Chapter 47: Time Cabinet Returns

The next day.

Evelyn returned to Massachusetts, where she would use this manuscript to achieve fame and success.

Frank, too, decided to take Mary to a higher-level institution, and incidentally, they had to move—to find a more suitable place to live.

Fortunately, Louis recommended Orlando; compared to Tampa, Orlando held far greater status in Florida, with better environment and economic conditions, and most importantly, it housed several reputable universities and high schools.

After a brief hesitation, Frank agreed. There was no choice—this man was the financier, and his suggestion was perfectly reasonable; Frank found no reason to refuse.

“Looks like we’ll be neighbors from now on.”

Louis said to Mary.

“Oh oh! That’s great!” Mary cried joyfully, swinging Fred the one-eyed cat around in her hands. The one-eyed cat was docile, but still went cross-eyed from the swinging, barely missing a meow.

For Mary, if Frank was her most important relative, then Louis was her most important friend. Now she wouldn’t have to leave Frank, and could even play with her friend regularly—two joys stacked together. Could anything be happier?

It was truly wonderful!

Watching Mary’s lively side, Frank smiled in relief.

His decision was right.

But…

Recalling Evelyn’s words from yesterday, he couldn’t help but drift off.

He knew exactly what his mother was like—serious, rigid, like a Briton. No, she actually was a Briton.

She wouldn’t lie to him about something like this. But how could it be possible?

How could such a thing exist in this world?

If it truly existed, why hadn’t she studied it herself?

Frank’s brilliant mind pondered all night, finally reaching a conclusion.

The object must be real. She hadn’t released it for research because she couldn’t keep it safe—it wasn’t like a math problem.

So… she truly did this for me and Mary?

No.

Frank froze in shock.

He remembered something: she had said this object was originally meant for Mary. That meant Mary would waste years of her youth inside it.

All just to solve the answer before she grew too old and died—to achieve fame and fulfill her dream!

In the end, it was mostly for herself.

Moreover, if it was truly as she claimed, it probably wasn’t a good thing at all.

Stealing time… hah…

It was clearly borrowing lifespan, stealing the future!

“I won’t give this to Mary. Not until she’s an adult—then we’ll see.”

Frank made his decision.

Though he had decided, Frank didn’t leave immediately. He had lived here long enough—he needed to settle a few things.

Like some friends…

Bonnie… Robert…

Louis also temporarily stayed at a nearby hotel. Everything was resolved perfectly.

Just as Frank and the others prepared to leave…

On Amity Island not far away, a rumor of a great white shark’s appearance was slowly spreading. Yet the local townsfolk carried on as usual, leaving no one sure whether the rumor was true or false.

…

Several days later.

Frank, having resigned and thrown a farewell party with his friends, received the cabinet delivered by Evelyn.

The cabinet looked ancient, yet its size was considerable—just enough to allow two adults limited movement inside.

He picked up the letter from Evelyn that came with the cabinet. Inside was a key. He opened the letter.

It first mentioned she had spoken with Dr. Seymour at MIT; Mary could now enroll there, or wait until she was older—everything was up to him.

Clearly, this was Evelyn’s educational network. Perhaps she did care about Mary, a little.

What followed was the main point.

Frank’s expression grew serious.

The letter contained extensive research notes on the object—clearly, Evelyn had conducted experiments.

It stated the cabinet could accelerate time flow: hours inside equaled only seconds outside.

It affected both living and non-living things, but provided no additional conditions—like soil nutrients—only pure time acceleration.

Note: time spent inside was real time—meaning you consumed your own lifespan, increasing efficiency in the real world.

To others in reality, you would age rapidly.

Moreover, opening or closing the cabinet required the key. If the key was not present, it was fine if you were outside—but if you were inside, the cabinet could not be opened. The final result would be…

Two photographs followed the letter: one of a cat placed inside the cabinet, and another of a layer of ash inside the cabinet.

The meaning was obvious.

“Remember: it is dangerous. Use with extreme caution!”

“Indeed dangerous.”

Frank couldn’t even imagine the chaos this object would cause if exposed—it couldn’t be kept secret. Not for a second.

He put the letter away and decided to take the cabinet to his new home—and never use it. He feared he might become addicted.

Only the next day.

Frank and Louis and the others set off for Orlando.

Shortly after Frank and the others departed, another great white shark attack occurred on Amity Island. Blood stained the sea surface; severed limbs washed ashore under the eyes of numerous tourists.

The incident sparked immediate uproar. Amity Island’s beach operations halted entirely. Even nearby coastal areas of Tampa posted warning signs, banning swimmers.

Fortunately, Frank had left early—otherwise, his job would have been suspended too.

Soon, under pressure from government orders, town economy, and public safety, the local sheriff assembled a team and set sail to hunt the shark!

A heart-stopping battle between man and great white shark began.

Beneath the ocean, within the forests, more terrifying special lifeforms—due to nuclear contamination, mutations, or natural causes—were stirring.

…

Louis didn’t notice the great white shark incident; they had already returned to Orlando.

In front of the house, David, Jenny, Emma, and Yulenc were all waiting for Louis—but all held their hands behind their backs, looking strangely tense.

Sssss—

The black sedan stopped. Louis stepped out, just as he smiled, about to speak—

“Hah! Louis, welcome home!”

Boom!

David and the others pulled out party poppers from behind their backs and fired them at Louis.

Colorful streamers rained down everywhere.

Frank and Mary, who had just parked their car behind, watched the scene. “Mary, looks like we’ve got a great neighbor.”

(End of chapter)