Clatter…
The small cart rolled into the carriage.
The passengers glanced up—only to find it was the cleaner. Disappointment flickered across their faces.
Cleaner: …Weren't you all delighted just a moment ago? Fickle bunch.
Clatter…
"Hello, do you have any trash to dispose of?"
The cleaner pushed her cart forward, continuing her collection routine.
As her eyes landed on the black train tickets left on the young couple's table, her expression shifted ever so slightly. She quickly recomposed herself, smiled, and asked,
"Hello, any rubbish to throw away?"
"Nope," the boy replied offhandedly, too busy flirting with his girlfriend to look up.
The cleaner nodded politely and continued sweeping forward.
"Alright. Thank you for your cooperation."
Just then, the train gave a sudden jolt, and a burst of static crackled from the overhead speaker.
Zzzzz—
Meng Changyi's thoughts darkened. It seemed this journey would be far from smooth…
The static dragged on before finally fading, replaced by a cold, mechanical voice.
It echoed not just from the speakers but as if whispered right beside every ear:
"Dear passengers, the train is about to enter a special zone. Please remain in your seats and strictly follow all rules."
Tension rippled through the carriage. Everyone instinctively sat up straighter, exchanging uneasy glances.
A burly man gripped his seat's armrests, palms slick with sweat.
"This… What do they mean by 'special zone'?"
He turned to those beside him, seeking reassurance.
"Do either of you know anything?"
The bespectacled man furrowed his brows in thought before slowly shaking his head.
"No idea. But it can't be anything good. Best we all stay alert."
The elderly gentleman clenched his hands involuntarily, palms drenched. His voice trembled.
"…Surely it's not something dangerous, is it?"
He struggled to keep his growing fear at bay.
The young mother gently cradled her child, worry clouding her features.
"No clue what this 'special zone' even means…"
She glanced down at her baby, eyes filled with apprehension.
"Be good, Jiajia…"
The cleaner, still collecting trash, paused subtly at the broadcast before resuming her task. She muttered softly to herself,
"Entering the special zone again…"
Her gaze grew distant, as though lost in thoughts unknown.
"Hello, do you have any trash to dispose of?"
"Hi… could you tell me what exactly is this 'special zone'?"
Meng Changyi handed over a garbage bag, feigning casual curiosity.
As she sorted the trash, the cleaner leaned in slightly, her voice hushed and mysterious:
"Every time we pass through the special zone…"
Her tone lowered, eyes shadowed with unreadable emotion,
"Something strange always happens."
Meng Changyi's heart skipped a beat. A foreboding unease crept over her.
Boom!
A violent tremor rattled the train before it screeched to a halt at a platform—yet no arrival announcement followed from the speakers.
"What's going on?!" passengers cried out in alarm.
The burly man gripped the seat tightly, nerves frayed.
"Why did we stop again? Something strange isn't happening, is it?"
The elderly man was nearly thrown off balance. He muttered in confusion,
"What's happening now?"
He clung desperately to the back of the seat in front of him, trying to steady himself.
The girl turned ghostly pale, clutching her boyfriend in panic, her voice quivering near tears:
"Wh-What is this? What kind of garbage train is this? Keeps breaking down, and they still dare to run it?!"
A train attendant struggled to maintain her balance, hastily using the intercom to contact fellow staff:
"All conductors, be advised: the train has experienced another unscheduled stop. Please immediately check your assigned carriages."
Then, turning to the passengers, she raised her voice in reassurance:
"Everyone, please remain calm! Return to your seats and stay seated!"