"Dad, it's me." Beth's clear and pleasant voice came from outside the study, like a spring breeze, instantly blowing away the haze in Hershel's heart.
Hearing his little daughter's voice, Hershel's originally serious face instantly showed a gentle smile. That smile was like the warm sunshine in winter, warm and kind. He walked quickly to the door of the study, grasped the door handle with both hands, and gently pulled it open.
Looking at Beth outside the door, Hershel's eyes were full of love. He asked softly, "Beth, what's the matter?"
Beth looked up, her eyes sparkling, and she said, "It's Xu Mo. Xu Mo said a patient fell into our well, and he wanted to ask for our advice and to see how to deal with the patient."
Hershel lowered his head and pondered for a moment, his eyes solemn, as if he was weighing something important. Then, he nodded gently and said firmly, "Okay, I understand. Let's go."
…
At the door of Hershel's house, Xu Mo waited for a while and then saw Beth and Hershel.
Looking at Hershel and Beth, Xu Mo nodded slightly and said calmly, "Beth should have told you what happened."
Hershel also nodded slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, and said: "Beth told me that a patient fell into our well."
Xu Mo's face was calm, and his eyes were deep as he said, "Patient? I'm curious, why do you think that's a patient?"
"Beth just said that, and you said that,"
"Haven't you seen on TV? These zombies attack humans, kill humans, infect humans, and even treat humans as food. They are extremely dangerous."
"Paranoid psychosis is also very dangerous, but we cannot kill patients." Hershel looked at Xu Mo seriously, his eyes revealing determination and persistence, as if he was holding on to some sacred belief. That belief was like a lighthouse, guiding him in the darkness, allowing him to still hold a glimmer of hope and kindness towards those "patients" in his heart, and not wanting to easily regard them as monsters.
Xu Mo raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and said, "How about this, let's make a bet."
"Bet?" Hershel frowned, his eyes filled with confusion and vigilance, like an old fox that had sensed danger. "What's the bet? How do we bet?"
"Let's not rush this." Xu Mo smiled and shook his head, a hint of cunning in his eyes, like a magician who mastered a secret. "Before that, I want to ask you a few questions."
"Herschel, do you think a person will die if they are shot in the heart or vital organs by a gun?"
"Of course he'll die." Hershel looked at Xu Mo, his expression growing increasingly confused. Puzzlement filled his eyes, and he wondered to himself, "What's this guy up to? What's the point of asking this kind of question?"
This is common sense that any normal person knows, not to mention that he is a doctor. Although he is only a veterinarian, he has a considerable understanding of the basic structure and physiological functions of the human body.
Hearing Hershel's answer, Xu Mo nodded with satisfaction, a subtle light flashed in his eyes, and said:
"If a person is shot repeatedly in the heart and other vital organs, do you think he can still survive?"
"Of course he can't be alive." Hershel answered in the affirmative, his eyes revealing unquestionable certainty, as if he was stating an eternal truth. He had full faith in his medical knowledge, which was like a solid wall, guarding his understanding of the world.
Xu Mo continued, "One last question. If a person is shot in the heart and other vital organs repeatedly, and is still able to stand and walk, do you think they are still human?"
Beth, who was standing by, couldn't help but widen her eyes as she listened to Xu Mo's three questions. Her eyes were filled with surprise and confusion. She gently covered her mouth with her hand, as if she couldn't believe what she heard. She looked at Xu Mo with puzzled eyes, muttering to herself: Xu Mo doesn't look like a fool. Why would he ask such inexplicable questions? What do these questions have to do with the patients we are treating?
As Hershel listened to Xu Mo's words, he vaguely guessed something. His face turned pale, and a hint of uneasiness and fear flashed in his eyes. It was as if a chill rushed from the soles of his feet to his head. But he didn't want to think about it any further. It was as if it was a terrible abyss. Once he stepped into it, he would be swallowed by endless darkness and could never return to his original world.
After Xu Mo finished speaking, he forced himself to remain calm and immediately replied, "Of course it can't be a human."
It is impossible for a person to have his heart and organs broken and still be alive. This completely goes against science and common sense. This is a truth that he firmly believes in as a doctor, even as a veterinarian.
Although he believes in God, it does not mean that he does not trust science. At this moment, his heart is in a delicate balance between faith and reality, just like a small boat in a storm, struggling to maintain balance on the rough sea.
After seeing Hershel take the bait, Xu Mo showed a meaningful smile on his face, with a hint of joy of victory in that smile, as if he had already seen the result he wanted.
"In that case, I have no other questions."
Then he looked at Hershel and Beth and continued:
"Next, let's talk about the issue of betting and the content of the bet."
"Of course, let me make it clear in advance that if you are dissatisfied with the bet or its content, you can refuse it at any time before the bet is established. I won't make it difficult for you."
"But once you agree on a bet, you can't go back on your word!"
Hershel listened to Xu Mo's pertinent remarks and nodded slightly, with a hint of trust in his eyes. He said, "Okay, tell me about your bet and what it is."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
