The Girl Who Restarted Time

Lu Jia’er did not know how much time had passed before she woke up. She opened her eyes in a daze and realized that she was on a testbed. All she could see were the four white walls, some lab equipment and a row of glaring lights that hung down from the ceiling.

Where was she? Was this Jin Xianglan’s lab? Or, was this somewhere else? Before she passed out, Ian was taken away. Where was he now? Moreover… Where is Ace now?

There were so many questions she needed to find answers for. Lu Jia’er began to move about and struggle. However, she felt an aching pain around her abdomen as she moved. It was from when Jin Xianglan struck her abdomen with a stun rod.

The struggle didn’t offer any help because Lu Jia’er’s hands and feet were tied to the testbed, thus eliminating any possibility of her escaping.

Because of her struggle, her wrist skin was turning red due to the chafing. She could feel that it was painful. Yet, the pain did not bother her at all. She continued to struggle and wiggle in an attempt to free herself. Nevertheless, nothing she did helped.

Suddenly, she heard someone saying, “Don’t waste your breath.”

Lu Jia’er wanted to find the source of this voice out of instinct. But all she could see around her were the four white walls. However, at this moment, the wall that her feet were pointed towards showed some change. A glass wall appeared. On the other side of the wall stood two familiar people—Mr. Jin and his daughter.

It was Jin Xianglan that had said those words. Jin Shengping was just staring at her calmly.

Lu Jia’er looked at them. To be honest, she was filled with mixed feelings now.

Jin Shengping turned around slowly. He walked to the door and opened the door to the lab. He walked slowly to Lu Jia’er’s side using his crutch.

When the crutch touched the ground, it made a crisp and clear sound. Lu Jia’er kept her gaze on him. This old man who walked towards her was still the same familiar person, Jin Shengping, a scientist admired by countless people.

Jin Shengping came to Lu Jia’er. “Are you doing okay?”

Lu Jia’er did not respond directly to his words of concern. She asked a question instead, “Was it you that created me?”

Jin Shengping did not seem to be surprised by the question at all. “What if I deny it?”

“Actions speak louder than words!” Lu Jia’er said.

“Then what were the actions?” Jin Shengping asked.

“When you found out my identity, you were too calm.” Lu Jia’er pointed it out.

Jin Shengping laughed. “That is not enough to support your argument!”

“Yes, that wouldn’t be enough. However, there are too many causes for suspicion.” Lu Jia’er went on.

“Do tell!” Jin Shengping looked at her with a smile.

“First of all, it is about your inner voice. You leveraged signal isolation and showed me what you wanted me to hear and isolated what you didn’t want me to hear. When I first met you in China, I thought it was because a scientist like you probably had become immune to the unusual and your mind was settled as still water. However, during this visit to the States, I consistently had the feeling that something was off. The second point is a hypnosis. Yesterday, when I was chatting with you, I tried to hypnotize you and Professor Jin Xianglan but it did not work. At that moment, I found another missing piece to the theory I had, the coordinate provided by Ian had led us to your house. In the beginning, I failed to notice the correlation but now, I understand it. Also, Ace did not find any people suspicious in his investigation on the researchers studying the combination of AI and humans. But he had ignored someone important—you! I read the papers you published. You have always been interested in the development of AI and your son’s company is a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence!”

After Lu Jia’er finished her piece, Jin Shengping smiled. “You are smart indeed!”

“No, I am not smart enough.” Lu Jia’er did not agree with his comment on her.

Jin Shengping cut her off. “Don’t depreciate yourself.”

Lu Jia’er looked at him. “So, can I assume that I am your greatest work?”

“For now, yes.” Jin Shengping gave an honest reply.

Lu Jia’er asked another question. “Then what about Ace?”