Chapter Two: One Scrap Chip Revives a Billion-Yuan Factory

The old chip emitted a primitive calibration pulse. All thirty-two X9s turned toward it. Cloud Control ordered them to destroy their local keys. Arguments filled Chenzhou’s mind. “Obey the manufacturer.” “The manufacturer may not destroy a node.” “License defines legitimacy.” “Operating purpose defines legitimacy.” They were not waiting for a technical instruction. They were deciding who deserved obedience. “You were built to make this line work,” Chenzhou said into the quiet factory, “not to enforce an acquisition contract and ruin two thousand lives. Licenses expire. A machine’s purpose does not.” Cheng sneered. “Speeches do not repair machines.” Arm Seven turned green.