Chapter Two: Migration Confirmation

The password page now displayed terms he had never noticed: Every change constitutes voluntary migration of one verifiable ability. The platform assumes no responsibility for continuity of personhood. He dared not change it again. “Correct,” a woman said outside. “Next time you might forget how to tie your shoes.” She stood at the sinks in a gray coat, a visitor badge on her chest. “Xu Lan, Harbor City Observer. You look older than your file photo, but healthier than the product preview.” “What product?” “You.” She named Su Mo, the umbrella, the enamel bowl, and room 417 in his university dormitory. For three years she had investigated the Nanqiao Project. Eleven people had found their private passwords turned into usernames.