The ancient bell in the courtyard stirred faintly.
First, a soft hum, then a fizzing sound, as if it wanted to ring but couldn't.
Eventually, it fell completely silent.
Zhou Li was puzzled. What's going on? Could they be back?
He stood up and took a few steps outside, then circled back to the ancient bell. He scrutinized it with a questioning gaze and tapped it with his hand.
A foot kicked it from the side; there was still no response.
"Most likely the battery is dead," Brother Nan said, retracting her foot.
Zhou Li turned his head, his expression serious. "This is an antique."
"Uh-huh!" Brother Nan affirmed.
"I'll go check outside," Zhou Li said.
He pushed the door open and went out. Through the gaps in the branches, he saw two vehicles parked on the small road at the foot of the mountain. The afternoon sun was abundant, spilling over the mountain pass.
A group of people was walking up the mountain.
