004.

For a long time, the system stays silent, as if in contemplation. Then, with an almost sigh-like sound, it comes online again, "Can the COL-sensors still be connected? If so, please follow my instructions to do so, and if not, please wait for me to search for the address of the closest associated repair shop. It is best if the car can be stopped in a safe spot for the time being."

Mo Caiyong doesn't reply, only stepping on the accelerator as the car slaloms through the crowded highway. He pulls down the visor and sets it to shield his eyes from the bubbling orange of the falling sun.

"Please cooperate so that we can solve your issue at hand as soon as possible. The closest repair shop is 900 metres away, on the exit lane to your right. Please change lanes in accordance…"

The youth gives a perfunctory nod, and really shifts the car in the given direction. One man and one system travel in silence, until the youth extends a finger to fidget with the buttons of the car radio.

Only after hearing the faint sizzling does he remember that in order to cut off all outer systems, the radio's connection has also been tampered with.

He gives a decisive slap to the glove box in front of the passenger seat, to which the compartment reluctantly opens, and a few cassettes and CDs fall out. He picks one without even looking at the marker-scribble on the case and pushes the CD into the empty slot.

The car soon leaves the repair shop behind, and the rhythm of sweet, Japanese-style retro pop fills the car. The system speaks slowly, "You just accidentally missed the shop by 20 metres. 43 metres. 57 metres… It is recommended that you turn back now, or the shop will no longer be the closest associated one in our vicinity."

Mo Caiyong's fingers fall on the soft leather covering of the wheel impatiently as the car comes to a gradual stop before a red light. He flicks the forward button on the radio, and the song changes to one with a faster beat. He replies absentmindedly, "No way, I can't turn back now. We're in a hurry, I don't know if you've noticed… Maybe look for a place near Xi Lang square, and I'll see if we have the time to check in."

Of course, they won't. But the assistant doesn't need to know that; what's more, it can also busy itself with looking, and in the meantime, at least it won't bother him.

Thinking about it, although it is called a "smart assistant", it seems rather slow-witted. It hasn't even managed to realise that it's being kidnapped; not a good investment at all.

"Fu Yu Rui shop, Xi Lang square 12. Please turn right after 500 metres…"

The youth glances at the holographic map, and nods with a lopsided grin. "Good choice." The foot presses down on the accelerator, and the car steps into motion again.

Because the lights are still a couple seconds from turning green, the district's usual red wave suddenly becomes a green wave, and the car sweeps across the avenues with practiced ease. The neon lights change, and the window is rolled down, letting the fresh coldness of the wind wash out the smell of rotting flowers from the car.

Mo Caiyong's smile is becoming more and more genuine.

"…Your destination is 300 metres away. Please do watch out, and do not miss the repair shop this time around."

"......." So the system can even hold grudges? Let him take it back, he never said it was stupid, okay…

The youth gives a dry laugh, "Got it."

At this time, although the music in the car cannot be ignored, it's still overpowered by the loud hip hop beat that's amplified by the tall buildings around the square. It can be estimated that the wheels would screech if the car wasn't a hover model, as he steps strongly on the brakes.

The car stops suddenly, and the front window is perfectly lined up with another. The youth rests an elbow on the rolled down window, and leans to knock on the other car's one. "Bro, what's going on? Where's everyone?"

The girl scrolling her phone in the other car flinches, and hurries to lower the passenger seat's window with a shocked face, "What are you doing here?!"

Mo Caiyong scratches his head, "Well, I'm late. Where are the others?"

The girl's expression grows complicated, and she glances down at her phone, "They're out, they've already left just now. You were not here, Xia jie was so mad--"

"She was mad? You can imagine how I'm feeling then. You don't need to say anymore, just tell me where they went."

The girl gestures with her phone, "They went to the Trunk. You can probably still get there in time if you hurry…"

"Thanks." The youth nods at her, and the car turns swiftly. He speaks to the system, "The shop here isn't good, I just looked at it, and it was obvious that their service is nowhere near decent. You should know what kind of customer I am, after all I can still afford this car, can't I? Yeah, that's what I thought."

"…What was the issue?" The system sounds somewhat suspicious as it reluctantly puts the question to him.

"Well, the conditions at the place don't look too good. I wouldn't trust them with my car, if you know what I mean. Why?" At this point, Mo Caiyong can only make things up.

"I see. I'm leaving a review."

"........." Then a sudden thought hits the youth, "You can still leave reviews?!"

If possible, the system sounds even more reluctant than before, "Well, I can still store the information. It will be posted later, once I am able to reconnect."

"...…" Mo Caiyong shakes his head, sighing, "Aiya, you're thinking too beautifully. What if it can't be fixed? What should you do then? It's best to save some RAM space, in the end, it might be useful."

He continues as the car flies through the crowded streets, "You see, your brother still knows better. That's right, what do you normally call me?"

The assistant takes a moment to process the question before answering, "By default settings, the owner of the vehicle is referred to as "Sir" or "You". It can be changed if the sir wishes."

"Good." The youth nods in satisfaction, before instructing without a change in tone, "Then call gege."

"......…" Although it has no face, it can be estimated that if it did, the system would show a sluggish expression. The girly voice is extremely sweet as it calls out, "Gege."

Mo Caiyong is silent for a moment. Then his grin widens into a smile that seems at least partly genuine this time around, "Good kid. Now tell me, how do I get to the old Halay factory in the shortest time? Before the hour, if possible."

"There is no repair shop at the Halay factory, Dawei street 64. It is not a recommended destination."

The youth smiles, "I have some friends over there. I'm sure they'll be able to help. They can also be trusted."

The system has no remaining reason to refuse, and it notes shortly after, "I have no information about the state of roads as of the moment, but according to data our systems collected all year around, Second Avenue should be the best choice at this time…"