"Attention all passengers: The GXXX train from City A West Station to City S South Station will depart in ten minutes. Passengers heading toward City S, please proceed promptly to Gate A9 for boarding."
"The scheduled departure time is 13:22. Passengers who have not yet checked in, please do so immediately to avoid delays. Thank you for your cooperation."
The buzzing voice of the announcement echoed throughout the spacious yet slightly chaotic terminal. Sunlight streamed through the vast glass walls, casting bright beams across the floor where motes of dust danced in the air.
Meng Changyi, breathless and flustered, rushed into the hall, a bulging backpack on her shoulders and a heavy suitcase in tow. Regret gnawed at her as she darted forward.
Heavens above—what decent person hits a thirty-minute traffic jam? Next time, I swear I'll leave an hour earlier. If I miss this train, my internship's done for.
Meng Changyi, 21, a junior at Hua University, was heading south during summer break for an internship at a relative's company, hoping it would help her polish her résumé and improve her job prospects.
After locating her seat and checking the number multiple times, she finally sank into it with a sigh of relief. She took out her phone to message her parents—but to her surprise, the message wouldn't send.
She frowned. Was data off? No signal?
Just as she was about to ask the young mother sitting nearby if she was having the same issue, an announcement crackled through the train's intercom:
"Dear passengers, the train will be departing shortly. Those who haven't boarded, please—zzzzzz…"
Static cut through the speakers. Then came a cold, emotionless female voice:
"Zzzzzz… Welcome aboard the Death Train. Passengers, please memorize and adhere to the following rules:
1. The attendants wear blue uniforms. You can trust them. They will assist you.
2. There are no attendants in red uniforms. If you see one, avoid them immediately. Do not let them catch you breaking the rules.
3. There may be imposters hiding among the passengers. Do not speak to them. Ignore and stay away if encountered.
4. Keep the carriage clean. Do not litter or spit. Cleaning staff will collect trash every hour.
5. Sit in your assigned seat. Do not switch seats without permission. For special needs, contact an attendant.
6. Carry the ID used to purchase your ticket for inspection.
7. If you lose any belongings, contact train staff or call customer service.
8. Cooperate with staff checks and management. For questions, feel free to ask.
9. Elderly, children, pregnant women, and passengers with limited mobility should inform staff in advance for assistance.
10. Do not run, play, or shout inside the carriage to avoid disturbing others.
11. Listen carefully to onboard announcements regarding temporary stops or transfers.
12. Prepare your luggage before your stop. Queue in an orderly fashion when disembarking. Do not push. Mind your step to avoid injury. Do not attempt to disembark before your stop.
13. Failure to follow the above rules will result in consequences.
Thank you for your cooperation. Have a pleasant journey."
The words "Death Train" stunned Meng Changyi. What death train? I'm on G…
G… what was the number again?
She checked the high-speed rail ticket on her phone—but somehow, it now read: "Death Train."
A red, eerie set of train rules scrolled across the carriage's digital display screen.
What the hell is going on…?
A rules-based horror? No way… It has to be some kind of elaborate stunt… Right?
Though she kept trying to dismiss the situation as fake, a gnawing certainty grew in her chest. Her heart pounded with increasing urgency.
This is absurd… One moment I'm just taking a train—next thing I know, I'm trapped in a horror governed by bizarre rules? Everything seemed so normal just moments ago…
Wait! Since the static broke in, it's as if all the usual sounds vanished. Only the eerie broadcast had filled the space… until it ended.
Some passengers were asking what the strange announcement had been about.
A uniformed attendant in impeccable blue stood smiling politely, her expression sweet yet mechanical:
"Please don't worry. It's merely a special event. It will not affect your journey. Kindly abide by the train's rules. Thank you for your cooperation."
And with a final, unnerving remark—"You may only disembark once everyone has reached their destination"—she turned and left.
Meng Changyi clenched her fists and tried to steady her breathing, forcing herself to remain calm. Taking a deep breath, she began to observe her surroundings with sharp, guarded eyes.