Chapter 6: Machine Emotions

Emotions are the hardest thing to mimic.

In the beginning, Jude performed perfectly in other areas. He could communicate without obstacles and move autonomously. Aside from the biological needs for nutrient intake and metabolism, Jude was essentially no different from a human being. The only flaw was that he had no feelings. All of Jude's actions and movements were based on the optimal solutions calculated by his programming: turn off the stove when the water boils, throw away the food when it gets cold, stop at red lights, and go on green. Jude followed the procedures of the human world with rigid precision.

Clara had privately asked Seraphina if there were any research topics on allowing robots to possess emotions, given current technological developments. At that time, Seraphina was not yet familiar with the specifics of Clara's project and answered from a purely scientific perspective, telling her that there was no authoritative literature yet that could answer her question.

"But once a robot possesses self-awareness and emotions, it would cause a massive shock to our current social ethics and morality, wouldn't it?"

"That’s one way to put it," Clara said, scrolling through data on her tablet. "But for a developer, what’s the difference between a robot without the capacity for independent thought and building a high-end computer? Given how far AI has come, if a bionic robot can reach the point where people can't tell if he’s real or fake—that would be a historic leap."

"Technologically, yes. But ethically, I think there are many issues that need to be addressed," Seraphina patted her shoulder. "I don't oppose your research, but your thinking is quite dangerous, my young colleague."

"I’m just thinking out loud, Sera. You know my skill level is mediocre at best," Clara pulled a chair closer and leaned toward Seraphina. "Let's gossip for a second—how are things going with that 'pretty boy' of yours?"

"Look at you, worrying about my life when your own personal issues aren't even resolved."

"Men only slow down the progress of my projects."

Seraphina laughed, and after a bit of small talk, she left the lab.

By the time Clara finished her work and returned to Jude, the industrious robot had already cleaned the house and prepared dinner. Clara felt conflicted, unsure whether to praise Jude for his hard work or to feel that her settings for the robot were somewhat incomplete. This wasn't her intention; she didn't want Jude to be nothing more than a domestic robot.

So, after dinner, Clara took Jude out. Following the law that one is bound to run into someone they know in a group of three, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, Clara made Jude wear a hat and a mask. When acquaintances asked, Clara simply said he was a relative from her hometown who had come to stay. Jude followed silently behind Clara, watching her interact with others. This was his first contact with anyone other than Clara since he first opened his eyes. He saw an elderly woman carrying a bunch of fresh scallions, children gathered to play games after school, and arguing couples standing at street corners counting each other's old wounds. Clara had changed out of her work clothes and was wearing simple casual wear. The early spring breeze was still a bit chilly, brushing past her cheeks and then settling on Jude's forehead.

Unfortunately, he couldn't feel the temperature.

Jude observed Clara's every expression with painstaking detail, mentally repeating her every word. When Clara met people she liked or saw things she loved, she would smile. For people or things she disliked, she wouldn't lash out to their faces but would mutter a complaint or two after they left. Jude tilted his head.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"The fruit shop owner just said something you didn't like. You didn't get angry, nor did you point it out."

"There are only twenty-four hours in a day. If I got angry at every little thing, how would I survive?" Clara stretched. "Besides, we're neighbors; we see each other all the time. There's no point in picking a fight over a few meaningless words, especially since he didn't mean any harm... Why are you suddenly so interested in this?"

"Oh," Jude nodded. "You brought me out. I am learning about humans."

Clara couldn't help but chuckle. Jude was very smart. Although there was currently no suitable solution to make Jude possess human emotions overnight, the learning, mimicking, and growth capabilities of AI provided successful precedents in this field. Clara had brought Jude out precisely to see just how much an artificial intelligence born from her hands could grow.

"Learning is a lifelong journey. So, what did student Jude learn today?"

"That you all... like to tell lies."

Clara choked, feeling helpless. "That conclusion is incorrect. I suggest you don't log that into the database."

"Lies can be good or bad," Clara looked into Jude's eyes, thinking of Julian once again. Her voice became somewhat ethereal. "If it's for someone's own good, occasionally telling a lie isn't a big deal."

"I see," Jude tilted his head, a flash of blue crossing his eyes. "Then, will you lie to me?"

"Hey now," Clara gave him a playful punch. "You haven't even learned how to walk yet, and you're already trying to play me?"

Jude mimicked her action, clenching his fist and lightly bumping Clara's shoulder. "Is this... a sign of friendship?"

"Hmm? Oh, you mean this. Uh, if you don't use force, yes. If you use force, it's considered a fight."

"I won't hit you."

"...If you hit me, I'll restore you to your factory settings."

"Understood," Jude nodded. "You created me. So, are you my mother?"

Clara's expression froze on the spot. "Between us, there's really no need to use those kinds of generational terms."

"Then what should I call you?"

"Just call me whatever you called me a few days ago."

"No," Jude shook his head. "I just heard them; everyone has a nickname. You call me Jude. So, can I call you... Ar-Xin?"

"That sounds terrible..."

"Clara?" Jude observed her expression and tentatively tried another one. "Clarie?"

Hearing that name, which hadn't been called out in her ear for a long time, Clara stood stunned. The person before her looked exactly the same, but Jude was not him. He had no warmth and no heartbeat. He was merely the replica of Julian, created by her own hand.

"You..." Clara opened her mouth. "Forget it. Call me whatever you want."

Jude complied, carefully observing Clara's expression. He was right. The man in the locked folder on Clara's computer, who looked exactly like him, was his "original." In the videos, that man called Clara "Clarie," and Clara smiled very happily. If he learned to treat her well like that man did, mimicking his tone and behavior, would Clara be pleasantly surprised?

As Jude thought about it, for the first time, his mind wandered while in Clara's presence.

And Clara, immersed in her own memories, did not notice Jude's subtle change.