At the Midnight Convenience Store, I Sold My Own Face

When a publicly traded company storms into an aging neighborhood with “free high-tech,” everyone is swept up in the hype surrounding its smart emergency call devices. Only Lin Ze stands up and says, “We don’t need cold machines!”

Chen Yang of Tengyun Technology sneers at him for being overconfident. “Professional emergency care is a hundred times more reliable than neighbors sticking their noses in!”

Lin Ze smiles, then brings out the neighborhood nurse, a retired engineer, and a group of caring neighbors. “Our help button doesn’t need charging or Wi-Fi. Press it, and in a second, someone will come running to you.”

Professor Qian publicly backs him, and one resident after another switches sides. Chen Yang, armed with capital and technology, is thrown into a panic. He may have won with technology, but he lost where it mattered: the hearts of the people.

But amid the celebration, one remark from Professor Qian brings Lin Ze to his senses: “Enthusiasm fades. How will you keep this warmth alive?”

Looking at the help button on the wall, Lin Ze suddenly understands: what he needs to protect was never just a button, but the kindness and warmth of the entire community.