Deng Chun could not quite make out the nature or source of that sound. It seemed eerie at first, but did not last long, as though it were merely air swelling and circulating through a sewer or ventilation fan.
The airship's vibration concerned him more:
Had they taken off again?
Was that inexplicable business meeting over?
Deng Chun hesitated, then stood up and opened the door. As expected, Uniform 4 was guarding the entrance and turned to look at him when the door opened.
Deng Chun ignored him and walked out, only to be stopped a second later.
Uniform 4 spoke expressionlessly. "The airship is about to take off. Please remain in your room."
What the fuck did one have to do with the other?
Deng Chun almost snapped back with a sarcastic retort, but a strong light from across the corridor dazzled him. He could not make out its source, only that it came from the enclosed garden opposite. The light pouring through was so bright that he instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes.
"What's going on?"
"Please remain in your room."
Uniform 4 repeated his warning. Deng Chun did not argue. Squinting, he glanced toward the enclosed garden again and backed into the room.
Great. This was practically house arrest.
What happened to his dear old father's special regard for him?
The reality he currently faced did not exactly line up with what Deng Wei had told him!
This incident actually brought some clarity to Deng Chun's tangled thoughts.
He grinned at the Red-Capped Civil Official Mask on the bed, with a touch of mockery directed at others as much as himself.
Then he drew back the curtains. The window did not look out beyond the airship, but onto another enclosed garden. Putting him in a