Fu Tianhe winced in pain, baring his teeth awkwardly. He fumbled to remove the curtain, holding his aching nose, feeling utterly humiliated. 

But even in this awkward moment, Chen Ci’s expression remained unchanged. His brows and eyes were calm, as if there was nothing funny about the situation. 

This composed demeanor actually helped Fu Tianhe calm down significantly. 

Clearing his throat, Fu Tianhe pretended nothing had happened and walked into the shack.

Chen Ci shifted his gaze back to the lathe. Beside him lay a small gadget Fu Tianhe had previously assembled and polished from scrap parts. Chen Ci asked, “How do you use this?”

“A three-phase locator, designed to be installed on a neural adapter. Some people feel dizzy or nauseous when using a neural adapter. With this, it improves a lot,” Fu Tianhe explained. He crouched to pull out a heavy box from under the lathe, taking out two parts. “The locators sold on the market are expensive, but honestly, they’re not that technically complex. Making them at home can fetch quite a profit.”

Chen Ci nodded. He didn’t know much about mechanical engineering but found it intriguing nonetheless.

“And this one,” Fu Tianhe picked up another small component from the shelf. “I wound the coil myself. In my spare time, I make small motors or something. The public grid voltage here is always unstable, and sometimes even the lathe can’t run properly.”

When Fu Tianhe talked about his skills, his usual talkative nature multiplied. He proudly showed Chen Ci most of the gadgets on the shelf, all made from discarded parts he salvaged and repurposed. Items salvaged from the junkyard turned into valuable functional components for the black market under his hands.

With craftsmanship as refined as his, it didn’t make sense for Fu Tianhe to remain so broke. 

Even though Chen Ci didn’t talk much, Fu Tianhe could tell he was interested. 

Fu Tianhe turned on the nearby terminal and said, “As long as you program the parameters in advance, the lathe will automatically operate according to the requirements. It’s pretty easy to use.” 

He picked up a small steel plate and demonstrated it to Chen Ci. 

Standing behind him, Chen Ci stared at the screen. Alphas in the underground city typically didn’t bother with pheromone blockers, and Fu Tianhe was no exception. 

In his excitement, the scent of amberwood’s warm, earthy aroma faintly emanated, curling around Chen Ci’s senses. It was like walking through an orange-hued forest, where vibrant leaves fell silently amidst an ancient serenity.

Chen Ci silently reached up to tighten the collar around his neck. Fortunately, the specialized inhibitor he wore gave him a strong resistance to Alpha pheromones. At low concentrations, it seldom caused him discomfort or triggered passive reactions.

“Just like this,” Fu Tianhe explained step by step, quickly cutting out a nameplate, blowing away the debris, and smiling as he handed it over. “Here.”

Chen Ci took it. The metal plate had been cut thin, and the edges rounded to prevent injuries. On the front was engraved “Jiu Yue,” surrounded by delicate plant motifs. The back featured an adorable little cat.

Not bad.

“Is it hard to learn?” Chen Ci asked.

“Not at all,” Fu Tianhe replied. “Want me to teach you?”

“Maybe next time. I should head back now,” Chen Ci said.

Realizing the time, Fu Tianhe recalled how late it was. Jiu Yue had come all this way to find him, waiting until after work—clearly, there must be an important reason. He’d meant to ask earlier but had been rudely interrupted by a curtain slapping his face.

“So, what brings you here?” Fu Tianhe asked.

Chen Ci nodded, hesitating for a moment as if struggling to put his thoughts into words. Finally, he said, “I need a pass to the top floor.”

“The top floor?” Fu Tianhe was surprised. In Chensha, traveling between zones required a pass, and getting one for the top floor was the most challenging of all.

Chen Ci affirmed with a hum. Normally, he should explain why he needed it, right? Probably. But he didn’t think it was necessary to say much.

Before Chen Ci could decide whether to explain, Fu Tianhe spoke. “Hmm… it’s tricky but not impossible. When do you need it?”

“The morning after tomorrow.”

“Alright, let me contact someone and try to get it by tomorrow morning. I’ll reach out to you then,” Fu Tianhe agreed readily, sparing Chen Ci further deliberation.

Chen Ci let out a small sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“It’s no big deal.” Fu Tianhe waved it off. “If you ever need something, just message me directly. Or, you know, you can come find me in person too. That’s fine.”

“Alright.”

The room fell into a brief silence. Chen Ci put the nameplate into his pocket and said softly, “I’ll head off now.”

Fu Tianhe was still caught up in the self-consciousness of an Alpha and Omega being alone together. Snapping back to reality, he stammered, “Huh? Oh, right, let me walk you out.”

There were all kinds of shady characters around here, and Fu Tianhe didn’t feel comfortable letting Chen Ci leave alone. He escorted Chen Ci to the nearest bus stop and waited with him until the bus arrived.

Chen Ci didn’t say anything else during the wait. He wasn’t sure what he should say. Make conversation? About what? For most of his life, he’d been isolated in the White Tower, seeing very few people and spending most of his time in silence.

Fu Tianhe, preoccupied with figuring out how to get the pass, also didn’t bring up his usual chatter.

Fortunately, the bus arrived quickly.

“Take care,” Fu Tianhe said. “Check your messages later. We might need to go together tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Chen Ci replied.

As the bus pulled up, Chen Ci turned back before boarding and said, “The earplugs and eye mask are quite useful.”

Before Fu Tianhe could react, the bus doors closed. Through the window, he saw Chen Ci scan his terminal, walk to the back row, and sit by the window, pulling his cap low and hiding his face behind a mask.

Useful, huh?

Fu Tianhe chuckled dumbly. He stood there, watching the bus disappear into the distance, then scratched his head and returned to his little shack.

—How should I get that pass?

—

Returning to his neighborhood, Chen Ci skillfully avoided the spots where pipes leaked overhead.

On his third day in the underground city, Chen Ci had spent an entire day exploring. At 7:30 in the morning, he took a ride to the adjacent 12th Information Processing Zone. Walking along deserted paths, he gazed at the vast, heavy sea through large glass curtain walls.

Later, he rode an elevator past the centralized pipeline area, arriving at the power room above. The power room was the heart of the beacon, processing energy extracted from the seabed through filtration and refinement before distributing it through pipelines. 

Above the power room were the water purification systems and production workshops. Chensha’s primary functional areas encircled this core, enveloped by the constant hum of machinery. However, it wasn’t a place suitable for prolonged human habitation. Chen Ci only took a quick look before heading to the adjacent information storage array.

Chensha’s “brain” lay at the very bottom, two massive CPUs enveloped by thick cooling layers separated from the outer walls and drilling apparatus. Seawater continuously circulated through the cooling layers to regulate the CPUs’ temperature.

The middle section housed the Information Processing Zone, Energy Refinement Zone, Power Room, Information Storage Zone, Water Purification Systems, Production Workshops, and Water Supply Stations. Most residents lived in the mid-to-upper levels, in eco-domes, farms, and residential districts. The workers assisting with Chensha’s operations, like Fu Tianhe, resided in the lower middle sections.

Chen Ci wandered between different zones, trying to see as much as possible. He toured until dinnertime before returning to the 13th Information Processing Zone.

The day after tomorrow would be the day to switch back with Chen Nian. 

To return to the top floor, he absolutely needed a pass.

Drake, who worked in the transportation department, had one. But there was no way Chen Ci would approach him. Given Drake’s ambiguous relationship with Chen Nian, meeting him could lead to unpredictable consequences.

So far, Fu Tianhe was the only person Chen Ci knew in the underground city. 

Thus, he sought Fu Tianhe’s help. 

Fortunately, Fu Tianhe was willing to assist him—yet again.

Chen Ci entered the corridor. On the second floor, the electrical panel was wide open. A rat crouched inside the box, holding a hairless pink pup in its mouth, seemingly trying to build a nest in the panel’s inner wall.

Chen Ci paused. 

The corridor lights were dim. He turned on the flashlight on his terminal to better observe the large rat. Its fur was a disheveled mix of gray and brown, its tail hairless and seemingly covered in tiny scales. 

The rat showed no fear of humans, sniffing the air continuously as it went about its business. Its eyes were black, unlike the white-furred, red-eyed ones Chen Ci often saw.

Chen Ci watched the rat complete its nest-building before continuing to his apartment.

Jiang Dai was working in the study. Chen Ci didn’t disturb him. Their time here was too short, and Chen Ci still hadn’t decided how to interact with the housekeeper from years past. 

Perhaps once he switched back, there would be no

 more chances to meet. 

Before bed, Chen Ci received a message from Fu Tianhe with a location pin. 

“Come here tomorrow morning. We’ll find someone to help.”

Chen Ci opened the pin to see it marked a tattoo parlor. He replied, “Okay,” feeling inexplicably reassured. 

Chen Ci didn’t know how Fu Tianhe would obtain the pass, but he had already tacitly accepted that Fu Tianhe would manage it. 

Placing the earplugs he kept under his pillow into his ears, the sound of dripping water outside became faint, nearly inaudible. 

He closed his eyes, the plush bear he’d won at the amusement park lying beside him. 

That night, he slept peacefully. 

—

The next morning, Chen Ci followed the map to the tattoo parlor located in the Northern District shopping street. 

The storefront was even smaller than he’d imagined, barely wide enough for two people to walk through side by side. 

…Is this the place?

He hesitated outside for a few minutes before Fu Tianhe came out. Seeing him standing there uncertainly, Fu Tianhe said, “Why didn’t you message me when you arrived? Come in.”

Chen Ci followed him into the shop. 

The parlor was filled with a distinctive smell of antiseptic. Fu Tianhe walked to the end of the corridor, lifting a curtain for Chen Ci to enter. Only then did Chen Ci realize there was more to the place than it seemed.

And this was just the first layer.

Fu Tianhe then opened an inconspicuous side door, leading to a downward staircase. The walls on either side were narrow, and the overhead light emitted a dim glow. 

Fu Tianhe glanced back at Chen Ci and reassured him in a low voice, “Don’t be scared.”

Using his mental power, Chen Ci quickly mapped out the underground space. It was surprisingly vast. 

“Okay,” Chen Ci replied, following Fu Tianhe down the stairs, eventually stepping onto tiled floors.

This was a black clinic hidden beneath the tattoo parlor.

The strong smell of disinfectant lingered in the air. A masked doctor emerged from one of the rooms, fresh blood still on his gloves. 

The doctor removed his gloves, tossing them into the medical waste bin, and asked Fu Tianhe, “The usual?”

Fu Tianhe shook his head. “No, today I’m taking someone to the black market.”

The doctor glanced at Chen Ci, who was heavily concealed with a mask and hat, and simply replied, “Go ahead, but bring me some supplies while you’re there.”

Fu Tianhe agreed and led Chen Ci further into the clinic, to a corner at the farthest end. Opening another door, they were met with yet another long corridor.

They walked for about fifty or sixty meters before encountering a door blocking their path.

“This is it.” Fu Tianhe stepped aside, his mechanical prosthetic eye glinting faintly in the darkness as he reached out to open the rusted iron door for Chen Ci—

A wave of deafening noise hit them, and in that moment of hesitation, Fu Tianhe’s cheerful voice rang in Chen Ci’s ears: 

“Welcome to the black market.”

Chen Ci steadied himself and stepped through the door.

He’d heard of places like this but hadn’t expected to see one so directly.

It seemed to be a hollow cavity between two layers, converted into an illegal trading hub. 

Stalls of all sizes lined the sides, with shops so numerous they were difficult to count. At a glance, it was even livelier than the shopping street above.

“I often sell the components I make here,” Fu Tianhe explained to Chen Ci. “Basically, you can find anything you want, as long as you have enough money.”

“Even a pass?” Chen Ci asked.

“Yeah, even a pass.”

Fu Tianhe led him directly to a shop he had already researched. The unassuming store was bustling with customers, all of whom left with satisfied expressions, clearly getting what they came for.

Inside, the shop had only a small front desk. Customers needed to consult here first. Once the price was negotiated, the shopkeeper would retrieve the item from the back.

“Do you have a pass to the top floor?” Fu Tianhe asked.

The shopkeeper glanced up. “Yes.”

“How much?”

The shopkeeper named a price, causing Chen Ci to frown. The amount was an astronomical sum for someone living in the underground city.

Fu Tianhe began haggling. “Can’t you go a bit lower? How about 9,700 Ogi?”

The shopkeeper shook his head. “Not possible. Things are strict right now, and every pass is hard to come by.”

“9,800?” Fu Tianhe pressed.

“11,000. That’s the lowest I can go,” the shopkeeper said firmly.

Clicking his tongue in frustration, Fu Tianhe was about to argue further when Chen Ci tugged at his sleeve.

Fu Tianhe turned back to the amber-eyed Omega, who looked at him seriously and whispered, “That’s too expensive.”

“It’s fine. Last night, I sold a batch of components. I’ve got the money.”

“From the stuff on your shelf?”

“No, I made new ones.”

Chen Ci fell silent for a moment before asking, “What time did you sleep last night?”

Fu Tianhe chuckled. “Don’t worry about that.”

He turned back to the shopkeeper. “10,500. Deal?”

The shopkeeper calculated briefly and nodded, standing up. “Wait a moment.”

Chen Ci pulled Fu Tianhe aside and repeated, “It’s really too expensive.”

“Don’t worry,” Fu Tianhe reassured him. “If there were another way, I’d consider it. But what do you want me to do—steal it? Money can always be earned back. It’s not that hard for me.”

—Then why is your home in such a miserable state?

Chen Ci remained silent. He desperately needed the pass but didn’t want Fu Tianhe to bear too much on his behalf.

Checking Chen Nian’s account balance, Chen Ci found that Jiang Dai was technically an undocumented citizen without medical insurance. He had to spend a lot of money on medication every month. After deducting those expenses, Chen Nian’s once-substantial salary barely left anything.

Chen Ci had nothing valuable to pawn, having exchanged lives with Chen Nian so thoroughly that he’d brought almost nothing with him. 

He couldn’t very well use Jiang Dai’s medication money. What would happen to Chen Nian once they switched back?

For the first time in his eighteen years, Chen Ci was at a loss over money.

Fu Tianhe tilted his head slightly, studying the flickering emotions in Chen Ci’s usually calm eyes. It was rare to see the usually stoic Omega express any feeling. This kind of hesitation was particularly novel.

The shopkeeper returned quickly. Before Chen Ci could protest further, Fu Tianhe patted his shoulder and handed over the payment for the pass.

“Here. Take it.” Fu Tianhe passed the precious pass to Chen Ci.

Chen Ci accepted it, pressing his lips tightly together under his mask.

“Is there anything else you want to look at?” Fu Tianhe asked.

“No,” Chen Ci replied.

“Alright, let me grab something for the doctor, and then we can head back.”

At another shop not far away, Fu Tianhe provided a passcode. The shopkeeper promptly retrieved a small medical cooler for him. 

Chen Ci had seen such coolers at XII Base before; they were likely used for storing some kind of biological agent.

On the way back, Fu Tianhe handed the cooler to the black clinic’s doctor without asking for payment and left with Chen Ci.

“You know that doctor?” Chen Ci asked.

“Yeah,” Fu Tianhe replied, not elaborating. But judging by their familiarity, Chen Ci guessed their relationship went beyond mere transactions.

Leaving the tattoo parlor, Fu Tianhe asked, “Do you have any other plans for today?”

Chen Ci shook his head. Though he had the critical pass in hand, he felt no sense of relief.

“I should—”

“No,” Fu Tianhe cut him off before he could finish.

The two locked eyes. “I don’t like owing people things. You’ve helped me too many times already,” Chen Ci said earnestly.

“Do you even have the money to pay me back? That was 10,000 Ogi,” Fu Tianhe teased.

Chen Ci fell silent again.

After thinking for a moment, Fu Tianhe suddenly asked, “Can you cook?”

Thrown off by the change in topic, Chen Ci replied, “Yes.”

“Alright, how about you make me a meal? That’ll settle it.”

One meal was hardly equivalent to the cost of the pass. It wasn’t an equal trade, but at the moment, there didn’t seem to be a better alternative.

“Alright,” Chen Ci agreed but insisted, “I’ll cook, but I’ll repay the money too.”

Fu Tianhe just grinned. Considering how modest Jiu Yue’s living conditions were—he couldn’t even afford regular bus fares or meals—Fu Tianhe knew there was no way Chen Ci would actually repay the money.

“Let’s go buy some groceries.”

—

For the first time in his life, Chen Ci visited a food market.

Normally, he cooked with carefully prepared, high-quality ingredients. But now, for the first time, he was picking items himself. The mixed aromas of various fresh produce in the market were overwhelming.

Chen Ci selected some vegetables and a dozen eggs before stopping at the meat section. 

The scent of blood hung heavily in the air.

Chen Ci pinched the bridge of his mask tightly, bracing himself as he entered the meat section.

Rows of slaughtered pigs hung upside down on iron frames, their red-and-white flesh and bones on full display. Intestines, livers, and other organs were piled nearby for customers to choose from. 

A freshly slaughtered chicken dangled from its legs, its neck slit and bleeding profusely. Tossed into a cramped iron cage, it squawked and struggled futilely, its movements only hastening its death.

The sounds of knives chopping on boards and bone resounding filled the air, alongside the black of marrow and the white of bone.

Chen Ci was stunned. 

The blood seeping from the cages silently spread across the floor, the smell of iron overpowering even through his mask. 

But he didn’t feel fear or disgust. 

Instead, he felt a faint excitement. 

It was as if he were back in the sterile confines of the lab, watching his own blood flow from his body into the clear tubes of a medical machine.

Subconsciously, Chen Ci pressed his left arm, the exact spot where needles often pierced his skin.

A hand suddenly blocked his view.

The Alpha’s voice was tinged with regret. “This is a bit much, isn’t it? I should’ve taken you to a supermarket.”

Remembering Chen Ci’s aversion to physical contact, Fu Tianhe kept his hand hovering rather than touching.

Chen Ci blinked slowly, his lashes brushing against the Alpha’s broad palm. 

“It’s fine,” Chen Ci heard himself say. He turned back to Fu Tianhe and asked, “What do you want to eat?”

“Anything. I’m not picky.”

Chen Ci bought some tenderloin. Fu Tianhe quickly took the bag from him. “Let me carry it.”

With most ingredients ready and spices available at Fu Tianhe’s place, the two returned to the shack.

Before Chen Ci could start cooking, Fu Tianhe darted into the kitchen, quickly rigging a small motor to the exhaust fan to ensure any fumes would be vented out, sparing Chen Ci from the smoke.

Once everything was set, Fu Tianhe emerged, rubbing his hands. “All ready.”

Chen Ci took the apron from him, tying it around his neck. He lowered his head, deft fingers looping a neat bow at the back. The apron and the anti-bite collar both highlighted the elegant curve of his neck.

Fu Tianhe swallowed hard and quickly looked away, embarrassed. 

Washing his hands, Chen Ci stepped into the kitchen.

It was small and cluttered. Fortunately, Chen Ci wasn’t a neat freak; he simply disliked physical contact with others.

Fu Tianhe followed him inside, intending to watch, but the cramped kitchen left little space. When Chen Ci turned to grab something, he nearly bumped into the Alpha.

Fu Tianhe quickly backed out, giving him room.

“Do you have any dietary restrictions?” Chen Ci asked from the kitchen.

“None! I eat everything!” Fu Tianhe replied enthusiastically.

Behind the curtain, the sounds of washing vegetables and slicing meat soon filled the air, followed by the bubbling of water coming to a boil.

Unable to resist, Fu Tianhe peeked through the curtain. Chen Ci stood at the stove, holding a boning knife and deftly preparing the tenderloin.

His knife skills were impeccable, each slice thin as paper, folding softly over the others. The Omega boy’s head was slightly bowed, his sleeves rolled up to reveal pale forearms.

As he worked, a streak of flour from the batter mixture smudged across his cheek.

Chen Ci had noticed Fu Tianhe’s gaze from the beginning. 

He ignored it, focusing on his task. Only when he turned to fetch something did he glance over.

Their eyes met for a brief second before Fu Tianhe hastily dropped the curtain, feigning nonchalance.

Chen Ci: ?

Why was he suddenly acting like a thief?

The two of them didn’t need much food. Fu Tianhe’s fridge couldn’t hold much either, so Chen Ci made three dishes and a soup.

When he brought the plates out, Fu Tianhe had already tidied the table. Seeing the food ready, he quickly took the plates from Chen Ci’s hands.

“Smells amazing,” Fu Tianhe couldn’t help but exclaim.

Chen Ci, who had been learning to cook since he was thirteen, had mastered nearly every cuisine in the past five years. Confined to the White Tower, where neural adapter games made him uneasy, he had only been able to pass time by taking the courses arranged for him.

Sitting at the table, Chen Ci was satisfied with the results. The simple ingredients they had purchased were transformed into a meal that was pleasing in appearance, smell, and taste.

Sitting across from him, Fu Tianhe couldn’t wait to dig in. 

He took a bite. The sour and sweet flavors burst on his tongue, and he immediately reached for another mouthful.

Seeing Fu Tianhe’s reaction, Chen Ci asked, “Is it good?”

“Mm-hmm!” Fu Tianhe nodded enthusiastically, quickly sampling the other dishes and soup. Closing his eyes, he let the flavors envelop his senses. 

A few seconds later, he opened his eyes and poured Chen Ci a bowl of soup. “It’s been so long since someone cooked for me.”

Hearing his slightly muffled voice, Chen Ci looked up to see that Fu Tianhe’s eyes were unexpectedly red at the corners.

Chen Ci: ?

…It’s just a meal?

During their brief interactions, Chen Ci had learned that Fu Tianhe wasn’t the sentimental type. For an easygoing Alpha to be moved to this extent over a meal?

Or was there another reason?

Chen Ci didn’t ask. He pretended not to notice.

The redness in Fu Tianhe’s eyes quickly faded, as if it had never been there. He buried himself in the food, praising Chen Ci’s cooking skill.

Although his cooking teacher had complimented him countless times, Chen Ci found the genuine delight on Fu Tianhe’s face strangely satisfying. 

His expression remained calm as he sampled his own cooking.

Fu Tianhe ate with gusto, clearing every plate. Even the soup was finished off, leaving the Alpha leaning back in his chair, utterly content. “So full… I haven’t eaten this much in ages.”

After savoring the flavors for a moment, he noticed Chen Ci was about to get up. Fu Tianhe quickly stood and gently pressed him back into his chair. “No need! I’ll do the dishes!”

Chen Ci hadn’t planned to do the dishes anyway. He was curious about the shelf by the lathe and wanted to check what was missing.

While Fu Tianhe cleared the table and washed up in the kitchen, Chen Ci approached the lathe. As expected, many of the components from the shelf were gone compared to yesterday.

Fu Tianhe had sold a significant portion to scrape together the money for the pass.

Living in the White Tower, Chen Ci had little concept of money, but even he understood that 10,500 Ogi might amount to the price of a single bottle of wine for the nobles.

Finishing quickly, Fu Tianhe came over to join him.

“Making these things isn’t that hard for me. The tricky part is getting the raw materials,” Fu Tianhe explained.

That’s why he often scavenged through the junkyard for discarded equipment and parts.

Chen Ci nodded. He reached out to lightly touch the surface of the lathe, feeling its cold, smooth metal.

It was incredible how such lifeless machines, combined with Fu Tianhe’s skilled hands, could create so many interesting gadgets.

“Want me to teach you a bit?” Fu Tianhe wiped his hands dry on his pants and pulled out a piece of wood from the materials box. “Let’s start with this.”

Fu Tianhe guided Chen Ci step by step in operating the lathe. With the program in place, using it wasn’t difficult. Under his instructions, Chen Ci soon carved out a small yellow wooden cat.

Blowing off the wood shavings, Chen Ci realized that with a bit of polishing and paint, it would make a charming little ornament.

“That’s all there is to it. The hardest part of using the lathe is programming. But you’re smart, so I’m sure you’d pick it up quickly. If you want to learn, I can teach you more later.”

Chen Ci was genuinely intrigued. He’d never been exposed to technical skills like this before. The White Tower had only ever assigned him courses deemed suitable for an Omega.

Unfortunately, he would be leaving tomorrow.

“Alright,” Chen Ci replied nonetheless. If there was ever a chance.

Fu Tianhe had a shift in the afternoon. Having barely slept the night before, Chen Ci encouraged him to take a nap. “You should rest.”

Though reluctant to part ways, Fu Tianhe knew he couldn’t skip work without a valid reason. Smiling, he said, “Sure. Let me walk you to the station first, then I’ll rest.”

“There’s no need. I can go by myself.”

“Come on, it’s not far.”

Unable to dissuade him, Chen Ci once again found himself escorted to the nearby station. Just like every time before, the Alpha stood by the roadside, watching as Chen Ci boarded the bus and took a seat by the window.

But this time, the amber-eyed boy turned his head, locking gazes with Fu Tianhe as if trying to commit something to memory.

The bus pulled away, and the Alpha’s figure soon disappeared from view.

Chen Ci leaned back against his seat, closing his eyes slightly. The precious pass lay in his lap.

—

By now, Chen Ci had memorized all the spots where water dripped from the pipes above.

Entering the stairwell, he noticed the lights on the second floor had gone out. 

He clapped his hands loudly, but the darkness remained.

Unlike other places, the underground city became pitch black without lighting—completely impenetrable.

Turning on his terminal’s flashlight, Chen Ci made his way to the second floor and stopped at the open electrical panel.

Inside, a few wires had been gnawed through.

In the corner of a pile of trash lay the corpse of a rat, along with the lifeless pink pups it had carried. The neighbors, angry at the damage, had crushed them all.

Chen Ci paused for a few minutes in front of the panel.

He examined the neatly chewed wires, then glanced at the dead rats, before finally continuing upstairs.