Chapter Four: Trusted Time

Ji Chen's address led to a vending machine on the third basement level of Cheng's office building. Nineteen hours remained before the ownership freeze expired. The machine contained twelve empty cans. When Xu inserted the memory card into its coin slot, the display asked them to pledge an entry credential: Name, Profession, Kinship, or Seven Years of Life. “Life means trusted time,” Xu explained. “How long other systems have continuously accepted your identity. Pledge seven years and your education, employment, and insurance records may disappear together.” Cheng selected Profession. His company was already buying his abilities; it was also the densest proof that he existed. Risk Product Manager suspended for sixty minutes.