on Jiang Ye's back.
This was a trap.
This question could be interpreted in many ways, and he didn't know its point value.
"Perhaps it carries a hint of disrespect, but the objective fact is that this place is an artificial human company, and all models of artificial humans are commodities. Commodities are naturally referred to with the word 'purchase.' This usage aligns with our accustomed context and carries no malicious intent or objectification," Jiang Ye replied after careful consideration.
"Some Buddhist and divine statues are also commodities, but buyers would not say they are 'buying' one to take home; rather, they would say they are 'inviting' one home," Zhu Lingyao pressed further. "How do you view this phenomenon?"
"Having respect does no harm," Jiang Ye said.
"Then why do you use the word 'purchase' for artificial humans?" Zhu Lingyao relentlessly pursued.
"We're back to the same point. It's simply a habit of speech," Jiang Ye thought for a moment. "Regarding the phrase you mentioned, 'inviting one home,' I don't have that concept. If my family needed a Buddha statue, I would also say I'm buying one to bring back."
"What is your purpose in purchasing artificial humans?"
"That's a long story."
"Our examination has no time limit."
"My troops are developing Bi Rong Star, competing with over three hundred and sixty other planetary powers. Whoever achieves the best development results will gain sovereignty over Bi Rong Star," Jiang Ye said. "I need some personnel to go to Bi Rong Star."
"Why not migrate people there instead of seeking artificial human products?"
"Migrating people isn't that simple," Jiang Ye chuckled. "I have to respect the will of the citizens of Jiang Ye Star. If they are unwilling to go, what can I do? I can't force them, or I'd be a bandit."
"Are you aware that fully biological artificial humans possess their own thoughts, minds, consciousness, cognition, and emotions, indistinguishable from ordinary humans?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but I imagine that's the case. Current technology can certainly replicate biological entities perfectly."
"You respect the will of your planet's citizens, so why would you forcibly send artificial humans to Bi Rong Star? Have you considered the feelings of the artificial humans? Have you thought about asking for their opinions?" Zhu Lingyao paused. "Or do you believe their wishes are entirely unnecessary to consider? Are you their master, capable of complete control over them?"
Jiang Ye's expression turned serious.
He had a general idea of the examination's direction.
"Please allow me to elaborate on this topic," Jiang Ye said.
"Certainly. Please speak freely."
"Ordinary people, when they are born, are endowed with certain things. For instance, parents, cities, nations, and eras. Did we choose these things ourselves? No, they are inherent. In the words of the ancients, it is fate, predestined."
"Some are born into fortunate circumstances, in wealthy families, with silver spoons in their mouths, while others are born into unfortunate times, during periods of war and famine, in poverty," Jiang Ye said. "Artificial humans are the same. Each artificial human has a different destiny, which is not something they can choose by their own will, but rather depends on customers like me. When I purchase a batch of artificial humans, I determine their destiny. Do you understand?"
"I understand," Zhu Lingyao nodded.
"The artificial humans I intend to purchase have their destiny set as going to Bi Rong Star. This is the homeland I have arranged for them," Jiang Ye said. "It's as simple as that."
"Why do you believe you can bestow their destiny upon them? What qualification do you possess to be their god of destiny?" Zhu Lingyao narrowed her eyes.
"Firstly, it is not I who bestow their destiny, but destiny that bestows their destiny," Jiang Ye said. "Secondly, if I do not purchase them, they would not be produced, and they would not live."
"So, you are their creator, and they should be grateful to you?"
"There is no 'should' or 'should not.' It is a matter of mutual need. If they are grateful to me, I will naturally be pleased. If they do not wish to be born and curse me, I will bear it," Jiang Ye said indifferently. "It is all karma."
"What kind of identity do you intend to bestow upon these artificial humans? The standard lifespan for a fully biological artificial human from Nidian Company is ninety years, or rather, how do you plan to arrange their lives during these ninety years?"