Deep Within the Living-Chapter 30: Area Lockdown

Luo Di put on his winter coat, slung his backpack over his shoulders, and stepped out of his home once more.
The class leader was sitting on the steps across from his door, pointing at the neighboring unit plastered with various small advertisement cards.
"Hey, does anyone even live next door? On my way up, I noticed a lot of empty apartments downstairs too."
"That's normal," Luo Di replied. "Who wouldn’t want to move somewhere better? The moment families here have kids who graduate and get into a decent company, they move out immediately. If their kids don’t excel, they’ll still try their luck with high-paying, high-risk jobs elsewhere."
"Mm~ Makes sense."
The class leader walked ahead, her footsteps light. As they descended the stairs, she kept both hands clasped behind her back, one occasionally motioning as if beckoning him.
But Luo Di didn’t seem to catch the hint, his attention drawn elsewhere.
"How did you even find my place?" he asked.
"Wasn’t hard. This building has only seven floors, two units per floor, and lots of them are empty. I just knocked on doors until I found you. I didn’t expect you to live all the way at the top!"
"Knocked on every door?"
Luo Di couldn’t fathom doing something so bold, but knowing the class leader’s personality, it wasn’t surprising.
As the two exited the building and discussed which fast-food place to head to for their homework session,
Screeech.
A strip of caution tape was suddenly drawn across the first-floor exit. Standing before them was a man in a black trench coat, his high collar concealing most of his face.
"The resettlement neighborhood you are in has been identified as a site of suspected Anomalous activity, resulting in resident fatalities. Effective immediately, the area is under Area Lockdown.
"All residents are prohibited from leaving their homes during the lockdown and must cooperate with our investigation. I will come by shortly to ask you some questions."
From the man’s attire and the mention of "Area Lockdown," Luo Di instantly recognized him as a City Investigator.
Luo Di quickly inquired, "Anomalous activity? How long will the lockdown last?"
"At least a day," the man replied.
"This girl is my classmate. She doesn’t live here and only arrived five minutes ago. Can she leave?"
"Everyone must comply with the lockdown, regardless of their reasons for being here. No exceptions. And young lady, please take extra care to ensure your safety."
Before Luo Di could argue further, the class leader tugged lightly at his sleeve, rising onto her toes to whisper,
"According to the Corner Law, during an Area Lockdown, everyone must cooperate with investigators, even if they just arrived moments before.
"It’s fine. My winter tutoring sessions are already done, and my family gave me three days to relax. I’ll notify my dad about the lockdown; it’s no problem if I don’t go home tonight."
"That’s not..." Luo Di began, but his concern lay elsewhere.
"It’s okay. I know your home isn’t convenient. I can wait in the hallway or on the rooftop until the lockdown lifts."
Recalling the earlier mourning and the investigator’s warnings, Luo Di realized leaving the class leader alone could be risky, especially given the cold weather. After a long sigh, he relented.
"Fine. Wait at my place. My parents and sister are out traveling anyway."
The class leader’s eyes widened in surprise. "No wonder it’s so quiet! Your parents are out having fun. Don’t worry; I won’t mess with your bedrooms—I’ll just stay in the living room."
She followed Luo Di back upstairs, pulling her scarf over her mouth to hide her smile.
She was curious about what secrets might be hidden in the home of this reclusive academic star. How did he consistently ace physical tests without any apparent extra training? Maybe she’d stumble upon his so-called "training regimen."
Luo Di hesitated as he inserted the key into the lock, taking a deep breath. It was the first time he’d brought someone home, let alone a girl he got along with.
"Wow, it’s so clean!"
The class leader’s eyes sparkled as the room’s lights reflected off spotless surfaces. Not a speck of dust or unnecessary clutter was in sight; everything was simple and orderly.
"I mopped this morning," Luo Di explained. "Wait here. I’ll find you some slippers… probably my sister’s, since we don’t usually have guests."
"No need~ It’s so clean I don’t even need slippers. Plus, wearing someone else’s slippers isn’t ideal. And I just put on fresh socks this morning, so I won’t dirty your floors."
"Fine."
The class leader neatly placed her white sneakers in the shoe area, standing barefoot in her white tights on the floor. Though this was just a resettlement apartment, modern energy solutions ensured continuous heating, keeping the interior at a comfortable 20°C.
Without entering any bedrooms, the class leader wandered around the living room. She even fed the Corner Parrot perched on the windowsill.
"Your place is pretty spacious! I thought homes like these would only have room for a single bedroom, but it seems like there are two here.
"No offense—I just think living in a cozy little space like this must be nice."
Meanwhile, Luo Di was in the kitchen, following his mother’s hospitality lessons to prepare a cup of steaming tea for her.
As he returned to the living room with the tea, his steps faltered slightly.
The class leader had removed her thick down jacket and scarf, neatly folding them on the sofa. She now wore a snug black turtleneck sweater, paired with a Scottish-style brown plaid skirt. Her white, thick-knit tights extended from the skirt, wrapping her long, athletic legs.
Luo Di had only ever seen her in school uniforms or sportswear. This outfit was a first, and he couldn’t help but pause for a moment before regaining his composure and handing over the tea.
"Luo Di, you seem a bit hot. Why not take off your jacket?"
"Mm."
Sweat had already formed on his forehead, though he seemed unaware of it.
The class leader raised an eyebrow and studied him curiously. "Why do you seem a bit off? Is there something in your bedroom you don’t want me to see?"
"Or maybe you’ve got some kind of ‘fitness treasure’ hidden in there and you’re terrified I’ll find it?" the class leader teased.
"I don’t. I’m just not used to having people over."
"If there’s nothing in there, can I check out your room?" She raised her right hand as if answering a question in class. "I promise I won’t touch anything—just a quick look!"
"You can watch TV out here or do your homework at the table."
"Fine~"
Denied access to the bedroom, the two silently pulled out their winter break assignments and got to work.
However, they hadn’t written more than a few lines when—
Knock, knock!
The investigator from downstairs was now at their door.
“Hello~ Please cooperate for a routine inquiry. Here’s my ID. You can verify its authenticity with your wristband.”
After sticking dust-proof pads to the soles of his shoes, the investigator stepped inside briskly. His sharp eyes scanned the spotless home before settling at the dining table where the two were seated.
He pulled up their profiles on his device based on their facial recognition data.
“You two are students at No. 4 High School and participated in a practical training project with the city’s research institute six months ago. Your performance was excellent... exceptionally so.
“Now, based on what you said downstairs, you’re just here to do homework together by coincidence, correct?”
His gaze shifted abruptly to Wu Wen, locking eyes with her.
Caught off guard, the class leader stammered, “Y-yes, that’s right.”
The investigator didn’t break eye contact for a full minute before nodding.
“Let me brief you on the situation.
“There is a lurking Impersonator suspected to be active in this neighborhood. It has already killed two young girls.
“Its Corner of Thought has been active for at least six months, and it can skillfully manipulate Fear Manifestation. Searching for and capturing this type of entity is particularly challenging and time-consuming.
“The lockdown is expected to last more than a day. You need to remain vigilant—especially you, Wu.”
The class leader nodded obediently, assuring him she wouldn’t step outside the apartment.
Luo Di raised a question. “Has this building been fully inspected?”
“You were supposed to be the last unit.
"However, according to the community’s resident list and daily activity records, the resident on the third floor left the neighborhood temporarily. Once they return and complete their screening, the building’s inspection will be complete.”
Hearing this, Wu Wen furrowed her brows in confusion.
“Huh? I saw the third-floor resident when I came upstairs earlier. It was just about ten minutes before you started locking down the building. Did they leave right after that? What a coincidence.”
The investigator’s expression instantly changed, sharp and predatory, like a hunter catching a scent.
“Are you certain?”
“Positive.”
“Thank you for your valuable information.”
With confirmation, the investigator stood and quickly left the apartment.