First time buying clothes

In 2066, virtual interactive technology has developed to a remarkable degree. People can stay at home, put on specialized glasses, and experience scenes such as tourism and shopping in a highly realistic manner. For example, trying on a piece of clothing virtually at home allows not only testing its size and color but even observing its fabric gloss.

Virtual interactive technology has reached astonishing heights, reflected in the following seven points, fundamentally altering people's lifestyles and work styles:

Holographic Projection and Immersive EnvironmentsHolographic projection technology is highly advanced, capable of generating high-resolution 3D images in any environment. These images are not only visually realistic but also interactive through tactile feedback devices, making users feel as if they are interacting with real objects and scenes.·Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) BCI technology has matured, enabling users to interact directly with the virtual world through their thoughts. There's no need for traditional input devices like keyboards or mice; users can control virtual environments simply by thinking. This technology is widely used in fields such as healthcare, education, and entertainment, greatly enhancing user experience.·Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR and AR technologies are highly integrated, forming Mixed Reality (MR) systems. Users can see and interact with virtual objects in real environments, seamlessly blending virtual objects and characters with the real world. For instance, virtual assistants can accompany users in real life, providing real-time assistance and information.·Tactile and Sensory Feedback Tactile feedback technology is highly advanced, allowing users to feel various sensations in the virtual world through specialized tactile clothing or devices, such as temperature, texture, and weight. Additionally, olfactory and gustatory feedback devices are also commercially available, enhancing the comprehensiveness and realism of virtual experiences.·Socialization and Collaboration Platforms Virtual interactive technology facilitates global socialization and collaboration. Virtual meetings, remote work, and online learning are conducted through immersive virtual environments, where users can interact face-to-face, share information, and even collaborate as teams. Virtual spaces have also become important social venues where friends and family can gather for activities and entertainment.·Personalization and Artificial Intelligence Virtual interactive systems are highly intelligent, capable of providing personalized experiences based on user preferences and needs. Virtual assistants and characters feature advanced artificial intelligence to understand and predict user behavior, offering customized services and advice. For example, virtual fitness coaches can create personalized training plans based on users' physical condition and goals.·Ethics and Privacy Protection With technological advancement, ethics and privacy concerns are given high priority. Governments and tech companies have established strict laws and regulations to ensure data security and privacy protection for users. Behavior in the virtual world is also regulated to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.

In summary, in 2066, virtual interactive technology not only symbolizes technological progress but also enriches human life in diverse ways, despite initial predictions of widespread closure of physical stores. The necessity of physical stores persists, encapsulated succinctly by a scientist: "What's real is real, what's fake is fake." However, the form of physical stores has evolved alongside these technological advancements.

For example, the store Trinity is currently browsing.

There are many clothes in the store that you can try on for real. At the same time, there is also a virtual try-on feature available for items that are not currently displayed in the store. For these out-of-stock items, customers can also choose to make an appointment for trying them on — they can pre-select the style, color, size, and fitting time online, and the manufacturer will automatically send the goods to the store. Customers just need to come in at the scheduled time to try them on, and then decide whether to buy based on their satisfaction with the fit.

There are no human store attendants here, only several robots on duty. One robot handles the cashier duties, while the others serve as guides, helping customers fetch and return clothes.

Clearly, these robots are not as high-end as Lambert. They look like mere machines, with no human-like appearance at all, equipped with mechanical arms for ease of work.

Their systems are industry-customized versions that can give outfit suggestions based on customers' body types and appearances. They also express positive emotions such as praise and admiration at appropriate times, and each has its own personality.

The robot attendants automatically recognize humans within the monitored area. When Trinity walks in, they swarm around her, all talking at once: "Hello, here to browse?" "Wow, you look beautiful!" "What style are you looking for? Let me help you match. Guaranteed to look good, or it's free." "With your figure, everything looks great." Chatter...

Trinity feels a bit embarrassed and scratches her head, laughing, "You guys are... so enthusiastic..."

Lambert: "Hypocritical."

"Hmph," she glared at him.

Lambert brushed aside the chattering robots and went to look at clothes himself.

Trinity pointed at his back to the robot attendants and said, "It's not for me, I'm buying for my robot."

"Oh, for a robot..." The voices of the attendants sounded somewhat disappointed.

Lambert felt inexplicably discriminated against by his own kind. He turned to glance at Trinity and said, "Human, come here."

"I'm not coming. You choose for yourself, pick what you like, and I'll pay," Trinity dismissed him, preferring the enthusiastic robots in front of her, despite their lack of human appearance.

Lambert insisted, "I want to try on clothes."

"Then go ahead and try."

"You dress me."

Trinity rolled her eyes helplessly and led him into the fitting room. The space inside was not large; one person could move freely, but with both of them inside, it felt cramped. Trinity had to help him undress and dress, unavoidably coming into contact with his bare body. Even though she kept reminding herself in her mind that these were all artificial... she still blushed.

Trinity kept her head down and remained silent. The fitting room was quiet, with only the rustling of fabric breaking the silence, creating a subtly awkward atmosphere.

"Human," Lambert suddenly spoke up.

"Hmm?"

"Are you shy?"

"No."

"You're clearly shy."

"Shut up," Trinity's face grew even redder, glaring at him fiercely, "Keep talking and I'll sell you to the scrap metal collectors."

He wisely stayed silent.

Trinity finally felt she had regained a bit of her human dignity.