Episode 1 recap: The Dangers of Androids, a Homicide at the Hot Spring Hotel.
In the near future, genetic editing technology has rapidly advanced, giving rise to a type of technological life form known as androids. Physiologically, androids are nearly identical to humans, with the only difference being the neural network in their brains. Through targeted genetic programming, they are imbued with a singular initial directive, unwavering companionship, obedient and filial behavior, and unwavering loyalty to their employers. They are continuously manufactured as customized androids and circulated as commodities worldwide.
Some illegal elements have begun smuggling androids and selling them in underground markets, and people have gradually become addicted to the false emotions provided by androids. As androids proliferate, their harmful effects become apparent, leading to an increase in social problems. Moreover, the thoughts and emotions of androids themselves become twisted under the constraints of their initial directives, giving rise to numerous malignant incidents.
In response to this grave situation, the international community immediately convened a conference and decided to cease the production of androids and recall all existing androids for centralized management. The city of Xiyuan promptly established the Mingmou Genetic Research Institute to collaborate with the public security department in identifying and investigating the influx of androids into the country. However, the process did not proceed smoothly.
The identification of androids involves injecting a diagnostic agent into their bodies and discerning their identity based on changes in their pupils. However, the diagnostic agent technology is still flawed and poses significant harm to ordinary humans, thus its usage is strictly regulated. Although five years have passed since the ban on androids, some still reside among ordinary people.
On this day, the Mingmou Research Institute is holding an emergency meeting, and researcher Cheng Nuo arrives late. As soon as the leader sees him enter the meeting room, he begins to brief them on the case. A woman was found dead at a hot spring hotel. Three days ago, this woman barged into the hotel and attacked a mother and her son with a weapon. The boy then stabbed her, causing her to fall into the charcoal fire, resulting in extensive burns that made identification impossible.
The police have requested the cooperation of the Mingmou Research Institute to provide evidence to determine if the deceased was an android. Due to the severe burns, the color of the pupils cannot be discerned. Cheng Nuo's attention focuses on the gaze of the boy. After committing a murder, the boy should be extremely frightened, yet there is no trace of fear in his eyes.
Cheng Nuo says that they have taken on this case, and he, along with his colleague Shen Li, heads to the hot spring hotel. They approach a couple in the adjacent room to inquire about the situation, and the woman impatiently recounts the events once again. The victims of the attack were Mrs. Chen and her son. They visit Mrs. Chen's home, where she retells the sequence of events.
Mrs. Chen's son, Yuan Er, achieved a ranking in a piano competition, so Mrs. Chen took him to a hot spring hotel to relax. However, they encountered this mentally unstable woman, and tragedy ensued. Mrs. Chen didn't want to say much more, so Cheng Nuo and his colleague, Shen Li, left their home.
That night, Cheng Nuo repeatedly watched the video of the hotel incident at home when he suddenly had a new approach to the case. The next day, they went to the place where Yuan practiced the piano to gather some information. The teacher hurriedly brought Mrs. Chen Xin Hui, who sternly stopped them and comforted her seemingly frightened son.
Colleague Xiao Shen was dissatisfied with Cheng Nuo's approach, believing that it would only scare the child. Cheng Nuo, angered by Xiao Shen's comment, left. Shen Li went to a psychological clinic to find her junior, An Qiu, and asked for her help in meeting Yuan. An Qiu accompanied her senior to meet Chen Xin Hui and Yuan.
Regardless of how they tried to inspire him, Yuan refused to speak. However, they could tell that Yuan had something to say but refrained from doing so in front of his mother. It was Chen Xin Hui's behavior that raised suspicions. Meanwhile, Cheng Nuo in the surveillance room had already focused his attention on Chen Xin Hui. Chen Xin Hui used to run a successful clothing company, but three years ago, her personality suddenly changed, and she even sold the company.
Cheng Nuo concluded that Chen Xin Hui was an android, and the one killed was the real Chen Xin Hui. Xiao Shen couldn't accept Cheng Nuo's judgment and complained to An Qiu, planning to leave the Mingmou Institute. On the contrary, he believed that An Qiu would be a good fit for the institute.
Chen Xin Hui suddenly disappeared, confirming that she was an android. Because of her busy work, the real Chen Xin Hui found an android that looked exactly like her to take care of her son. Chen Xin Hui was strict with her son's upbringing, which displeased the android, leading her to implement a plan to take over the real Chen Xin Hui's place.
She started giving medication to Chen Xin Hui, causing her to become mentally confused and locking her in the basement. This ultimately led to all the unfortunate events.
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