Coming from the skybridge, they saw what appeared to be a large full-length mirror standing in the lobby on the Tenth Floor of E-2.
A figure shrouded in black stood before the mirror, seemingly examining herself, or perhaps waiting. The clear moonlight could not reach that spot; only a long shadow spread like water.
While the figure remained indistinct, Ji Li called softly:
"Yu Guo?"
But when that figure turned around, long hair came into view.
The sound of high heels striking the floor tiles confirmed that she was a woman. Her steps were steady and firm, each one landing like a blow to the heart.
The darkness gradually receded, revealing a woman with delicate features and an elegant bearing. She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and smiled politely at them.
"Dean Ji, you aren't late yet."
The director of the Personnel Department, surnamed Wang.
She had let down her previously distinctive bun, and her long hair fell over the front of her work clothes, lending her a casual, languid beauty.
Ji Li's heart filled with disappointment.
Ignoring her, he pressed his communicator and called into the silent public channel:
"Yu Guo, where are you? I'm here."
"..."
There was no sound, no reply. Only the echo of his question drifted through the empty E-2 building.
E-2 was much quieter than either E-3 or E-1. It seemed as though there were no ghosts here. When the five of them arrived, the place was unusually clean.
Ji Li's expression grew darker. He closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, and shook his head slightly.
Yu Guo had been out of contact for nearly twenty-four hours. He was inside E-2, so why was it impossible to reach him in either dimension?
Throughout that time, there had been no word from him aside from