Chapter One: The Username

His cloud album returned seventeen Nanqiao photographs. Only one was corrupted: the blue umbrella. He called his former roommate, Zhou Qi. “Did I date someone in college?” Zhou laughed. “Overwork gave you amnesia? Su Mo. You split after graduation. Isn't your password still—” The sound vanished beneath a fine electronic whine. When it returned, Zhou denied ever knowing Cheng's password. Cheng reported the account for impersonation. After he blinked, turned, and opened his mouth for the camera, a red message appeared: Identity consistency insufficient. Verification failed. Then Nanqiao417 posted again. “She always says she doesn't celebrate, then buys longevity noodles the day before.” The image showed an enamel bowl printed with green wheat.