Chapter 67 Making Ice from Boiled Water (5)
The sound quickly faded away as the people walked away. Shu Ningmiao came to her senses and followed them into the room.
With so many people around, she had many questions in her mind, but she knew she couldn't ask them now.
Behind me, I could hear the rumbling sound of the pulleys rolling on the floor as someone pushed the support frame past.
The room had light-colored walls with no decorations.
Shu Ningmiao had never seen such a spotless wall before. The snow-white wall seemed to reflect light, making her eyes hurt.
A comedy was playing on the wall, accompanied by inappropriate laughter and applause that sounded even more jarring in the otherwise deathly silent room.
There was no heart rate monitor or IV stand around the bed; it felt more like an empty cage than a ward.
The group of researchers had unfriendly eyes. One of them stepped out, a bald man who looked to be in his forties or fifties with a deeply lined face and an imposing manner: "Why didn't you disinfect yourselves before coming in?"
Zhao ignored them and walked straight past a group of doctors in white coats to the bedside: "You haven't done any treatment, so what's the point of disinfection?"
The man exhaled through his nose and snorted coldly.
Because Zhao insisted on walking in the middle, the researchers had no choice but to retreat to the sides. Shu Ningmiao followed behind Zhao and finally saw Yelü Qi, who was surrounded.
Yelüqi's condition was better than she had imagined.
There were no tubes inserted into her body, and no signs of decay. She was sitting cross-legged on the bed, holding a remote control in her hand. Although her face did not look haggard, her eyes seemed to be open unconsciously, and she was not listening to anyone else at all.
Not long had it been since Shu Ningmiao last saw Yeluqi, yet she felt that the person in front of her had become somewhat unfamiliar.
The bald man, who had just spoken in an unfriendly tone, walked over, ignoring them, and went about giving instructions to the other researchers.
Shu Ningmiao glanced at the name tag on the man's white coat; his name was Ge Wende, and his position was the Dean of the School of Life Sciences at the National Research Center.
The atmosphere, which had been tense as they entered, was somewhat eased by the researcher's renewed conversation: "His curve of physical changes is unprecedented."
Gawande nodded.
While everyone else was standing, Zhao had already found a chair and sat down in front of the bed with his legs crossed.
He placed his fingertips together on his lap without turning his head: "What do you mean?"
The speaker took a step forward: "That's right. Based on past data, people with superpowers can withstand these changes for a longer period of time."
"Six months ago, based on Mr. Yelü Qi's medical report, we estimated that he could maintain a normal life for at least two more years."
Previous data, test reports... Pietès was indeed very clear about Manla disease and had been studying it for a long time. The medical institute's cover-up was definitely authorized by the authorities.
They all used the term "past data," but what happened to Yelüqi was still vaguely referred to as "changes" by this researcher.
Are they really that superstitious?
Shu Ningmiao hid herself completely behind Shu Changyan, trying to minimize her presence.
Even though she had already signed a superpower contract, she didn't want to attract anyone's attention.
The researcher frowned as he reported, "But now, his physical condition is completely different from what it was six months ago."
"so?"
"He's going to die soon."
"Why?"
"The cause has not been detected yet, and this is an unexpected event that we all encounter." The researcher said calmly, "Just like a gene mutation with a one in 100,000 probability, no matter how many screenings are conducted, such children will still be born. Changes in the human body are beyond our control."
“Very good.” Zhao turned around, a formal smile on his face: “You’ve found a good excuse for your incompetence.”
Gawande raised his hand to stop the researchers from continuing their rebuttal: "We hope to dissect his body and find the cause."
Yelü Qi put down the remote control and finally spoke, his voice extremely hoarse: "Am I already dead?"
"You can still sign a voluntary donation form now."
Gawande's voice was devoid of any emotion, making one feel uncomfortable from the bottom of their heart: "Since the result is the same no matter what, we might as well consider how to bring some meaning to the given result."
Zhao's knuckles, which were resting on his knees, made a cracking sound as he clenched them tightly, but his smile remained unchanged, and he didn't say anything.
Yelü Qi picked up the booklet beside him and fanned himself with it: "Alright, I'll think about it."
Gawande persisted, standing ramrod straight: "I thought you had come here today to get things clear. You should know how important the bodies of superhuman patients are to us, right? So many years have passed, and we haven't seen any since..."
Previously, Shu Ningmiao thought that Weston had emotional intelligence problems, but she was really wrong to blame him. It's true that different environments nurture different people, and his colleagues are equally capable in this regard.
With just a few words, Gawande stirred up the already tense atmosphere again.
"Enough." Shu Changyan, who had been standing silently to the side for a long time, suddenly turned his head to look at Ge Wende, his eyes sharp, and said in a cold voice, "Get out."
Zhao then said, "We'll talk about this later."
This was the first time Shu Ningmiao had heard Shu Changyan speak in such an unusually cold and stern tone, but his murderous intent was solemn and clearly more effective than any words.
Gawande's condescending attitude was of no use against the real killing intent of the one who carried it.
The researchers exchanged bewildered glances and could only move their feet, leaving the room one after another until only the four of them remained. Gawande turned around and said, "Half an hour."
The door slammed shut, Zhao sighed, and waved with a grin to Shu Ningmiao to come and sit down. He then said to Yelü Qi, "Didn't they say you could live for another two years? You really hit the jackpot."
Shu Ningmiao had been secretly observing Zhao.
The expression on his face was as relaxed as if nothing had happened, showing no trace of the heaviness of visiting a dying person.
"It's fate, there's nothing we can do about it." Yelü Qi touched the stubble on the back of his head. Only from this angle could one see the dark veins spreading beneath Yelü Qi's extremely short hair.
The almost negligible amount of hair made the entire head look like a swollen ball of blood.
A chill crept into Shu Ningmiao's heart.
"I never expected to see you here."
Yelü Qi turned his gaze to her, his smile widening: "Didn't scare you? People at the National Research Center are all like this, stubborn, but they don't really have any bad intentions. Sigh, just like Weston."
"That guy..."
When Yelü Qi mentioned Weston, he stroked his chin, seemingly unable to think of a good adjective for the moment, and then abandoned the topic.
The man's gaze lingered between Shu Changyan and her, and he couldn't help but sigh, "You two siblings have such a good relationship."
Shu Changyan's cold expression had vanished, and upon hearing this, he nodded politely to Yelü Qi, showing utmost respect.
Yelü Qi was once the teacher of Xiao Jiang, the executor of Sequence No. 2.
Xiao Jiang was still abroad on a mission and had not returned, so her partner Zhao took on the responsibility of visiting their teacher.
At the height of Yelü Qi's power, Shu Changyan had not yet joined the army, so he was not very familiar with Yelü Qi. He agreed to come with Zhao this time only because Shu Ningmiao often mentioned Yelü Qi, and he did not want Shu Ningmiao to feel regret because of this.
Although they were familiar with each other, Yelü Qi and Zhao didn't have much to talk about, and the conversation fell into an awkward silence after only a few words.
Yelü Qi patted the edge of the bed, gesturing for Shu Ningmiao to sit down.
How's school?
Although they didn't spend much time together, Yelüqi was able to accurately name every student he had taught.
The more life withers, the more one yearns for vibrant life.
Shu Ningmiao never expected that, with the authorities on both sides, Yelü Qi wasn't concerned about her own illness or any state secrets, but instead asked about her former students.
Shu Ningmiao sat down on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on the blanket sinking slightly, and she said softly, "They all miss you very much."
You An had also prepared a speech and a cake for him, but it seems they won't be needed.
"Sigh." Yelüqi leaned back on the soft pillow, looked at the ceiling, and smiled bitterly and helplessly: "I thought it would at least last until the end of the semester."
He didn't want things to look so bad, and in the end, all that would remain in the students' eyes would be that messy pool of black slime.
After his death, the traces were quickly erased, and the student council gradually forgot about him as they received no response to his messages.
Of all the students who knew about his death, only Shu Ningmiao was aware of it.
Despite having prepared himself mentally, Yelü Qi suddenly lost the courage to face death at this moment.
Shu Ningmiao's fingertips gradually clenched and dug into her palm.
According to the researchers, Yelüqi has at least two more years to teach until the end of the semester.
Yelüqi's sudden deterioration of her health, which the researchers attributed to accident and fate, was something only she knew.
It is Prometheus.
When she first spoke with Rennagi, he clearly said—
"We have ways to make Yelüqi fall ill, and naturally we also have ways to expose your true superpowers."
Since the training ground was exposed, Yelüqi's health has deteriorated. What method did Prometheus use to cause Yelüqi to fall ill?
—This method is the real culprit behind pressing the death fast forward button on the Yelü device.
Shu Ningmiao lowered her head and answered Yelü Qi's question earnestly.
The projector on the wall was left on, playing a noisy comedy on repeat. The jarring sound would occasionally drown out her reply, but no one bothered to turn it off.
It was just like any other ordinary visit.
They kept talking about ordinary topics.
After Shu Ningmiao finished speaking, Zhao smiled and said to him, "You should stay here and take good care of yourself. When Xiao Jiang comes back next month, you'll see how she scolds you."
Yelü Qi didn't speak. Shu Ningmiao sat beside him and saw him toss the booklet he had just picked up to fan himself to Zhao.
She's sitting so close, it's hard not to see her clearly.
"Euthanasia," "Agreement," "Application," "Consent"
Upon recognizing these words, Shu Ningmiao immediately turned her head to the side, pretending not to have seen anything.
After a long while, the two of them finally spoke again.
"Please let me retain my last shred of dignity."
"What do you mean by giving this to me? Do you want me to sign it for you?"
"You are my current leader." Yelü Qi patted the booklet with his big hand, then patted Zhao's shoulder heavily, making it seem as if Zhao's shoulder had broken.
"Sign it, I've already signed it, don't be stingy."
Yelü Qi was smiling, and Zhao was smiling too, but the oppressive atmosphere didn't ease at all. It was as if everyone had something unsaid in their hearts, and saying anything more would only increase their anxiety.
Shu Ningmiao really wanted to escape, but leaving now would only attract the attention of both of them. She reached for the remote control on the bed and turned off the projector.
The world around me seemed to have been suddenly reduced to its original state, filled with deathly silence and dullness.
"Could I speak with the teacher alone?"
Shu Ningmiao put down the remote control, exchanged a glance with Zhao, then looked at Shu Changyan leaning to the side and blinked gently: "It will only take a few minutes."
Shu Changyan mouthed to her: You don't need me?
Shu Ningmiao nodded.
Zhao seemed to be in a daze and did not react. Shu Changyan walked over and grabbed his collar.
Zhao's clothes were elaborate and seemed to have a complicated structure. Once they were pulled out, they were difficult to put back on. Seeing this, she came to her senses and jumped up, frantically patting her collar until it was back to its original shape. Only then did she calm down: "Okay, little sister, let's go out for some fresh air."
He impatiently threw the booklet back and rushed out as if fleeing.
Shu Changyan turned and glanced at her, his eyes filled with worry.
Shu Ningmiao smiled reassuringly at him, indicating that everything was alright.
Now only the two of them were left in the room. Yelü Qi's expression remained unchanged, with the tolerant look of someone watching a child: "What secret do you want to tell me?"
Shu Ningmiao did not speak.
Her fingertips slipped into her pocket, and she could feel the outline of the thing Weston had given her when he left. Sitting in front of Yeluqi, she realized why the thing felt so familiar.
Before Yelü Qi fell ill, Weston had asked her to deliver something from his pocket once; what he gave her was the small glass medicine bottle from before.
Weston gave it to her so secretly, he definitely didn't want anyone to find out. She didn't know why, but it's always good to be cautious.
She took a glass bottle from her pocket and placed it between her and Yelüqi: "This is what Teacher Weston asked me to bring to you."
Yelü Qi was surprised when he saw the glass bottle, but the surprise didn't last long.
He quickly picked up the glass bottle. The inside of the bottle made a series of small, noisy clattering sounds as it was shaken, so it probably contained some kind of pills.
Yelü Qi did not rush to open it, but instead revealed a complicated look in his eyes: "This person of his..."
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A note from the author: This is a drawing of a brother and sister [illegible] by a friend. I didn't have enough moonstones to save the entire image, so I've only uploaded the smaller version for now. The original image is on Weibo (same name).
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