Despite how anxious Zhang Chenyan was, it was already midnight when he arrived.
The messages in the group kept updating, with both good and bad news. The good news was that they hadn't found Chen Yijing yet; the bad news was that Chen Yijing's real-life photos were being widely circulated, making it much harder for him to hide.
Even though Zhang Chenyan had reported the photos to the relevant authorities to request their removal, many people had already seen and saved them, continuing to spread them.
This kind of behavior spread like wildfire, leaving Zhang Chenyan feeling exhausted and helpless.
While he was on the train, he occasionally saw some messages or comments defending Chen Yijing, but those who spoke out were viciously attacked and soon silenced.
In the frenzy, everyone acted like they were ready to explode, completely irrational.
Gradually, no one dared to speak up for Chen Yijing anymore; after all, who wanted to become the target of public outrage for a complete stranger?
Watching these people celebrate their absolute victory in public opinion made Zhang Chenyan even more anxious.
Not long after he got off the train, he saw a man holding a sign that read "Alliance of the Righteous."
The man spotted Zhang Chenyan and walked towards him loudly.
"Are you also looking for that kid Chen Yijing?"
"Hey, we're all in this together."
"I'll send you the route map. Check which exit to meet up with the main group. I recommend exits E and F; they need more support there."
Although Zhang Chenyan was looking for Chen Yijing, his purpose was entirely different from these people's, even the opposite. So when the man sent him the route map, Zhang Chenyan pretended to receive it but didn't meet up with the main group, instead choosing places outside their checkpoints.
Given the heavy blockade, Chen Yijing couldn't possibly escape. Since he hadn't been caught yet, he might be hiding in some corner.
Even though there was no daylight in the underground city, only darkness, the city still maintained a schedule, and at this hour, it was usually quiet.
But the area where Zhang Chenyan arrived was different; it was more bustling than usual.
Zhang Chenyan tried to walk through less crowded areas, occasionally calling out, but not for Chen Yijing. Instead, he kept saying he was the person standing in front of him in line at B City today.
After trying a few times, Zhang Chenyan resorted to a lower voice as he walked, saying, "I believe you, I would lend you my handheld console."
The first part was a statement of trust, the second part a little "code" only he and Chen Yijing would understand, something Zhang Chenyan had just decided on, hoping Chen Yijing would catch on.
He called out repeatedly, growing more anxious. From the messages in the group, it was clear those people weren't giving up and were searching the area thoroughly.
Zhang Chenyan had considered calling the authorities, but since those people hadn't found Chen Yijing or caused any real harm yet, the authorities could only persuade them. However, those self-proclaimed righteous people wouldn't listen to reason.
They all believed they were heroes, the heroes of the underground city.
Zhang Chenyan kept searching, and just when he was feeling desperate and resting against a wall, he noticed a crack in a nearby trash can. At first, he didn't pay attention until he heard a voice: "Are you the one who stood in front of me?"
"I am!" Zhang Chenyan instinctively replied, then looked for where the voice came from.
When he realized it was from the trash can, he was incredulous. It was a row of trash cans, dirty and smelly. He couldn't imagine how Chen Yijing endured it. Those "righteous" people would probably find it too filthy to search.
Zhang Chenyan approached, intending to pull Chen Yijing out, but Chen Yijing refused to come out.
"It's too dangerous outside."
"I can't get out; they've blocked all the exits."
"I can't go home either; there are people there too."
"It's safest here. Maybe they'll leave by morning."
Chen Yijing explained while showing Zhang Chenyan the map he had received in the group.
Zhang Chenyan showed his group chat to Chen Yijing, asking if he was also undercover in the group. To his surprise, Chen Yijing shook his head, saying he was probably in group 2 or 3.
Realizing there were multiple groups of "righteous" people, Zhang Chenyan felt a sense of despair, understanding why Chen Yijing was so on edge.
In the dim light, Zhang Chenyan couldn't see Chen Yijing's face clearly, but his voice was clear and clean, matching his name.
Seeing Chen Yijing hiding in the trash can, Zhang Chenyan felt relieved and lightened up. He joked, "You're quite the obedient kid in reality. Why were you so rebellious when we first met? Teenage angst?"
"You! I'm just being adaptable. Don't get cocky." Chen Yijing retorted but didn't dare come out of the trash can.
"Alright, listen to me. Stay hidden here while I scout the area. Your ID might not work for booking a room, so I'll use mine. I'll find a low-floor room and come back for you." Zhang Chenyan instructed and left without waiting for a response.
The longer he took, the longer Chen Yijing stayed in the trash can.
Chen Yijing seemed to want to say something but feared being discovered, so he stayed quiet.
Without turning back, Zhang Chenyan waved, "Don't worry. I'll be back, I promise."
As Zhang Chenyan navigated back, he told anyone blocking his way that he was also looking for Chen Yijing and relayed the false information from the group chat to clear the path to the hotel.
After finally reaching the hotel, he used his ID to book a room.
"Do you have a first-floor room? If not, a second-floor room will do," Zhang Chenyan asked.
"You're also looking for someone, right?" The receptionist whispered, as if they were part of a secret operation.
Not sure of the receptionist's attitude, Zhang Chenyan played dumb.
Seeing his silence, the receptionist proceeded formally, "We have a big room on the second floor and a smaller one on the first floor."
"I'll take the first floor. I don't like high floors; it feels unsafe," Zhang Chenyan said.
The receptionist had seen all kinds of people and wasn't surprised by Zhang Chenyan's preference, just doing his job.
"By the way, does the room have a pod?" Zhang Chenyan asked.
"Of course," the receptionist nodded. "Because it's a smaller room, the pod is newer and rarely used."
"Good, I'm on a business trip and need to handle any emergencies." Zhang Chenyan replied, relieved.
After checking the room, Zhang Chenyan confirmed the window could open before heading out.
"Going out again this late?" The receptionist asked curiously.
"Hungry, looking for a snack," Zhang Chenyan responded casually.
"Turn left, two hundred meters. There's a barbecue place open 24 hours," the receptionist suggested.
"Thanks," Zhang Chenyan nodded.
He walked left initially, then circled back towards Chen Yijing's location.
Considering where Chen Yijing was hiding, even if he wasn't found, he'd be stinking by now. If it was morning, someone would throw out the trash, putting him at risk.
On the way back, Zhang Chenyan reassessed the cleared routes, interacting with the "alliance" members.
"Bro, didn't you see the group messages?"
"This place was searched; he's not here."
"Go to exit E; they need more support there."
"Sync the info with the group to avoid more people coming here."
"I'll keep looking for others and update them too."
To help Chen Yijing, Zhang Chenyan forced himself to be sociable, calling everyone "bro."
In this atmosphere of shared purpose, people quickly bonded, and no one suspected Zhang Chenyan's intentions.
Finally reaching the trash can, Zhang Chenyan ensured no one was around before approaching.
"I'm back."
"Couldn't you pick a less smelly spot?"
"What's in here?"
He helped Chen Yijing out while inspecting the trash can.
The culprit: kitchen waste.
"You sure know how to pick a spot," Zhang Chenyan commented.
"I emptied the trash; otherwise, there wasn't enough room," Chen Yijing explained.
Zhang Chenyan admired his determination.
Both of them now shared the same smell.
"I thought you wouldn't come back," Chen Yijing muttered. "Even though you promised."
In the faint streetlight, Zhang Chenyan found Chen Yijing's pout adorable.
But now wasn't the time for this. He sternly instructed, "I'll walk ahead, you follow. If anything seems off, hide. I've booked a room on the first floor. I'll pull you in through the window."
Chen Yijing nodded, "Got it, I'm quick."
Zhang Chenyan believed him; otherwise, he wouldn't have lasted this long.
"There's a new pod in the room. You can use my handheld console too."
This was the best encouragement he could offer. Then he led the way.
Thanks to his earlier preparations, they only encountered one person, whom Zhang Chenyan deftly handled before reaching the hotel.
Knowing the receptionist's curiosity, Zhang Chenyan quickly walked past, avoiding any conversation about his smell or other unexpected questions.
Back in the room, the first thing Zhang Chenyan did was open the window and quietly call for Chen Yijing.
Soon, Chen Yijing appeared.
Zhang Chenyan extended his hand, and with a leap, Chen Yijing grabbed it, pulling himself in.
"Smooth moves," Zhang Chenyan praised, then pointed to the bathroom. "Take a shower and wash your clothes. Wrap in a towel afterward."
"What are you going to do?" Chen Yijing asked nervously.
"What else? I can wait in the hallway if needed," Zhang Chenyan offered.
"No need, I trust you," Chen Yijing smiled. "I know you just want the smell gone. You smell the same."
As Zhang Chenyan moved to act, Chen Yijing quickly retreated to the bathroom.
Watching him, Zhang Chenyan rubbed his temples. He had been as impulsive as those he called crazy.
In his haste, he hadn't brought a bag or extra clothes. Otherwise, he could lend Chen Yijing some clothes.
Looking at his own dirty clothes, Zhang Chenyan decided to shower and wrap in a towel too.