Chapter One: Seven Rules and the Eighth Chair

Zhou Ran read the words: Someone is missing. At midnight, the entire mall lost power. Dark red emergency lights came on. Metal joints straightened behind the stage curtain, one after another, like a row of fingers snapping in the dark. Static drowned all twelve screens. Then the speakers activated. A cheerful child's voice announced, “Welcome to tonight's scenario: The Last Birthday Table.” “The night manager must complete the birthday celebration before one o'clock.” “Failure penalty: everyone stays.” Translucent gray words appeared in front of Zhou Ran. [NIGHT MANAGER SYSTEM BOUND.] [CURRENT AUTHORITY: TEMPORARY WORKER.] [SURVIVORS: SEVEN.] Six customers and Zhou Ran made seven.