Chapter 60: Exploration of the Forbidden Zone (Part One)

Not far from the building where Zhang Xingmin and his companions lived lay a forbidden zone of Future City, a district they had never seen anyone enter. Whenever they passed by, they were hurried along, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, as though lingering even a second longer might reveal the secrets hidden within.

No matter how carefully guarded, there are always cracks in the wall. Eventually, their chance arrived—not because those in charge permitted entry, but for another reason altogether.

One night, unable to sleep, Brother Long stood by the window with his camera-equipped binoculars, scanning the surroundings. Lights still burned in many places, confirming the rumors: Future City knew neither strict day nor night. Until now, they’d always kept to a scheduled bedtime and had yet to truly experience the city’s nightlife.

Wait—what was that? As Brother Long let his gaze drift aimlessly, he suddenly stumbled upon something extraordinary. Right in front of their dorm, slightly to the left, a handsome young man was engaged in an act better left undescribed.

Upon closer inspection, it was no illusion. The man was pleasuring himself—and his location was at the entrance to Area A103, one of the forbidden zones.

Brother Long had no penchant for voyeurism; it was mere coincidence. Luckily, the other three hadn’t noticed, or he’d never hear the end of it. Just as Brother Long nervously considered putting away his binoculars, Zhang Xingmin emerged to use the bathroom and caught sight of the scene. He approached Brother Long and asked, “What are you up to?”

Brother Long certainly couldn’t admit to spying, so he feigned nonchalance. “Nothing, really.”

Zhang Xingmin eyed Brother Long’s uneasy expression with curiosity, snatched the binoculars, and glanced in the same direction.

“Holy hell! Holy hell! Holy hell! This is wild! We need to record this, fast!” Zhang Xingmin quickly captured the scene, and though he only caught the tail end, it was still clear enough.

“You’re into this kind of thing? I’m with you every day—doesn’t that mean…” Brother Long suddenly felt a wave of panic.

“What are you thinking?” Zhang Xingmin saw Brother Long’s wary look and shook his head in exasperation, rubbing his forehead. “Didn’t you notice where this is happening? What a perfect lever! Tomorrow, we’ll finally have a chance to check out the forbidden zone!”

“You’re right! How did I not think of that?” Brother Long’s face lit up with realization.

“With your brains, it’s a wonder you remember how to chat up girls,” Zhang Xingmin shot Brother Long a disdainful glance, yawned, and went back to bed.

The next evening, after darkness fully settled, Future City’s day shifted into its second act. The streets emptied, the cool night air chased everyone indoors. For Falcon Squad, it was the perfect opportunity.

Zhang Xingmin and Brother Long, accompanied by Xiaofeng and Nana, slipped past the crowds and made their way to Area A103. The same guard as yesterday stood at the gate. As expected, Falcon Squad was stopped.

According to protocol, any guard who caught intruders in the forbidden zone had the authority to deal with them as spies—punish first, report later. Many guards, however, used the opportunity to extort rather than enforce, since unlike the outside world, bureaucrats here didn’t enjoy stable, generous incomes.

This time, the guard, following routine, scolded them harshly. To his surprise, however, the four intruders showed no fear; especially the one with neatly parted short hair, and the one with the crew cut and a scar on his hand—they radiated arrogance.

These kids were brazen. Today, he’d teach them a lesson, show them that some things were better left alone.

Seeing the moment was ripe, Zhang Xingmin and Brother Long moved swiftly, subduing the guard just as he was about to call for help. They produced the short video they’d secretly recorded the night before, showed it to him, and threatened, “I doubt you’d want this footage to get out, right? Tsk, tsk, it’s quite brief, too.”

The guard deflated instantly, his earlier bravado vanished. It wasn’t cowardice; if this video leaked, it would damage his reputation, but worse, if anything else came of it, the consequences would be dire.

“What do you want?” He asked, unable to hide his concern.

“Nothing much! We just want to take a look inside! Our curiosity is killing us—if we can’t see it, we can’t eat or sleep, and anxiety makes the hands act on their own, you know?” Brother Long was an expert at threats.

“But…” The guard weighed his options. If he let them in and trouble arose, he might lose half his life; but refusing them would mean instant trouble. Better to resolve the immediate crisis and worry about the rest later, perhaps find some way to cover his tracks.

He still wasn’t willing to capitulate so easily, so he put on a show of authority. After all, they were asking him for a favor.

Zhang Xingmin read the shifting expressions on the guard’s face and seized the moment. “Hey, brother! Just let us take a peek. We promise not to cause any trouble! And as for that little video, once we’re out, it’s erased—deal?”

The guard pretended to deliberate, then said, “Fine. But you must promise to only look, don’t touch anything inside! Otherwise, I’ll risk my life and drag you down with me.”

Once the guard relented, Zhang Xingmin agreed at once. No matter what conditions the guard set, they accepted immediately—after all, once inside, no one would see what they did.

The guard, still suspicious, let the four in, closed the gate behind them, and checked to ensure no one was watching before sighing in relief.

Having successfully infiltrated, Zhang Xingmin and his companions were stunned by the sight before them. The forbidden zone was truly that—what they saw was a treasure. No wonder Future City assigned special personnel to guard it; this was the city’s lifeblood.

Without bothering to venture deeper, the four hurriedly recorded everything they could. After so long in Golden Rooster Ridge, they finally had something worth reporting to their superiors.