Here is the polished version of Chapter 244: Then You Are Cow. Forced, preserving all plot and details while improving grammar, tone, and flow:
Chapter 244: Then You Are Cow. Forced
The news of Apple's artificial intelligence breakthrough had become a hot topic in the tech world.
As one of the most iconic technology companies, Apple had previously taken a hit when it could no longer use the intelligent assistant developed by the Marching Ant Company. But now, with Siri's smart upgrade, Apple had finally overcome its voice control shortcomings—becoming the second company, after Marching Ant, to achieve this feat.
Beyond the newly upgraded Siri, Apple's S3 also boasted a full-screen design, high-strength glass body, and a next-gen bionic chip, the A15.
Pre-orders skyrocketed as soon as they opened.
Apple's stock surged, breaking the $900 billion mark for the first time and solidifying its place as the world's most valuable public company.
"Apple achieves AI breakthrough!" — The New York Times
"Apple's market cap hits a record high—trillions within reach!" — The Wall Street Journal
"Apple breaks free from Marching Ant Company's dominance!" — The Financial Times
American media erupted in celebration.
When Marching Ant Company previously announced that its intelligent assistant would no longer support Apple systems, Apple's market value plummeted. Their last flagship release had been quietly overshadowed by Marching Ant's innovations—a rare moment of humiliation.
But now Apple had broken through that suppression, and pride returned to American media outlets.
As always, Apple's autumn launch event was treated like the Super Bowl of the tech world. With Siri's upgrade, the hype was back.
Since Marching Ant products like phones and computers weren't available on the international market, Apple's resurgence was welcome news for global consumers.
"I don't get the hype," someone commented online. "Voice control has been around forever. My 2,000-yuan Xiaomi phone works just fine with a smart assistant. Super smooth experience. Why would I pay over 8,000 for an iPhone?"
"Because this marks a turning point. Apple has finally mastered AI assistant tech. They're now the second company to reach this level. Marching Ant revolutionized office productivity and security with voice operations. This shows how valuable the tech is."
"AI is the future, and Apple just took the next step. Funny how Marching Ant thought they had Apple forever under their thumb."
"Some folks really don't know how to take a loss, huh?"
"Marching Ant has already made intelligent robots. Apple's still tinkering with mobile assistants. No comparison. Just the seismograph alone makes Marching Ant legendary. Apple will never catch up."
The debate spilled into domestic forums, where Apple's breakthrough was also a trending topic. But the discussion quickly turned into heated comparisons between Apple and Marching Ant Company.
Still, it didn't stop Apple's momentum.
After Marching Ant pulled support for Siri, Apple had taken a hit in the Chinese market. But now, with its AI comeback, there were signs of revival. Preorders for the iPhone S3 were climbing once more.
Blue Ocean Club.
Chen Mo once again returned to the upscale private club where he'd attended a business event. This time, he arrived with Zhao Min and Xiao Yu, following a staff member inside.
Marching Ant's multilingual assistant was ready for external licensing. Zhao Min had discreetly leaked the news to a select few industry heads.
As expected, once the news dropped, major players scrambled to set up meetings. One company after another reached out, eager to strike a deal.
Originally, only Zhao Min was scheduled to attend. But when several top executives asked specifically to meet Chen Mo, she dragged him out of the lab—with Xiao Yu in tow.
"How much does this place charge again?" Chen Mo asked, glancing around.
Last time he was here, it was a formal reception. He hadn't paid much attention to prices, but curiosity got the better of him now.
"Depends on your spending power," Zhao Min replied casually. "Only members are allowed in. For reference, the minimum box consumption is 5,000. You won't see anything on the menu under three digits. And don't even ask about the wine. A single bottle can run into the hundreds of thousands."
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "That's steep."
Zhao Min smirked. "It's not like everyone goes all out. Tens of thousands is more typical. But the environment's worth it. Unless you'd rather we go somewhere else?"
"Remember the food stall I mentioned near the school? Their grilled skewers are great."
Zhao Min burst out laughing. "Then you really are cow. Forced."
Just the image she conjured—powerful CEOs in tailored suits, squatting at a street stall over beer and barbecue—was enough to crack her up.
"If someone snapped a photo of that and put it online..." she chuckled.
"You want me to tell them to meet us at the food stall?" Zhao Min teased. "We're licensing the multilingual assistant. Even if we told them to meet at a roadside cart, they'd show up."
"Let's not," Chen Mo said, amused. "Maybe next time."
Joking aside, dragging industry giants to a food stall would be a PR disaster if anyone caught it on camera.
"Mr. Chen Mo?"
A familiar voice rang out joyfully. Chen Mo turned around and immediately recognized the face.
Xu Xinxin—the daughter of real estate mogul Xu Jialin. Last time they met at the Blue Ocean Building, he'd saved her from an accident.
"I didn't expect to see you here. Hello, President Zhao." Xu Xinxin greeted them with grace, dressed in a red evening gown that exuded elegance.
"Miss Xu. What a coincidence." Chen Mo returned the smile politely.
"You're here on business?"
"Yeah," Chen Mo nodded.
"Which box are you in? I'll take you there. I know this place well."
Before he could answer, a staff member quickly interjected, "Miss Xu, they're booked in Box No. 9."
With a nod, Xu Xinxin led the trio inside.
"This club is one of my father's assets. I drop by now and then. Next time you come, just give me a heads-up."
As they walked, she stuck close to Chen Mo, chatting easily. Xiao Yu quietly gave up her spot beside him and walked next to Zhao Min.
"What kind of entertainment do you have here?" Chen Mo asked.
"Golf, swimming, shooting, bowling, cafes, massage therapy, saunas—you name it."
"Not bad." He smiled.
Under Xu Xinxin's guidance, they quickly reached Box No. 9.
The room had a classic luxury design—understated, elegant, and infused with a subtle fragrance. No wonder the minimum charge was 5,000. Just the decor alone cost a fortune.
Chen Mo took a seat on the sofa. Zhao Min settled to his right, and Xiao Yu naturally stood to his left. Everything flowed without a hitch.
Xu Xinxin sat beside Chen Mo, chatting with him warmly. Not long after, the first guest arrived.
Let me know when you're ready for the next chapter.