In the evening, at yet another dilapidated inn in Lianmen Harbor, Liu Xiaojing found himself constrained by his lack of identification. Despite having recently received ample funds, and his reluctance to stay in such a shabby place, he had no choice but to be limited by his identity issues. Now, seated alone in the damp and shadowy room, he gazed at the smile on the computer screen and couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"Erzhuang, is it? How is it you again?"
[...What's the matter? Don't want to see me? Then you'll have to find a place with no electronics at all, but I'm afraid such places are almost impossible to come by in today's society. (smugly)]
[Even in this shabby inn, apart from the air conditioner and computer in the room, the hallways outside are brimming with cameras. (wicked grin)]
Realizing that the other person seemed able to clearly discern his expression, Liu Xiaojing glanced suspiciously at the computer's camera. Though he had not activated it, the indicator light for the camera was clearly on. It seemed that Erzhuang truly had the ability to control any electronic device at will.
With this realization, Liu Xiaojing lowered his gaze to the power switch under the desk. At that moment, the text on the screen immediately shifted.
[Don't! Don't turn off the power! I mean no harm! (panicked)]
[And even if you do turn off the power, you'll only end our conversation, it won't really free you from my surveillance, so... let's continue to get along, alright? (playful)]
Liu Xiaojing glanced at the text, turned, and without hesitation yanked the power plug from the computer. He even proceeded to turn off all the other powered devices in the room, leaving no trace of opportunity for Erzhuang's surveillance. After the events of last night, Liu Xiaojing had little patience for this sly figure, especially with the clear sense that he was being monitored at every moment. If he didn't take action now, he feared he might soon be treated as nothing more than a pet cat.
Having taken these measures, Liu Xiaojing finally felt a modicum of relief. He lay back on the bed in the inn, about to close his eyes and rest, when he suddenly sensed something amiss. He instinctively turned to look out the window.
The inn was located right on a crossroad, and the traffic light directly outside aligned perfectly with his room. The camera, unbeknownst to him, had turned in his direction. However, as soon as he noticed it, it quickly rotated back, as if trying to hide its actions.
"..." Liu Xiaojing understood immediately that this was yet another of Erzhuang's tricks. Without a word, he sprang from the bed, marched over to the window, and, clearly displeased, pulled the curtain shut.
The next day, at lunchtime, Liu Xiaojing arrived at a restaurant near Dongdazhi Street, where he exchanged a few pleasantries with the owner before ordering his usual—three-quarter cooked white-cut chicken—and sat down at a table near the street. His funds had been replenished, and the new inn he found had more reasonable rates, so money was no longer a concern. For the time being, his mood was rather pleasant.
Except that, no matter where he went, he could still feel the presence of that same figure...
[Hey! In a good mood today, huh? Care to chat? (wicked grin)]
Liu Xiaojing saw the words suddenly appear on the restaurant's television screen. He glanced around to see that the place was empty and immediately grabbed the remote, shutting off the TV. But to no avail. The screen turned black for a moment, only to quickly spring back to life.
[What's this? Still upset? A grown man like you, so petty? (displeased)]
[Yes, I did mess with you earlier, but I didn't cause you any real harm, did I? In fact, I even gave you some extra funds... (hesitant)]
[If we really wanted to do something to you, do you think you'd still be sitting here, leisurely eating? (serious)]
Upon seeing this, Liu Xiaojing glanced at the kitchen and furrowed his brows. "What exactly do you want?" The person's abilities were clearly troublesome, and given the extent of electronic device use in modern society, Liu Xiaojing figured he might as well hear what they wanted. After all, if he could avoid being constantly watched, he'd rather not be in such a position.
At that moment, the restaurant owner emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray of food, interrupting the conversation.
[Oh, don't worry. We mean you no harm. Let's talk after you finish your lunch, shall we? (playful tongue-out gesture)]
Liu Xiaojing watched the TV return to normal, his expression one of resignation. He picked up his utensils and began eating, though the food felt tasteless in his mouth.
That evening, Liu Xiaojing returned to his room in the inn, unwillingly turning on the computer.
"Spit it out. What do you really want? I'd prefer to have everything settled in one go."
[We're not bad people, really. (indifferent)]
"Cut the nonsense. Just say it. Get to the point."
[...How can you speak to a girl like that? (shy)]
"What?... You're a girl?"
[Forget it, let's get to business. By now, you must have realized that extraordinary individuals exist, right? (serious)]
"Mm, you mean the ones you sent over earlier?" Liu Xiaojing nodded.
[That's right. You're an extraordinary individual, I'm one too, and so is everyone in the company. We handle the effects that extraordinary individuals have on society. (serious)]
[We took note of you after the recent zombie incident, and that's why we sent people to make contact with you. It's part of our duty. (serious)]
"A company? What kind of company are you exactly? Some courier service run by extraordinary individuals? A self-appointed task force to deal with other extraordinary individuals? Do you really have the authority to do this?" Hearing the word "company," Liu Xiaojing recalled what he had seen on the computer earlier and began to doubt the truth of their words.
[Yes, officially we are a courier company. As for why we handle the issues caused by other extraordinary individuals, I can only say... because to other extraordinary individuals, we represent the official authority. (proudly)]
"Extraordinary police?" Liu Xiaojing paused, thinking for a moment. "If that's the case, then your actions do make sense." He had long wondered how they could infiltrate the inn without a trace and clear the area of ordinary people without making a sound. Such feats would be impossible without a legitimate explanation.
[Uh... we're not exactly police, though our activities are somewhat similar. But we're not real police. (shush)]
"So?" Liu Xiaojing ignored the explanation. "What exactly do you, as an 'official' organization, want with me? Is it just because I accidentally hurt a small-time thug while saving someone?"
[Of course not! That matter's already been settled by someone on your behalf. The real reason I'm here is... to invite you to join us! (serious)]
"What?"