Chapter Three: Gu Yan Is Dead

Every prior post had been fulfilled before the following midnight. Gu Yan nodded. “At most.” He tested the easiest systems first. His phone number worked. His bank login worked. His social-insurance record loaded twice, then displayed PERSON NOT FOUND. The first domino had fallen. His banking app forcibly logged out. On retry, it said his identity did not exist. His landlord sent a message asking whether he had moved, because the property database showed Apartment 1704 vacant for three years. Last came his mother's call. “Who is this?” the old woman asked politely. Gu Yan tightened his grip. “Mom. It's me.” Silence. A television report about reverse rain played behind her. “I'm sorry, wrong number. My son... I don't have a son.”