INSIDER Chapter 8

Lu Chu could imagine the chaos on the first day of the city’s sensory loss, but now, seven days later, standing near the intersection, all he could hear was the desolate rustling of paper and plastic bags blown by the wind. Occasionally, there was a faint “shuffling” sound of clothing, which made Lu Chu hold his breath and listen carefully. In the distance, he could hear the heavy grunts of many people, interspersed with an occasional sharp cry.

It seemed that the intersection blocked by vehicles was full of “sensory-deprived” individuals.

Lu Chu speculated that those who had only lost their sight might, after a brief panic, instinctively find places to hide and then search for food, water, and other necessities to ensure their safety.

The ones wandering outside were likely those who had lost two senses or even more. The more senses lost, the lower their chances of survival. Without family or friends, they would likely roam aimlessly, unaware of their surroundings.

Interestingly, Lu Chu hadn’t encountered anyone unable to speak yet.

Holding the man’s hand tightly, Lu Chu didn’t relax for a moment. Guided by the mental map of the town ingrained in his mind, he took several turns and entered a seldom-used alley.

The journey was smooth. Lu Chu walked cautiously, occasionally encountering obstacles but easily circumventing them. As they neared the end of the alley, approaching the other side of the intersection, Lu Chu stopped.

—We need to be careful. When crossing this area, I will squeeze your fingers: index finger for left, ring finger for right, middle finger for forward, and palm for backward.

—Got it.

————

“Crunch, crunch—”

Every step they took seemed amplified in this state of extreme alertness. Even Radish moved with light, careful steps, its paws gently touching the ground.

The man, apart from the warmth of Lu Chu’s hand, felt nothing. No sound, no sight—his world was reduced to the temperature conveyed through Lu Chu’s hand. Yet, in such a situation, he felt no panic or fear.

Whether his reliance on Lu Chu was born out of trust, the man couldn’t say. All he knew was that he didn’t fear death. From the moment he chose to lock Lu Chu in the room, doing his utmost to keep him safe, he had considered all possible outcomes, including destruction.

The closer they got, the louder the chaotic sounds became, making Lu Chu’s heart race.

Navigating this area required Radish’s cooperation. After leaving the alley, Lu Chu guided the man to stand against the wall, then put down his cane and crouched to feel the ground around him. He found a stone and hefted it.

This will do.

Lu Chu threw the stone forcefully towards the center of the intersection.

A loud crash of shattering glass echoed, as Lu Chu had estimated. The stone had hit the window of a car stuck in the intersection.

Despite the loud, jarring noise, the wanderers in the area showed no reaction. This confirmed for Lu Chu that they had at least lost their hearing along with their vision.

Given this, passing through would be simpler—avoiding physical contact was the priority. Occasional noises wouldn’t matter. This area was too chaotic for anyone with intact hearing to approach. If Lu Chu had been alone, leading a man who had lost two senses through this crowd would have been difficult. But with Radish, it became much easier.

Radish could see the people and obstacles, allowing it to navigate around them safely. The “sensory-deprived” individuals couldn’t hear. Every time Radish found a suitable path, it would bark a few times. Based on its barks and their years of tacit understanding, Lu Chu could determine the direction and even the number of steps to take.

Several times, Lu Chu felt the “sensory-deprived” individuals’ breath almost brushing against him, accompanied by the pervasive stench of blood.

Ordinarily, Lu Chu could cross the intersection in ten minutes. This time, it took over half an hour of cautious, slow progress.

His nerves stretched to the breaking point, leaving Lu Chu parched.

Finally, they safely crossed the street. The next block was one of Lu Chu’s favorite places to walk. As a child, his parents had described the flower shop, supermarket, and small clinic here, and he had always looked forward to it.

After turning a corner, Lu Chu stopped at the small clinic to drink some water, and the man did the same.

Having overcome the first hurdle, Lu Chu felt inexplicably lighter.

—This is quite an experience.

The man remained calm as ever, murmuring, “Hmm.”

.

“Be careful! Don’t run around!”

A sudden shout from inside the clinic made Lu Chu’s body tense, and he immediately held his breath, alert.

“Hehe, didn’t Dad tell you not to run around?”

“Hehe…” was the doctor’s son, the voice and tone indicating it was Dr. He, the clinic doctor.

Dr. He was a good man, warm-hearted and honest. Before the outbreak, Lu Chu often visited him to get small medicines and replace items in the household medical kit. They were quite familiar, and Hehe had grown up under Lu Chu’s occasional watch. Despite this, Lu Chu didn’t dare to approach and identify himself.

After the incident with the little girl, Lu Chu trusted no one, even someone he once knew.

Seven days were enough to change an honest, decent person.

“Didn’t I tell you, Dad will go find food and come right back? While I’m gone, you must keep the shutter closed and open only when you hear my signal.”

“But I want you to come back sooner…”

“Dad’s back now, isn’t he? Come on, let’s go. If we stay out here, the bad guys might eat the blind Hehe.”

“Dad… I’m scared…” The boy’s voice quivered with fear, whether from witnessing something or not.

“Don’t be scared. We’ll close the iron shutter and block it with the cabinet. They can’t get in…”

“Click-click—boom!” The sound of the shutter closing echoed, and their voices faded away.

Lu Chu stood silently, his face expressionless.

—If the tower allows us to leave, can we save more people?

The man seemed to anticipate his question, writing steadily in Lu Chu’s palm:

—In this town, only you can leave through the tower.

Author’s Note:

7: You are the chosen one!

Lu Chu: …