Chapter 1203: Former Residence

Qi Xia, Chen Junnan, Qiao Jiajin, Lawyer Zhang, Tian Tian, Yun Yao, and the others stepped through the portal of the “Bliss Bank.”

When they emerged on the other side, they found themselves in a faintly scented room.

The room was spacious, furnished with both a bed and a dining table—it looked like someone of considerable status had once lived there.

However, the decor and furniture were strikingly minimalistic, with only the sheer size of the room hinting at the importance of its former occupant.

Turning around, they realized they had just stepped out of a bizarre wardrobe tucked away in the corner of the room. Had they not opened its door, no one would have guessed the secret it held.

“Where the hell did this thing send us?” Chen Junnan strode forward confidently after confirming the room was empty. “Shouldn’t we have ended up in a hallway or something?”

“So that’s how it is…” Qi Xia nodded. “Thoughtful, as expected.”

Chen Junnan walked over to the desk and noticed it had been meticulously arranged—not even a single strand of hair out of place.

Then, a strange group photo on the desk caught his eye.

It was an old Polaroid. In the frame, a man held a camera pointed at himself, his gaze fixed on the lens. Behind him, a woman in a convenience store uniform stood some distance away, seemingly discussing something with others. None of them seemed to notice the man taking the photo. Everyone was looking in different directions, forming a peculiar yet oddly heartwarming snapshot.

Except—the faces of everyone in the photo had been scratched out, rendering them unrecognizable. The picture had clearly been there for years, dust speckling its surface.

“These outfits look kinda familiar…” Chen Junnan scratched his head and turned to Qi Xia. “Old Qi, who used to live here?”

“A golden snub-nosed monkey,” Qi Xia replied.

“A golden snub-nosed monkey…?” Chen Junnan rubbed his temple. “Almost forgot this was a zoo.”

The group wandered further into the room, which felt both vast and oddly cozy. Despite its sparse furnishings, it exuded a faint, intangible sense of security.

“So where’s that monkey now?” Yun Yao asked, scanning the room. “Was she a friend of yours?”

“Not exactly a friend,” Qi Xia said. “Just a comrade fighting for the same cause. She’s gone now.”

Qi Xia walked to the center of the room, realizing this was the first time he’d ever set foot in it—at least in his memory.

“Impressive ‘energy storage’… even the ‘door’ was stolen and brought here,” Qi Xia mused with a faint smile.

Outside, muffled commotion suggested unrest was brewing.

They all knew stepping out now would be unwise—they’d likely get caught in the chaos.

Even if conflict had erupted, it was probably between scattered “Zodiacs” and “participants,” neither side having clear leadership. Victory would depend on fate alone.

“Still not helping, liar?” Qiao Jiajin walked up to Qi Xia.

“No,” Qi Xia shook his head. “Everyone has their own destiny. Those meant to die can’t be saved; those meant to live can’t be killed.”

Qiao Jiajin approached the door and noticed an arrow pointing right drawn on the frame.

Listening closely, he heard numerous footsteps—were the “Zodiacs” clocking out, or were the “participants” rebelling?

Driven by curiosity, he silently cracked the door open just enough to see several “participants” rushing past.

“Oi… damn, our people?” He widened the gap slightly.

Qi Xia and Chen Junnan peered through the opening—just in time to see Xiao Ran’s face flash by from right to left.

All three saw it at the same time, and Chen Junnan and Qiao Jiajin’s expressions twisted in discomfort.

“Uh… bro, I think I just saw a ghost,” Chen Junnan muttered. “I’d rather be blind.”

“Junnanzai, you ain’t blind,” Qiao Jiajin blinked. “Pretty sure I am, though.”

“Ha…” Qi Xia smirked faintly. “She came even earlier than I expected…”

“The hell?!” Chen Junnan stiffened. “Old Qi, you called that ghost here? You some kinda Zhong Kui or what?”

“Not Zhong Kui, just good at using the right people.” Qi Xia shrugged. “A move like ‘diverting disaster’ might just trip up Qinglong—assuming she’s lucky enough to waltz right into it.”

“‘Diverting disaster’…?”

“‘Losing favor only to regain it’—that kind of twisted ‘opportunity’ is something I can only set up halfway. The rest is up to you.” Qi Xia turned to the group. “Now, we wait.”

“For what?” Qiao Jiajin asked.

“The signal of ‘rebellion,’” Qi Xia said. “Once it begins, you’re free to act. Like I said—follow your instincts. Do whatever you want.”

Chen Junnan, left with nothing better to do, slumped into the chair by the desk. He considered rifling through its contents, but the room’s previous owner seemed to have obsessive-compulsive tendencies—there was nothing to find.

Restless, he began groping under the desk—then frowned.

Something book-shaped was taped beneath it.

“Ah… goddammit…” He bent down slowly, peering under the desk. “Came here to rebel, ended up treasure hunting.”

“What’s up, Junnanzai?” Qiao Jiajin perked up at the word “treasure.”

“Old Qiao… quick—there’s a notebook under here. We’re bored anyway, let’s pry it off and see what it is.”

……

Xiao Ran hurried forward, weaving through the crowd while scanning for any “Zodiacs.”

Whether by luck or misfortune, she hadn’t spotted a single one so far.

Why couldn’t one just appear out of nowhere?

Why not a fearsome-looking “Zodiac” who’d listen to her tip-off?

With such crucial information, reporting it could earn them a promotion, right?

“Honestly, you people don’t even know how to seize an opportunity…”

Just as she muttered this, a tall, lean “Zodiac” appeared ahead, his back turned as if waiting for someone.

His aura alone told her he was someone powerful—not just a figure she could latch onto, but the perfect recipient for her secret.

Excited, she quickened her pace and tapped his shoulder.

“Hey!”

The “Zodiac” turned around.

A black sheep, his expression icy.

“Hey! Sorry to bother you, but I’ve got something super important to tell you.” She forced a sweet smile.

The black sheep stared down at her, unmoved.