Chapter 30: Regional Lockdown

Lody changed into his winter clothes, shouldered his schoolbag, and stepped out of his home once more.

The class monitor was sitting on the stairs opposite his door, pointing at the apartment next to his—which was plastered with various small advertising flyers. "It seems like no one lives next door to you, right? And when I was coming up the stairs, I noticed that quite a few units in this building seem vacant."

"That’s normal. Everyone living here dreams of moving to a better place. Once a family has a child who successfully advances to higher education and secures a good job, they move out immediately. If they don't have children with such prospects, they often seek other ways to change their fortunes, trying their luck with high-risk, high-paying jobs."

"Hmm, that makes sense."

The class monitor walked ahead with light, brisk steps. As she descended the stairs, she deliberately kept her hands behind her back, one of them making a waving motion. Lody, however, didn't seem to grasp the meaning—or perhaps he simply wasn't paying attention. He was preoccupied with something else.

"How did you find where I live?"

"That wasn't hard! This building only has seven floors, with two families per floor. Plus, with so many empty units, I just had to knock on every door until I found you. I didn't expect you to live on the very top floor, though."

"You knocked on every door?" Lody couldn't even imagine doing such a thing, though, given the class monitor's personality, it was certainly something she would do.

As the two were about to leave the building, discussing which fast-food restaurant to go to for their homework, a screeching sound echoed. A yellow caution tape was suddenly pulled across the first-floor exit. A man wrapped in a black windbreaker, his face nearly obscured by his high collar, stood before them.

"The housing complex you are currently in is suspected of harboring abnormal activity that has already resulted in resident fatalities. We are now placing this complex under 'Area Lockdown.' During this period, all residents must remain in their homes and cooperate with our investigation. I will come up shortly to ask you some questions."

Given his attire and the term "Area Lockdown," Lody immediately associated the man with his identity: a City Investigator.

Lody quickly asked, "Abnormal activity? How long will the lockdown last?"

"Estimated to be no less than a day."

"This girl is my classmate. She doesn't live here; she only arrived five minutes ago. Can you let her go?"

"Please comply with the arrangements and wait for the lockdown to end. Regardless of the reason for being in this complex, no one may leave. Furthermore, I advise this young lady to be extra vigilant and ensure her own safety."

Just as Lody was about to argue further, the class monitor tugged gently on his sleeve, standing on tiptoe. "According to the 'Corner Law,' once an area lockdown is initiated, everyone must cooperate with the investigators. Even if I arrived a minute ago, I have to comply. It’s alright—my winter break tutoring is over, and my parents have given me three days to relax. I’ll text my father about the lockdown; it’s fine if I don't go home tonight."

"It's not that..." Lody was concerned about something else.

"It’s really okay. I know your home life is private; I can just stay in the hallway or on the rooftop until the lockdown is lifted."

Lody recalled the recent funeral and the investigator’s warning. Leaving the class monitor alone outside might be dangerous, and the temperature was freezing. After a long moment of thought, he let out a long sigh.

"Fine. Come wait at my place. My parents took my sister on a trip."

The class monitor’s eyes went wide. "No wonder I didn't hear anyone else in your home! So your aunt and uncle are away. Don't worry, I won't go snooping in your bedroom; I'll just stay in the living room."

She followed Lody back upstairs, pulling her scarf over her lips to hide her delight. She had always been curious about the secrets hidden in the home of this introverted top student—how he managed to consistently take first place in physical tests without any extra training.

Perhaps this was her chance to discover his so-called "training secret."

***

[The Top Floor]

The key turned in the lock accompanied by Lody’s deep breath. It was his first time bringing someone home, especially a girl he was close with.

"Wow, it’s so clean!"

Reflecting the indoor lights, the class monitor couldn't spot a speck of dust. There was little clutter; it was simple and tidy.

"I mopped the floor this morning. Give me a second, I’ll find you a pair of slippers... I think you'll have to wear my sister's. We rarely have guests, so there aren't any spares."

"No need! It's so clean that slippers aren't necessary, and wearing someone else's is rude anyway. Besides, I just changed my socks this morning; I won't dirty your floor."

"Alright."

Her white sneakers were placed neatly in the shoe area. The class monitor stepped onto the floor in her white pantyhose. Although this was just a standard housing complex, in the modern era where energy issues had been fully resolved, heating was available around the clock, keeping the interior at a constant temperature of around 20°C.

The class monitor observed her surroundings without entering the bedroom, even taking a moment to feed the parrot on the windowsill. "Your place is actually quite big. I initially thought these units were only as big as my bedroom, but this looks like the size of two bedrooms. I don't mean anything by it—I just think living in a cozy place like this is quite nice."

Lody had gone to the kitchen. Following the hospitality etiquette his mother had taught him, he found a tea bag and poured the class monitor a steaming cup of tea. As he walked toward the living room, his footsteps faltered.

Because of the heating, the class monitor had removed her thick down jacket and scarf, folding them neatly in the corner of the sofa. She was wearing a form-fitting black turtleneck sweater underneath, paired with a brown, Scottish-style pleated skirt. The thick white stockings extended from the skirt, wrapping around her long, athletic legs.

Up until now, he had only ever seen her in school uniforms or sportswear. It was the first time Lody had seen her dressed like this. After a momentary daze, he quickly composed himself and handed her the tea.

"Lody, you look a bit hot. Why don't you take off your jacket?"

"Yeah."

Lody’s forehead was covered in sweat, though he hadn't seemed to notice it himself.

The class monitor narrowed her eyes, watching him curiously. "Why are you acting so strange? Is there something unspeakable hidden in your bedroom? Or are you hiding some 'fitness treasure' in there, terrified that I might find it?"

"No, I'm just not used to having company."

"If there's nothing there, can I take a look at your bedroom?" The class monitor raised her right hand like she was answering a question in class. "I swear I won't touch anything, I’ll just look."

"You can watch TV or do your homework at the dining table for a while."

"Oh..."

***

Since she hadn't gained permission to enter the bedroom, they both tacitly took out their winter break homework. However, they had barely written a few words when—*knock, knock*—the door echoed. The investigator who had locked down the building downstairs had arrived.

"Hello. Please cooperate with a situation assessment. This is my personal identification; you can verify its authenticity through your wristbands."

The investigator applied dust-proof pads to his shoes and stepped into the room. After scanning the environment with a grim gaze, he chose the dining table where they were working as the spot for the conversation.

Based on their faces, the investigator pulled up their personal information from the database.

"You two attend the Fourth Middle School. Half a year ago, you jointly completed a practical project provided by our city’s research institute, with excellent results... very excellent, in fact. According to your statement downstairs, you are just here by chance to do homework together, correct?"

The investigator suddenly shifted his gaze to lock eyes with Wu Wen.

She was clearly startled, her response stuttering. "Y-yes, that’s right."

The gaze didn't stop even after her answer. After about a minute, the investigator nodded.

"I am here to explain the current situation. A 'Latent Mimic' that has already hunted two young girls is suspected to be active in this complex. Its 'Mind Cornering' stage has lasted at least half a year, and it is skilled at manipulating 'Fear Manifestation.' Searching for and capturing such individuals is relatively difficult and time-consuming. The lockdown of the entire complex is expected to last more than a day. You must be extra careful, especially you, Student Wu."

The class monitor nodded obediently, promising she would not step out of the door.

Lody asked, "Has this entire building been searched?"

"You were originally the last unit. However, according to the permanent resident list and daily activity logs provided by the community, the resident on the third floor left the building temporarily for an urgent matter. Once she returns and undergoes the screening, this building will be considered cleared."

Hearing this, Wu Wen looked puzzled. "Huh? When I was coming up earlier, I saw the resident from the third floor with my own eyes. It was about ten minutes before you locked down the building. Did she happen to go out just then? What a coincidence."

The investigator’s expression changed instantly, like a predator catching a scent.

"Are you certain?"

"I am certain."

"Thank you for the valuable information."

Having received the definitive answer, the investigator immediately stood up and left.