The hierarchy of mortals doesn't represent dignity, only cost.
Level 1 mortals are mostly in high-consumption, high-risk positions; Level 2 mortals handle technical or monitoring support; Level 3 mortals are the most numerous, possess the most mature emotional models, and have the lowest replacement cost. Lin Jin belongs to the latter. His job number is T-3-441. Job title: Emotional Assistance Recorder.
Specific responsibilities include:
• Inspecting emotional fluctuations in the production area
• Marking abnormal nodes
• Assisting the system in calibrating predictive models
The training manual only requires him to "remain neutral." Don't comfort, don't blame, don't guide. Because any intervention will be considered "artificial disturbance." And disturbances need to be corrected.
Lin Jin sees a large number of emotional samples every day:
• Increased fear in a certain work section due to reduced supplies
• Sorrow in a family due to delayed rationing
• A couple warned for excessive joy
He simply records, not because he agrees, but because he understands: here, morality is not the basis for decision-making; stability is.
Fear is not naturally generated. At least not in Lincheng. It has a lower limit, an upper limit, and a safety threshold. Each region receives a "Fear Recommendation Letter," clearly stating:
• The required intensity of fear for the current stage
• Recommended triggering methods
• List of prohibited methods
For example:
• Issuing "resource adjustment notices"
• Delaying non-critical repairs
• Obfuscating future plans
• Prohibiting indiscriminate violence
• Prohibiting irreversible damage The document usually ends with a note: "Reasonable fear helps improve the overall sense of order." When Lin Jin first saw this document, a brief but dangerous thought crossed his mind: so fear could be so meticulously protected. For a moment, his joy level rose slightly. The monitor beeped. He immediately suppressed the thought. In Lincheng, understanding is not prohibited; feeling is.