paranoianovel Chapter 3 Brainwashing Room
Chapter 3 Brainwashing Room
Winston watched as Martin went from being full of energy to looking completely dazed in the blink of an eye, and he couldn't help but feel nervous.
He originally planned to ask the system how the brainwashing room worked before deciding whether to use it on his personal secretary.
Otherwise, Winston would feel unforgivable if a promising young man were brainwashed into becoming mentally disabled.
But this brain is working way too fast... It's all because of those five dollars withdrawn from the national treasury.
The system's inexplicable withdrawal of money from the national treasury was certainly worth investigating, but Martin's situation was more serious, so Winston put the matter of money aside for the time being.
"System, what's the principle behind the brainwashing room's ability to increase loyalty?"
[Firstly, this function can only be used by members of the outer sect and above; it has no effect on non-members.]
Oh, so only those 275 members of the upper and lower houses of parliament can be brainwashed.
Secondly, brainwashing rooms do not cause any harm to the brainwashed individuals. Their principle is to implant a false memory, based on a realistic simulation, into the target's brain to enhance their emotional connection to you or your organization.
Our system is suitable for all ages, so there's no need to worry about the brainwashed person developing any unnecessary emotions. The effectiveness of the brainwashing will depend on the amount of passion points and charm you invest, as well as the individual qualities of the person being brainwashed. Please believe that everything is within the system's calculations.
"So you mean the system has the final say?" Winston said. "How do you know I'm worried about the brainwashed developing unnecessary emotions? What if I just like that?"
[I think you have ulterior motives regarding the review process! I'm working so hard to help you compile memories, and you do absolutely nothing, instead bothering me with stupid questions!]
Winston heard a sharp, hoarse, rapid-fire, and indistinguishable male voice.
This unique content, so different from the system's usual speaking style, quickly triggered Winston's memories: "It's you? 'Dudu li dudu da da'?"
【…】
"Were the memories generated in the brainwashing room written by you? Can I take a look?"
"What are you looking at?" the system said irritably. "You're here to be a prime minister... or a cult leader, not a cog in the machine. Just wait to see the results; why worry about these details?"
That made sense, but Winston still felt uneasy: "This memory infringes on my portrait rights; I have the right to know the details!"
[Tsk, fine, here you go, here you go. Communicating with ordinary people is so troublesome... But let me make this clear beforehand, you can't change it even if you have opinions after watching, because it can't be changed. This is all generated by the brainwashing room itself. You can think of it as an AI. I'm only responsible for providing the materials and prompts; the final result depends on you.]
Winston asked, puzzled, "How can this be up to me? I didn't write the prompts."
[I made it ensure that the generated memories were always things you would do. Therefore, whatever scenes in those memories that violate public order and morality will inevitably be your fault.]
Is this correct?!
Winston was so angry that he wanted the system to materialize and have a real-world showdown, telling him to stop being a keyboard warrior if he had the guts. But the next second, a scene slowly unfolded before his eyes.
……
It's Cambridge University.
"Huh? This fictional memory happened at my alma mater?" Winston exclaimed in surprise.
Although he never studied at Cambridge University in his previous life, it doesn't stop him from confidently saying that Cambridge University is his alma mater in this life.
Because the original owner of this body did indeed graduate from here.
"That's true. Martin Grayling was my senior in college, so it's reasonable to assume we met in university..."
Winston discovers that the primary perspective of this memory is Martin, who seems to have suddenly returned to campus many years after graduation and is wandering around.
Then a young Winston Wheeler soon appeared, dressed in a suit, chatting with his classmates on a bench by the lawn. He looked to be in his early twenties, with black hair and black eyes, and strikingly handsome features, bearing a resemblance to a young Hugh Grant.
No wonder the system was willing to give Winston a two-point rating for his personal charm.
Martin Grayling stood under the bushes, watching his juniors from afar.
Two or three minutes later, several red balloons slowly rose from the other end of the rugged Gothic spires of King's College, Cambridge, and disappeared into the clear blue sky.
The memory segment has ended.
System notification: [Congratulations! Martin Grayling's loyalty to you has slightly increased!]
Winston: "???"
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
He felt a strong sense of bewilderment for the second time after the journey.
What exactly caused Martin's loyalty to increase? Did he suddenly realize after looking at the scenery for five minutes that Winston was his junior and quite good-looking, so he decided to lend him a hand?
What were they doing in the first five minutes?
It's like seeing a ghost...
On the other side, Martin blinked hard twice, feeling as if he had woken up from a long dream.
Perhaps due to recent work pressure and a brief conversation with the new Prime Minister Winston, Martin suddenly recalled a long-forgotten event.
He had just gotten married and received a promotion, so he was naturally proud. One sunny day, he went back to his familiar campus for a walk, hoping to run into his old classmates and teachers, exchange pleasantries, and boast a little to make his happiness even greater.
Unexpectedly, the young students weren't stupid either; taking advantage of the rare good weather, they all rushed out and occupied the entire lawn. Several young men sat on a bench, talking loudly and passionately, their voices drifting on the spring breeze to Martin's ears.
"...Have you heard? Today a reformist who disrespects the Queen has come to our school to give a public speech."
"What reformers? They're all traitors and rebels!"
"Exactly! Instead of studying useful subjects like literature, science, and medicine, they spend all their time dabbling in baseless pseudo-theology, trying to incite the ignorant to view Her Majesty the Queen as an enemy. How can such an absurd thing happen in our own country!"
Martin nodded repeatedly, also finding the matter absurd and ridiculous. At this moment, someone asked half-jokingly, "In that case, can't we find a way to curb the arrogance of that 'reformer'?"
Another student spoke up.
He had black hair and black eyes, sat upright, dressed neatly, and had a handsome face. His appearance was almost impeccable, showing his good background and upbringing. He spoke with an unquestionable composure.
"It's simple," he said. "I can persuade him to commit suicide."