3 3 301 DialogEnable Researchers have lined up in the corridor outside the canteen. The queue is incredibly long. Lamia cannot see its end.
4 4 301 A researcher seems to have remembered something. He exchanges a few words with the colleagues nearby and leaves.
5 5 401 2 1516
6 6 301 He leaves a gap behind, but it is almost consumed by the moving queue.
7 7 201 1 500351
8 8 301 1 Lamia looks around. No one seems to have noticed her tiny existence.
9 9 301 She immediately cuts inside before the gap disappears.
10 10 301 Another tall researcher behind her finally notices her. He gives an exhausted look. Lamia is not sure whether it is because of work or her.
11 11 201 1 500138
12 12 301 1 Researcher You're... the girl raised by the medical department? Didn't they teach you the rules? 1
13 13 201 1 500351
14 14 301 1 Lamia cowers.
15 15 301 Of course she knows the rules. Colder than the sea water, but harder than ice.
16 16 301 Lamia shrinks into her shoulders, trying to make herself look weak. She opens her eyes wide to give an innocent look.
17 17 301 It doesn't always work—in fact, it never worked. The books in the library mention that humans have an emotion named "sympathy," but it is an extremely rare sight in here.
18 18 301 Lamia anxiously stares at the researcher's eyes. The white light reflected on his glasses sends an inorganic chill up her spine.
19 19 301 He finally looks up again without talking.
20 20 301 It isn't out of sympathy. He has simply lost the interest for further interaction.
21 21 301 Great. Lamia feels relieved.
22 22 301 The queue continues to move slowly forward. She finally arrives at the white table after a long time.
23 23 301 There was always lots of food here for everyone to take. The canteen used to be very noisy.
24 24 301 But right now, the atmosphere feels dense and heavy. A row of logistics staff sit behind the table, each of them holding a writing board in their hands.
25 25 301 Behind them is another line of fully-armed security guards from the admin department keeping the order.
26 26 301 The logistics staff hasn't even looked at Lamia. He only stares at the roster in his hand.
27 27 201 1 500197
28 28 301 1 Logistics Staff Name? 1
29 29 203 1 0.25 400
30 30 201 2 500351 -400
31 31 301 1 Lamia Lamia. 2
32 32 301 He is still not looking up.
33 33 301 Lamia L... La... Lamia. 2
34 34 301 His fingers run down the roster and finally come to a stop.
35 35 301 Logistics Staff Calorie intake is limited to 1,164 kcals per day. These are your rations for today. 1
36 36 301 He puts two biscuit bars on the table.
37 37 301 Logistics Staff Next. 1
38 38 301 Lamia gulps down some nervous saliva and tries to gather courage.
39 39 301 There is nothing wrong with trying. A failure can be tolerated.
40 40 301 Lamia Um... Excuse me... 2
41 41 301 Logistics Staff Is there a problem? 1
42 42 301 Lamia Can I... get another biscuit? I'm really hungry... 2
43 43 301 Logistics Staff No. Rations have been strictly calculated based on age, height, weight and daily activity level. This is all you have. 1
44 44 301 A security guard takes one step forward.
45 45 301 To them, children are treated as adults without any special privileges.
46 46 301 Logistics Staff We only take queries about the expiry date or nutrition values. If you have other concerns, make a complaint to the admin department. There are lots of people waiting behind. Leave. 1
47 47 202 1 2 1
48 48 401 1 36
49 49 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Lamia carefully wraps the biscuits in her handkerchief and leaves the canteen.