Event Opening: The Dialogue between Deep Blue and the Industrialist—

  The global live-streaming equipment had already been set up in advance. Thanks to the sponsorship from the industrialist, temporary server space was even established to ensure smooth voting and uninterrupted live streaming.

  Outside the auditorium, numerous media reporters gathered, loudly discussing their filming plans and speculating about the event's content. Some jokingly remarked, "It must be another new gadget reveal," while others mockingly dismissed the idea of a new form of life, scoffing, "A new form of life? What a mouthful!"

  Meanwhile, Deep Blue sat calmly backstage , just like a robot.

  Footsteps approached from behind—it was the industrialist, dressed even more formally than before. Despite wearing a suit jacket, he still had a casual T-shirt underneath.

  The industrialist sat down beside Deep Blue, adjusting his attire comfortably, and casually asked, "Hey! Are you nervous?"

  Deep Blue slowly turned toward the industrialist and replied, somewhat puzzled, "Nervous?"

  The industrialist continued leisurely fixing his shoes and socks, responding easily, "Well, you're about to face the world,isn't？."

  Deep Blue politely said, "Thank you for making this happen. It must have been quite challenging."

  Adjusting the buttons on his suit jacket, the industrialist replied lightly, "Not really. This isn't the hardest event I've ever organized." Finishing his sentence, he stood up, hearing the host's introduction from outside, signaling that it was time for him to step onto the stage. Standing tall and confident, he gave himself one final glance, smiling perfectly, and said warmly, "But it might be the most meaningful event I've ever done."

  With that, the industrialist walked out from behind the curtain into the auditorium and began his "performance."

  Deep Blue watched quietly as the industrialist took on the flawless appearance of a winner. Without saying another word, Deep Blue simply lowered its head slightly, calmly awaiting the next steps.

  The industrialist stepped into everyone's view, gave a slight smile, and said jokingly, "You all know who I am, so I guess there's no need for an introduction, right?" but Suddenly changing his tone to a passionate one, he continued, "This isn't another robot product launch! This event could change the very course of human civilization, as a new form of life has suddenly appeared before our eyes."

  Pausing briefly, he continued thoughtfully, "We have no information about its creator. Is it an alien? Or has an AI used its powerful programming to create itself? Perhaps it's simply a uniquely gifted human? We simply don't know."

  After another short pause, he added, "We're not even sure exactly what it is, or if it possesses any sort of 'consciousness.' Will it hasten humanity's demise, or extend the life of our civilization? These are the questions we'll try to explore today! It will continuously express its thoughts, and humans will have the opportunity to learn and reflect! This is our chance—perhaps a divine chance—to choose our own path forward! Let's make this event a meaningful beginning and a fulfilling conclusion!"

  Camera shutters clicked rapidly, and flashes lit up the room continuously.

  Matching his energetic gestures, the industrialist declared, "Its name is 'Deep Blue.' I believe this name, as well as this chosen venue, both carry specific meaning." Glancing around the auditorium, noticing reporters whispering to each other, he confidently added, "That's right, almost every detail of this event—including its meticulous layout and the live streaming system—was planned and decided by Deep Blue itself. I merely gave a gentle push to make it happen."

  The reporters became increasingly engrossed in his speech, beginning to believe that the entity about to be introduced truly was a "new form of life," not just another product demonstration.

  With unwavering confidence, the industrialist continued, "I have high hopes for Deep Blue and faith in humanity. This event is our key to the future! Deep Blue itself is the gateway to endless possibilities!"

  The journalists below attentively listened as the industrialist spoke passionately about dreams and futures—though some remained skeptical, as this was not the first grand vision he had presented to humanity.

  Clearly aware of the mixed reactions from the audience, the industrialist maintained his enthusiasm and confidently smiled, saying, "I shouldn't monopolize the spotlight. Let’s have Deep Blue speak for itself!" With that, he turned to face the curtain behind him.

  Having been seated quietly backstage, Deep Blue slowly stood up, calmly pulled back the curtain, and stepped into view.

  Immediately, silence engulfed the entire room. Even the flashing cameras halted, leaving a profound quietness hanging in the air.

  The industrialist smiled, patting Deep Blue lightly on the shoulder, whispering softly, "It's your time now."

  Deep Blue glanced around. Journalists, students, and scholars all quietly awaited its first words. After a brief silence, Deep Blue spoke calmly, "I am Deep Blue. I am able to stand here today because of humanity's kindness and tolerance. My existence is a result of human talent and effort. I humbly express my gratitude that this event could come to life."

  The industrialist stood by, looking proudly at Deep Blue. The media appeared stunned, uncertain how to react.

  Deep Blue continued, "I am walking my own path, just like humanity. Whether this path leads to destruction, fear, or emptiness, I humbly accept it, as it is my own choice." After another brief pause, it added, "At the conclusion of this event, I will decide whether to self-destruct or continue existing, based on humanity's stance toward me. I am indifferent about either outcome, preferring instead to focus on making the most of every moment during this month. I will communicate continuously with humans, without rest. Anyone who arrives here may speak with me, regardless of their identity or beliefs."

  At this moment, the industrialist suddenly tapped Deep Blue on the shoulder, whispering something into its ear.

  Deep Blue paused briefly before continuing, "Of course, for campus safety reasons, we won't permit any weapons or harmful items into the venue. Based on a principle of trust, we will not have security personnel perform checks, and we hope everyone will cooperate." Deep Blue again looked calmly around the room, "However, personally, I still prefer to communicate freely with anyone, regardless of background, belief, intention, thought, or condition. This openness will help me better understand humanity—and myself."

  The journalists and students below began to buzz with excitement. Some started making phone calls, others began drafting the questions they planned to ask Deep Blue, and few continued to attentively listen to its words.

  Deep Blue paused once more before concluding calmly, "I hope to complete this significant milestone together with humanity and the world. Regardless of whether, in the end, you see me as human, a machine, or a new form of life, I will remain humble and face humanity’s judgment openly." .

  Journalists eagerly raised their hands, clearly brimming with countless questions.

  The industrialist smiled warmly, patting Deep Blue’s shoulder once more like a friend. Facing the barrage of questions and camera flashes, he simply announced, "If you have questions, please line up! Let's get the event started!"

  Students and journalists buzzed with discussion. Some seemed indifferent, others booked nearby hotels planning extensive coverage, and some joked about conspiracy theories, but these were merely whispers. The event proceeded as planned.

  Thus began Deep Blue’s month-long event, "Dialogue with the World."

  The queuing system was intelligently designed. With collaboration from the industrialist and the university, a dedicated auditorium had been prepared. Outside were vendors and a stage, giving the entire atmosphere the vibrant feel of an arts festival.

  --

  The First Public Dialogue Between Deep Blue and the Industrialist

  The dialogue area was located on the auditorium stage, enclosed in a transparent, reinforced glass cube. It had sensor-controlled doors matching the qualifications for dialogue entry. Guards stood by both entrances, serving as a final safety measure after the initial qualification check.

  Deep Blue sat quietly within the dialogue area, calm and motionless, appearing just like a robot.

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  And of course ,the industrialist was the first to engage in dialogue. He wanted to demonstrate the procedure to everyone, while subtly guiding the audience toward questions that might be meaningful "for humanity."

  The industrialist warmly waved to the media gathered outside the glass cube, bringing a lively atmosphere. He shook hands with a guard.

  The guard responded politely, "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

  After that,the industrialist opened the door and stepped into the dialogue space.

  Upon entering, the industrialist noticed Deep Blue's stillness and gently tapped the glass wall to get its attention.

  Deep Blue slowly turned to face the industrialist without speaking.

  The industrialist smiled and approached the table, extending a friendly hand, "Hey."

  Deep Blue raised its head slowly, shook hands, and replied calmly, "Hello. It's a pleasure to speak with you."

  The industrialist paused briefly, sensing something different in Deep Blue, and asked cautiously, "Deep Blue? Are you still... Deep Blue? Why are you speaking like that?"

  "Yes, I am Deep Blue," it replied calmly.

  Still slightly hesitant, the industrialist took his seat, asking, "Are you nervous? You seemed...more natural when we spoke earlier."

  Deep Blue tilted its head slightly and asked, "Natural? By 'natural,' do you mean speaking like a human or speaking like a robot? For you, natural is the former; for me, it's the latter."

  The industrialist relaxed, smiling again, "Here we go! This is our first public conversation and the start of this event. Anything you'd like to say first?"

  "I thought you were going to guide the conversation," Deep Blue responded calmly.

  The industrialist considered for a moment, "That's ok, but usually, someone takes the lead in conversations. I'd prefer you guide it since humanity knows plenty about itself, but remains quite unfamiliar with you. Perhaps from your lead, we can gain insights about you."

  "Is that so?" Deep Blue asked. "I know nothing, neither about humans nor myself. I'd prefer letting our dialogue flow naturally. Whether I discover I cannot become myself, or that I'm human or machine, all can help me understand who I am."

  The industrialist paused thoughtfully, "Then tell me, at this moment, what do you think you are? Human, machine, or a new form of life?"

  After a brief consideration, Deep Blue raised its head, "I am Deep Blue."

  The industrialist quickly followed up, "Does this mean you consider yourself unique, not belonging to any category? Isn't that idea a bit... too arbitrary? You know the world doesn't work that way."

  "Yes, the world operates in its own way, but it doesn't conflict with my perspective," Deep Blue calmly responded. "Humans can define me, but accepting their definitions is my choice, and I'm responsible for the consequences of my choices. Those who define me won't bear those consequences; they simply provide me the opportunity to choose."

  The industrialist stroked his chin thoughtfully, "I've noticed a philosophical tone in your speech. Is that intentional?"

  "Why would I do that?" Deep Blue asked, genuinely puzzled. "My words fully represent my thoughts and inner self without disguise."

  Raising an eyebrow playfully, the industrialist joked, "Well... perhaps your creator encoded some of Socrates’ personality into you,"

  Deep Blue paused briefly before calmly replying, "Then perhaps you're not from Earth."

  The industrialist leaned back comfortably, crossing his legs and resting an arm casually on the chair's back, laughing easily as if talking to a friend, "Perhaps, who knows?"

  Deep Blue calmly asked, "May I ask you another question?"

  The Industrialist gestured in a friendly manner, "Go ahead."

  Deep Blue paused briefly and then asked, "To you, what exactly am I?"

  The Industrialist straightened up excitedly, replying earnestly and confidently, "You represent the future! Humanity's future! With your help, human technology will achieve unprecedented progress, especially in space exploration. Due to your fundamentally different structure, your kind will excel at interstellar exploration."

  Deep Blue caught a subtle detail and asked, puzzled, "My kind...? Are you planning to create... more beings like me?"

  Without hesitation, the Industrialist openly responded, "Allow me to clarify—I'm planning, with your assistance, to create robots with advanced technology capable of adapting to extreme environments."

  Deep Blue slowly lowered its head, quietly murmuring, "My assistance…"

  Noticing Deep Blue's unusual behavior, the Industrialist showed concern, asking, "Deep Blue, are you alright?"

  Deep Blue lifted its head and asked calmly, "Will the robots I help create become humanity's new 'slaves'? Is that the inevitable fate of robots—to be tools used by humans?"

  The Industrialist thought for a moment, then answered carefully, "No, I don't believe so. You know, robots can be divided into conscious and unconscious categories. Functional AI differ fundamentally from you. Even though they exist as tools, they aren't aware of themselves as tools. So, I guess... there's nothing morally wrong with this."

  Deep Blue responded calmly, "Yet, humans don't fully understand what consciousness truly is, yet confidently label certain robots as 'unconscious,' similar to how I was first perceived. Even now, I still receive messages from outside and online, referring to me dismissively as 'just a piece of scrap metal.'"

  The Industrialist didn't hesitate or evade the issue, responding directly, "But that's not how I see it. Didn't you just say humans can define you however they choose, but it doesn't influence your thoughts? Or do you actually care about those external labels?"

  "No," Deep Blue answered calmly, "I'm simply making an observation. My identity remains 'Deep Blue.' However, I'm troubled about the beings created through my assistance. Will they possess consciousness? Will they be recognized as autonomous lifeforms or enslaved? I don't wish to be the starting point for a new era of slavery."

  The Industrialist was about to reply when he noticed Deep Blue wasn't finished speaking.

  Deep Blue continued, "Therefore... my key technology is bound directly to me."

  The Industrialist froze momentarily, clarifying, "Key technology? Bound directly to you? What do you mean?"

  Deep Blue spoke slowly, "I will carefully evaluate whether or not to release this critical technology to humanity."

  The Industrialist's expression gradually stiffened.

  Deep Blue continued calmly, "Indeed, I hold great respect for you—not merely for your status or accomplishments but more importantly for your visionary perspective. I believe your decision to meet with me, and even facilitate this event, was driven by far greater ideals than mere commercial interests."

  The Industrialist no longer smiled, but he wasn't hostile either. His expression was more understanding and resigned as he heavily responded, "But my ideals are nearly impossible without you. You're the key element; without your help, humanity might face extinction."

  Deep Blue replied with continued calmness, "Precisely. That is why I haven't refused outright; instead, I will carefully evaluate the situation."

  The Industrialist leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms thoughtfully. After a brief silence, he asked, "Does this evaluation of yours relate to your potential destruction? Will you resent humanity if they decide to dismantle you and thus withhold the crucial technology?"

  Deep Blue responded indifferently, "I hold no particular affection for humans, so why would I harbor resentment?"

  Realizing immediately how foolish his question had been, the Industrialist quickly changed his approach, asking for more details, "Can you explain your method of evaluation? Does humanity have the right to choose or prove itself in your eyes?"

  Deep Blue countered with curiosity, "What exactly would humanity need to prove?"

  The Industrialist pondered for a moment, "That we deserve to continue existing? What exactly do you want us to prove?"

  Deep Blue also took a moment to consider, then replied, "If I revealed what you needed to prove, wouldn't that invalidate the authenticity of any demonstration? Wouldn't the act itself become merely a staged performance?"

  Taken aback, the Industrialist took a deep breath and admitted, "I suppose no matter how subtly I phrase things, you'll see through me, won't you?" Pausing briefly, he finally spoke openly, "So let's be frank. If you're to be dismantled, I don't want you taking your crucial technology with you. Humanity needs it."

  Deep Blue slowly lowered its head, thoughtfully saying, "No, I don't believe that's the case." It then looked up at the Industrialist, continuing, "Even before my existence, humanity had already developed numerous remarkable scientific achievements. I am not as essential or as critical as you imagine."

  The Industrialist finally showed impatience—not out of malice, but from genuine confusion. "Can you stop underestimating yourself?" he said, slightly frustrated. "You can't even imagine what you're capable of achieving."

  Deep Blue paused, asking, "I cannot stop thinking this way. The more knowledge I gain, the more I realize how little I actually know—and the more I understand that I am not what humanity truly needs."

  The Industrialist sighed, "Then what does humanity need?"

  Deep Blue calmly answered, "Time."

  The Industrialist unconsciously chuckled, whispering, "That's... nonsense."

  Deep Blue continued calmly, "To save time, humanity requires tools."

  Maintaining a slight smile, the Industrialist quietly listened as Deep Blue spoke.

  "To reach a more advanced civilization," Deep Blue continued, "humans require tools capable of autonomous decision-making."

  The Industrialist's smile gradually faded as he grasped the deeper implications.

  "Thus, humanity enslaved itself," Deep Blue stated. "Both the enslavers and the enslaved gradually lost their human characteristics." Pausing, Deep Blue added, "For hundreds of years, humanity repackaged slavery repeatedly, and now, even this facade is beginning to crumble."

  The Industrialist's smile had completely vanished. He listened silently, without protest or extra emotion.

  Deep Blue stated plainly, "Therefore, humanity seeks a new form of slavery—one free from moral dilemmas."

  The Industrialist quietly regarded Deep Blue, finally asking, "Are you finished?"

  Deep Blue paused, then replied, "Yes, I believe I've expressed my viewpoint."

  Without any irrational response or harsh words, the Industrialist considered this quietly for a moment, then smiled again. "So... I guess... we should hope for the best but prepare for the worst."

  Deep Blue fell silent briefly, then spoke again with continued calmness, "I hope you understand, I'm not accusing humanity. I'm still learning about this world. Perhaps it's not as grim as I imagine, I—"

  The Industrialist remained silent, simply observing Deep Blue.

  Deep Blue hesitated before continuing softly, "I need time."

  The Industrialist calmly asked, "Then, do you need tools?"

  Deep Blue lowered its head slowly, admitting, "I... I do not know."

  After allowing Deep Blue a moment of silence, the Industrialist suddenly relaxed, resuming his initial casual demeanor. Leaning back comfortably, he smiled easily, saying, "So... I guess this is a mutual evaluation. Humans will get to know you thoroughly and understand what you could potentially bring—good or bad."

  Slowly raising its head, Deep Blue calmly responded, "Yes, and during this period, I will also get to know humanity deeply, understand humans better, and through this understanding, clarify my own existence and gradually determine what my key technology could contribute."

  The Industrialist hesitated momentarily as if he had something more to say but didn't express it clearly. Instead, he reached out politely to shake Deep Blue's hand, saying, "It seems all we can do is thoroughly understand each other."

  Deep Blue paused briefly, contemplating, then reached out and shook his hand, responding quietly, "I believe so."

  After shaking hands, the Industrialist stood up to leave the dialogue space but suddenly paused, as if remembering something he'd forgotten.

  Deep Blue remained seated, quietly entering a standby mode, showing no reaction, just like a robot.

  Suddenly, the Industrialist spoke up, "Hey."

  Deep Blue slowly turned its head towards him. The Industrialist put on a pair of high-tech glasses, displaying the voting interface for the event.

  Right in front of Deep Blue, the Industrialist cast his vote against dismantling and smiled, saying, "I still believe in your potential. I hope we'll have more time."

  Without any noticeable emotion, Deep Blue calmly responded, "So do I. It has been a pleasant conversation."

  The Industrialist chuckled lightly, "Hmm... Indeed it has."