I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Night fell like a vast black curtain, enveloping the entire city. Moonlight filtered through thin clouds, illuminating a remote, abandoned factory, lending this desolate landscape an eerie atmosphere. The factory's iron gates were tightly closed, stained with rust, as if they had been abandoned for years. Yet, the low, humming roar of machinery drifted faintly from within, shattering the night's stillness.

The factory interior was dim and damp, its walls riddled with cracks, and the floor littered with discarded parts and tools. Deep within the factory, a converted laboratory flickered with a faint blue light. The lab was filled with a variety of complex instruments and equipment, intricately connected together, resembling a vast mechanical monstrosity. In the center of the lab, a massive metal contraption stood, emitting an eerie aura. Its surface was covered in a dense web of wires and pipes, gleaming with a faint blue light, as if concealing some unspeakable secret.

Wang Kedong stood beside the device, his eyes focused and determined, his hands rapidly tapping away at the keyboard. His hair was a little disheveled, and his face wore an almost obsessive expression. Wang Kedong, a brilliant scientist, had long been dedicated to developing an instrument capable of controlling the human mind. He believed that this instrument could solve numerous problems in human society, such as crime, war, and violence.

As long as he could control people's minds, he could make them kind, peaceful, and orderly. However, this idea was opposed by many, and even accused of madness and evil. But Wang Kedong firmly believed in his idea and believed that he could create an instrument that would benefit mankind.

"Dr. Wang, everything is ready." An assistant in a white lab coat walked up to Wang Kedong and said respectfully.

Wang Kedong nodded, his eyes fixed on the screen on the console. The screen displayed a variety of complex data and charts, representing the instrument's operating status. Wang Kedong took a deep breath and slowly pressed the start button. With the press of the button, the roar of the machine in the laboratory suddenly grew louder, and the entire laboratory began to vibrate slightly. The surface of the device shone with an even brighter blue light, as if a powerful energy was being released.

"Dr. Wang, the power of the instrument is gradually increasing. Everything is normal." The assistant stared at the data on the screen nervously while reporting the situation.

A gratified smile appeared on Wang Kedong's face, and his eyes were fixed on the device, as if waiting for some miracle to happen. However, at this moment, the door of the laboratory was suddenly pushed open, and a burst of hurried footsteps was heard.

When Wang Kedong heard the voice, his body trembled slightly. He turned around and saw Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan and Li Wei standing at the door, all with serious and determined expressions on their faces.

"Wang Kedong, stop being stubborn and stop now!" Zhang Wanqing's voice rang out in the laboratory.

Zhang Wanqing knows Wang Kedong's research could bring disaster to human society, so she must stop him. Fu Siyuan, Zhang Wanqing's partner, is a technical genius skilled at cracking complex codes and systems. Li Wei, their teammate, is an agile former police officer who provides armed support during the operation.

"You are too late. The experimental equipment has started automatically and no one can stop it now." Wang Kedong sneered, and a trace of helplessness and struggle flashed in his eyes.

Zhang Wanqing was slightly shocked when she saw Wang Kedong's eyes. She knew that Wang Kedong was not a bad person, but he was just blinded by his ideals and beliefs. She took a step forward and said in a gentler voice, "Wang Kedong, you are not alone. We can all help you, but you must stop first."

"Wang Kedong, listen to me, I can understand the obsession you are talking about. I have also been consumed by internal energy because of emotional matters, and I have been worried and upset all day long, but I would rather be a flesh-and-blood person than be a 'robot' who can only weigh the pros and cons and avoid emotions. People are not machines. We have emotions and can cry and laugh." Zhang Wanqing said.

Zhang Wanqing's voice echoed in the darkness, and every word seemed to carry a warm power. She stood in front of Wang Kedong, and the beam of her flashlight illuminated the space between them, as if carving a bright passage in the darkness.

Wang Kedong stood there, motionless, as if Zhang Wanqing's words had struck a chord deep within him. A hint of confusion lingered in his eyes, and his fingers trembled slightly, as if he were recalling something. Finally, he slowly raised his head, a complex glint in his eyes.

"You...you might be right." His voice was so low that it was almost inaudible, as if he was talking to himself. "But I've gone too far. There's no turning back."

Zhang Wanqing's heart trembled. She could sense Wang Kedong's inner struggle. She took a step forward, her voice softer. "Wang Kedong, you're not alone. We can all help you, but you have to stop first."

Wang Kedong's eyes flickered with hesitation when he heard Zhang Wanqing's words. He lowered his head and fell silent. The roar of the machines in the laboratory grew louder and louder, and the lights of the devices grew brighter and brighter, as if they would burst out at any moment.

Wang Kedong gave a bitter laugh, "It's too late. The experimental equipment has already started automatically. No one can stop it now."

Everyone's faces turned pale in an instant. Fu Siyuan suddenly shouted, "Power! Maybe cutting off the power will help!"

When everyone heard Fu Siyuan's words, they rushed to the distribution box as if they had grabbed a life-saving straw. However, when they opened the distribution box, they found that the wiring inside was extremely complicated and protected by a password lock.

"Damn, this combination lock is too complicated. I need time to crack it." Fu Siyuan said with a frown.

"Time is running out, and the instrument's warning sounds are getting more and more urgent." Li Wei said anxiously.

Zhang Wanqing looked at Wang Kedong. She knew that Wang Kedong was the only one who could stop this. She walked forward, looked at Wang Kedong firmly, and said, "Wang Kedong, you must make a choice: continue to be stubborn or stop at the brink of disaster."

Wang Kedong raised his head, his gaze meeting Zhang Wanqing's. A flicker of struggle and pain flashed in his eyes, as if a fierce struggle was raging deep within him. The roar of the lab's machines grew louder, and the warnings grew more urgent, as if urging Wang Kedong to make a choice.