Chapter Two: The Deleted Woman

The next morning, Jianwei found herself seventh on the trending list—or rather, she found a human-shaped absence. The topic was “Invisible Woman Catches Scammer.” Her voice and shadow remained in the recording, but her body did not. Viewers blamed a glitch or a publicity stunt. Tang Guo thrust over her phone. “A platform wants an exclusive. Tell me how you did it.” “I did nothing.” “Then why doesn't the old woman remember you?” Above Tang Guo floated a pale-gray wish. 【I hope she doesn't shut me out too.】 Jianwei looked away. Reading a client's silence was a profession. Seeing what a friend refused to say felt like theft. Outside the café, a young couple argued. The woman dragged a suitcase while the man begged her to listen.