Chronicle of the 70s

Ma Lingling came back first, entering the room ten minutes before the bell rang, and seeing the solemn faces, she asked what was going on.

Wang Ke seriously recounted the situation.

Upon hearing about the theft, Ma Lingling was stunned and said, "Chongchong was still here when I left, and I didn’t come back this afternoon."

Everyone frowned, but Li Xianglu actually suspected Ma Lingling had stolen it because she was less well off, and not just her, everyone thought so, but to their surprise, the suspicion fell on Xiao Chong in the end.

Just as Ma Lingling finished washing her feet with the water she’d brought in, the first bell rang, followed by the second after a minute, and all the lights in the dormitory went out, leaving only the hallway lights on.

Xiao Chong entered right on cue, humming a song and seeming very cheerful.

After entering, she didn’t notice the odd atmosphere, happily placed her backpack on the bed, and quickly went to the washroom with her basin to wash her face.

Xiao Chong returned after fifteen minutes to a very quiet room, which was eerily quiet compared to the lively atmosphere next door. She was in a great mood, and it took several minutes after she got back to notice that something was off. Under the outdoor streetlight, there was someone on every bed; no one was sleeping, and most were sitting up in bed.

Xiao Chong paused and said, "What’s going on with you all? Why aren’t you sleeping?"