Though many questions lingered in his mind, it seemed they wouldn’t be answered anytime soon.

　　After finishing breakfast, Lin subtly hinted that he wanted to go home - his cat still needed to be fed.

　　“Go ahead," Nan said, unexpectedly agreeing to Lin’s request.

　　He added that he would visit Lin on Friday and told him to be prepared.

　　"By prepared, do you mean I'll be entering those iron gates again on Friday?" Lin asked cautiously.

　　Nan calmly hummed in affirmation.

　　The thought of the scene within the door made the food in front of him lose its flavor.

　　After the meal, Nan drove Lin home as promised.

　　They barely spoke during the drive.

　　Only when Lin got out of the car did Nan say, "See you on Friday."

　　Lin nodded at him and expressed his thanks warmly.

　　As Nan drove away, Lin turned and entered his apartment.

　　Seeing him return, Chestnut, his cat, remained sprawled lazily on the sofa.

　　It didn't budge even when Lin called its name, merely flicking its tail languidly, acknowledging his presence.

　　Lin seized this opportunity to quickly pet Chestnut a couple of times.

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　　The cat, for once, didn’t try to escape, though its attitude remained aloof.

　　"Chestnut, let Daddy hold you for a bit," Lin cooed, reaching out.

　　His hand had barely extended when Chestnut's hind leg shot out, landing a swift kick on his arm.

　　Nursing his wounded limb and his wounded pride, Lin resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't be enjoying his cat's affection any time soon.

　　The next day was Monday.

　　Lin went to work as usual and, once again, brought up his resignation with his boss.

　　Upon hearing Lin's intention to quit, the boss tried his best to convince him to stay, even offering him an immediate raise and promotion.

　　However, Lin's resolve was firm.

　　 If he had harbored any hesitation or reluctance towards leaving his job before, there was none now.

　　Faced with his own mortality, all he desired was to do what he truly wanted.

　　He didn't know if he would survive his next trip through the door, and he refused to waste precious time on a job that no longer held meaning.

　　Seeing that his efforts were futile, the boss could only agree to Lin's resignation with a regretful expression.

　　Finally free from the shackles of his job, Lin breathed a sigh of relief.

　　He was determined to savor every moment of his remaining freedom.

　　The difference in people's mindsets was starkly evident at this moment.

　　Some faced their impending doom with anxiety and fear, while others chose to embrace their remaining time.

　　Five days flew by in the blink of an eye, and soon, it was Friday evening.

　　Over the past few days, Lin had visited the library and researched everything he could find about the Fairchild Bird.

　　However, no matter how hard he searched, it remained a somewhat gruesome fairy tale, offering no valuable clues.

　　At eight o'clock on Friday night, a knock came at Lin's door.

　　He walked over and opened the door, only to freeze in astonishment.

　　Standing outside was a woman of exceptional beauty.

　　 She wore an elegant long dress, her face adorned with light makeup.

　　Her features were classically beautiful, and she looked at Lin with an indifferent expression.

　　 "Lin?" she asked.

　　"Holy crap! Nan?!" Lin exclaimed.

　　"Call me Ruan, thank you very much," she corrected him, her voice calm and steady.

　　Lin's eyes widened.

　　"Why are you… dressed like a woman?!"

　　"Hobby," Ruan replied, with a hint of amusement in her eyes.