Spoiled by Eight Uncles (Lily)

In Max’s technologically advanced house, the glass windows served as both windows and LCD screens. With the right program design, any desired room could be created.

Lilly's room was a magical garden, with petals and butterflies fluttering around.

Hannah enjoyed a room with a stunning sea view, featuring her favorite shade of blue.

Josh had a room adorned with vast stars, while Zachary’s room embraced a punk aesthetic, and Drake’s room exuded a scholarly ambiance.

Blake examined his room.

Well, it was his turn, but apart from the electric curtains, which barely displayed any advanced features, there was nothing remarkable.

Blake pondered, “What does your master think of me?” Tracy smiled and replied, “Honestly, Mr. MacNeil, he didn’t have any specific preferences in mind for your room. | can make changes for you if you don't like it.” Blake waved his hand dismissively, saying, “No need.” He was just making an observation. He was an adult and did not require coddling.

After the rooms were assigned, Tracy led everyone to the kitchen.

Everything in the kitchen was automated. The rice cooker automatically measured, cleaned, and cooked the rice, preparing clay pot rice with bacon.

Fresh steaks and fish were stored in the high-tech refrigerator. As the refrigerator opened, the steaks and fish were transferred to the sink for cleaning. After draining, the steaks were sent to the steak cooking machine, while the fish went into the steamer.

Onions and vegetables were automatically cleaned, and then the vegetable cutting operation panel chopped them up with a satisfying “ding.” The chopped onions, tomatoes, and broccoli were sorted and prepared accordingly. The broccoli was blanched and cooked, the onions were air-fried for ten seconds to retain their freshness and crispness, and the tomatoes were placed directly on the plate.

Trays lined up on a conveyor belt, with the steaks, broccoli, and onions carefully arranged. An automatic juice machine squeezed a glass of juice for each person, and everything was neatly presented on the table.

Blake's mouth twitched.

1 didn’t know there was a kitchen that can cook itself! After a while, the steamed sea fish was served on the table, garnished with chopped green onions. Along with the fish and steak, the kitchen also prepared pasta, vegetable salad, toasted bread, and fried eggs.

Lilly and Hannah eagerly held their knife and fork, their eyes shining with excitement as they exclaimed, “Wow! This is amazing!” Josh was impressed and said, “This is so cool, why don’t we build the same thing in our kitchen too!” Drake replied as he sliced his steak, “Grandma would destroy it.” Josh agreed, “You have a point.” Cooking was their grandmother’s hobby.

Hannah was about to start eating when Lilly stopped her and said, “Hold on, let's wait for Uncle Max to come back.” Hannah nodded and said, “Okay then!” Just then, the door opened, and a sweet voice greeted, “Master, welcome home!” A sterilized cotton mop extended from the door, and a coat rack emerged from behind. Max hung his coat and bag on the rack and removed his shoes.

“Lilly? Lilly, Uncle Max is back!” Max called out while changing his shoes.

In an instant, a small figure rushed over, Lilly threw herself into Max's arms, hugging his thigh tightly.

“Uncle Max, welcome home!” she exclaimed, opening her arms and beaming with a big smile.

Max felt his exhaustion melt away as he lifted Lilly high in his arms, a gentle smile adorning his face. With his glasses and fair skin, he appeared gentle and younger, almost like an eighteen or nineteen-year-old boy.

Lilly expressed, “We've been waiting for you, Uncle Max! Hurry up, Hannah is so hungry that she might even eat the plate.” After washing his hands, Max entered the dining room and saw Blake, casually and playfully leaning on the chair with his arms crossed and legs raised, saying, “Ah, welcome back, master!” Max's face turned red as he thought about Tracy's usual attire, realizing this could potentially lead to an embarrassing situation.

He composed himself, walked over to the table, and sat down, saying, “Let's start eating!” Drake promptly placed the sliced steak in front of Lilly.

Max jokingly remarked, “Drake, where's mine?” Drake's expression turned cold as he replied, “You're so old, do you still need my help?” Max was silent.

His behavior was just like Anthony's.

Josh asked while eating, “Uncle Max, your house is amazing! Especially Miss Tracy, she seems so lifelike. Can you make one for me as well?” Apart from being untouchable, the appearance, movements, and even some thoughts and subtle expressions resembled a human.

Max explained, “This is the virtual assistant I've been researching for the past few years. It's constantly receiving updates. Tracy can learn independently, and possess her own thoughts, hobbies, interests, and even a unique temperament. I'm currently studying how to make her even more human-like.” “But it's not perfect yet. As she’s my virtual assistant, | had to provide comprehensive services throughout the house. Tracy is connected to all the house's facilities. Replicating another one might be challenging.” “This technology isn’t great enough, and the owner needs to possess sufficient procedural knowledge and practical skills.” He gestured toward the sumptuous dishes on the table, saying, “For instance, she manages the kitchen and cooks delicious meals. However, compared to the homemade meals, there's still something missing...” Lilly chimed in, “Uncle Max, | know what's missing—it's Grandma's frying pan!” Hannah exclaimed, “Nom, nom nom...” | don’t know what's missing, but | know it's delicious.

Josh asked, “Is it not as experienced as Grandma?” Max shook his head, saying, “Tracy is equipped with an advanced cooking system developed by a seasoned chef and has learned the skills of top-tier chefs worldwide. Therefore, the problem isn't in experience.” While Lilly enjoyed her meal, she could not help but think that if she were at home, her grandmother would continuously serve her vegetables and insist on filling her up with soup.

“What's missing is Grandma's love,” Lilly remarked.

Max paused for a moment, carefully contemplating her words.

“Yes, what's missing is the scent of nostalgia...” Everything was perfectly calculated from a scientific standpoint, but there was no touch of life...

Suddenly, Blake asked, “Is this system of yours the latest research and development project from your laboratory?” Max shook her head, saying, “No, | did it all on my own. | had this idea, so | bought this house to bring all my ideas to life.” The house was equipped with smart technology, LCD panels, and carefully designed decorations, amounting to nearly 100 million dollars.

Of course, it was all funded by Max himself although Anthony provided some support.

“Due to the high cost, it’s not feasible for widespread implementation. Not everyone can afford such a significant expenditure.

Additionally, there is a shortage of programmers for installation and maintenance.” “Ordinary people lack the necessary expertise to operate this system. My ultimate goal is to make Tracy even more human- like...” Max could not stop discussing these matters once they were brought up.

Blake brought up another point, saying, “This virtual assistant is extraordinary. However, be careful of someone coveting it and demanding that you surrender everything.” Max smiled and replied, “That's not a concern. These are all my own creations, and | haven't spent a penny from the laboratory.” Blake remained noncommittal.

“As far as | know... your laboratory recently entered into a partnership with a technology group just last month!” Max, who usually immersed himself in scientific research, momentarily failed to grasp the meaning behind his words. He asked, “Yeah, so?” Research and development could be quite costly, and the collaboration with the technology group was aimed at facilitating the development of lithography machines.

But how did that relate to his personal endeavors? They seemed like two separate matters.

Blake did not elaborate further.

However, this encounter was certainly not in vain.