Chapter Five: The Yesterday They Collected

Everday harvested memories at two in the morning. When Shang Xian took Jianyue to level minus twenty-one, the elevator clock read 1:53. There were no buttons. Four mirrored walls reflected five figures: Jianyue, Su Mi, Pei Du, and two Shang Xians who existed only in glass. “Where are you actually standing?” Su Mi asked. “Wherever the city requires me to appear.” “That means nothing.” “Which makes it ideal for an annual report.” Pei Du remained upstairs to contain the Name-Eater attack. Jianyue claimed she was investigating the Midnight Project; in truth, she wanted evidence of the collection. Shang Xian volunteered as guide because he had witnessed her bargain with Pei Du. A reflection counted as first sight.