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Chapter 38

Chapter 38: The Fading City (3)


Some people speculated that a wolf escaped from the zoo, while others believed it might have been a large stray dog with rabies.


Outside the park, a crowd had gathered. A bright cordon was set up at the entrance, and police officers were keeping watch.


Ye Nianchu checked the live news footage on her phone. The report stated: [The police received the report and rushed to the scene. The entire park is now sealed off, and experts are searching inside for the animal that caused the attack.]


The camera showed the cordon at the park’s entrance. Ye Nianchu frowned, thinking that the extensive police presence and the park's closure seemed excessive for a dog attack. Could it really be just about dogs?



---


In an underground laboratory in the suburbs of Searle, scientists in white lab coats were absorbed in their work. In a brightly lit office, a teenager with glasses reviewed data calmly.



---


Ye Nianchu spent the entire day following the news. Reports confirmed that police and experts searched the park and nearby areas but found no trace of a large canine. The conclusion was that the animal had left the park long ago. The zoo confirmed that no animals had escaped.


Local joggers were advised to be cautious and to report any sightings of wild or aggressive animals.


News anchors tried to enter the park for live broadcasts but were stopped by security. The park had become a hotspot of excitement.


One daring anchor waited until midnight to sneak into the park for a live broadcast. The number of viewers surged as he walked alone on a path surrounded by dense trees. He introduced the spot as the location of the attack and panned the camera around.


As Ye Nianchu watched, a black shadow darted through the bushes behind the anchor. It moved quickly and was not easily identifiable, but it was clearly not a person.


The viewers noticed the shadow, and comments began flooding in. The anchor, doubtful, turned around but saw nothing—just the sound of cicadas.


He shrugged it off, suggesting there were always stray animals in the park and nothing to worry about.


The camera focused on the dark bushes, and just as the light approached, the live stream abruptly went black.


Ye Nianchu checked social media, where people were asking about the interruption and suggesting it be reported to the police.


About ten minutes later, the anchor posted an update, claiming the stream ended due to a network issue. He tried to reconnect but couldn’t, so he left the park.


Many comments breathed a sigh of relief. Ye Nianchu wondered if this was all a planned stunt. 

What really was in the park?






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