Just as he wondered whether he was being too sensitive—
A flashing red dot suddenly appeared in the upper-right corner of the computer screen.
"…"
Wang Yanfei paused, moved the mouse, and clicked it.
The view expanded.
It was the surveillance feed from the warehouse entrance.
In the footage, the same man who talked to him yesterday about the transfer stood outside.
He was holding a black square box, his movements cautious but unable to hide the excitement in his eyes.
Two fully armed exoskeleton soldiers followed behind him.
They came fast.
Wang Yanfei took a quiet breath and stood up.
After a moment.
Thud, thud.
"Brother, I'm coming in."
The door opened.
The man poked his head in, and seeing him inside, immediately grinned.
"So, how's the new job? Getting used to it?"
Wang Yanfei nodded. "Good, very good. Almost too good."
As he spoke, his gaze already fell on the black box the man was carrying.
The man did not beat around the bush. He placed the box on the table and lowered his voice.
"Brother, you were right yesterday."
As he spoke, he pushed the lid open just a crack.
Inside the box was the severed head of a gloomy-looking man. His eyes were shut, as if he were simply asleep.
Under normal circumstances, such a sight was enough to give anyone nightmares.
But after staring for a while, Wang Yanfei felt no particular reaction.
He had more or less guessed it: this head was most likely the one who reported him.
The man sighed. "People who like to meddle… can't be kept around."
"And he was stubborn too. Said something like he 'was just jealous of your happy family,' so he wanted to frame you."
As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and extended a hand.
"Right, let's properly introduce ourselves. I'm Hossen."
Wang Yanfei reached out and shook his hand. "I—"
He paused, then changed his words. "Just call me Benjamin."
Once their hands parted, Hossen immediately asked,
"You gave that confidential report to the Left Envoy yesterday, right? Was the Envoy satisfied?"
Wang Yanfei's heartbeat tightened slightly, but nothing showed on his face. He nodded naturally.
"Yes. The Left Envoy… was satisfied."
"Whew—"
Hossen let out a long breath, even collapsing dramatically onto the bed, smiling with narrowed eyes.
"Good. Great. As long as the Left Envoy is satisfied, my life is safe for now."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice:
"You're really blessed. If the Left Envoy is willing to personally develop you, your future is… tsk."
He raised a thumb toward him.
Wang Yanfei only smiled faintly, saying nothing.
But in his head he muttered, "The Left Envoy is literally hiding in my clothes right now."
After a brief hesitation, Hossen spoke again.
"Brother…"
"Mm?"
"Since we get along so well, could you… maybe say a few good words for me in front of the Left Envoy?
If you could help introduce me someday, that would be even better."
Inwardly, Wang Yanfei sneered, but his expression remained perfectly steady.
"Of course. If I get the chance, I will mention it."
Hossen was overjoyed, clenching his fists excitedly.
"Good, good, good. I knew you were loyal."
He celebrated for quite a while, then remembered his original purpose.
"Then—see you tonight at the Restart Ceremony!"
Wang Yanfei acted puzzled and asked naturally,
"Where is the Restart Ceremony?"
At the same time, his hand quietly moved to his lower back, touching the Bullet Ant.
Hossen paused noticeably, frowning as he looked him over.
"The Left Envoy… didn't tell you?"
Wang Yanfei shook his head, showing just enough embarrassment.
"The Envoy is busy. Probably forgot. Honestly, yesterday was the first time I even heard the words 'Restart Ceremony.'"
A short silence.
A trace of doubt flashed in Hossen's eyes.
But a few seconds later, he suddenly let out an "oh," as if he had figured something out.
The crease between his brows slowly eased.
"Right, first time."
He patted Wang Yanfei on the shoulder, tone returning to his usual friendliness.
"Everyone is like this the first time. No worries, I'll come pick you up tonight. We'll go together."
"Alright."
Wang Yanfei showed a sincere-looking smile. "Then I'll trouble you."
Hossen looked even happier, closed the black box, and waved his hand.
"Then I won't bother your 'work.' Get familiar with the place. See you tonight."
The door clicked shut.
The warehouse returned to silence.
Wang Yanfei stood there, listening to his slightly quickened heartbeat, and only after a while did he sit down again.
Just as he was about to take a breath, a disgusted mutter came from his collar.
"Human, why are you even going to that… whatever that 'ceremony' is? It does not sound like a good place."
Wang Yanfei kept his voice low. "Can I skip it? Hossen is still part of the management."
He paused, helplessness in his tone.
"He acts carefree, but someone like him would never run around for a random worker."
Alvina tilted her head. "Then why is he so attentive?"
Wang Yanfei sighed. "Partly because of the Restart Society. Partly… because of the so-called Left Envoy."
He pointed at himself lightly. "If he goes there and doesn't see me, what do you think would happen?"
Alvina's golden eyes narrowed slowly.
"No… it cannot be what I think, right?"
Wang Yanfei nodded.
"Yes, exactly what you think."
He made a box shape with his hands.
"I would also become a head in a black box."
Alvina shivered. "Ugh. How are human hearts so filthy…?"
Seeing her disgust, Wang Yanfei rolled his eyes.
"This is nothing. If you saw more, you wouldn't say that."
Alvina curled up, muttering softly.
"Humans are terrifying… no wonder so many skins want to replace you all."
Wang Yanfei was silent.
No, you are actually the scariest one.
———————
The rest of the day was indeed quiet.
No tasks, no visitors, not even many robots.
Only the overhead lights hummed faintly as the hours passed.
Wang Yanfei sat in the chair, staring blankly at the surveillance screens.
Suddenly, a flashing red dot appeared in the upper-right corner.
Without looking, he already knew who it was.
Sure enough, a few seconds later, a knock sounded outside:
"Brother, I'm here."
When Hossen pushed the door open, his breathing was slightly rushed, as if he had run all the way.
Tonight he wore a black robe, looking very much like a cultist.
Hossen handed him a black robe of the same style, grinning.
"Here, brother, put it on and see if it fits."
Wang Yanfei took it, glanced down, and quickly put it on.
Hossen spoke faster than usual.
"The Restart Ceremony is in the outer ring tonight. It's about time.
Let's go."
Wang Yanfei pulled the hood down, covering half his face.
"Let's go."
Hossen was very satisfied. He patted his shoulder.
"Move out!"
He led Wang Yanfei through several transport corridors and finally arrived at his own office.
The office had been cleaned to spotless perfection.
Inside, there was only one thing.
At the center stood a silver-white, spindle-shaped device as tall as a person.
Hossen patted the shell with pride.
"Brother, tonight we're taking this straight to the ceremony."
He looked back at Wang Yanfei, a smile on his face, eyes burning with a fanatical glow.
"Since this is your first Restart Ceremony, you probably don't know yet—"
"Tonight will be spectacular."