Whispers in the Neon: A Death Sentence in Pingguo High

In the heart of Pingguo High School, a beacon of modernity amidst a city shrouded in cyberpunk ambiance, the neon signs flickered like a siren's call. It was here that a seemingly ordinary student named Liang found himself caught in a storm of danger and deceit.

The school's annual festival was in full swing, a cacophony of music and the buzz of excited chatter. Liang, a quiet and reserved young man, had always preferred the quiet corners of the library to the crowded halls. Yet, on this night, he felt an inexplicable draw to the grand stage where the festivities were centered.

As he approached the stage, a voice echoed through the crowd, "And now, the grand finale of the festival, a live performance by the notorious hacker collective, 'The Apple's Vengeance'!" The crowd erupted in cheers, their faces illuminated by the glow of neon lights.

Liang had heard whispers about 'The Apple's Vengeance'—a group of hackers that had become legend in the cyberpunk circles. They were rumored to be the masterminds behind some of the most audacious digital heists, but no one had ever seen them in the flesh. Now, as the lights dimmed, and the stage was illuminated by a single, intense spotlight, Liang watched in awe as a figure stepped into the light.

The figure was a young woman, her hair a wild tangle of colors that seemed to blend with the neon backdrop. She was dressed in a sleek, black outfit that accentuated her lithe figure, and her eyes glowed with a fire that could only come from a soul that had faced darkness and come out stronger.

"Welcome to the age of digital revolution!" she began, her voice resonating through the speakers. "Tonight, we will not only perform but also unveil a groundbreaking project that will change the world as we know it."

As the woman spoke, Liang felt a strange sense of dread. It was as if a storm was brewing, and he was at its heart. He excused himself from the crowd and made his way to the shadows, hoping to escape the overwhelming sense of foreboding.

That night, as Liang returned to his dormitory, he found a message on his smartphone. It was from a number he did not recognize, "Liang, you are next. The countdown has begun." The message was followed by a series of cryptic symbols and a countdown timer ticking down.

Panic set in as Liang realized that he was being targeted. He had no idea who could have sent such a message, but he knew one thing for certain: he was in deep trouble. He needed answers, and he needed them fast.

The next morning, Liang's dormitory was in disarray. His computer was missing, and the screen of his phone was shattered. A note was left in his place, "You can't escape us, Liang. The countdown is real, and it's not just for you."

Liang's heart raced as he pieced together the puzzle. He had always been curious about 'The Apple's Vengeance' and their digital prowess. Could it be that he had stumbled upon something they deemed dangerous to their plans? He needed to find the group, and he needed to do it quickly.

As the hours ticked by, Liang's search led him to the underground levels of Pingguo High, a place few dared to venture. It was here that he finally found them, hidden in a secret chamber beneath the school.

The chamber was a labyrinth of computers, screens, and holographic displays. In the center stood the leader of 'The Apple's Vengeance,' the same woman who had performed the night before. She looked at Liang with a mix of surprise and determination.

"Liang, you should have stayed away," she said, her voice steady despite the tension that hung in the air. "But now that you're here, you have a choice. Join us, or face the consequences."

Liang hesitated, knowing that whatever decision he made could have life-altering consequences. But as the countdown timer approached zero, he knew he had no other choice. He had to act.

With a deep breath, Liang stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited him. The world of cyberpunk had become his battleground, and there was no turning back.