Chapter 2

Last weekend afternoon, all residents of Building 3 were shocked by a message.

Karen (402): "My daughter is pregnant. I hereby declare that the child will be raised collectively by all residents in this building."

The sender was my next-door neighbor who had moved into 402 six months ago.

Her profile picture was heavily filtered, making her look like she was in her thirties.

This was the first time she had spoken in the residents' group since moving in.

Messages flooded in rapidly, with people sending question marks and confused emoji faces.

The resident from 501 was the first to mock her: "Did your sense of shame go on vacation with the Great Wall? What does your daughter's pregnancy have to do with us? If you're that desperate for money, I can charitably donate some for you to burn at a temple."

Others chimed in with agreement.

"You want us all to help raise your grandchild? Will the baby call all of us mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa when it's born?"

"Your daughter didn't sleep with all of us. Go find whoever got her pregnant."

Karen sent another message, this time a voice note.

"How is this not related to you? My daughter was impregnated by someone in this building! You bastards, think you can get away with it after having your fun? Let me tell you, no way!"

After hearing Karen's voice message, everyone's emotions calmed down a bit.

Karen's implication was clear - her daughter's baby daddy was someone in this building, and the scumbag had taken advantage of her and was now refusing to take responsibility.