Chapter Three: The First Reservation—One Billion Credits

“How does he know about this place?” Chen asked. Zhou looked at the ring. “Miguang, did you invite him?” “The hotel can hear a regret deep enough.” “I refuse.” Zhou closed the ledger. “Room 001 nearly killed Chen. Until I understand the rules and risks, no price is high enough.” The ledger reopened on its own. More ink appeared. RESERVATION CONFIRMED BY GUEST. ESTIMATED ARRIVAL: ELEVEN HOURS. REFUSING A VALID STAY WILL DEDUCT 100 MOONGLOW POINTS. They had only ninety left. “That's coercion.” “Correction: it is mandatory performance.” Before Zhou could argue, the external alarm sounded. Old Chen's rover stood outside, and its camera automatically transmitted a view. A trail of footprints crossed the gray-white plain.