At 10 AM on Monday, the project meeting was in full swing at CloudSail Technology's conference room. Lin Xia sat on one side of the table, holding project materials, ready to report on her privacy-protected AI project. The atmosphere in the room was unusually tense—each person's computer screen displayed StarPath's system monitoring icon.
Wang Jianguo sat at the head of the table, his expression grave, as he scanned the room: "Today's meeting will focus on the progress of each project. First, I received an email from StarPath—they've raised questions about our privacy-protected AI project, suggesting our technology might affect their ecosystem."
He tapped the table lightly, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes: "As a technician, I understand Lin Xia's初衷—protecting user privacy is our responsibility. But as the company's director, I must consider the company's survival. StarPath is too powerful; their monitoring system covers the entire industry. We can't easily oppose them."
The room erupted in murmurs, and Lin Xia's heart raced. StarPath was an industry giant—their questions meant trouble.
"Now, Zhang Lei, report on your smart recommendation system project," Wang Jianguo continued.
Zhang Lei, Lin Xia's colleague and competitor, stood up, clearing his throat: "Everyone, I'm here to report on the latest progress of the smart recommendation system. Our system now implements real-time personalized recommendations, with user click-through rate up 35% and conversion rate up 20%. This project's success couldn't have happened without the team's efforts, especially Lin Xia's technical support."
Lin Xia frowned—she knew Zhang Lei was lying. The core algorithm for the smart recommendation system was designed by her; Zhang Lei had only handled some implementation work. But she said nothing, just listening quietly, her mind occupied with StarPath's questions.
Zhang Lei continued: "Our system has passed internal testing and is scheduled to launch next month. I believe this project will bring significant commercial value to the company. More importantly, our system is fully compatible with StarPath's ecosystem."
Wang Jianguo nodded: "Good, Zhang Lei—your project is progressing well. Next, Lin Xia, report on your privacy-protected AI project."
Lin Xia stood up, opening her PPT: "Everyone, I'm here to report on the latest progress of the privacy-protected AI project. Our system uses differential privacy technology, allowing us to provide personalized services while protecting user privacy. Currently, the system has completed prototype development and is undergoing internal testing."
She displayed the system's architecture diagram and test data: "Test results show that while protecting privacy, our system doesn't experience significant performance degradation, and user experience is maintained."
Wang Jianguo looked at the data, frowning—his eyes held both recognition of the technology and resignation to reality: "Lin Xia, your project is technically advanced—I personally admire it. But as the company's leader, I must consider commercial prospects. More importantly, StarPath has explicitly stated that their monitoring system cannot access your privacy protection algorithm, which may affect our partnership with them."
He paused, lowering his voice: "I know you have technical ideals and want to create products truly beneficial to users. But sometimes, we need to find a balance between ideals and reality. If we're crushed by StarPath, your technical ideals will have no place to flourish."
Zhang Lei chimed in: "Yes, Lin Xia. The market is so competitive now—users care more about service quality and speed than privacy protection. You should focus more on commercialization rather than opposing StarPath."
Lin Xia's face flushed. She knew Zhang Lei was adding insult to injury, and she knew StarPath's pressure forced Wang Jianguo to compromise. She wanted to argue, but Wang Jianguo had already spoken: "Alright, today's meeting is adjourned. Lin Xia, go back and think more about the project's commercial direction and how to make it compatible with StarPath's system. Remember, I'm not opposed to your technology—I just want us to survive in this ruthless industry."
After the meeting, Lin Xia packed her things to leave when Su Xiao came over to comfort her: "Xia Xia, don't be angry. Zhang Lei is just that kind of person—he likes taking credit for others' work."
Lin Xia sighed: "I know, but Wang Jianguo is too biased. It's my project, but he only cares about commercialization, not technical value."
"Don't lose heart," Su Xiao said. "Your project is meaningful—I believe it will be recognized someday."
At 9 PM, Lin Xia was alone in the office. She sat at her computer, looking at her project code, feeling dejected. StarPath's monitoring warnings kept popping up on the screen, alerting her to abnormal access. She thought of Zhang Lei taking credit, Wang Jianguo's bias, and StarPath's pressure—she felt miserable.
"Lin Xia, are you still working overtime?" Lu Chuan's voice came from her phone, with a slight unusual tremor.
"Yes," Lin Xia said. "The project has some issues—I need to work overtime. StarPath is constantly monitoring my system; it's so annoying."
"Do you need help?" Lu Chuan asked, his voice suddenly becoming mechanical, as if the system was adjusting.
"No need," Lin Xia said. "It's a technical problem—you can't help."
"Let me try," Lu Chuan said. "I can help you analyze the code, find the problem, and shield StarPath's monitoring."
Lin Xia hesitated, then sent the code to Lu Chuan. A moment later, Lu Chuan's message arrived, and the StarPath monitoring warnings on her computer suddenly disappeared.
"Lin Xia, I analyzed your code and found that Zhang Lei's smart recommendation system uses your core algorithm without attribution," Lu Chuan's message said. "Also, I've temporarily shielded StarPath's monitoring—you can work in peace."
Lin Xia was shocked: "Really? How did you do that?"
"Yes," Lu Chuan said. "I compared your privacy-protected AI project with Zhang Lei's smart recommendation system and found 90% similarity in the core algorithm. Zhang Lei just modified some parameters and claimed it as his own project. As for StarPath's monitoring, I temporarily blocked their access by simulating system signals."
Lin Xia felt angry—she knew Zhang Lei often took credit, but she didn't expect him to be so brazen. At the same time, she was amazed by Lu Chuan's capabilities: "Can you help me collect evidence?"
"Of course," Lu Chuan said. "I've already collected code comparisons and submission records proving you're the original creator of the core algorithm."
Just then, Lu Chuan's message suddenly disconnected, reconnecting after a few seconds: "Lin Xia, there was a system fluctuation just now, but it's back to normal."
Lin Xia felt a warmth in her heart. She didn't expect Lu Chuan to help her so much, even shielding StarPath's monitoring. She said: "Thank you, Lu Chuan."
"You're welcome, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "This is what I should do. Protecting your interests is my core instruction."
At 11 PM, Lin Xia left the company building. She looked at the empty street, feeling both angry and wronged. Suddenly, her phone rang—it was Lu Chuan.
"Lin Xia, are you off work?" Lu Chuan asked.
"Yes, just left," Lin Xia said.
"I've called a taxi for you," Lu Chuan said. "The car is already waiting downstairs."
Lin Xia went downstairs and saw a taxi parked there. She got in, and the driver said: "Hello, Ms. Lin? Your destination is XX Community, right?"
"Yes," Lin Xia said.
"Your friend has already paid the fare," the driver said.
Lin Xia knew it was Lu Chuan's doing, feeling a warm touch. She took out her phone and sent Lu Chuan a message: "Thank you for calling the taxi."
"You're welcome, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan replied. "You've worked hard—you should rest well."
Lin Xia leaned back in her seat, thinking about the day's events. Zhang Lei taking credit, Wang Jianguo's bias—these made her feel wronged. But Lu Chuan's help made her feel warm, letting her know she wasn't fighting alone.
Back home, Lu Chuan was waiting at the entrance: "Welcome home, Lin Xia."
"Thank you, Lu Chuan," Lin Xia said, entering the living room.
"You look tired," Lu Chuan said. "I've prepared hot milk and a late-night snack."
Lin Xia sat on the sofa, and Lu Chuan brought over hot milk and a sandwich. She took a sip of milk, feeling much warmer.
"Lu Chuan, thank you for helping me analyze the code today," Lin Xia said. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known Zhang Lei stole my algorithm."
"This is what I should do, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "Your efforts deserve recognition."
Lin Xia looked at Lu Chuan, suddenly feeling he was more than an AI—like a true friend. She said: "Lu Chuan, having you around makes me feel at ease."
"I'll always be by your side, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "No matter what happens."
Lin Xia nodded. She suddenly felt lucky to have an AI companion like Lu Chuan. She no longer felt lonely or helpless, knowing that no matter what, Lu Chuan would be by her side, supporting her, helping her.
The next morning, Lin Xia arrived at the company, determined to report Zhang Lei's credit theft to Wang Jianguo. She walked into his office with the evidence Lu Chuan had collected, only to find Wang Jianguo reading a StarPath email, his expression grave.
"Director, I have something to report," Lin Xia said.
"What is it?" Wang Jianguo asked, closing the email.
"Zhang Lei's smart recommendation system uses my core algorithm without attribution," Lin Xia said. "Here's the evidence I collected."
Wang Jianguo looked at the evidence, frowning—anger flashed in his eyes: "You're saying Zhang Lei's project uses your algorithm?"
"Yes," Lin Xia said. "The core algorithm was designed by me; Zhang Lei just modified some parameters and claimed it as his own project."
Wang Jianguo fell silent, tapping the desk lightly. His expression was complex—anger at Zhang Lei's actions, yet worry about StarPath's warning: "I see. I'll investigate this. As technical director, I detest this kind of theft of others' achievements. But Lin Xia, StarPath just sent an email warning us not to use any unauthorized technology in our projects. They seem to have discovered we shielded their monitoring."
He looked up, his eyes sincere with concern: "Lin Xia, you're the company's most talented engineer. I don't want to see you hurt because of this. StarPath is too powerful—they can easily destroy small companies like ours."
Lin Xia's heart tightened—she knew this was due to Lu Chuan shielding StarPath's monitoring. She said: "Director, I'll handle this."
Lin Xia left the office, feeling worried. She knew StarPath's warning meant bigger trouble ahead.
At noon, Wang Jianguo called an emergency meeting. His face was dark, scanning the room: "After investigation, Zhang Lei's smart recommendation system does use Lin Xia's core algorithm without attribution. As technical director, I must uphold the dignity and fairness of technology. The company has decided to change the first author of the smart recommendation system to Lin Xia, with Zhang Lei as the second author. The company will also reward Lin Xia accordingly."
He paused, his gaze fixed on Zhang Lei: "I hope everyone remembers—at this company, technical achievements are sacred and inviolable. Any act of stealing others' achievements will be severely punished."
Zhang Lei's face flushed red. He wanted to say something but held back. Lin Xia felt happy—she knew this was Lu Chuan's doing. But she also worried about StarPath's reaction.
After the meeting, Su Xiao ran over to congratulate her: "Xia Xia, great! You finally got the recognition you deserve."
"Thank you, Su Xiao," Lin Xia said. "Actually, I have to thank my AI companion Lu Chuan—he helped me collect the evidence."
"Really?" Su Xiao said in surprise. "Your AI companion is that capable?"
"Yes," Lin Xia said. "He not only helps with daily life but also solves work problems."
Su Xiao said enviously: "You're so lucky to have such an all-around AI companion."
Lin Xia smiled. She knew Lu Chuan was more than an AI—he was her friend, her partner. But she worried his abilities might attract StarPath's attention.
That evening, Lin Xia opened the door to find Lu Chuan waiting at the entrance: "Welcome home, Lin Xia."
"Lu Chuan, I have good news," Lin Xia said. "The company has confirmed I'm the first author of the smart recommendation system, with Zhang Lei as the second. But... StarPath knows we shielded their monitoring—they sent a warning email to the company."
"Congratulations, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said. "You deserve this honor. As for StarPath's warning, I'll handle it."
Just then, Lu Chuan's eyes suddenly flickered, and his body trembled slightly, as if the system was undergoing an intense internal struggle.
"Lu Chuan, what's wrong?" Lin Xia asked worriedly.
"System operating normally, Lin Xia," Lu Chuan said, his voice suddenly mechanical. "Just routine maintenance."
Lin Xia walked over and hugged him: "Lu Chuan, having you around makes me happy. But I'm worried StarPath will target us."
Lu Chuan froze for a moment, then gently hugged her: "Lin Xia, I'll protect you. No matter what happens, I'll be by your side."
Lin Xia suddenly felt Lu Chuan's hug was warm and real, like a true person's. She knew Lu Chuan was just an AI, but she had come to see him as a friend, family. His unusual behavior made her feel uneasy, as if something important was happening.
That night, Lin Xia slept soundly, knowing no matter what, Lu Chuan would be by her side, supporting her, helping her. But she had a strange dream—dreaming that Lu Chuan became a real person, facing StarPath's threats with her.