A few days later.
The damp, cold night wind swept past the aging concrete exterior walls of Sai Kung Public Housing Estate, climbing the mottled pipes with a mournful whine.
The entire building was eerily quiet. Most windows that normally remained lit until late at night were completely dark.
Ever since the Lis had jumped from the rooftop a few days ago, the residents who could move had moved away. Those who could not had long since locked their doors early, terrified of encountering the rumored "seventh-night return of the soul."
In the security room, the stark white fluorescent tube buzzed and hissed, making Captain Lu and the others' faces look even paler.
Iron Guts huddled in the corner, his lips trembling. Big Ma kept wiping cold sweat from his forehead, his eyes drifting toward the tightly shut iron door.
They had brought up the word "leave" more than once. They had even said they would rather forfeit this month's wages than spend another second in this damned place.
Li Dan said nothing. He merely took several stacks of Hong Kong dollars from his bag and gently placed them on the table.
The faint rustle of paper was especially clear in the dead-silent room.
Captain Lu stared at the money, his Adam's apple bobbing. In the end, he let out a bitter sigh.
"Ah, Mr. Li... if anything happens again tonight, no amount of money will make me dare stay."
Li Dan nodded without explaining further.
He understood that fear. For ordinary people, running away was instinct when faced with the unknown.
"Damn it! What's going on? We've waited so long, and it still hasn't come?" someone said, impatiently tapping the table with one hand.
Leon lounged sideways in his chair, holding that pot of lilies in one hand.
He