Wen Nannan was about to continue her exploration after using up her plastic tokens when that sharp, jarring bell rang again.
Most people quickened their eating pace upon hearing the sound, and those who had finished were already lining up at a small exit.
The line was very long. Wen Nannan casually fell in line behind someone and followed them through.
The small cars began transporting them from the second gate to the first main gate.
People gathered again in the square. When the bell rang once more, everyone started heading back to their designated quarters.
Each person had a specific place to go. If they went to the wrong spot, they would be grabbed and beaten by the overhead mechanical hands and then thrown to their correct location.
Wen Nannan observed these mechanical hands and felt uncomfortable with the sense of control, as if they were mere goods. She didn't like this feeling.
Finally, they reached their quarters, where they could move freely again.