My bizarre resurgence: My price is the ability to trade everything.

The alarm clock rang precisely at midnight.

Lin Xiaofan suddenly sat up in bed.

He was panting heavily, and touched his forehead, which was covered in cold sweat.

It's midnight again.

Another nightmare.

In his dream, the number 7 was everywhere, flooding over him and engulfing him.

"Damn it," he cursed, picking up his phone.

The screen lit up:

[The Taboo of the Number 7 - Day 3 Task]

【任务内容：在午夜12:00至凌晨6:00之间，找到任何一个包含「7「的数字，并大声朗读出来。】

[Task Reward: Completing this task costs 7 CP. Failure to complete the task will deduct 70 CP.]

[WARNING: This task is unavoidable, untransferable, and irreplaceable.]

Lin Xiaofan stared at the screen, feeling her stomach clenching.

Find a number that contains the number "7" and read it aloud.

This sounds too easy, doesn't it?

wrong.

There's definitely a trap.

He knew these rules all too well. The simpler the task, the more hidden the trap.

He took a deep breath and began to analyze.

"Find a number that contains 7..."

The house number has 7, the license plate number has 7, the mobile phone number has 7, there is 7 everywhere.

But if you can just read any one, then this task is too easy.

The rules won't be that kind.

The key might be the phrase "read it aloud".

Tone of voice? Speaking speed? Or something else?

Lin Xiaofan rubbed his temples, feeling like his brain wasn't working properly.

He glanced out the window.

As night deepened, the city's neon lights flickered in the distance, and occasionally a car would drive by, its headlights leaving a trail of light.

Go out looking for "7" now? So late at night?

He chickened out.

But being a coward won't help.

The task is clearly stated: unavoidable.

"Damn it," he cursed, resignedly getting out of bed.

I put on my slippers, walked to the window, and pulled back a corner of the curtain to look outside.

In the building across the street, most windows were dark, with only a few lights on. Further on, there was a main road, where the signs for 24-hour convenience stores were still lit.

He suddenly remembered a question:

If I were to find a place outside to read the number "7", wouldn't it be safer to go to a crowded place?

What if I misread something strange?

Does having someone nearby give you courage?

Although he knew that in the face of strange events, having more people might not be helpful.

But at least...

It's just psychological comfort.

He picked up his phone and sent a message to Su Mingyue:

Are you asleep?

After waiting for about ten seconds, the other party replied:

"You're not asleep. What's wrong?"

"The third day's mission has begun."

"Let me see."

After a while, Su Mingyue sent a long message:

"I checked the records of the previous few targeted individuals. The 'trap' in the third day's mission should lie in the description of 'a number containing the number 7.'"

"What do you mean?"

"The rules don't specify that it must be the Arabic numeral 7. So there are several possibilities: the Chinese character '七' (qī), the capital '柒' (qī), and even the English 'SEVEN', all of which are considered 'containing 7'."

"But the question is, which one is correct?"

"Yes, this is a trap," Su Mingyue said. "If you choose the wrong one, it might trigger other rules."

After reading it, Lin Xiaofan felt even more panicked.

"What should I do then?"

"I was thinking..." Su Mingyue typed for a while, "Have you noticed your student ID number?"

"Student ID?"

"Yes, what's your student ID number?"

Lin Xiaofan thought for a moment: "202077007."

"The last three digits are 007."

He froze for a moment.

That's right.

他的学号尾号是007。张浩是005。其他被锁定者的学号尾数分别是001、002、003、004、006、007。

Seven student ID numbers correspond to seven locked individuals.

"You mean... I need to read my student ID number?"

"I think this is the most reasonable guess," Su Mingyue said. "Your student ID number is a symbol of your identity and also a 'connection point' between you and the rules. Completing the task in this way might trigger some special protection mechanisms."

"possible?"

"I can't be sure. But it's at least safer than just randomly picking up a '7' outside."

Lin Xiaofan hesitated for a moment.

Su Mingyue makes a good point.

But he still wasn't sure.

What if my prediction is wrong?

What if reading the student ID number triggers an even more terrifying rule?

He glanced at the time: 1:15 a.m.

There are still more than four hours left.

He sat on the edge of the bed, hugging his knees, his mind a jumbled mess.

Want to take a gamble?

He suddenly remembered what Chen Xuan had said yesterday:

"The cost of a rule-based task is fixed: 7 CP. Whether you complete it well or poorly, that's the amount you'll consume."

In other words, no matter how you complete it, you will lose 7 CP.

The only difference is whether or not other rules will be triggered.

From this perspective, reading the student ID number is probably the safest option.

Since he himself is the target of the rules, responding to the rules with his own identity information may actually be a "compliant" approach.

like...

Write your name on the exam paper.

Lin Xiaofan took a deep breath and made a decision.

He picked up his phone and sent a message to Su Mingyue:

"I'm going to give it a try."

"Okay," Su Mingyue replied, "I'll stay on this end of the phone with you. Let me know if anything comes up."

"Um."

Lin Xiaofan dialed Su Mingyue's number and then put it on speakerphone.

On the other end of the phone, Su Mingyue's voice came through: "Are you ready?"

"Ready."

He walked to the window and looked at the night outside.

A streetlamp stood alone in the distance, its light spreading through the mist.

"Take a deep breath," Su Mingyue said. "When you read, just maintain a normal pace; don't read too fast or too slow."

"knew."

Lin Xiaofan closed her eyes, then opened them.

He spoke:

My student ID number is—

He paused for a moment.

For some reason, he suddenly felt very nervous at that moment.

My palms are sweating.

"202077007."

The sound echoed in the room.

Then, nothing happened.

Lin Xiaofan was stunned for a moment.

Succeeded?

Or did it fail?

He looked at his phone and saw that the task status had been updated:

[The Taboo of the Number 7 - Day 3 Task]

Status: Completed

[CP Cost: 7]

He let out a long sigh and collapsed.

"It worked?" Su Mingyue's voice came from the phone.

"It worked." His voice was a little hoarse. "Damn, that scared me to death."

"Congratulations." Su Mingyue chuckled. "It seems my prediction was correct."

"Mm." Lin Xiaofan leaned against the window, looking at the night outside. "Thank you. If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do."

"Don't mention it," Su Mingyue said. "We're in the same boat. If you don't survive, I'll suffer too."

Lin Xiaofan paused for a moment, then smiled.

Although it doesn't sound pleasant, it is indeed the truth.

"Okay," he said. "I'll hang up now, I'm exhausted."

"Okay, get some rest."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiaofan threw her phone onto the bed and buried her face in the pillow.

too tired.

Mental exhaustion.

It's more tiring than running a kilometer.

He closed his eyes and felt his consciousness gradually fading.

But just as he was about to fall asleep, he suddenly remembered something.

wrong.

Chen Xuan said that the coin detector showed his "total consumption" as a question mark.

What does the question mark mean?

He never figured it out.

Also, what exactly is a night raven?

Zhang Hao died because he came into contact with Night Raven's "experimental tools".

Is the copper coin in his own hand also the Night Raven's?

If so...

Had the crow been eyeing him for a while?

The thought sent a chill down his spine.

But I was too sleepy.

He couldn't hold on any longer and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Lin Xiaofan was awakened by knocking on the door.

He groggily got up and glanced at the time: 8:30 in the morning.

There was another knock on the door.

"Who is it?" He rubbed his eyes and walked to the door.

"It's me." A familiar voice came from outside the door, "Chen Xuan."

Lin Xiaofan instantly regained consciousness.

He quickly opened the door and saw Chen Xuan standing there, holding a bag in his hand.

"Have you had breakfast?" Chen Xuan asked.

"No...nothing." Lin Xiaofan was a little confused. "Why are you here?"

"Let me check on you." Chen Xuan walked into the room, placed the bag on the table, and said, "I'll also teach you a few things."

The bag contained two steamed buns and a cup of soy milk. Lin Xiaofan subconsciously took it, feeling a little flattered.

"Eat first." Chen Xuan sat down in the chair. "We'll talk after we finish eating."

Lin Xiaofan hummed in agreement and began to eat the steamed bun.

He ate while secretly observing Chen Xuan.

The other person was wearing a black jacket, and had a calm expression, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"You did a good job on yesterday's task," Chen Xuan suddenly spoke up. "Using student ID numbers to complete it, was that Su Mingyue's suggestion?"

Lin Xiaofan almost choked on the steamed bun.

How did you know?

"She messaged me," Chen Xuan said. "Her analysis is good, but not complete enough."

"What do you mean?"

"The student ID number is indeed the optimal solution, but not the only one," Chen Xuan said. "If you had chosen to read your ID card number, bank card number, or any number directly related to your identity, you could have completed the task."

Lin Xiaofan was stunned for a moment.

Why?

"Because the trap in the rules isn't 'what number to use,' but 'how to read it.'" Chen Xuan looked at him. "If you had just randomly picked a '7' to read, like a street address or a bus stop number, the sound might have been judged as 'invalid reading' by the rules."

"Invalid reading?"

"Yes. The rule's requirement of 'reading aloud' is not simply about making sounds. It requires you to read with your own 'identity'."

"Identity?"

"This is what represents you." Chen Xuan pointed to Lin Xiaofan's chest. "Your student ID, national ID number, and phone number—these things are all part of your identity. Use them to respond to the rules, and the rules will recognize that you are 'actively cooperating.'"

"But what if we use other people's numbers?"

"That's 'passive triggering,'" Chen Xuan said. "The rules will determine that you're exploiting a loophole, and then you'll be penalized for 'deceiving the rules.'"

Lin Xiaofan felt a chill run down her spine after hearing this.

Fortunately, I listened to Su Mingyue's advice.

Otherwise, something really bad might happen.

"So for the next few days, I have to use my own identity information to complete all the tasks?"

"Not necessarily." Chen Xuan shook his head. "The rules change every day, and the traps become increasingly subtle. I can only tell you the principles, not the specific answers."

Lin Xiaofan was a little disappointed, but still nodded.

"So how should I prepare?"

"Learn to use your power," Chen Xuan said, "the scales of cost."

Lin Xiaofan's heart skipped a beat.

How do I use it?

"Come with me."

Chen Xuan stood up and walked towards the door.

Lin Xiaofan followed him out the door, downstairs, and into a small park next door.

Around 8 a.m., there weren't many people in the park. Only a few elderly people were practicing Tai Chi in the distance, with soothing music playing from a speaker.

Chen Xuan stopped under a tree and turned to look at Lin Xiaofan.

"Close your eyes," he said. "Focus your attention on your chest."

Lin Xiaofan did as instructed.

"Can you feel it? There's a 'node' there. It's the connection point between the scales and you."

Lin Xiaofan carefully sensed it.

At first there was nothing.

But gradually, he felt something—deep in his chest, something tiny and warm.

It's like a heartbeat, but it's not a heartbeat.

"Found it," he said.

"Very good." Chen Xuan's voice was calm. "Now, try to touch it with your consciousness."

Lin Xiaofan cautiously extended her "consciousness".

The feeling was strange, like touching a piece of ice with your hand—cold, slippery, yet strangely attractive.

Then, he heard a voice.

It was very light, very distant, as if it came from a very deep place.

"You've finally arrived."

Lin Xiaofan suddenly opened her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Chen Xuan asked.

"I...I heard a voice," Lin Xiaofan's voice trembled. "It said...'You've finally come.'"

Chen Xuan's eyes flickered.

Is there anything else?

"there is none left."

"Okay." Chen Xuan was silent for a moment. "Continue."

Lin Xiaofan closed her eyes again.

This time, he deliberately sought out that voice.

But there was nothing there.

Only silence.

And heartbeat.

"What was that sound?" he couldn't help but ask.

"I'm not sure," Chen Xuan said. "It could be the 'spirit' of the scales, or it could be another version of yourself in your subconscious."

"Another self?"

"The host of the Balance of Costs usually has a dual personality," Chen Xuan said. "One is the surface you, and the other is the deeper you. The power of the balance mostly comes from that deeper personality."

Lin Xiaofan was stunned.

Multiple personality disorder?

Is he suffering from dual personality disorder?

That's terrifying!

"Don't overthink it," Chen Xuan said. "Right now, all you need to do is learn to control the scales. We'll talk about the rest later."

Lin Xiaofan nodded, trying to calm herself down.

How can I control this?

"Imagine a scale appearing in your mind," Chen Xuan said. "Ancient, with trays at both ends. Do you see it?"

Lin Xiaofan closed his eyes and searched his mind.

There was nothing at first.

But gradually, a blurry outline emerged.

That was a balance scale.

It's very old, covered with runes that I can't understand.

There is a tray at each end; the left tray is empty, while the right tray holds a small ball of light.

"I saw it," he said.

"The tray on the left represents the price you've paid," Chen Xuan explained. "The orb of light on the right represents the power you've borrowed."

"Borrowed power?"

"Yes," Chen Xuan said. "Yesterday you triggered the scales once, and it lent you seven years of your life. But this is only temporary; you will have to repay it eventually."

"How will you repay it?"

"Use CP to repay the loan," Chen Xuan said. "One CP is roughly equivalent to one year of lifespan. Each time you complete a rule-based mission, it consumes 7 CP. Once all the missions are completed, you can use the accumulated CP to repay the loan."

"What if there aren't enough CP (couple)?"

Chen Xuan looked at him and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Then the only way to compensate is with lifespan."

Lin Xiaofan felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

To put it bluntly, it's still about risking your life.

"Is there any other way?"

"Yes," Chen Xuan said, "overspending."

"Overdraft?"

"You can temporarily increase your loan amount," Chen Xuan said. "For example, if you could only borrow for seven years originally, you can borrow more if you're willing to pay interest."

How is the interest calculated?

"For every 1 CP overdrafted, the interest is 0.1 CP," Chen Xuan said. "If you overdraft 7 CP today, you'll have to repay 14 CP for tomorrow's task."

Lin Xiaofan did some mental calculations.

That interest rate is way too high!

"But this is better than death," he consoled himself.

"Alright, that's all for today's lesson." Chen Xuan glanced at his watch. "Tomorrow is the fourth day, and the rules might be upgraded. Be prepared."

"What preparations?"

"Be mentally prepared," Chen Xuan said. "The tasks on the fourth day usually involve the people around you."

"The people around you?" Lin Xiaofan's heart tightened. "What do you mean?"

"That means the rules might require you to do things that harm others." Chen Xuan's expression turned serious. "You need to think clearly before the mission begins about what you can and cannot do."

"What if it has to be done?"

"Then let's find a loophole in the rules," Chen Xuan said. "No rule is perfect."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Lin Xiaofan stood there, watching Chen Xuan's figure disappear at the park exit.

people around me.

Hurting others.

He thought of Su Mingyue.

If the rules require him to harm Su Mingyue...

He absolutely will not do it.

I'd rather die than do it.

But if it really comes to that point...

Lin Xiaofan shook his head, trying to shake off these random thoughts.

Let's just survive until tomorrow.

He turned and walked back.

As he passed a park bench, he saw a piece of paper on it.

The paper rustled in the wind, but it wasn't blown away.

He paused for a moment, then walked over and picked up the paper.

That was a business card.

It has a picture printed on it: an ancient scale.

The scale has a "7" on one side and a question mark on the other.

On the back of the business card, a line of text was written in neat handwriting:

"The price must eventually be paid."

Lin Xiaofan stared at the line of words and felt a chill run down his spine.

Is this a coincidence?

Or was someone deliberately reminding him?

He suddenly looked up and around.

There were still only a few elderly people practicing Tai Chi in the park, and everything seemed normal.

But he knew that something was watching him from the shadows.

Night crow.

That mysterious organization.

Lin Xiaofan gripped the business card tightly and walked quickly towards her residence.

He needs to tell Chen Xuan about this.

But just as he turned around, he caught a glimpse of a black van parked on the road across from the park out of the corner of his eye.

The car was still running, and the windows were tinted, so you couldn't see inside.

But he always felt that someone was watching him from inside the car.

Lin Xiaofan quickened his pace, almost running back to his residence.

He closed the door, locked it, and then leaned against the door, panting heavily.

My heart was pounding like a drum.

"Calm down, Lin Xiaofan," he told himself.

But I can't calm down.

He took out his phone and sent a message to Chen Xuan:

"I just found a business card in the park. It has a scale design, and on the back it says, 'The price must be paid eventually.' Is someone spying on me?"

After waiting a while, Chen Xuan replied:

"Don't panic. That's a security alert from headquarters. You've been marked by Night Raven, but they won't be making a move for now."

Why?

"Because you are a valuable 'sample' to them."

"A sample?" Lin Xiaofan felt his stomach twitching.

"The Night Raven is studying the bizarre diffusion mechanism of rules. You are the target of these rules, possessing a wealth of data they require."

"What will they do to me?"

"Capture them alive, then study them."

Lin Xiaofan felt a chill run down his spine when he saw the message.

Captured alive.

the study.

This doesn't sound any better than just dying.

"Is there any way to get rid of them?"

"Become stronger than them," Chen Xuan said. "Or, hide somewhere they can't find you."

"But the rules and missions... it seems there's no way to avoid them."

"Yes," Chen Xuan said, "so the only way is to grow rapidly and acquire enough power before they make their move."

"Can I do it?"

This time, Chen Xuan did not reply immediately.

About a minute later, a message came:

"I don't know. But if you can't do it, you'll die."

It's that simple.

Lin Xiaofan stared at the screen and suddenly smiled.

His smile was bitter.

He knew from a young age that he was just an ordinary person.

Average grades, average abilities, average family background.

His biggest advantage is that he's a coward.

His biggest weakness is that he's a coward.

But now, even being cowardly can't save him.

He must become stronger.

We must survive.

"Okay," he replied to Chen Xuan. "I understand. See you tomorrow."

"Um."

Lin Xiaofan put down her phone and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the sun has already risen.

The sunlight on my face was a bit dazzling.

He squinted, looking at the city skyline in the distance.

Jiangcheng.

The place where he lived for four years.

Perhaps I will continue to live.

Maybe......

No, not anymore.

"The fourth day," he murmured to himself, "Come on."

A crow flew past the window.

The black feathers shimmered eerily in the sunlight.