Chapter Two: The City's Other Voices

“You may.” Wen Jiu pointed to her palm, where red writing circled her lifeline. “If the gate dies, the manager dies. The contract ends after thirty nights, or when a willing successor accepts it.” “That is an abusive contract!” “It predates modern consumer law.” The doorbell rang. The convenience clerk entered. His shadow knelt before his body did, holding a smaller shadow that sobbed without pause. “Manager,” he said to Su Li, “please save my daughter.” Su Li looked at the child, the failing stove, and Wen Jiu's nonrefundable-contract face. She inhaled and handed her phone to Xu Tang. “Turn off the stream.” For the first time in three years, she chose to say no to a camera.