Infinite Game Ch.28

Chapter 28 – Hello!

This farce didn’t reach its conclusion because Short Guy’s car was parked on the roadside for too long, resulting in a traffic officer issuing a ticket and demanding the car be moved promptly.

Jiang Yujin was initially smiling but suddenly remembered his electric scooter. His smile faded, and he quickly handed a small bag of melon seed husks to Xu Tonggui and hurried to the scene.

Fortunately, the electric scooter hadn’t exceeded the temporary parking limit and escaped unscathed.

After parking his beloved vehicle, Jiang Yujin returned with tousled hair.

At the door, three people dispersed.

Xu Tonggui’s phone rang, prompting him to stand and answer the call. His voice grew distant as he moved away, saying, “Li Ying’s whereabouts after coming out of Zero…”

Watching him walk away to a distance while on the phone, Xu Gao admired, “Captain Xu has always been so busy.”

Busy to the extent that he couldn’t even finish a melon completely.

Jiang Yujin sympathetically agreed, “Indeed.”

Observing Captain Xu, who seemed extremely busy, throwing the bag of melon seed husks that Citizen Jiang had given him into the trash, Xu Gao asked the person beside him, “Are you close to Captain Xu?”

Jiang Yujin replied, “Acquainted.”

Just after expressing admiration for Captain Xu, Xu Gao acknowledged and, glancing at his phone, realized it was almost lunchtime. Happily, they agreed to have lunch together, immediately heading towards a local restaurant.

It was evident that Xu Gao frequented the place; the owner recognized him and greeted him with a smile, remarking how he always arrived slightly ahead of others.

Jiang Yujin glanced at the person beside him.

Turns out, this was a habitual early departee.

The early departee quickly chose his lunch, and Jiang Yujin, after looking at the menu for a while, settled for a rice bowl.

Before the dishes arrived, the conversation returned to the previous topic. Xu Gao seemed to recall something, glanced around, leaned in slightly, and said, “Captain Xu is handsome, but he’s too serious and busy, never had a partner.”

Office gossip spread everywhere, but not about this person. Many in the office were curious, yet no one uncovered any gossip.

Pouring himself a glass of water, Jiang Yujin looked surprised at the comment and raised his eyes. “He’s serious?”

After a pause, he chose to agree with Xu Gao, “Yes, that’s true.”

As the meal arrived, the conversation ended.

Though the sky lacked the sun today, the weather felt oddly humid. The owner helped by turning on a fan, its blades whirring mechanically, dispersing the heat.

After the meal, with nothing else to do, Xu Gao had to return to the Special Investigation Unit to continue working. Jiang Yujin accompanied him back on his electric scooter.

As they returned, they saw several cars parked at the gate. Jiang Yujin glanced and found the people coming out looked oddly familiar, like he had seen them somewhere.

Xu Gao said, “That’s the squad that went to No.1 Middle School this morning.”

He was surprised, saying, “Didn’t expect them to return so soon.”

Jiang Yujin retracted his gaze and replied.

He put on his helmet and hopped onto his electric scooter. Before leaving, he instructed Xu Gao, “Please inform me immediately if there are any new developments in the matter.”

The reference to “the matter” seemed pretty obvious. Xu Gao nodded, making a solemn agreement.

Jiang Yujin rode off on his electric scooter.

With nothing to do in the afternoon, he had intended to lie at home watching TV. However, the owner of a nearby teahouse was short of a player for a card game and warmly invited him to join.

Being a helpful citizen, he joined in and spent the whole afternoon there, inadvertently overhearing gossip from an elderly couple at another table.

As the day grew increasingly stifling, the wind picked up outside, causing the windows to rattle against the walls.

Resting his chin on the table, Jiang Yujin glanced up and noticed the sky had already darkened significantly. The usual purple-red dusk hues were absent, replaced by a low-visibility, darkened sky beyond the outlines of buildings.

His phone, lying on the table, buzzed. Glancing down, he saw a message from a high schooler, suggesting he go out for dinner at a classmate’s house tonight.

Realizing it was getting late, everyone at the table also realized it was time for dinner. They bid farewell, dispersing happily.

An afternoon spent accumulating a brain emptied of thoughts and a heart filled with gossip, Jiang Yujin walked towards the convenience store in the increasingly gusty wind.

Though not a considerable distance away, by the time he reached the store’s entrance, the sky had turned completely dark, with sparse raindrops falling.

As the convenience store door opened, the rain suddenly intensified, pounding down as if released from a floodgate, drumming incessantly against eardrums.

All outside sounds were locked away. Inside the convenience store, the air conditioning provided a cool refuge, completely isolating it from the humid weather outside.

The store remained the same, but there was a different clerk. Slightly bending over the shelves, the new clerk was carefully selecting their own dinner items. After making their choices, they noticed another customer in the store.

The customer wore a slightly worn brown hat, and under the brim was a scar crossing their temple. Despite the weather, they were clad in a long trench coat, covering down to their calves.

After grabbing a bottle of water and a pack of bread, they went to the counter to pay.

Jiang Yujin picked up a boxed meal and took it to the clerk to heat it.

Digging out a few crumpled bills from their pocket, the customer paid the exact amount, sparing the clerk any change. While gathering their belongings, they glanced out the window, then turned and left. As they moved, tiny specks of blood appeared on the ground.

Jiang Yujin observed but remained silent, handing the boxed meal to the clerk without a word.

While waiting for the clerk to heat the meal, he stepped out of the store to gauge the intensity of the rain, pondering whether to buy an umbrella.

Objectively, the rain outside was heavy, the drops pounding against the canopy, nearly drowning out the music from the convenience store’s automatic door. It was difficult to move without an umbrella.

But subjectively, Jiang Yujin was torn between spending a few dollars on an umbrella and running back.

After standing at the door for a while, estimating that the meal was probably warmed up, just as he was about to turn back, he noticed a few people running down the street’s end without umbrellas, splashing water as they went.

The streetlights weren’t as noticeable in the rain, making the convenience store appear brighter. The door had just opened, and they quickly scanned the interior before withdrawing their gazes and hurriedly leaving.

Jiang Yujin took the meal from the clerk’s hand.

After he left, a few individuals who had previously passed by returned and entered the convenience store.

“Excuse me…”

The person in front turned to the clerk, seemingly about to ask something, but their gaze shifted, suddenly noticing a red liquid on the floor. They crouched down, used their fingers to touch it, and their expression turned grave. “It’s blood; he’s still around.”

A few people stood by the counter and asked a couple of questions, mentioning the man in the hat and trench coat. The clerk’s scalp seemed to prickle upon hearing the word “blood,” answering nervously.

Once the group left, the clerk, with goosebumps on their arms, tearfully pulled out their phone and dialed the store manager:

“I… I want to quit, wuwuwu…”

While the clerk cried on the phone, the three individuals who had exited the convenience store circled back, thoroughly searching every nook and cranny, finding nothing, and eventually stopping by the roadside.

Warm, yellow light spilled onto the roadside through the rain, faintly glowing.

The group looked over and saw the words “Agency” illuminated by the light on the side of the road.

There seemed to be more text ahead, but it was obscured by the trees above, making it unreadable. The group exchanged a silent glance before stepping forward.

In the end, Jiang Yujin chose to run back in the rain.

He quickly did the math, deciding that a few dollars for water fees were more cost-effective than spending tens of dollars on an umbrella.

Stepping out from the steamy bathroom, towel draped over his head, footsteps approached the door, followed by a knock.

The high schooler wasn’t coming home today, and the barbershop owner wouldn’t visit for no reason; the visitor had to be a stranger.

A stranger arriving in the evening was peculiar in every aspect.

And then Jiang Yujin opened the door.

The door opened, and the three individuals outside glanced up to see a person in pajamas still drying his hair.

Jiang Yujin yawned and asked, “Is there something you need?”

The man at the forefront hesitated, stating there was something they wished to discuss.

Anyone witnessing the person who opened the door in such attire would hesitate for a moment.

After a quick glance at the three, Jiang Yujin diverted his gaze, allowing them to enter.

The trio settled on the couch, sipping on pristine water.

Seated opposite them, Jiang Yujin sat down, still drying his hair, and asked, “What do you need to discuss?”

The man in the middle looked at the person beside him, who instantly understood and handed over a photograph.

It was a picture of a man dressed in formal attire, slightly darker in complexion, with a scar across his temple.

It was the other customer seen at the convenience store earlier today.

Jiang Yujin’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at the three individuals.

The man in the middle tapped his gold ring, saying, “This is Li Ying.”

Li Ying, male, 35 years old, was a member of the company where the three individuals worked. He had recently escaped after stealing company secrets and had fled to A City. They weren’t familiar with A City and had lost track of him several times when they were close to finding him.

“There are others also searching for him. We hope to locate him as soon as possible.”

Listening intently, Jiang Yujin briefly recalled the laid-back week he had, feeling a bit too relaxed. It seemed like it was time to straighten up a bit. But then again, the relaxed atmosphere was enjoyable.

The man with the gold ring mentioned some expenses.

Jiang Yujin continued drying his hair, resting his hands for a moment.

Gold Ring Man: “The cost of the transportation and meals will be reimbursed.”

Jiang Yujin: “Add another two thousand, and it’s a deal.”

The agreement was settled. The three left, and Jiang Yujin politely waved from the doorstep as he watched them depart.

Once alone in the room, Jiang Yujin closed the door. His hair was still damp, his hands sore from drying, and he casually left the towel on the table, yawning as he headed towards his room.

The heavy rain persisted throughout the night and showed no signs of abating by morning. The sky remained ominously dark, as if day and night had reversed, creating a bizarre sense of disorientation.

The next morning, Jiang Yujin woke up feeling regretful.

The consequence of sleeping with damp hair is a headache—not piercing, but persistently throbbing.

Despite the headache, Jiang Yujin remembered the task he had taken on. As the weather turned colder today, he layered an extra shirt and headed out.

The rain continued, yet it didn’t deter the corporate workers or the shops from opening. Jiang Yujin spent his time asking around for Li Ying’s whereabouts.

Yesterday’s rain had kept most people indoors, but a hat and an ill-suited trench coat were distinctive. Some remembered seeing someone fitting that description heading in a certain direction.

He inquired as he walked, grabbing breakfast for himself. Nibbling on a steamed bun, Jiang Yujin continued his quest, eventually heading towards the bustling shopping plaza.

Outside, rain poured, drains gushing swiftly. Once inside the mall of the shopping plaza, the temperature rose instantly by a few degrees.

Folding his umbrella, Jiang Yujin scanned the crowd inside, moving towards the mall’s railing, looking up at the floors above.

He didn’t spot the person he was seeking, but he noticed the massive clock in the center of the mall and the barbecue restaurant nearby.

It was almost noon—a good time for lunch.

Setting the task aside momentarily, Jiang Yujin cheerfully entered the barbecue restaurant, indulging himself before snapping a photo to send to Xu Gao, who had another half hour before his shift ended.

Xu Gao responded with what seemed like a happy smiley.

After a solo barbecue session, Jiang Yujin attempted to resume his search, but on his way upstairs, he spotted the gaming arcade. Standing on the escalator, he could see a crowd gathered around the claw machines.

Stacks of plush toys filled the glass cabinet, two large-eyed white geese hinting at infinite wisdom, seemingly making eye contact from a distance.

“…”

The task was delayed again as Jiang Yujin diverted towards the gaming arcade after getting off the escalator.

His usually half-closed eyes were wide open as he played the claw machine, casually brushing aside his hair to get a clearer view. Citizen Jiang, with his light-colored irises, focused on the big geese.

“…”

Finally, amidst the envious gazes of a group of elementary schoolers, Jiang Yujin successfully grabbed two large geese, declining requests for his contact information before exiting the gaming arcade.

The mall was indeed a consumerist maze. By the time the ordinary citizen surnamed Jiang realized this, it wasn’t exactly early anymore.

Holding a plush goose in each hand, he surveyed the crowd, occasionally asking neighboring shopkeepers.

After the heavy rain, there seemed to be more people wearing hats and trench coats in the crowd than usual, making it easier to mistake someone for another.

At the mall exit, a shadow passed by, revealing a scar on the temple.

Jiang Yujin navigated through the crowd, opening his umbrella and trailing behind.

Now, the streetlights by the roadside are on. Sensing something, the figure turned back, scanning the surroundings. Their gaze brushed past the crowd, and unconsciously, they bent down and headed into the busiest street.

It was the bar street they walked into, with dim lights and a mix of men and women.

In the midst of the crowd, Jiang Yujin maneuvered to dodge the tugging and pulling of couples. As he turned his head, he caught sight of the figure entering a specific shop.

Placing his umbrella on the stand outside the shop, Jiang Yujin walked in under the scrutiny of the staff, carrying a plush goose in each hand.

Unlike the usual drinking dens, the bar was dimly lit as if someone hesitated to turn on the lights, making everything blurry. Faces only became clear when the light flickered.

The rainy day didn’t deter the excitement of these young people; the music was blaring, and the floor seemed to vibrate. Passing by several people on the way, Jiang Yujin maneuvered inside the bar, taking care to protect the geese he held from harm.

Li Ying kept heading toward crowded places, gradually moving toward a wall. It seemed like he spotted something on the ground, bending down and disappearing from view.

With a snap, a section of the room suddenly turned dark, the dim lights completely vanishing.

Jiang Yujin saw a figure flash into the staff corridor. He was about to follow but hesitated.

Several individuals jumped out from the crowd, swiftly chasing toward the staff corridor. One of them had an earpiece, appearing to report something to someone as they ran.

Others were also looking for Li Ying.

It wasn’t until they left that Jiang Yujin followed behind.

The staff corridor led to the outside of the bar, with a small path leading away from the street. Standing on the street, he glanced toward the end where the building stood.

The disorganized footsteps were masked by the rain. After a brief pause, Jiang Yujin finally walked toward the building.

In the end, Li Ying was forced into the building.

The building wasn’t completely finished, only the basic refurbishments had been completed. Inside, there was no place left to hide; he kept climbing upward in search of shelter.

Carrying injuries, he had been evading for nearly a whole day. His body began to lag behind, his steps growing heavier as he ascended.

Hearing the footsteps behind him persisting, he clenched his teeth, realizing he couldn’t continue upward. After reaching the next floor, he ran, attempting to find any hiding spot.

Unfortunately, there was none, and perhaps due to incredibly bad luck, this level had not been renovated at all, lacking any hiding places.

The footsteps behind him grew closer; several individuals eventually emerged from the stairwell. They initially ascended quickly, then slowed down upon spotting him.

As they slowly approached, Li Ying stepped back until he could retreat no more, his back against the window. Glancing back, he saw the bustling traffic on the other side of the road and the now tiny, fuzzy streetlights below.

“Li Ying, just hand over the item now, and everything will be fine.”

Someone nearby said as they approached, “Hand it over, and we can assure your safety.”

Li Ying wasn’t soothed by their words. Back pressed against the glass, he instinctively covered a wound that hadn’t healed.

A gust of wind blew; being on a tall building, the wind intensified. When it gusted through the window, it felt strong enough to sweep someone away.

“You won’t be able to—”

As he turned again, Li Ying’s body shifted. A pebble at his feet made a sound, and his body swayed. His leg scraped against the window ledge, and he teetered out the window, feeling weightless.

He fell from the window.

Things happened too suddenly; those nearby completely failed to react, merely watching him disappear from the window. Finally, someone realized and rushed to the window, looking down to see only the vague ground covered by dense rain.

Someone quickly said, “One team, check the ground floor; the other, search the building. It’s essential to recover that thing before the ‘Zero’ people arrive.”

…

Li Ying fell from the window but didn’t fall completely.

When he thought he was still plummeting, a hand from the window below suddenly grabbed him, yanking him back to solid ground from mid-air outside the building.

The person retracted his hand and brushed it off. Standing by the window, he held two white geese in one hand, his hair and shirt fluttering in the wind.

Li Ying heard what seemed like a cheerful greeting from the person at the window. “Hello!”

<< _ >>