The moment the recollection ended, Lin Zhongxiaowu's footsteps never paused.
As if he were merely taking a stroll, he sauntered forward loosely and casually, circling halfway around without drawing notice before turning smoothly and nimbly toward the exit.
Without changing expression, he smiled and waved at everyone he knew.
Then, his hand in his pocket quietly snapped the copper token for calling Huai Shi for help. Finally, he dialed his phone.
The ringtone sounded once before turning into a busy signal.
Every signal sent to the outside world had been coldly and carefully blocked.
His smile stiffened for an instant.
He looked up.
On the road outside the gate stood a bizarre figure shrouded head to toe in a hazmat suit. Its face was hidden behind a gas mask, the lenses utterly black, revealing nothing. An ominous aura that made Lin Zhongxiaowu's hair stand on end coiled around its entire body.
At that moment, the strange visitor stood amid the crowd, yet no one besides him paid any attention.
A stiff electronic voice spoke without the slightest inflection.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lin."
It said calmly, "You may call me Number 008. To avoid misunderstandings, please refrain from doing anything unnecessary. This matter has nothing to do with you."
"Sorry, sorry, didn't mean to disturb you." Lin Zhongxiaowu gave an awkward smile, as though he had accidentally entered the wrong restroom, and waved his hand. "I'll leave right away, I'll leave right away..."
"Considering that all six of your personality simulations have caused developments outside the plan, please allow me to implement a Level Six adjustment plan. Put simply..."
Number 008 said stiffly, "Please go to sleep first."
In that instant, a pencil-thin rod appeared in its hand and aimed at Lin Zhongxiaowu's face.
The youth's expression did not