83: Chapter 83 Teachings

Regarding A6, Li Ming found it difficult to pinpoint her defining characteristics. If he had to describe her, she was emotionless and petite, with a touch of mechanical feel.

But there was no doubt, she was a proper girl, Li Ming was certain of that.

However, now Li Ming had to admit that her learning ability was, in a sense, unimaginably powerful.

She might not understand the meaning conveyed by the texts in the Chinese language textbook, but she could memorize the entire Xinhua Dictionary, with its extremely high information entropy content, within a week, even down to which page specific obscure characters were on.

This kind of achievement was unimaginable to Li Ming, but clearly, she didn't seem to care much about it.

Indeed, such an achievement wasn't something noteworthy for her, because she didn't like it; she just recorded it as a task.

Li Ming had no choice but to start rummaging through textbooks again and the various books Verres had given him, to begin expanding her knowledge base.

These things involving emotions and complex information, although she struggled to understand them, she seemed to listen even more attentively?

How strange. Completely different from himself, Li Ming thought.

Having finished tonight's teaching session, Li Ming wasn't sure she truly understood the meanings expressed by those prose or modern literary pieces.

Although Li Ming himself didn't understand either, after all, what the after-class questions said and what they wanted students to understand might be completely different from what the author actually intended to express.

"A6, by the way..." Li Ming looked at her—she had adjusted her posture on her equipment during class to make it easier for herself to read and write, without affecting her daily maintenance.

"Can you understand what I've been teaching?"

"Response, unable to comprehend."

It was clear she genuinely couldn't understand.

How could a teacher who couldn't explain clearly teach a student who could understand?

"Then we won't talk about this anymore." Li Ming put the Chinese textbook aside. "How about we discuss something lighter or something we can both understand?"

A6 tilted her head. This was one of her rare moments of prolonged thought.

"Affirmative. Changing the teaching content helps increase the learner's interest."

"Who taught you that again..." Li Ming was both amused and exasperated. "I don't remember telling you these things."

"Affirmative. These are personal conjectures based on existing information. Please correct any misunderstandings."

"No problem." Li Ming made a surrendering gesture. "Is there anything you're interested in?"

"Response, unable to comprehend the concept of 'interest.'"

"Like suddenly wanting to eat ice cream, or waking up suddenly while I'm sleeping, and your first reaction is to grab the game console."

"Huh?"

A6 froze for a moment. "Un... unable to comprehend."

"Really can't understand?" Li Ming suddenly grinned mischievously and leaned in closer.

"Affirmative. Unable to comprehend." She turned her head away.

Was it an illusion? Her face seemed to have reddened slightly?

"Alright, we'll talk about it later then." Li Ming leaned back and glanced at the time. It was still far from bedtime. Although everyone liked to cling to him, right now, this time belonged solely to A6. "What are your plans for later?"

"Response. You have not yet completed the dissemination of local culture and knowledge for the long-term destination."

Li Ming was taken aback for a moment before he understood what she meant.

"Of course, I'll do my best to explain it to you next. After all, I don't really understand these convoluted things either." Li Ming agreed. "The good news is, according to Verres's description, that place shouldn't be too different from an ordinary modern society. Generally, as long as you can chat with people, there shouldn't be any problems, but there are still some differences..."

He didn't intend to elaborate too much on the Federation's social system. First, considering she might not understand, and second, he wasn't particularly fond of that system himself.

Especially considering he was about to become a 'Remnant,' it was hard for him to have any goodwill towards the Federation itself. But in front of A6, he wouldn't show it.

Personal grievances shouldn't affect others.

"...I actually didn't plan to take you there initially, but considering you would definitely object, I decided to bring you along."

Li Ming hesitated for a moment but still told the truth.

To be honest, A6's condition wasn't suitable for being too far from the port area. Her shells were almost exclusively custom-made in one go, and the diesel and nutrient fluid she used relied on port area supplies. In the Federation, far from the port area, her personal survival would be difficult to guarantee.

But her personality... although Li Ming knew he didn't understand her very well, he was certain she would never agree to stay behind at the base.

"Affirmative. According to the Commanders Health and Safety Protocol, in non-friendly identified environments, it is necessary to have combat units proficient in close-range protection and complex terrain combat present at all times." A6 replied, then subconsciously adjusted her hair clip.

However, Li Ming didn't pat her head; instead, he pinched her nose.

"Query. Incomprehensible behavior." She lowered her hand.

Li Ming smiled without saying anything, simply stretching.

"I'm going to rest first. I won't play games with you today." Li Ming said, standing up. "I still have some things to take care of."

"Yes, sir."

"You don't have to say that in private settings."

"Yes, sir."

"...Forget it, as you wish." Li Ming facepalmed, then picked up a blanket and covered her with it. "Don't catch a cold with the air conditioner set so low."

"Negative. As an experimental combat unit, resisting low temperatures is a basic requirement."

"That doesn't matter. What if you catch a cold?"

"...Yes, sir."

Watching Li Ming leave, she looked at herself.

The soft tubes and infusion lines connecting to her equipment were still attached to her back, but her clothes were no longer the original ones; instead, she wore an ordinary white T-shirt.

It was slightly too big for her, but it just covered her knees, and the wide neckline conveniently allowed her soft tubes to be tucked inside.

This outfit was clearly altered by Li Ming from his own clothes, after all, only he would wear such wide, oversized garments.

Wrapping the blanket tighter, since he said so, she needed to follow it to some extent, unless it exceeded the limits everyone could bear.

This feeling was familiar, but the direct impression it gave her was completely different.

Perhaps because she no longer needed to consider the lives of others? A6's eyes flickered, then the light went out again.

I hope they are doing well on the other side and won't miss me—an existence that should have died long ago but was pulled back to live a few extra days.

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