Ling Retreat

Lili apologized: “Galileo, so glad to see you this morning...although we can still visit Ling Retreat as planned, my gynoid doppelganger will have to accompany you there, rather than me personally. Last night, our security service got a tip that someone – perhaps a local gang, or maybe even Hyde Rival minions – would kidnap me today if I ventured outside our office building. So, out of an abundance of caution, gynoid Lili can safely escort you to Ling Retreat and show you the facilities there.”

Galileo seemed startled at first, but quickly regained his composure: “Oh I see...well, no problem, that should work fine...I understand your gynoid can take care of herself, and me, if necessary...recalling her encounter with the alleged evil clown.” (See episode “Lili Ling Tests Her Gynoid” of 10 August 2021.)

Galileo and gynoid Lili arrived at Ling Retreat without incident. Lili spoke through the gynoid: “We set up this special retreat for our Chinese staff members...similar in most ways to our many Japanese-themed sites, but with some Chinese details. Note the little courtyard...visitors often perform Tai Chi while they view the little bamboo garden...and the stepping stones lead to private quarters, which staff can used on weekends to recover from workweek stress. Indeed, I often come here myself...although alas not this time, given the recent threat.”

Lili continued as they explored the retreat: “Although the retreat looks very traditional, it incorporates some special technology...note, next to the Confucius statue, the portals to other Chinese places...as well as a portal within the private space...so this retreat also acts as a sort of hub, similar to the cyberpunk garden you saw earlier...but more focused on a Chinese theme. By the way, we also added some ambient flute music to enhance the relaxing, contemplative mood.”

Galileo was duly impressed: “This is really stunning...let me take some snapshots, which will amaze my colleagues back at Jonson Engineering...no doubt they'll want to visit here too. Oh, and I'm really impressed by how well your gynoid works...it seems almost like you are here in person...very useful robotics technology indeed. Thanks so much for the great tour!”