Chapter 31: The Code

As Lin Xian experienced a flash of insight, it felt as if he had stepped out of a dense fog into clear daylight.

In his persistent dreams, a bank vault always needed opening. This vault had eight numbered dials. Lin Xian had long believed the code was tied to a personal date—a birthday, an anniversary, or another significant occasion. Yet, he had missed a more evident possibility—QQ numbers.

QQ was a foundational part of digital life for Lin Xian’s generation from elementary through middle school. Back in the ’80s, early internet users secured QQ numbers consisting of just eight digits. Was it just a coincidence that the vault in his dreams used a similar code? It seemed highly unlikely.

While lost in these thoughts, Gao Yang waved his hand in front of Lin Xian, breaking his concentration. “Hey, what’s up with you? You’ve zoned out. What are you mumbling about?”

Lin Xian brushed it off with a quick shake of his head, reaching for his wine glass. “It’s nothing, really. Let’s just focus on our meal.”

After dinner, they went their separate ways. Gao Yang opened a taxi door for Lin Xian, saying, “Looks like we’re heading in different directions. Take care of yourself.”

Lin Xian nodded, settling into the taxi and rolling down the window to wave. “See you soon.”Nnêw n0vel chapters are published on n0v/e/(lb)i(n.)co/m

As Gao Yang flicked away his cigarette, he gripped Lin Xian’s hand firmly. “Let me know when you wake up from that dream. If it’s all just a dream, I’ll stop worrying.”

“Sure, see you,” Lin Xian responded, somewhat distracted.

Home by eight, Lin Xian had time to ponder Dr. Liu’s hypothesis further. A refreshing shower helped him think clearer, reinforcing his belief that he had previously met CC, or at least heard his voice, even if his conscious mind had forgotten. Gao Yang was right; his subconscious was indeed trying to remember through his dreams.

The officer chuckled dismissively. “Seems minor, but we’ll handle it.”

“But he has a gun!” Lin Xian blurted out, adding urgency.

The officer’s demeanor instantly changed, radioing for backup as they cautiously approached Big Cat Face. “Freeze! Hands where I can see them!”

Within moments, Big Cat Face was subdued, and Lin Xian, escorted by another officer, watched as they uncovered a gun and C4 explosives. “This is serious; stay down while we get more help,” the officer ordered, now fully alert.

Lin Xian, witnessing the swift escalation, asked quietly, “Can I get my mask back?”

The officer yanked the Rhine Cat mask from the arrested suspect and tossed it to Lin Xian. As Big Cat Face began to protest, a black hood muffled his objections.

Mask in hand, Lin Xian whispered, “Key item acquired.”

Pulling the mask over his face, he adjusted it for a snug fit. “From this moment on, I am Big Cat Face.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation