Chapter Two: The Whole City Shuts Up

live. Lin Mo typed explanations frantically. Each one gained the same red stamp: DENIAL COUNTS AS DISTRIBUTION. Distribution: 27%. The loudspeaker outside cut out. It had not lost power. The streamer’s mouth still moved, but the crowd touched their ears. A bus rolled past with the driver pounding the horn. Lin Mo saw his fist strike the wheel and the headlights flash, but heard nothing. Sound withdrew from the city like a tide. First the drill upstairs, then the argument, then the refrigerator, the air conditioner, his own breathing. Distribution: 41%. Lin Mo clapped. He felt the impact in his palms without hearing it. He shouted until his throat hurt. The world refused to answer.