Deep space syndrome, often referred to as "thick-space phobia," is more than just a fear. Long-term exposure to zero gravity, especially in a stimulating zero-gravity environment, can affect a significant portion of people's physiological well-being. Some individuals may even experience severe chromosomal mutations, similar to those caused by high-dose nuclear radiation. While humans have been venturing into space for years, research on deep space syndrome is still in its early stages. Some recent theories suggest it may be a form of natural selection—retaining some and eliminating others. Naturally, such theories haven't gained widespread public attention. After all, humanity is only just beginning to explore the vast solar system, and current thinking is dominated by anthropocentric ideals like "man conquers nature," believing that through hard work and unity, people can withstand all natural disasters.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with positive thinking; it's human arrogance that's wrong. Over the past few years, Jiang Ling has increasingly felt a lack of caution from others, as if caution meant retreat. Many of them believe that simply throwing resources at something will accomplish it. Fortunately, thanks to Lin Shuang's frequent use of her A-level access to gather data online, Jiang Ling hasn't been as easily swept along by the crowd. She now maintains a fundamental level of caution in everything, including every stranger she encounters.

So in order to alert him, Jiang Ling deliberately made his condition sound very serious. But even if we put aside the added bonus, this old man who loves games really shouldn't go through another four-year journey - his mental illness has reached the point where he needs treatment.

"Amazing! This is truly amazing!" After listening to her suggestion, Big Bird Zhuanzhuanzhuan clapped his thighs again like an excited baboon. He said, "Brother, what do you do? Are you a space doctor?! The doctor who gave me my routine physical last year warned me about this and even prescribed me several courses of pills. What's it called—Secobarbital?"

"Is it useful after taking it? You can't stop taking the medicine!" asked Big Windmill.

"It should be okay. I eat it every day now, crunching it down, and I feel excited after eating. It works better than drinking tea!"

Jiang Ling asked worriedly, "Wait a minute, can you sleep at night like this?"

"Then I can definitely fall asleep. I sleep soundly. It's like I'm blacking out every time. I can sleep for two hours per cycle. Isn't that what it's like working on a ship? Oh, my time should be up soon. You can watch me sleep..."

Big Bird said this and then logged off. The remaining two looked at each other for two seconds, and then Jiang Ling was the first to ask, "Is he like this often?"

"It's pretty much the same. He was suddenly disconnected when we were playing a map as a group, and then came back online after two or three hours. At first we thought it was a network failure, but his failures are very regular, and it happens at the same time every time... You, what do you think of him?" Dafengche answered stiffly. His current sitting posture was very much like a family member accompanying a patient.

"I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure now," Jiang Ling said. "Have you ever observed his eyes? My daughter said that everything in the virtual space could be fake, except for his eyes. I was just looking at his eyes, and they were practically out of focus, just like the patients in the holographic images circulating online. Also, do you know what medicine he's taking? It's a neuroleptic sleeping pill."