Chapter Three: Please Remember the Man Who Owes Hotpot

After logging out, Gu Zhaoye discovered that his desk was gone. More accurately, it remained in place, but its nameplate now read PUBLIC WATER STATION, and a barrel of mineral water sat beside his keyboard. Manager Chen passed with a stack of documents and asked politely, “Sir, water deliveries use the freight elevator.” “Chen. It’s me.” She studied him. A faint struggle crossed her face. “Have we… met?” The moment was quieter than any team wipe. He wanted to mention the instant noodles she had spilled over the academy owner three years ago, or how her false eyelash had fallen into a champagne glass when he won his first championship. But using her memories as proof of his identity felt like theft. His phone vibrated with a team video call.