Chapter Five: The Original

After the termination took effect, Cheng forgot the shape of his workplace: which elevator arrived first, which way Han's door opened, every route his body had learned in seven years. “Recover your professional credential before the pledge expires,” Xu said, “or suspension becomes revocation.” They joined a delivery queue. Transparent wristbands labeled people ORIGINAL or COPY. Copies excitedly discussed new abilities. Originals sat as quietly as patients. Luo Qing was at the end. Her band read: Algorithmic Intuition—3% remaining. She studied Cheng before recognizing him. “Han said you approved my assessment.” He had designed and reviewed it, believing low scores triggered training. “I'll recover the ledger,” he said. “And your ability.”