Chapter Four: The Seventh Basement Does Not Exist

“Lan, the master reel isn't a reel. It has three parts: the memories of the deleted, a hero's rebellion against the script, and the original audience's choice. Wen Que can imitate the first two. He has no choice of his own, so he needs your face. “And don't believe Lu Chenzhou only wants to protect you. He protected nine versions of you—and abandoned three himself.” The light in Lu's blade died. “Which three?” Ye Lan asked. The studio shook. A new glass tower grew through the old walls, overwriting them. Deleted residents began to fade wherever its light touched. Wen Que spoke through the intercom. “Set upgrade. Old performers, please exit.” Thirty-six hours and eleven minutes remained.