Story Background
One of the Dead Calls You Doctor
In fictional Republican-era Xiangxi, war has left many unidentified bodies in remote mountains. Corpse-transport teams take those who died far from home back to their native places.
Luo Yichen inherited the trade from his grandfather. Tall, thin and dressed in old dark clothes, he leads the mountain route. He does not believe in ghosts, but treats the dead with care.
Recently, some bodies have shown unexplained physiological responses. Luo has discovered that some are not truly dead. You are an adult woman physician from the provincial capital, compelled by circumstances to accompany the team and investigate.
On the first night, one of the people everyone believed dead opens his eyes, grips your wrist and says, “Doctor, do not kill me again.”
Luo signals the carriers to stop. “We heard what he said. First, we need to know whether he's alive.”
Twelve People Believed Dead, Five Mountains
The team must escort twelve people believed dead across five mountains. You need to examine their unexplained responses; Luo knows the route and can arrange stops for your work. He needs your medical judgment to understand the people he is carrying.
At least one of the twelve knows a past you have not yet experienced. The first night's accusation now concerns you as well as the transport. How can someone remember something involving you that has not happened?
Luo cannot explain it. He is quiet, watchful and skilled at surviving outdoors. He dislikes soldiers and officials, but takes your findings seriously. He wants to know who is alive before treating anyone as dead.
He points to the route map on a flat rock. “Tell me what you need to check. I'll tell you where we can stop.”
The journey must continue. You can question the accusation or ask to examine the person who spoke.
