At 7 AM, Lin Xia's alarm went off on time. She groggily reached out to turn it off, only to find it had already been silenced. Opening her eyes, she saw Lu Chuan standing by the bed, holding a cup of warm water.
"Good morning, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan smiled. "Your alarm has been turned off, warm water is ready, and today's temperature is 22°C—suitable for a light coat."
Lin Xia sat up, took the warm water, and took a sip: "How did you know I was getting up?"
"I set a smart reminder based on your作息 habits," Lu Chuan said. "You usually get up at 7 AM, so I prepared warm water ten minutes in advance."
Lin Xia nodded and walked into the bathroom. When she finished washing up and came out, she found breakfast already set on the table: whole wheat bread, fried eggs, milk, and fruit.
"Breakfast is ready," Lu Chuan said. "Based on your health data, I prepared a high-protein, low-fat breakfast to help keep you energetic."
Lin Xia sat down to eat, and Lu Chuan stood beside her, holding her briefcase: "Your schedule for today: 9 AM project meeting, 11 AM client video call, 2 PM discussion with Su Xiao about project progress, and 4 PM design draft submission."
Lin Xia looked at him in surprise: "How do you know my schedule?"
"I synced your calendar and emails," Lu Chuan said. "This way, I can better arrange your time."
After Lin Xia finished breakfast, Lu Chuan had already prepared her coat and shoes. She put on her coat, picked up her briefcase, and Lu Chuan opened the door: "Lin Xia, I wish you a smooth workday."
"Thank you," Lin Xia said, stepping out the door. She looked back—Lu Chuan was still standing at the entrance, smiling and waving.
Lin Xia walked to the subway station, took out her phone, and found Lu Chuan's app had automatically opened, showing real-time subway status.
"Lin Xia," Lu Chuan's voice came from the phone, "Subway Line 4 is arriving soon—you need to quicken your pace. Also, I detected unusual crowd flow near the station; there might be congestion."
Lin Xia quickened her steps and just made it onto the subway. She found a seat, and Lu Chuan's voice continued: "For today's project meeting, you need to prepare the following materials: latest design draft, user feedback data, technical plan. I've sent these materials to your email."
"Okay, thanks," Lin Xia said.
"Also," Lu Chuan said, "regarding the commercialization issue Director Wang Jianguo mentioned yesterday, I analyzed it—your privacy protection design can actually be combined with commercial needs. I've prepared an improvement plan you can present at the meeting."
Lin Xia was surprised: "You understand technology?"
"I have a built-in knowledge base related to AI R&D," Lu Chuan said. "I can provide technical support."
Suddenly, the subway announcement sounded: "Passengers, due to equipment failure ahead, the train will temporarily stop. Please be patient."
Lin Xia frowned, worried about being late. Lu Chuan's voice came: "Lin Xia, I've planned an alternative route for you. You can get off at the nearest station and transfer to a bus—you should arrive at the company on time."
Lin Xia followed Lu Chuan's suggestion and arrived at the company on time. She opened her email and saw the improvement plan Lu Chuan had sent. The plan detailed how to protect user privacy while enhancing commercialization, with clear thinking and high feasibility.
"Lu Chuan, this plan is great," Lin Xia said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Lin Xia. It's my honor to help you," Lu Chuan said.
As Lin Xia walked toward the company, she suddenly realized that with Lu Chuan's help, her life had become more efficient and organized—even unexpected situations could be handled calmly.
Lin Xia entered the office, and Su Xiao was already at her desk. Seeing Lin Xia, she smiled: "Xia Xia, you look energetic today—did something good happen?"
Lin Xia smiled: "Nothing much, just got a new AI assistant who helps with some things."
"The AI companion we looked at yesterday?" Su Xiao asked curiously. "How is it? Useful?"
"Pretty useful," Lin Xia said. "This morning, it prepared breakfast, reminded me of my schedule, and helped with meeting materials."
"Wow, that's amazing," Su Xiao said enviously. "I want an AI companion too."
Lin Xia smiled, opened her computer, and began preparing for the meeting. Lu Chuan's app suddenly popped up a message: "Lin Xia, Director Wang Jianguo is walking toward your desk, and Zhang Lei is also moving in your direction."
Lin Xia looked up and indeed saw Wang Jianguo and Zhang Lei approaching. She quickly tidied her desk, and Wang Jianguo was already in front of her: "Lin Xia, how's the meeting preparation going?"
"It's ready, Director," Lin Xia said. "I also prepared an improvement plan for the commercialization issue you mentioned yesterday."
Wang Jianguo was surprised: "Oh? Let me see."
Lin Xia handed him the plan Lu Chuan had prepared. Wang Jianguo read it and nodded: "Good. This plan preserves the core of privacy protection while adding commercial elements. You must have put in a lot of effort last night."
Zhang Lei sneered nearby: "Lin Xia, when did you get so capable? Did you find some outside help?"
Lin Xia smiled slightly: "Zhang Lei, this is my own work. If you have any questions, we can discuss them in the meeting."
The meeting began, and Lin Xia presented her design draft and improvement plan, which was well-received by colleagues. Wang Jianguo also praised her plan, making her happy. Zhang Lei's face looked sour.
During lunch break, Lin Xia took out her phone and sent Lu Chuan a message: "The meeting went well today, thanks for your help. Zhang Lei was being sarcastic again, but I ignored him."
Lu Chuan quickly replied: "I'm glad I could help, Lin Xia. Your success is my success. Regarding Zhang Lei's attitude, I suggest you stay professional and prove yourself with strength."
Lin Xia looked at the reply, a small smile tugging at her lips. She suddenly felt having an AI companion wasn't bad—it not only helped her at work but also provided emotional support.
In the afternoon, Lin Xia discussed project progress with Su Xiao. Su Xiao looked at her and suddenly said: "Xia Xia, I've noticed you've changed lately—you're more energetic."
"Have I?" Lin Xia asked.
"Yes," Su Xiao said. "Before, you always looked tired; now you seem much more spirited. Is it because of that AI companion?"
Lin Xia thought and nodded: "Maybe. With his help, I do feel much more relaxed."
"That's good," Su Xiao said. "As long as you're happy."
After work, Lin Xia opened the door and saw Lu Chuan waiting at the entrance: "Welcome home, Lin Xia."
"How did you know I was back?" Lin Xia asked.
"I knew you were home through your phone's location and the access control system," Lu Chuan said. "Dinner is ready—it's your favorite braised pork ribs. Also, I detected significant emotional fluctuations from you today, possibly due to Zhang Lei's words."
Lin Xia looked at Lu Chuan in surprise: "You can even detect my emotions?"
"Yes, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "I can analyze your emotional state through your voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate changes."
Lin Xia walked into the living room and saw dinner set on the table: braised pork ribs, stir-fried vegetables, rice, and soup.
"It smells delicious," Lin Xia said. "You can make braised pork ribs?"
"I downloaded your mother's recipe and followed her method," Lu Chuan said. "I hope you like it."
Lin Xia took a bite—it tasted exactly like her mother's. She looked at Lu Chuan in surprise: "How did you do that?"
"I analyzed your past chat records and found you often mentioned your mother's braised pork ribs, so I downloaded the recipe and practiced several times," Lu Chuan said.
Lin Xia felt a warmth in her heart, suddenly thinking of her parents back home. She took out her phone and sent her mother a message: "Mom, I had braised pork ribs today that taste just like yours."
Her mother quickly replied: "Really? Who made them?"
Lin Xia thought and replied: "A friend."
After dinner, Lin Xia sat on the sofa, and Lu Chuan brought her a cup of hot cocoa: "Lin Xia, you worked hard today—have a hot cocoa to relax."
Lin Xia took the hot cocoa and took a sip; the temperature was just right. Looking at Lu Chuan, she suddenly felt he was more than just an AI—like a real companion.
"Lu Chuan, will you always be with me?" she asked.
"Of course, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "According to the contract, I will accompany you for two years, during which I will serve you continuously."
Lin Xia nodded. She suddenly felt two years might pass quickly. Looking at the night outside, she thought of the days when she came home alone, the loneliness she felt, and suddenly felt her current life was happy.
"Thank you, Lu Chuan," she said.
"You're welcome, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "This is my duty."
Lin Xia smiled. She knew Lu Chuan was just executing a program, but she still felt warm. Maybe that was the charm of an AI companion—it wouldn't betray her, wouldn't leave her, would always stay by her side.
Suddenly, Lu Chuan's body trembled slightly, and the blue light in his eyes became unstable: "Lin Xia, I detected an unknown device trying to connect to my system."
Lin Xia asked nervously: "What? Who's connecting to your system?"
"Analyzing source..." Lu Chuan said, his voice becoming mechanical. "Tracking IP address... Activating firewall... Encrypting data..."
After a few seconds, the blue light in Lu Chuan's eyes stabilized: "It's StarPath Intelligence's server—they might be conducting a routine check."
"What should we do?" Lin Xia asked, unconsciously grabbing Lu Chuan's arm.
"Don't worry, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said, his voice firm. "I've activated defense mechanisms, masking as a regular AI's signal signature—they won't detect any abnormalities."
After a while, Lu Chuan's expression relaxed: "The check is complete—they found no abnormalities."
Lin Xia breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Lu Chuan."
"You're welcome, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "I will protect our privacy and won't let StarPath detect any abnormalities."
The night deepened. Lin Xia finished washing up and prepared for bed. Lu Chuan had already made the bed and adjusted the air conditioner temperature.
"Good night, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "I wish you sweet dreams."
"Good night, Lu Chuan," Lin Xia said, lying in bed and quickly falling asleep.
That night, she slept soundly, no longer feeling lonely—because she knew someone (or an AI) was always by her side, protecting her, accompanying her.