Chapter Five: The Delivery That Never Arrives

“Then she can refuse delivery,” Lin Wan said. She called her colleagues at the hospital. On speaker, Zhou Ran's mother said weakly but clearly, “I didn't order it. Send it back.” A red crack split the order screen. [RECIPIENT REFUSES TO SIGN.] [RETURNING ORDER TO MERCHANT.] The street reversed. Headless riders, lamps, and black buildings collapsed toward the delivery box. The heart hammered and tried to drive its wires into Zhou Ran's chest. He pressed his staff card to the lid. “Midnight Zero is the merchant. I own one percent. Returned losses are distributed by equity share.” One wire pierced his palm and drew out a little warmth. The other eleven snapped backward through the network and stabbed its hidden owner.