Chapter 1: Tales from the Forum
Envisioning the scenario with amused precision, an elderly participant in the online forum typed, “In my personal opinion, I believe you are comfortably lounging in bed, totally engrossed in a captivating novel. You’re probably even sprawled out on your side, phone firmly in hand, its lifeline being the charger it’s plugged into.”
The target of this surprisingly accurate description was Miles, a high school senior poised on the cusp of adulthood. He was lying supine on his bed, his attention aimlessly divided between the words on his phone’s screen and the thread of ongoing conversation that his phone served as a window to. The forum was ablaze with an excited flurry of user comments and lively banter that had sparked Miles’ interest.
“Looks like we have a psychic in our midst! You described my current situation to a tee.”
“Hey, should I announce that I’m presently holed up in my bathroom, legs feeling like pins and needles?”
“I recommend getting a Zhou tattoo; it’s time to break free from the unending shackles of labor.”
“Society, oh society, what have you come to.”
Miles, finding the conversation increasingly dreary, decided to explore a different thread that had recently risen to prominence. The thread’s intriguing opening post read:
“I’m a practicing physician at the Third Provincial General Hospital. I have been left deeply rattled by a chilling incident at the hospital, which has compelled me to take leave and remain holed up at home.”
“I’m not interested in shoe shopping or those incessant WeChat advertisements, thank you very much.”