Chapter Three: The Release-Night Crash

Lin touched it. For the first time, the Ledger showed neither price curve nor provenance. The interface flickered violently, as though something watched him from the other side. Then crimson text filled his sight. [VALUATION IMPOSSIBLE.] [WARNING: ALTERED FORTUNE BALANCE DETECTED.] The lid opened by itself. Inside lay not an anniversary release but silver high-tops never seen in public. A number was embroidered behind the tongue: 8,000. Exactly Tang Xiaoman's excess premium. When Lin looked up, she was walking into the early light. Her foot slipped, and a passing truck missed her by inches only because he seized her arm. His palm turned cold. At last he understood. The Ledger's “unsettled item” had never been a fee.