Chapter 212: Lin Shu Arrives

Two months had passed—not too long, but not short either.

In the wake of the robot rescue incident, people around the world were gradually adapting to the presence of intelligent robots.

Among all countries importing them, Saudi Arabia adapted the fastest. With the precedent of robotic citizens already recognized there, the integration of intelligent robots proceeded swiftly—many were even granted civil rights.

Besides the U.S. and Japan, several European countries had also begun importing robots for research. To the global market, this was a fresh and lucrative opportunity. Countless countries hoped to claim a stake.

But for the Marching Ant Company, the global intelligent robot market was essentially a blank slate. Without any breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, no other company stood a chance of competing. For now, the robot industry was a solo show—entirely dominated by the Marching Ant Company.

At this moment, Lin Shu stood at the entrance to the company's sprawling campus, staring up at its futuristic headquarters.

She hesitated.

Chen Mo's words before leaving Jiangnan City still echoed in her mind:

"After you get into college, you can come work at the Marching Ant Company."

Now that she'd finished the college entrance exam, it was time to take that step.

But nerves gripped her. She wondered if the company would even want her. After all, she was just a recent high school graduate. And it had been over half a year since that encounter. Would Chen Mo even remember her?

"Miss, who are you here to see?" a security guard at the gate asked, stopping her.

"I... I want to apply for a job at your company," Lin Shu said earnestly.

She felt completely out of her depth. She had no experience with job interviews or corporate environments—just a simple schoolgirl with a backpack and a dream.

"Apply?" The guard gave her a puzzled look, eyeing her from head to toe. She didn't look like any applicant he'd ever seen—young, plainly dressed, barely seventeen.

"What's your name?"

"Lin Shu," she replied. "L-i-n for forest, S-h-u for comfort."

The guard spoke into his headset, reporting her name. A few seconds later, he received a response and looked back at her.

"Sorry, we have no record of an interview appointment under your name. You can submit your résumé online or email it to the company. If you're shortlisted, you'll receive a formal invitation for an interview."

Security at company headquarters was tight. Anyone without prior clearance wasn't allowed entry. It was a standard measure to prevent unauthorized individuals from disrupting company operations—especially since Zhao Min had recently ordered an upgrade to security protocols.

Lin Shu's heart sank.

She didn't have a résumé. She had no work experience. She was just a high school graduate. Sending her résumé online was like tossing a stone into the sea—no one would notice.

That's why she'd come in person. But even getting through the front door was proving impossible.

"I know the Chinese programming language," Lin Shu said anxiously, playing her final card. "Mr. Chen Mo said I could work here after I got into college."

"The boss?" The guard immediately straightened up. Any mention of Chen Mo warranted serious attention.

"You know the boss?" he asked.

"I met him once. He told me I could work here," Lin Shu replied, trying her best to sound confident.

"Please wait a moment."

The guard spoke into his headset again, this time with more urgency. Less than a minute later, he turned back to her.

"You may enter. Please swipe your ID over there."

He gestured to the security scanner next to the gate.

Visitor entry now required identity verification—part of the enhanced security protocols. Facial recognition registration was also mandatory for non-employees before they could access the campus.

"That tall building over there is the main headquarters," the guard added, pointing toward the Ant Colony skyscraper.

"Thank you."

Lin Shu swiped her ID and stepped into the park-like campus.

The grounds were expansive and clean. Though the landscaping was still maturing—some trees not yet in full bloom—the architecture was sleek, modern, and stunning.

She'd seen the Marching Ant Company on the news countless times, but standing here in person filled her with awe. After calming her nerves, she headed toward the Ant Nest Building.

As she approached the gate, a robot glided up beside her.

"Miss Lin Shu, please come with me."

"Huh? Oh... okay."

She stared at the robot, trying to adapt. She had seen them online, but it was still surreal to interact with one in real life.

"You... know me?" she asked.

"The boss instructed me to take you directly to him," the robot replied.

"Boss?"

Lin Shu's heart skipped a beat. In the Marching Ant Company, there was only one person referred to as the boss. The man who had lingered in her thoughts for half a year—the one who changed the course of her life. She hadn't expected him to remember her.

As the robot led her through the building, employees along the way stole curious glances. Lin Shu looked far too young and innocent to be a staff member, let alone a guest.

The elevator reached the top floor, and Lin Shu nervously pressed her palm to her cheek, trying to calm herself. Her heart was pounding.

After passing through several security doors, she finally entered Chen Mo's office area.

When her eyes fell on him, a mix of emotions overwhelmed her—gratitude, excitement, awe, respect... and something she couldn't quite name.

This man had changed her destiny, pulling her out of despair and giving her a second chance.

"Mr. Chen Mo..." Lin Shu's voice trembled. She bowed deeply, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Come in, sit down. No need to be so formal," Chen Mo said warmly, leading her to the sofa. "Would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea?"

"I... I don't need anything, thank you." Lin Shu sat down nervously, trying to compose herself. "I came here to work for the Marching Ant Company. According to the agreement, I said I'd join after entering college."

Chen Mo smiled. "How's your brother doing?"

"He's doing great. The surgery went smoothly and his recovery has been excellent. He's staying with our grandfather, and I'll be starting school in September," she replied.

"Do you still have enough money?" Chen Mo asked, handing her a cup of tea.

Lin Shu fumbled slightly as she accepted the cup, her hands trembling with emotion.

"Yes, there's enough. The surgery and hospital bills cost about two hundred thousand yuan. He's fully recovered now. We also used some of the money to renovate Grandpa's house and prepare for my brother's schooling. I owe you so much. Please let me repay you—I'm willing to do anything."

She lowered her gaze, unable to meet Chen Mo's eyes.

"That money was for buying your software," Chen Mo replied gently. "You don't owe me anything. I made plenty of profit from it. By the way, did you get into college?"

"The exam's over, and I applied to Binhai University. I should get in. I just hope to work here—to repay you. I don't even need to be paid."

She looked up briefly, then lowered her head again, nervously twisting her fingers.

"You don't need to repay me," Chen Mo said, standing up. "Let's go."

"Mr. Chen Mo, if you hadn't pulled me out of the police station that day, I might've ended up in jail. My brother wouldn't have gotten treatment. My grandfather would've been devastated. I just want to give back. Over the past six months, I've been studying Chinese programming and computer science every day."

She stood behind him, eyes misty and anxious, afraid he would turn her away.

Chen Mo turned and looked at her with a helpless smile. "You misunderstood me. I wasn't telling you to leave. I said 'let's go'—come with me. Time to report to your department."

His last words carried a tone of quiet authority. Lin Shu immediately wiped away her tears and stood up.

"Dry those tears, or people will think I bullied you. I don't want my reputation ruined," Chen Mo teased lightly.

"O-okay," Lin Shu said quickly, wiping her face.

Chen Mo left his office, with Lin Shu following closely behind. As she looked at his calm, composed back, her heart was still filled with that same deep admiration—and something a little more complicated.