The phone suddenly rang, and Yang Xiao's hand shook, nearly toppling the nightstand. A landline phone that had its power cord removed could still receive calls, the identity of the caller was unmistakable.
Yang Xiao didn't dare to move, even suppressing his breath to a whisper, until after half a minute, the menacing ringtone finally quieted down.
All around was deathly silent, as if even the sound of wind and rain outside the window had come to a halt, so quiet that Yang Xiao could hear his own heartbeat, so quiet that panic set in his heart.
10 seconds.
20 seconds.
About a full minute passed before Yang Xiao took a deep breath, gradually steadied his mind, and then made a shocking move. His left hand slowly picked up the receiver, and his right hand rested on the old plastic keyboard, pressing the redial button.
"Doo—"
It connected.
"Ring-ring-ring—"