Unmanned service, also known as unmanned technology or unmanned systems, is comprised of a platform, payloads, command and control systems, and ground-air-space information networks. It integrates a series of high-tech fields such as system science and technology, information control science and technology, robotics, aerospace technology, space technology, and marine technology. The foundation of unmanned systems lies in the cross-disciplinary integration and synthesis of multiple fields.
Currently, many companies, shops, and restaurants are adopting unmanned services, signifying that the era of artificial intelligence is gradually approaching humanity. I’ve read reports suggesting that future artificial intelligence will be incredibly advanced but will also bring many negative impacts to humans.
We strolled slowly through the commercial street, intending to find some evidence, but without a specific target, we could only look around casually.
He Xin, however, quickly noticed: "There appear to be surveillance cameras here, but they're all inoperable. I tested them with my computer earlier; they're all broken!"
"No way? It seems like the tourist area is doing this deliberately. If something happens in a place like this, it would be very troublesome!" I remarked.
"Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have gone missing here!" Gao Mingqiang's words were immediately rebuked by Liu Yuning, who told him to lower his voice.
Gao Mingqiang quickly made an apologetic gesture. Xiao Yuande said sternly, "Everyone, pay attention!"
"Understood, Officer Xiao... Mister!" This guy Gao Mingqiang almost let slip again. I was speechless.
Just then, Xie Chuchu inadvertently discovered that the glass of a certain store had been broken. Xiahou hurried over and said, "It looks like someone violently struck this place!"
I also moved closer, and Liu Yuning and the others joined us.
"Yes, it seems the shop was robbed. Why is there nothing inside?" I said, and everyone looked at the empty shelves, realizing this was originally an unmanned convenience store.
As we were investigating, a woman's voice suddenly came from behind us: "Excuse me, I heard Boss Du say you are new tourists?"
Startled by the sudden voice from behind, we quickly turned around to find a short woman with short hair, dressed in a black business suit, standing before us.
I replied, "Yes, who are you?"
"I am the manager of the commercial street, Manager Zhang. Are you looking for something to buy? Everything here is free!"
"Free? Really? Then what are those QR codes for?" He Xin couldn't help but scoff.
"Those were just placed here in the past and are no longer used. However, after the tourist area's event concludes, we will resume charging!" As Manager Zhang explained, a blood vessel in his nose twitched. This guy was clearly lying.
I deliberately said, "That's great? Aren't you losing a lot of money recently?"
"A little loss is fine. It's business, after all. We need to attract people in the early stages, don't we?" Manager Zhang said with apparent wisdom.
I quickly agreed, "Yes, yes! The tourist area seems to be doing well!"
"It's alright, but it's still operating at a loss. Alas, Boss Du has been racking his brains for this place!"
"Take your time!" I said, deliberately trying to comfort him.
The others paid us no mind and went straight into the shops to purchase items. Didn't Manager Zhang just say everything here was free?
While we aren't greedy, we are curious. Besides, most of these goods are food items. As long as they aren't poisonous, taking some is fine.
Manager Zhang chatted casually with me about the tourist area, but I noticed he was mostly boasting.
I didn't say much. He accompanied us into various shops, introducing us to all sorts of specialties. However, his demeanor suggested he wasn't very familiar with them, as if he had only recently arrived.
This guy is probably problematic too.
By the time we finished selecting our items, it was nearing 6 PM, and dusk was setting in. Everyone planned to return to the hotel to rest. Manager Zhang escorted us out of the commercial street. As we walked away, I noticed him staring at us with a peculiar gaze, especially at the girls.
Back in our room, I brought up today's events with Liu Yuning.
"That Manager Zhang must have been a butcher before. He's quite lecherous!"
"How could you tell?"
"His fingers are calloused, and there are some subtle wounds. They were probably accidental cuts from a cleaver. He's wearing a black suit, his beard is clean-shaven, and his hair is slicked back, but these can't conceal the hidden killing intent he carries. These are traces left from long-term slaughtering; you can't just cover them up with a bit of grooming. Also, if you sniffed carefully, you'd detect a faint scent of pork on him!"
"I really can't see that. But he did seem a bit strange. Didn't he say he was in charge of the commercial street? Why did he seem unfamiliar with certain aspects of it, as if he had only been there for a short time?"
"I feel the same. He probably killed the original one." I ventured boldly.
"You mean the original Manager Zhang of this tourist area was murdered, and the current one is just a replacement?" Liu Yuning guessed.
I didn't answer. It was just a speculation, after all. But if that were true, this tourist area is truly terrifying. I even suspect Du Qitai might be a fake.
"Let's talk about it tomorrow. Let's get some good rest tonight!"
Liu Yuning and I intended to grab a quick bite and go to sleep. However, as we reached our beds, my phone rang. I saw a message from Gao Mingqiang and asked him what was up. He replied that Boss Du wanted us to come down for dinner.
Du Qitai??
I looked at Liu Yuning. She said, "Let's go down! Let's see what he wants."
I nodded. After leaving the room, we went directly downstairs to the hotel's second-floor restaurant.
The moment we appeared, Du Qitai was enthusiastically chatting with everyone. A large, round dining table was laden with abundant dishes, even more lavish than those served in the morning.
Du Qitai sat among them, laughing heartily with Gao Mingqiang and Xia Hou and the others. I sensed something was amiss. When I sat next to Gao Mingqiang, he didn't even acknowledge me, his attention solely fixed on Du Qitai.
"Is the tourist area really that fun? Hearing you describe it makes me not want to leave here. Why don't we go into business together and open one?" Gao Mingqiang said excitedly. Xia Hou chimed in, "Yes! Our current salaries are too low. If this continues, I'm worried I'll be single my whole life! Haha!"
I glared fiercely at the two of them, wondering what their game was. This was too strange, practically a direct act of defiance against us.