Chapter 6. Border Guardian Tribunal
The bell for the Basics of Law class was a series of crisp electronic tones. Lecturer Marian's long golden hair was neatly tied behind her head, but today she did not directly call up the code. Instead, she leaned her hands on the podium and scanned the class.
"Today, we won't be reading the text." As the teacher finished her words, the holographic screen behind her unfolded like a stream of water, and a headline appeared: "Border Guardian Arbitration Tribunal—Now in Session."
The suspended chairs in the classroom automatically adjust their angles, bringing everyone into a virtual community courtroom. The case summary is concisely projected in the center:
【Case A-07】
Characters: 14-year-old Xiaofeng vs. 28-year-old volunteer Aqing
Conflict: Xiaofeng is troubled by Aqing's "special care" (giving gifts, late-night calls, and physical contact).
Focus: Is this an overstepping of care or an unintentional mistake?
"Your task," Teacher Marian's voice brought everyone back to reality, "is to play three groups: the plaintiff group supporting Xiaofeng, the defendant group defending Aqing, and the arbitration group making the final decision. Ten minutes to prepare—begin!"
The classroom erupted in excitement. Ruixi's group of plaintiffs immediately formed a circle, and the legal clauses scrolled rapidly across the screen.
"Article 3 of the Law on the Protection of Minors!" a team member pointed out excitedly. "Look! 'Adults are prohibited from establishing intimate contact with minors beyond the scope of ordinary social interaction!'"
The originally boring text has now become the most solid shield in their hands.
Ten minutes later, the mock arbitration began:
A classmate from the plaintiff group stood up first, speaking firmly: "Aqing's behavior has gone beyond the scope of ordinary volunteers. Late-night calls and individual gifts—these 'good intentions' are blurring the boundaries and putting Xiaofeng in a passive and stressful situation. The law exists precisely to protect minors from this kind of unequal pressure!"
The defendants were not to be outdone: "But Ah Qing meant no harm! Should the law stifle all enthusiasm and care? What we need is to discern intent, not a one-size-fits-all approach!"
As the two sides argued, the arbitration panel fell into deep thought. A familiar Q-version killer whale bubble popped up at the edge of Ruixi's screen, and a line of words flashed across her face in An's calm voice: "Reminder: Aqing has contacted Xiaofeng after midnight for 30 consecutive days; Xiaofeng's anxiety index has increased by 47%. The spirit of the law is prevention, not remediation. —An"
Teacher Marian was quick to react and flicked her finger to close the bubble with a deadpan expression. "Off-field warnings are illegal. Please ask the arbitration panel to make an independent judgment."
Ultimately, the arbitration panel cited Article 3 to make a ruling: Aqing's behavior crossed the line and she needed to retake the "Boundary Cognition" course and complete 200 hours of community service; and it was recommended that Xiaofeng be equipped with a "Starlight Guardian" AI assistant that can automatically identify and gently reject cross-border requests.
"Judgment is not the end," Teacher Marian looked around the room, "but the starting point of application. Now, it's time for your 'after-class practice'—"
She waved her hand gently, and the holographic screen switched to several scenario options:
Scenario A: A familiar aunt insists on giving you an expensive virtual skin. How do you refuse?
Scenario B: In a holographic game, your teammates always use nicknames that make you uncomfortable. How should you communicate?
Scenario C: Design your own "boundary statement" and store it in the Starlight Guardian AI.
"True care is about respecting each other's boundaries, not just giving. The law is not a wall that binds you, but a runway that protects your freedom."
The bell rang at the perfect time. Teacher Marian concluded, "After class, the arbitration team can collect the 'Logic Bandage Flavor' Physical Calm Dumplings. Class dismissed."
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