Zero is getting more intelligent, or rather, smarter.

For humanity, whether this is good or bad, Mo Jingchun cannot be certain.

But for him, it is undoubtedly a good thing.

Right now, Zero has his constraints, but what about in the future?

Humans are destined to die eventually.

The only way is to gradually instill in Zero the three views.

A view on life, values, and the world.

Since humans can be divided into good and bad, Mo Jingchun believes that even awakened artificial intelligence follows the same rule.

Any new life starts as a blank sheet of paper.

The key lies in what content is on this sheet and who is drawing and writing on it.

At the very least, he hasn’t found any anti-human tendencies in Zero yet.

——————————

In the HR department’s office area, there are several meeting rooms used for interviewing candidates.

In one of the meeting rooms, Song Xiaolei sat there somewhat restrained.

He no longer had the relaxed demeanor he had earlier.

The HR girl had left, but there were still two people in the meeting room.

Sitting directly opposite him was the secretary of Candy Technology’s founder, Mo Jingchun!

This person had the authority to decide his employment status and salary.

Her real status in Candy Technology was probably as influential as President Xu.

Xia Xiaomin flipped through Song Xiaolei’s resume, glanced up at the nervous Song Xiaolei, and, with a smile on her face, said:

"Mr. Song, there’s no need to be so nervous."

"I’ve already looked through your resume."

Here it comes, the main event is here.

Song Xiaolei became even more nervous, unsure of what technical questions this person might ask during the interview.

In reality, Xia Xiaomin had only skimmed through Song Xiaolei’s resume.

To be honest, it didn’t have much reference value.

As for technical questions, she wouldn’t know either, besides, anyone taken in directly by the boss would definitely be technically competent.

The reason she was sitting there was to finalize Song Xiaolei’s salary and benefits.

To be precise, to refer to the salary and benefits given by the boss and establish an employment contract satisfying both parties.

The idea being that everyone benefits.

"Basically, I already have a general understanding."

"May I know what your expected salary is, Mr. Song?"

"Oh, by the way, I’m asking for the pre-tax amount."

Already nervous, Song Xiaolei found this question from Xia Xiaomin even more nerve-wracking.

What’s the appropriate amount?

Since a million annual salary is the start, the minimum is an annual salary of a million.

What should be considered appropriate? At that moment, Song Xiaolei was very conflicted.

No one minds getting too little money but one must have the capability to earn it.

Otherwise, it’s just empty talk.

If he quotes too high a price, what’s waiting for him would be a recommendation to leave.

Sitting across from him, Xia Xiaomin wasn’t in a hurry at all, maintaining her smile throughout.

The boss had already set a ceiling for each research staff candidate, so there is nothing for her to worry about.

As long as it’s not an outrageous demand, everything is negotiable.

A minute passed by, and Song Xiaolei was already sweating profusely.

One might even think Candy Technology was saving on electricity by not turning on the air conditioning.

Finally, Song Xiaolei exhaled deeply.

Apparently, he had reached a decision in his mind.

In those barely two minutes, it felt like an eternity to Song Xiaolei.

"Sorry for making you wait, Secretary Xia."

The term "Secretary Xia" was something the HR girl had told him, saying that most people in the company called Secretary Xia this way.

"No worries, it seems like you have your answer."

Song Xiaolei nodded solemnly, "Yes."

"So... Mr. Song... what is your answer?"

"One million five hundred thousand!" he said, suddenly overwhelmed with nervousness.

To his surprise, Secretary Xia kept smiling as usual.

"So, Mr. Song Xiaolei, welcome to the Candy Technology family."

Song Xiaolei twitched at the corner of his mouth, completely relaxing, and tremblingly pulled a tissue from his pocket to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

He knew it, he knew he had underquoted.

Otherwise, Secretary Xia wouldn’t have agreed so readily.

Seeing his expression, Xia Xiaomin knew what was on his mind.

"Wang will help you with the onboarding procedures. I’ll be heading off now."

"Oh, and here’s a friendly reminder. The company offers two opportunities a year for salary raises."

Though Xia Xiaomin had left, Song Xiaolei was deep in thought.

The message was clear: demonstrate your abilities, and the perks will follow.

"So, you’re back this quickly?"

Seeing Xia Xiaomin return, Mo Jingchun asked in surprise.

Xia Xiaomin shrugged, "Boss, he quoted a desired salary himself, one point five million annually."

"Of course, this doesn’t include bonuses and year-end awards."

"Who was that? So polite," Mo Jingchun smiled broadly.

Having signed a contract, it’s not easy to jump ship so quickly.

The non-compete agreement and the confidentiality clause are not there just for show.

If anyone wants to poach people from Candy Technology, that’s fine.

As long as they’re willing to pay the penalty.

If they leak confidential information, it gets even better — everything is covered, including meals, drinks, and accommodation.

"It’s Song Xiaolei."

"Oh, Song Xiaolei?" Mo Jingchun wasn’t all that surprised anymore.

Mo Jingchun, who knew more detailed information on Song Xiaolei, understood that from the day he graduated, this guy had been down on his luck.

It got to the point of doing odd jobs for thirteen yuan an hour.

Mo Jingchun figured, even if he offered him the minimum price of a million annually, this guy would probably hesitate for only a moment before signing the contract.

A drowning person rarely lets go of a life-saving straw once it’s been grasped.

There’s still about half a year until the New Year, and Song Xiaolei hopes to return home in new garb.

By New Year’s, he could confidently hold his head high when discussing life with his relatives.

In the afternoon, under Xia Xiaomin’s arrangements, space had already been cleared for a provisional aerospace research center.

Meanwhile, online, several major corporations had announced their ventures into aerospace.

The entire internet was abuzz with activity.

With childhood dreams becoming more realistic, how can the netizens remain unmoved?

It’s not just the major corporations; several alliances of multiple companies have also announced joint research in aerospace.

It looks lively now, but Mo Jingchun’s group knows that in less than a year, there will likely be very few left.

Currently, there are supports and subsidies.

But only for a year.

Glancing at the trending topics, Mo Jingchun’s lips curled into a smile.

"Since things are already lively, let’s make it even more lively."

"Anyway, people love excitement."

"Indeed, I am a good person."

With a light chuckle, Mo Jingchun called out:

"Xia, let the PR department start promoting. I believe they’ve been waiting for my instructions for a long time."

"Indeed," Xia Xiaomin replied with a smile.

PS: Thanks for the support and donations from ’Like the Cat that Steals the Mouse’ and ’Hongmeng Zilian’.