Stay Away

After hanging up on Yu Xuekun, Hesta returned home alone. The moment she pushed open the door, she caught the rich scent of fried chicken and saw a note left on the dining table.

She had assumed it was from Xu Ruyi, but when she picked it up, she found Ding Jiali's name signed at the bottom.

Ms. Xu had been out all day, and the lunch the auntie made had not particularly suited Ding Jiali's taste, so that evening he ordered from a rather upscale restaurant nearby. Ding Yuqing then added several orders of fried chicken... Considering that Hesta might want something to eat when she returned that night, he had deliberately left several dishes in the refrigerator.

After setting down the note, Hesta went straight into the bedroom.

She did not turn on the lights, put down her bag, or even take off her coat before collapsing onto the bed.

The rain outside was growing heavier. The sound of wind and rain in the pitch-black room reminded Hesta once more of the Ascending Bright's cabins. Scenes from the ship intertwined with her present reality, and the three safety rules immediately surfaced in her mind:

First, never hand your Ship Card over to anyone.

Second, do not go below Deck 1.

Third, the Fifth Deck (cabins) is an absolutely safe area, but you may not remain there during Safety Inspection.

Hesta remembered that the subsequent explanation of these rules had solemnly stated: "Most of the trouble you encounter aboard the ship has a solution. Only the consequences of violating the safety rules are irreversible. Please restrain your curiosity."

Yet in truth, apart from the first, which was a "genuine safety rule," it was difficult to say that the other two had any value at all. Deck -2 was where