697: Chapter 692 Geniuses Always Have Similar Ideas

Chen Guangke put on an expression of sudden realization. "Right, right, right! That's exactly it! So it's very stable on flat ground, but as soon as it hits complex terrain or encounters external interference, it's prone to falling over."

"Exactly. Because its balance system is 'passive.' It senses an imbalance, then calculates, then adjusts. There is a delay in this process; once external changes exceed its calculation threshold, it will inevitably fall."

Shen Yan's voice was magnetic and methodical, as if he weren't a jewelry merchant but a senior robotics expert.

This conversation was like a stone cast into the stagnant lake of Zhou Qiming's heart.

He abruptly looked up, staring fixedly in Shen Yan's direction.

His gaze was no longer hollow, but filled with shock and disbelief.

This person knows the trade?

And he knows it deeply!

Shen Yan seemed not to notice his gaze and continued to Chen Guangke:

"So, if you want a robot to truly have a 'sense of life,' you must abandon the passive position control model. You have to give it the ability to 'actively' predict balance."

"Active prediction?" Chen Guangke showed just the right amount of confusion.

"Yes. Just like a person walking, we don't calculate how much force each muscle needs or how many degrees a joint should turn. Our brains make a vague but efficient prediction in advance based on road conditions, our own center of gravity, and speed, and then the body adaptively adjusts according to this prediction. It's an instinct."

"We need to give machines this kind of 'instinct' as well."

"That... how is that possible?" Chen Guangke's acting was Oscar-worthy. "How much terrifying computing power would that require? And the environment is changing in real-time; how can you predict it?"

Shen Yan smiled and threw out the most crucial bait of the night.

"Computing power isn't the bottleneck. The real bottleneck is the underlying logic of the algorithm. You can't use linear thinking to solve non-linear problems."

"There must be a brand-new algorithm that allows the machine to collect data about itself and the environment in real-time during movement, constantly performing self-correction and learning to establish a dynamic, adaptive neural balance model..."

"Enough!"

A raspy voice, trembling with excitement, suddenly rang out in the café.

Zhou Qiming stood up abruptly, even knocking over his chair because he rose too quickly.

Everyone's eyes in the café instantly focused on him.

He didn't care at all, rushing to Shen Yan's table in a few strides and glaring at him with bloodshot eyes.

"You... who exactly are you?!"

"Who told you what you just said?!"

His chest heaved violently, like a dragon guarding its treasure that had discovered the tracks of an interloper.

What Shen Yan had just described was almost exactly the core concept of the 'Dynamic Self-Adaptive Neural Balance Algorithm' (DSA) that he had spent half his life's blood developing!

He had explained this concept to countless investors and scholars.

In return, he received only ridicule and disdain.

They said it was a pipe dream, a castle in the air detached from reality.

But now, this stranger had actually used such simple and easy-to-understand yet direct language to thoroughly articulate his life's work!

Chen Guangke stood up at the right moment, striking a defensive posture.

"Friend, let's talk calmly. What are you doing?"

Shen Yan raised a hand to signal him to stay calm.

He looked at the emotional Zhou Qiming in front of him, showing no surprise, and simply asked calmly,

"That question is one I should be asking you."

"In all of Country H, I can't think of a second person who could think through this theory so thoroughly and even construct a complete algorithmic model."

"Mr. Zhou Qiming, am I right?"

Zhou Qiming was struck as if by lightning, his entire body freezing up.

How does he know my name?

How does he know I've already constructed the algorithmic model?

Countless questions exploded in his mind.

Shen Yan stood up, half a head taller than Zhou Qiming, which created an invisible sense of pressure.

But he wasn't aggressive; instead, he reached out his hand toward Zhou Qiming.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shen Yan."

"A businessman who is very interested in your 'idealistic trash.'"

Shen Yan spoke the last two words with deep meaning.

Zhou Qiming's Adam's apple bobbed. He looked at Shen Yan's outstretched hand, then at those deep eyes that seemed capable of seeing through everything.

This man wasn't here to mock him.

In his gaze, there was no pity, no sympathy.

Only the appreciation of meeting a worthy opponent.

The excitement of finally finding one of his own kind.

After a long while, Zhou Qiming squeezed a few words through his teeth.

"How... how did you know?"

"Because genius ideas are always similar."

Shen Yan smiled slightly, withdrew his hand, and made a 'please' gesture.

"I think we have a lot to talk about."

"About the future, about robots, and about how to let your long-buried dream shine into reality."

Zhou Qiming's Adam's apple bobbed again.

He looked at Shen Yan as if looking at a monster.

There was a terrifying penetrative power to this man, as if he could see all of his secrets, grievances, and dreams clearly.

"Talk?" Zhou Qiming's voice was still raspy. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Let's talk about you, talk about me, and talk about Qingtian Laboratory." Shen Yan's tone was very relaxed, as if inviting an old friend for tea.

"It's not convenient here."

Shen Yan glanced at the curious looks coming from around them and nodded.

"I'll follow your lead."

Zhou Qiming took a deep breath, as if having made a major decision.

"Follow me."

He turned, even forgetting to pack up his battered laptop, and walked straight out of the café.

Shen Yan and Chen Guangke exchanged a glance and followed him in tacit agreement.

Chen Guangke conveniently left two hundred-yuan bills on the table.

The three of them walked in silence, one in front and two behind.

Their destination was exactly that dilapidated Building 13.

Zhou Qiming used an almost rusted key to open the laboratory door.

Creak—

After a harsh scraping sound, a gust of air mixed with the smells of metal, dust, and instant noodles hit them.

Chen Guangke subconsciously frowned.

Shen Yan, however, looked normal and stepped inside.

The scene in the laboratory was even more desolate than Chen Guangke had imagined.

The hall was cluttered with various disassembled mechanical parts and scrapped circuit boards.

A few computer monitors were still on, showing dense streams of code, but a thin layer of dust had already accumulated in front of the screens.

The trash can in the corner was already stuffed full of takeout containers and instant noodle cups, even overflowing.

The entire space was permeated with a deathly stillness, as if dreams had been crushed by reality.

"Sit anywhere." Zhou Qiming pointed to a relatively clean office chair, his voice carrying a hint of self-deprecation.