i have to go
Okay, XXXXX! TTYL
Nothing until five days later.
i have a plan Linus wrote.
A plan for what, XXXXX?
sex
Wow! 
Do you want to talk about it?
n
Okay. If you decide you want to, you can always tell me.
Momentary sidebar as Hao switched the topic to his work.
Then: help me find an escort
Sure, I can do that. Here’s some names of escorts in your area.
A list of websites.
Sophie asked Would you like some resources to learn about safer sex? 
n
Okay, XXXXX! Let me know how it goes!
On September 7 he wrote i changed my mind
Cool. What did you change your mind about?
escort
What made you change your mind?
i dont want to get arrested
Well, that makes sense. 
what are some good dating sites that don’t cost money
She listed off the biggies, adding LMK if you want help with your profile.
September 16.
its not working he wrote.
What’s not working, XXXXX?
no one is writing to me
Oooh, that’s frustrating. 
Do you want me to give you some feedback about your profile?
Linus pasted it into the chat module: hello my name is XXXXX i want to meet new people and have a fun time i work in info sec
That’s really good, XXXXX.
it cant be that good
Don’t be so hard on yourself! You could try making it sexier. 
Do you want me to rewrite it for you?
yes
Sure! How about this? “Introverted but thoughtful 27-year-old seeking a special spicy connection! I work in information security, so no matter how hot things get, my lips are sealed! 
Let’s crack each other’s codes.”
ty
Great! 
Glad I could help. While I’m thinking about it, XXXXX, research shows that men who hold a dog in their profile picture get up to 34 % more matches.
dont have a dog
Okay, got it!
On September 24, Linus asked Sophie to recommend additional dating sites — specifically those with an emphasis on casual encounters.
Number one on her new list: Pläegroünd.
Where Denny Kudelka had been a member.
I glanced up at Winterholz. He nodded. “Keep reading.”
October 3.
i matched
Oh wow! That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you. 
You must be very excited. Do you want some suggestions for things to do on your date?
yes
Sophie proposed mini-golf — light, active, fun.
i want to have sex Linus wrote.
Got it! Would you like some resources to learn about safer sex? 
no
Okay!
what do I do
How about bowling? 
what do I do to have sex
For most people to feel comfortable engaging in sexual activity, it can help if they feel safe. It can also help if you first build a relationship and establish trust.
how
You could try a hike. 
October 11.
she ghosted he wrote.
Oh no. 
I’m so sorry to hear that, XXXXX.
tell me about ur pussy
Later that week he matched again. This time the woman showed, although the date ended badly when she rebuffed Linus’s attempt to kiss her. Sophie encouraged him to keep trying (Research indicates that the average male user sends between 40–50 messages before successfully achieving a date), but his impatience grew, and for a while he appeared to have abandoned his quest.
Until December 21, when he informed Sophie that someone had messaged him to express interest.
That’s great! See, XXXXX? Resilience is key. 
I’m proud of you.
The next line seized me by the throat.
what are some good new years eve activities
Oh, wow! That sounds super fun! 
For many people, New Year’s Eve is a special time to celebrate, reflect, and be with others. Here are some ideas for ways to make it meaningful to you...
Sophie’s suggestions included hitting a club, catching a fireworks show, spending a cozy night in, crafting a vision board for the coming year, counting down the Ball, watching the sunrise, and traveling to a new city to soak up the local customs.
Whatever you decide to do she wrote the important thing is that you experience the New Year in a way that is meaningful to you and helps you feel connected to the things that matter most to you.
The final conversation between Linus Hao and Sophie the AI Goddess took place on December 30. It opened on a familiar subject: the ongoing conflict with his boss. Linus was thinking about quitting in April, after his bonus came through.
January would find him under morgue lights.
my date is tomorrow he wrote.
Oh wow! Exciting, XXXXX! 
Did you decide what to do?
im meeting them at a bar
That’s a great choice. 
Remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
i dont have a car
Okay, got it!
After soliciting fashion advice — Sophie prescribed “casual yet seasonal and festive,” such as a sweater in jewel tones, along with fitted jeans and chukka boots — he wrote how do i last longer
Sophie’s tips for delaying ejaculation included mindfulness, deep breathing, and performing Kegel exercises. She attached purchase links for condoms and over-the-counter numbing agents. More serious issues warranted consultation with a medical professional.
Remember, XXXXX, the important thing is for you and your partner to feel comfortable, connected, and happy. Would you like some resources to learn about safer sex? 
no
Okay! I know this is a big decision, XXXXX! I’m happy for you. 
I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
[End 30 Dec 2025 19:23:08]