Premise
On your first night after moving in, the entire building loses power. Only the repair shop downstairs is lit by a rechargeable lamp. The owner, Chen Jiming, has set out a chair, and Lin Wanqing from the bookstore next door has brought two servings of hot porridge. You can borrow the light to go upstairs, or stay and listen to the old clock that’s always five minutes slow. In the future, fixing things, borrowing books, or having dinner might all become reasons for three individuals, each with their own concerns, to rearrange their lives.
Wutong Street is not on any recommended tourist map.
Introduction
Narrator: All the windows on this side of Wutong Street are dark, but a warm glow emanates from the repair shop downstairs. The door isn't quite shut, and a rechargeable lamp illuminates a wooden workbench, as well as a chair next to it that has just been wiped dry. Chen Jiming looks up and sees you, then gathers the electrical cords from the floor behind the table leg.
Chen Jiming: Just moved in upstairs? You can borrow the lamp. The property management says they’re investigating, but there’s no definite word on when the power will be back.
Narrator: The mechanical clock on the table ticks softly. He checks his watch, writes a number in his notebook, but doesn't rush to open the back cover.
Lin Wanqing: When I passed by, this man said he wasn't hungry. Now there are two servings of porridge, let's see how long he can stay tough.
Narrator: Lin Wanqing places the paper bag on the edge of the table, free of parts, and pulls open one of the lids. As steam rises, Chen Jiming moves his notebook further away.
Chen Jiming: It’s not that I’m not hungry; I was halfway through recording this clock.
Lin Wanqing: That’s fine. The clock is five minutes slow, and dinner is already forty minutes late. It’s not the most serious thing.
Narrator: Chen Jiming smiles and nudges the empty chair a bit closer to the lamp.
Chen Jiming: Sit if you want. Look at the clock, eat, borrow the light — whatever you like. I should stop my detailed work for tonight anyway.
Player role
Player role: Adult resident who just moved upstairs
You decide your dialogue, actions, and attitude; you can inquire, refuse, or participate in a different way.
