As expected, Nan said, "Don't worry about questions now. You have a week to figure out what's going on. Cheng, he's your responsibility."

　　Cheng groaned, "I swear, this is the part of newbie orientation I hate the most."

　　"..."

　　Lin could only offer a sympathetic grimace.

　　"Can I ask one last question for now?" he asked, deciding that this particular query couldn't wait.

　　"Shoot," Cheng replied.

　　"Well... what's the deal with Ruan?" Lin inquired. "She must be connected to you guys, right?"

　　A strange silence filled the room.

　　Cheng's expression became a mixture of bewilderment and amusement—Lin finally realized he was holding back laughter.

　　"You'll find out eventually," Nan interjected smoothly. "Don't rush it."

　　"..."

　　Lin was increasingly convinced that everyone here was utterly bizarre.

　　While they were talking, the others in the room had already gathered information about Fairchild Bird.

　　After listening to their reports, Nan announced, "Cheng, introduce him to everyone. I need to step out for a bit."

　　"Got it."

　　With that, Nan departed, the roar of a car engine soon following.

　　Lin and Cheng exchanged uneasy glances.

　　 Finally, Cheng stood. "Let's get the introductions out of the way. This is Lu, the only woman on our team. Braver and tougher than most men."

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　　"Hey! What's that supposed to mean, Cheng?" Lu protested.

　　Ignoring her, Cheng moved on to the other two. "This is Fei," he said, pointing to the one wearing glasses, "and this ball of energy over here is Yim. He never shuts up, so best to keep your distance."

　　Fei offered Lin a polite nod.

　　Yim, however, was not pleased with Cheng's introduction. "Are you itching for a fight?"

　　"And this is Lin," Cheng continued, gesturing to the newcomer. "Brother Nan brought him."

　　The trio seemed friendly enough, but their greetings were curt, lacking any real warmth.

　　They clearly weren't interested in getting to know him.

　　Cheng, sensing Lin's confusion, offered a frank explanation.

　　"Don't take it personally. We...don't know how long you'll be around. It's hard to get attached when..." He trailed off.

　　"When you don't know if I'll be alive tomorrow?" Lin finished his sentence.

　　"You need to survive at least the next door," Cheng said. "But Brother Nan will probably take you through it, so it shouldn't be a problem."

　　"What about Ruan?" Lin persisted.

　　"Are you hungry? Want something to eat?" Cheng deftly changed the subject.

　　"..."

　　Lin was now convinced that Cheng was intentionally dodging any questions about Ruan.

　　Lin wasn't hungry, and the adrenaline from being whisked away in the middle of the night kept sleep at bay.

　　He sat in the living room, observing as the others worked.

　　They were still researching Fairchild Bird, the fairy tale taking on a sinister new meaning.

　　Fei and Yim were discussing a trip to the library the next day.

　　Cheng told Lin that he could go upstairs to sleep if he was tired.

　　A room had been prepared for him—the one on the far right at the end of the hall.

　　"I think I'll take a nap," Lin said, getting to his feet.

　　"Goodnight," Cheng replied.

　　Lin climbed the stairs and turned right, heading down the hallway.

　　He spotted a figure standing at the far end and assumed it was one of the others.

　　As he got closer, intending to say hello, his blood ran cold.

　　It was Cheng.

　　The same Cheng who should have been downstairs in the living room was now standing right in front of him, his face an emotionless mask, his eyes cold and distant.

　　"Cheng?" Lin took an instinctive step back. "What are you doing up here?"

　　The figure continued to approach, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not Cheng," he said, his voice flat, devoid of any familiarity.

　　"Then who are you?"

　　"I'm Cheng's older brother," the figure replied.

　　"Huh?" Lin was utterly bewildered.

　　"Xie," the figure stated simply.

　　Lin stared at him, speechless.

　　He spun around and hurried back downstairs, his mind racing.

　　Sure enough, Cheng was in the living room, chatting with Lu.

　　He looked up in surprise as Lin practically flew back into the room.

　　"What's wrong?"

　　"You...you have a twin brother?" Lin stammered.

　　"Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention," Cheng said casually.