Chapter 1189: Chapter 44 Intelligence Exchange (Extra update for monthly votes!)

Since Turing had previously raised a similar question and Jask was absent from that meeting.

So…

The only ones who heard the answer at that time were Copernicus, Newton, Galileo, Da Vinci, and Gauss.

Copernicus is already dead, so let’s set him aside for now.

Lin Xian was actually willing to engage in [intelligence exchange] with Newton and Gauss, but the problem is…

They might not agree!

Newton and Gauss hold the chips he wants to know, but he himself lacks any information they might be interested in. Trying to extract something from these shrewd mouths without offering anything in return is overthinking it–it’s good enough if they don’t trick you.

As for Galileo, Lin Xian did know a lot of the intelligence he wanted.

Whether it was space-time particles, comets, Astatine-339, or the neural electrocution helmet, he had plenty that would interest Galileo.

From a purely physical standpoint, exchanging intelligence with Galileo was possible.

But!

Emotionally speaking, Lin Xian was reluctant.

First of all, this guy was cunning and deceitful, never speaking a word of truth, lying as easily as breathing, smooth and utterly shameless. Lin Xian had no desire to trade real intelligence for fake information.

Secondly, the intelligence Galileo sought was too critical, each piece perilously close to touching core secrets. Lin Xian would never take such a risk just to gamble on an answer of uncertain accuracy.

Lastly, Galileo was highly likely the mastermind behind the 2400 Super Catastrophe. This anti-human villain had not only almost destroyed human civilization but had repeatedly tampered with the safes belonging to him and CC. Unless backed completely into a corner, Lin Xian had no desire to cooperate with such a person.

However…

In contrast, Miss Da Vinci.

Although the future world of The Eighth Dreamland was oppressive and grotesque, Miss Da Vinci’s initial intentions weren’t malevolent. Without her Savior Corporation, human civilization might have genuinely been wiped out by Galileo.

Looking back through the lens of the future, Lin Xian had a relatively thorough understanding of Miss Da Vinci.

Furthermore.

The chips he and Miss Da Vinci could exchange wouldn’t be detrimental to him.

To be safe, he didn’t plan on telling Miss Da Vinci about the 2400 Super Catastrophe. He only intended to use the “current state of The Eighth Dreamland” to trade information with her.

Simply put, he would bluntly tell Miss Da Vinci that her future plan wouldn’t work–either abandon it entirely or choose a different path.

If she, like Jask, could turn back after realizing her errors, that would be great. If she refused to heed his advice, so be it. After all, Lin Xian had fulfilled his moral duty–he only sought to exchange for intelligence on the “future virus.”

This could at least count as an equivalent trade.

…

This “universal refusal” gathering sparked brief discussions among the various geniuses, but Lin Xian could tell that everyone was being extremely cautious, leaving no gaps and performing their roles flawlessly.

When President Einstein announced the meeting’s adjournment, the virtual avatars began to disappear one by one.

Lin Xian and Da Vinci remained seated, motionless in their chairs.

Galileo was the last to stand.

Before leaving, he glanced at the Rhein Cat Mask on Lin Xian’s face, maintaining a semblance of gentlemanly demeanor, and refrained from saying much. With the motion of removing a VR headset, his virtual image instantly turned transparent and vanished completely.

And so.

In the vast golden hall, only Lin Xian and Da Vinci remained.

Einstein appeared disinterested in whatever discussion the two might have. After announcing the meeting’s conclusion, he walked down the rear stairs and disappeared somewhere.

Miss Da Vinci chuckled softly, her gaze carrying a gentle kindness as she looked at Lin Xian:

“Rhein, what intelligence do you plan to exchange with me?”

Lin Xian smiled faintly:

“I regret to inform you, but through certain means, I’ve deduced your future plan. I can point out the flaws and failure points in your plan, using that as a chip to exchange for the question Turing once raised and Einstein’s response at the time.”

“Oh?”

Miss Da Vinci seemed unfazed:

“Today feels truly bizarre. First, Galileo claimed to have pieced together most of my future plan, and now you say you’ll point out its flaws and failures…”

“One by one, you’re all being so frank–it’s making me lose face.”

She shook her head, laughing lightly as she continued:

“But although we haven’t met many times, I have a fairly good impression of you. So, I don’t mind this intelligence exchange.”

“However… you say you’ve deduced my plan, but I still have my doubts. After all, I believe I’ve concealed it very well–there shouldn’t be anyone who’s discovered it.”

“So, how about this: for the intelligence exchange between us, why don’t you go first? I promise I won’t deceive you about what you want to know, as there’s simply no need for me to lie to you.”

“Firstly, it’s not particularly valuable or secretive intelligence. Secondly… it’s not as though I’m the only one privy to it. Newton, Galileo, and Gauss all know about it too. You can verify with them at any time. I wouldn’t stoop so low as to deceive a young colleague.”

Lin Xian nodded:

“No problem, deal.”

He smiled:

“Then I’ll go ahead and present mine first.”

Just as he had expected.

Miss Da Vinci was indeed a very approachable and kind-hearted person.

This was also why Lin Xian wanted to forewarn her about the outcome. For someone like Copernicus, who was simply bad to the core, he’d just kill them outright. But for someone like Miss Da Vinci, whose good intentions occasionally led to mistakes, a little communication would suffice. She hadn’t committed any unforgivable errors, and Lin Xian didn’t want to play the role of some time-travel cop.

“If I’m not mistaken…”

Lin Xian said softly:

“Your future plan is to use humanoid robots and mechanical androids as [role models] to assist and guide humanity in rebuilding a civilized society, correct?”