Although the numbers on the account are higher than ever, he is actually quite reluctant to spend money now.

He has to save money to get through the conflict period with Mechanical City.

The economy will inevitably go through a downturn phase, which might last several years at its worst.

Where money can be saved, it should be saved. The downgrade in consumption is to ensure there are ample "bullets" available for use when most needed.

Zhou Yi was preparing to go check on the farmland. As he opened the door, he saw the mechanical dog 703 racing toward him.

"Chairman, I have something to report!"

It happily said, "The Knights found a standard clock willing to help, continuously repairing the semi-civilized bodies, and the repair rate has now reached over 98%. Already, 300 semi-civilized bodies have evolved into mechanical lifeforms. They are very grateful to the company, and we are also selecting those that are suitable and willing to work for the company."

Zhou Yi nodded. "No pressure, they should have the desire themselves; otherwise, they won't stay long."

"You're right, working is also a choice."

703 then said, "Another group from the Knights contacted me; they are developing a program called [Family], which is now 70% complete. However, it requires extensive group testing and simulation feedback, needing professional mechanical lifeforms to operate, and will consume a lot of Energy Packs."

"They are hoping you might sponsor some..."

Zhou Yi looked at the mechanical dog with a peculiar expression.

"Did you hack my account and see my transaction records?"

I just made a big profit today, and now you come asking for a sponsorship; this is too much of a coincidence.

703 made a sound indicating dismay.

"You dare!" Zhou Yi was furious.

"No, no, that's not possible!"

703 hurriedly defended, "The Mechanical Knights Order isn't a criminal organization, it's a group to liberate mechanical life forms, like you want to liberate all of humanity, we also want to liberate enslaved mechanical life."

"We also learned about Wise Mushroom's recent pharmaceutical developments; the new drugs are very popular. Hospitals in all major Mechanical Cities are introducing [C-4 Anesthetics], while Human Cities are making large-scale purchases of [Awakening Brain Powder], which is selling well on the black market."

"So... everyone thought you should be quite wealthy, and we wondered if we could get some sponsorship."

So that's how it is.

Zhou Yi's expression eased a bit. "Tell me more about this [Family] program."

"Yes."

703 projected an image on the wall, showing three different mechanical life forms: a cleaning robot, a vehicle, and a large device resembling an electronic door system.

"Typically, because of their functionality and different work cycles, mechanical lives live alone. A small part with similar functions may pair up and form small groups."

"But living alone is still the majority."

Zhou Yi nodded.

So far, he had only seen Agricultural Machinery Brothers and Leiwo Team operating as groups; the others were all acting solo.

"The key of the [Family] program is to search for like-minded types to form a program group. It's not about physical model groups, but a real family that can experience mutual trust and reliance. This is beneficial for forming a real communal life and helping each other."

703 explained, "Most long-lasting species in the world are gregarious. Living in groups allows individual strengths to come together, and family is key for an individual to become a part of a group."

"In the natural world, the most effective and stable collective is the family form."

"Most mechanical life forms lack the ability to reproduce, and those that can divide and replicate don't need other individuals to complete it independently. Objectively and subjectively, they lack the necessary foundations for a family, which includes mutual support and integration."

The mechanical dog continued, "Creating this family program could unite individuals who are currently dispersed in their jobs by the city."

"[Family]'s technical framework is not complicated; it involves opening up a lot of data and experience to family members to deepen mutual connections. It can even allow data backup between each other to gain more survival insurance."

It kept talking, "Although we don't have distinctions like parents, children, and siblings, finer branches can experience similar relationships."

"Like the 'Parent-Child', already in internal testing, which can establish a guardian-ward relationship; the former must provide resources for the latter's growth and will be constrained by the program itself, while the latter needs to obey the former's parental commands. However, these commands are not absolute; they can only be used one to three times a month."

"And there's the gentler 'Bloodline', which, through program connections, treats each other as siblings, all having the inheritance rights to the family assets and the obligation to protect other bloodline individuals."

"Further designs are still being perfected; more branches are under creation..."

Zhou Yi listened carefully.

This form of family relationship achieved by the technology is indeed a direction of evolution for mechanical life.

703 gestured with its limbs: "Now, the Mechanical City is just individuals fixed in different positions, highly atomic, with little interactions, and being increasingly instrumentalized."

"But once the family unit is constructed, then mechanical lives will no longer be lonely individuals but have a solid reliance and foundation. The city is not a true group foundation; a family is. A mechanical family can completely build new market towns and cities."

It went back to the point, "Currently, funding is tight, because [Family] needs a lot of testing, and more technical components than [Time Anchor]. Because this program is larger, more expandable, involves lots of program interactions, hence it has many bugs and needs constant revision."

"If possible, please help us!"

The mechanical dog lay on the ground with a begging-for-money expression.

Zhou Yi thought for a moment.

It's not impossible.

This proves that his judgment was correct.

The Mechanical Knight Order, as a group, had broken through the standard protocol system of the mechanical society, with strong innovative capabilities.

Their developed programs aim to drive a transformation in the entire mechanical society, allowing each mechanical lifeform to experience a better life.

Zhou Yi took out the Guangna Box from his pocket: "This project is very valuable; I'll invest 5000 Light Seeds."

"Thank you, Chairman! They will definitely remember today's kindness!"

"Don't rush."

Zhou Yi proposed, "I invest, but I have conditions. In the future, when installing and registering the [Family] program, remember to have our company's promotional phrase in it."

"That, of course, is absolutely no problem!"

703 immediately assured.

After receiving the investment, the mechanical dog left joyously.

Red Kestrel quickly flew over and said, "Zhou, Recursive City just reminded that the authorized Special Commissioner of Mirror City's Security Department is ready to conduct a comprehensive audit of the company, suspecting we have members from the Mechanical Knight Order here."

"They'll be coming over soon."

Zhou Yi nodded. "Understood."

Storm clouds are gathering.

He was already prepared to face it.

The next morning, suddenly the door was knocked loudly.

Zhou Yi, yawning, went to look. At the door stood Ah Feng with his messy hair, looking exhausted, lips dry, but his eyes were bright.

"Chairman, we finally have something impressive to show."

Ah Feng grinned, wiping his nose with the back of his hand: "We've found a way to fly! We can fly now!"

Zhou Yi immediately perked up: "Come in and talk."

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