Chapter 1: Moving Day

The summer sun beat down mercilessly on the city streets as Alex Chen stood in front of Silver Moon Apartments, gazing up at the building that was about to become his new home. The 25-story modern apartment complex glimmered with metal and glass in the sunlight, looking ordinary and unremarkable, just like countless other apartment buildings in the city.

Alex took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement welling up in his chest. As a newly graduated young architect, he was full of curiosity and anticipation for the building before him. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, grabbed the handle of his suitcase, and stepped towards the apartment entrance.

"Welcome to Silver Moon Apartments, sir." Inside the lobby, a neatly uniformed middle-aged man greeted Alex with a smile. His name tag read "Tom - Doorman."

Alex nodded in response, "Thank you. I'm a new tenant, Alex Chen."

Tom enthusiastically said, "Ah, Mr. Chen, we've been expecting you. Please follow me, I'll take you to the front desk to complete the check-in process."

They walked through the spacious and bright lobby. Alex noticed that the lobby's design was simple yet modern, with marble floors reflecting the overhead lights, giving an impression of high-class comfort.

A young lady with a professional smile sat at the front desk. "Welcome, Mr. Chen," she said, "I'm Lisa, pleased to serve you. Please show your ID, and we'll complete the check-in process."

Alex took his ID from his wallet and handed it to Lisa. As she processed the documents, Alex's gaze inadvertently swept across a corner of the lobby, where there was an old-fashioned grandfather clock that seemed out of place. The clock's hands pointed to 11:59, but strangely, there was no number 12 on the clock face. Instead, there was a blurred symbol.

"That clock is quite unique," Alex couldn't help but comment.

Lisa followed his gaze, a flash of barely noticeable tension crossing her face, but she quickly resumed her professional smile. "Oh, that's an antique of the building, it's been here for many years. They say it was left by the building's first owner." She quickly changed the subject, "Mr. Chen, your room is on the 12th floor, room 1205. Here's your key card and some check-in information. Enjoy your stay!"

Alex took the key card and documents, glancing once more at the strange clock. Just then, the clock suddenly chimed, emitting a deep and prolonged sound. Alex felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine.

"Don't mind it," Tom appeared timely at Alex's side, "Old antiques always have their quirks. Let me show you to the elevator."

They walked towards the elevator. Alex noticed that the elevator design was very modern, with his slightly tired face reflected in the stainless-steel doors.

"The 12th floor is a good level," Tom said as he pressed the elevator button, "Great view, and not too high."

The elevator doors opened, and Alex and Tom stepped inside. Just as Alex was about to press the button for the 12th floor, he froze. Between 12 and 14, there was unmistakably a button for the 13th floor.

"Wait," Alex said, confused, "I thought this building didn't have a 13th floor? Most high-rises avoid that number."

Tom's expression suddenly became strange, his gaze flickering as if considering how to answer. Just then, the elevator suddenly shook violently, the lights flickering for a few seconds.

"Just a small malfunction," Tom said quickly, his tone somewhat unnatural, "Don't worry, these old elevators do that sometimes."

The elevator smoothly ascended to the 12th floor, and the doors opened. Alex stepped out with his luggage, but Tom didn't follow.

"Enjoy your stay, Mr. Chen," Tom said, his expression seeming to relax, "If you need any help, feel free to contact the front desk anytime."

The elevator doors closed, leaving Alex standing in the hallway, feeling a vague sense of unease. The hallway was eerily quiet, with beige wallpaper and soft lighting that should have given a warm feeling, but Alex felt a bit cold.

He arrived at room 1205 and opened the door with his key card. The room was spacious and bright, with a simple modern style just as he had expected. Alex put his luggage aside and walked to the window.

Looking out the window, he had a panoramic view of the city. Distant skyscrapers, busy streets, and park greenery composed a vivid urban landscape. However, as Alex was admiring the view, he noticed something flash by on the window.

He turned to look at the room, but everything seemed normal. Alex shook his head, thinking he must be too tired.

Just then, his phone rang. It was his friend Mike.

"Hey, buddy," Mike's voice came through the phone, "How's the move going?"

Alex sat on the bed, feeling a bit relaxed: "Not bad, this place is better than I imagined. But..."

"But what?" Mike asked.

Alex hesitated for a moment, then said, "Nothing, maybe I'm overthinking. This building gives me a strange feeling, but it's probably just because it's a new environment."

"Come on," Mike laughed, "You architects, always nitpicking about every building. Relax, enjoy your new home. Hey, want me to bring some beers over tonight? We could celebrate."

Alex thought for a moment and said, "Not today, I still need to unpack. Maybe another time, once I've settled in, I'll invite you over."

After hanging up, Alex started unpacking his luggage. When he opened the wardrobe, a cold breeze suddenly blew out from the closet, making him shiver.

"Is the air conditioning set too low?" Alex muttered to himself as he went to adjust the temperature.

As night fell, Alex had finished his shower and was getting ready for bed. Suddenly, he heard footsteps in the hallway outside. The footsteps were light, but in the silence of the night, they were particularly clear. Alex frowned, walked to the door, and looked through the peephole.

The hallway was empty, with only the dim light silently illuminating the space. Alex was about to turn away when he saw a shadow quickly flash by. He abruptly opened the door and looked out, but the hallway remained empty.

Closing the door, Alex felt his heart rate increase. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

"New environments always have some strange sounds," he told himself, "Nothing to worry about."

Alex lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Despite his fatigue, his mind was unusually alert. This apartment gave him a strange feeling, from the mysterious 13th-floor button to the odd grandfather clock, and now the footsteps. Everything seemed so unusual.

But as a rational person, Alex tried to convince himself that these were all just coincidences. He closed his eyes, hoping to get a good night's sleep and that everything would be back to normal in the morning.

However, just as he was about to fall asleep, a faint sound of music reached his ears. It was an ancient lullaby, the melody ethereal, as if coming from a distant place. Alex's eyes snapped open, and the music disappeared.

The room was silent, with only the city lights seeping through the gaps in the curtains. Alex sat up, looking around, but everything was as it should be.

He lay back down, his mind full of questions and unease. That night, Alex tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He vaguely sensed that his life might be about to undergo a drastic change, and this seemingly ordinary apartment might be hiding secrets far more mysterious and dangerous than he could imagine.