Lost in the Otherworld

*Cough, cough,* "I'll come back later," Officer Huang adjusted his cap and quietly closed the door.

…

Ten minutes later, Gao Yang and Officer Huang were standing in the underground garage, with Wang Zikai having been sent away.

Officer Huang’s expression was nuanced, “I see… this method of distinguishing between beast and man, was it Qing Ling who taught you?”

“Yes.” Gao Yang lowered his voice, “Don’t let Wang Zikai know.”

“Understood.”

“Pang Jun, don’t take that idiot too seriously.” Gao Yang glanced at the still-bound Pang Jun.

“Don’t worry! I’m not a beast like him, I wouldn’t stoop to his level.” Pang Jun was still somewhat upset, clearly his pride had taken a hit earlier.

“There’s only cola and beer!” Just then, Wang Zikai returned, carrying several bottles of chilled drinks and canned beer.

Officer Huang took a cola, opened it, and brought it to Pang Jun’s lips.

Pang Jun, parched beyond words, eagerly stretched his neck and gulped down two large mouthfuls, instantly revived, his eyes regaining their shine.

Officer Huang pulled up a chair, sitting down in a posture that resembled an interrogation. "Alright, tell me everything—slowly, clearly—recount all the details you remember."

“Okay, okay!” Pang Jun licked his lips and began recalling, “Wasn’t there a big fire at my hotel? Auntie He was burned to death, and I was injured. According to our original plan, I shut down the hotel and stayed home to recover. I didn’t dare leave the house for days, just waiting for you to contact me. Then, last night while I was sleeping, I was awakened by a strange sound…”

“What kind of sound?” Officer Huang lit a cigarette.

“It sounded like a cat, constantly meowing. It annoyed me so much that I got up and went to the balcony. Sure enough, I saw a white cat, kind of like a ragdoll, but smaller, with tall, pointy ears and green eyes.”

Officer Huang nodded, signaling him to continue.

“That cat was quite clever too. The moment it saw me, it stopped meowing. My heart softened, and I thought it must be someone’s lost pet, so I reached out, wanting to pet its head…”

“But damn it!” Pang Jun suddenly yelled, “Not only did it refuse to let me touch it, but it also bit my finger out of nowhere! The pain was so intense that I passed out right then and there.”

“And then?” Officer Huang prompted.

“Then… it felt like I was dreaming. In my dream, I was being squeezed into a packed subway, surrounded by people groping me everywhere, like all kinds of perverts…”

“Who would grope you?” Wang Zikai said in disgust.

“I was dreaming!” Pang Jun responded, aggrieved. “When I woke up, I saw Brother Yang and Brother Kai… but my right hand wouldn’t obey me and started attacking Brother Yang… You know the rest.”

Officer Huang’s face darkened as he listened.

He stepped forward and fed Pang Jun a few more sips of cola, waiting until he had finished.

Officer Huang tossed the empty bottle aside, took two steps back, and without a word, drew his pistol and pointed it at Pang Jun. “Pang Jun, I’m sorry.”

“No! Don’t kill me!” Pang Jun screamed in despair, “I swear I’m human! I swear… Brother Yang, save me, save me…”

“Officer Huang,” Gao Yang’s voice softened with hesitation, “maybe we should observe a little longer…”

*Bang!* Officer Huang fired.