Chapter Four: There Is No Chef in the Freezer

“There is no chef in the freezer,” Zhou Ran said. “Not until somebody goes in and acknowledges one.” He tied his wrist to Lin Wan's with a safety line, and they entered the white fog. The freezer extended ten times farther than the building plans allowed. Frosted black bags hung on both sides, breathing softly. Chopping echoed from the far end. They did not turn. At the third aisle, Lin Wan said, “Zhou Ran, I'm cold.” The rule demanded he look back, but the scent of cold tea beside him had vanished. He stopped and checked the line. Its other end disappeared into the wrist of a smooth-faced white figure. The real Lin Wan was behind him, tapping the metal clasp, unable to speak.