In the early morning, the toilet on the balcony disappeared.

Jiang Meng also went missing.

Under the huge French window, sunlight spilled onto the floor, shimmering with a faint cold light.

There were only two normal people left in the dormitory: me and Xiao Xuan.

We secretly encouraged each other, determined to survive.

To prevent stomachaches at night and accidentally entering a nonexistent restroom,

Xiao Xuan and I were very careful with our diet.

We didn't drink soup or eat meat, only vegetables, fruits, and steamed buns.

We were very diligent in every class, making sure to answer all the questions accurately.

A few days later, Jiang Meng returned to the dormitory.

She became like Fang Fang, devoid of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, only a stiff shell remained.

Her actions were standardized, even her tone of speech was rigid.

She still remembered our names.

She still knew our preferences.

She was clearly our roommate, Jiang Meng.

But she was no longer the vibrant and sweet-smiling Jiang Meng.

More and more students turned into puppet-like beings.

In just a month, there were only a few normal people left among the classmates.

To protect ourselves, we imitated the mannerisms of the puppets.

Just like them, we walked in neat lines, obeying every command.

However, I underestimated its ability.

It wouldn't spare any student.

When there were only three days left until the end of 45 days, the teacher proposed a final exam.

Only students who scored full marks would be allowed to inform their parents—an excellent student's path to success and smooth graduation.

Those who couldn't achieve full marks would be punished.

I secretly glanced at Xiao Xuan.

Her gaze was terrified, and her legs under the desk trembled.

I clenched my fist, feeling cold sweat in my palms.

Could we never escape after all?

Even though we worked so hard, disguising ourselves as good students in the teacher's eyes.

Were we not good enough by obeying all commands?

I saw dense lines of text on the test paper the teacher distributed.

Those puppet-like students earnestly answered the questions, holding their pens in a completely uniform manner, as if professionally trained.

When the teacher placed the test paper on my desk, she smiled ominously at me.

She lowered her head and whispered, "Lin Xia, I'll be waiting for you on the first floor."