The Devil in the World (14)

The next morning, Meng Siqi woke up naturally after a nap. He looked at his watch and it was already half past seven. He guessed that Zhao Leiting didn't want to wake him up.

She quickly got up and washed, and went to knock on Zhao Leiting's door at 7:50. Zhao Leiting opened the door, looking sleepy, and yawned.

Meng Siqi asked: "Why didn't you sleep well?"

"Can you sleep well? Cai Shuangxi, that bastard, first played football all night, then snored all night, like thunder."

Meng Siqi didn’t know why he wanted to laugh. He always felt that the scene last night was very “beautiful”. Lu He must have not slept well either.

However, Zhao Leiting scolded Cai Shuangxi in front of her, and she estimated that Lu He and Cai Shuangxi had already left the house. She asked, "Did they leave early?"

"Yes, let's have some breakfast quickly. Have you packed up? We won't be back for a while."

Meng Siqi only had a backpack, "Everything is ready."

The two checked out of the hotel, had a quick bite at the breakfast shop at the door, and then walked towards their destination, the hospital.

The distance was short, and we arrived at the hospital lobby in a short while. After asking the volunteers, we quickly found Professor Lu Guangsheng's office. Chen Jierong had contacted Professor Lu before, so she just had to go directly to his office.

Zhao Leiting knocked on the door, and when the insider said "come in", the door was pushed open. Meng Siqi walked in and saw a man sitting at the desk. He was about forty years old, slightly bald, with a broad and square face and a slightly rosy complexion.

He stood up with a smile on his face, "You two are Chen Jierong's friends, right?"

Zhao Leiting said hurriedly: "Professor Lu, we are Chen Jierong's friends, Zhao Leiting and Meng Siqi from the Jinyang Municipal Bureau of Haijiang Province." He introduced Meng Siqi beside him with his hand.

Meng Siqi greeted with a smile: "Hello, Professor Lu."

"Hello, both of you. I'll pour you a cup of hot water, which I just made this morning." He took the cup and the thermos and asked the two of them to sit down.

"Professor Lu, you don't have to be so polite." Zhao Leiting said with a smile.

"It's not easy for you to come here, don't worry, I will answer all your questions today."

Lu Guangsheng grabbed some tea leaves, poured hot water, and placed them on the table for the two of them. "I will have at least an hour and a half to discuss this with you two. Don't worry. If we can't finish discussing this in the morning, I will have some time to rest at noon and have a quick meal together. I originally wanted to invite you to my house, but I really don't have the time due to work recently."

Zhao Leiting smiled and said, "Professor Lu, you are too polite. We are very sorry that we have delayed your work. We will return after asking questions."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Meng Siqi took out his notebook and said with a smile, "Professor Lu, can I write something down?"

"It's convenient. We are here to discuss this."

Meng Siqi said, "Professor Lu, Sister Rong may have mentioned the basic situation to you. We have a suspect whose symptoms are probably Alzheimer's disease. We have looked for him and suspect that he is pretending to be a criminal. Because this situation is difficult to judge, I came to ask Professor Lu for advice."

"Okay, tell me about the patient's condition."

Meng Siqi had previously recorded all of Yao Renjun's symptoms in detail, and now she made some detailed descriptions in the notebook, including the time when Yao Renjun suddenly had an abnormal reaction. Of course, this was still an ongoing case, so she concealed Yao Renjun's name and the name of the nursing home.

After listening to this, Lu Guangsheng seemed to be thinking about something. He was silent for a moment and then replied, "According to your description, the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's disease."

Meng Siqi always felt that her description missed something. Lu Guangsheng was a neurosurgeon and would not give a false answer. She hurriedly asked, "Is this abnormal reaction normal?"

"Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Clinically, it usually manifests as memory impairment, aphasia, dyspraxia, agnosia, etc. I must point out that Alzheimer's disease is currently an unsolved disease in the medical field. There are many abnormal reactions that may exist in areas that have no statistics. The situation you mentioned is completely possible."

Meng Siqi felt a little disappointed. She originally thought that after listening to her description, Lu Guangsheng would firmly conclude that Yao Renjun was pretending, but now it was obviously not the case.

She and Zhao Leiting looked at each other and could already see the same disappointment on each other's faces.

If Yao Renjun does have Alzheimer's disease, then all recent investigations will be considered bubbles.

Perhaps Lu Guangsheng saw her unwillingness and loss, so he made a slightly relaxed expression: "Gentlemen, let me first give you a brief history of Alzheimer's disease, which may help you understand it. In 1901, at a mental hospital in Frankfurt, Germany, a doctor named Alzheimer received a female patient this morning. The patient's name was August. Her symptom was amnesia, which was different from ordinary amnesia. Ordinary amnesia may be occasional forgetting of something, such as forgetting your friend's birthday or the date of a party, but August may have forgotten numbers. She did not recognize the common Arabic numerals."

Meng Siqi's writing finger slowly stopped, and she immersed herself in Lu Guangsheng's description. Perhaps Lu Guangsheng wanted to tell her something through this story.

"She not only forgot numbers, but also the most common daily necessities in life. For example, she could not distinguish between chopsticks and spoons, pens and pencils. This was no longer as simple as amnesia. Dr. Alzheimer was very puzzled, but he did not know what disease it was. Four years later, August's symptoms had reached a desperate stage. She could not communicate and had lost all cognition. This situation was very similar to the patient you described."

"After Augusta died, Alzheimer performed an autopsy on her brain and found serious problems, such as severe atrophy of the hippocampus. Later, with the breakthrough of the medical community, new progress was made in 1984. The medical community found that it was because of the abnormal accumulation of a-β protein in the human brain that starchy plaques were formed. However, the human body could not effectively remove these starchy plaques, which caused abnormalities in the signal transmission between brain cells and cognitive dysfunction in memory, language, calculation, and behavior, leading to Alzheimer's disease. Ten years later, the medical community has not found an effective way to overcome Alzheimer's disease. In short, it is currently a terminal disease."

Meng Siqi listened carefully. It was now 1994, and exactly ten years had passed. She didn't know whether an effective method would be found to cure this "incurable disease" thirty years later. She didn't pay much attention to Alzheimer's disease in her original world, even though her father Meng Xinghai had amnesia. Like many people, she regarded it as a characteristic of human aging. In fact, it was a serious disease.

Lu Guangsheng said: "The first reaction of Alzheimer's disease is despair. This is a despairing disease, because after people get this disease, forgetfulness has become an unavoidable fact. For example, you wake up in the morning and find that the relative you have lived with for decades is a strange face. You have never seen that face before, but it suddenly appears in front of you. You clearly think this is abnormal, but you have to live with this face. Then, this stranger cares about you, gives you food, and touches you closely. This is something that people cannot accept."

"At this time, the stranger handed you a banana. You had no idea how to eat a banana, so you stuffed it into your mouth with all your heart, eating it with the banana peel wrapped around it. In the stranger's incomprehensible eyes, you finished the banana, but you had already forgotten the taste of the banana. After that, you found that all kinds of sticky notes started to be posted around your home, reminding you how to use home appliances and to peel bananas before eating. You began to realize that this stranger was very kind to you, and you also knew that he might be your lover, but you had already forgotten him. One day, when you found that you could no longer distinguish the sticky notes, you knew that it was time for you to leave this world, so you picked up a knife and stabbed yourself in the chest!"

"Your lover saw you stabbing the knife into your chest. He didn't fail to understand this time. He just took the knife back from your hand with tears in his eyes and told you that bananas are for eating. You didn't know that you mistook a banana for a knife! I think you should understand what I mean. Why do Alzheimer's patients have so many abnormal reactions?"

When Lu Guangsheng said this, Meng Siqi felt an inexplicable sadness, because she remembered clearly that Meng Xinghai always called her in the last few months of his life. At that time, Meng Xinghai seemed to realize something, but she was still facing a nervous interview after graduation. She ignored Meng Xinghai's emotions and always told him on the phone, "Dad, I'm busy, don't call me so much."

"Dad just misses you and is afraid of forgetting you."

"Am I still your biological daughter? Can you forget me?"

"Of course not. You are my most precious daughter."

She still remembered that once, Meng Xinghai asked her, "Where is that photo album? I can't find it."

Meng Siqi found it from under his pillow at that time, "Look at you, you put it here by yourself, and you forgot it again. Why do you keep looking at the photo album?"

"Look at what you looked like when you were a kid."

Meng Siqi recalled all this again. She felt that Meng Xinghai might have finally developed Alzheimer's disease, but he passed away not long after. She didn't realize that much at all. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel dizzy, but she knew that this was a conversation with Professor Lu, and she had to hold it in.

Lu Guangsheng seemed to have noticed something. He stood up and added hot water to the cups in front of them. Meng Siqi took a sip of tea before coming back.

Lu Guangsheng continued, "Alzheimer's disease also causes hallucinations and illusions. I once knew an old lady whose symptoms were that she suspected someone had stolen her things, so she would constantly hide her valuables, but she always forgot where she hid them, so she believed that they were stolen. The disease later became more and more serious. Even though her children told us that no stranger had ever entered the house, the old lady became afraid and developed severe paranoia. Similarly, there are many other abnormal reactions that we cannot fully count, including the patient symptoms you mentioned."

Meng Siqi seemed to understand the reason why Lu Guangsheng described these stories. Alzheimer's disease cannot be accurately confirmed because it has not been cured. To a certain extent, it can only be judged by the patient's symptoms. Yao Renjun's symptoms are basically consistent. If he is not pretending, no doctor would think that he does not have this symptom. This is also the reason why Lu Guangsheng confirmed it at the beginning.

The story he told also shows that if Yao Renjun deliberately disguised himself, as long as he had a firm will, there was a high probability that he would not be exposed.

Lu Guangsheng introduced some professional knowledge, but Meng Siqi didn't quite understand. Finally, Lu Guangsheng concluded, "I think you should understand that there are many difficulties in our understanding of this disease. This is also a problem that humans must solve, but there is still a long way to go."

Meng Siqi certainly understood, and she knew that Lu Guangsheng's purpose today was not to expose the patient's disguise. He still hoped that they would make the judgment. He was a doctor and could only give appropriate advice.

Meng Siqi asked: "Professor Lu, is there any way to detect whether a patient has this disease?"

Lu Guangsheng replied: "For example, the autopsy I mentioned above, August's brain autopsy after his death, may be able to find the cause of the disease, but it is not suitable for your situation. You can also draw cerebrospinal fluid for examination, but the risk is very high. The conditions in our country are limited, so it is not recommended. In short, there is no effective means to do the test at present, and it may take several years for medical technology to advance before it can be accurately detected."

After chatting for another half an hour, Lu Guangsheng patiently talked about some cases. Before leaving, Zhao Leiting left Lu Guangsheng's phone number and Lu Guangsheng welcomed contact at any time. After bidding him farewell, the two walked out of the hospital gate, but both had a little loss and confusion on their faces.

Lu He said that they would meet at the square in front of the hospital after they finished their work. Meng Siqi said nothing and stood quietly in the square for a while, enjoying the breeze. Zhao Leiting did not disturb her and stood by to watch.

About an hour later, Lu He and the others came over. Seeing Lu He's calm face, Meng Siqi's mood seemed to be infected.

Zhao Leiting asked, "Brother Lu, how are you guys?"

"There is some progress. When Ruan Mengying went to the hospital for testing, she was indeed accompanied by a man who, according to eyewitnesses, looked very similar to Li Muxiao. We also gave them a photo to confirm."

Although Lu He did not continue, Meng Siqi understood that if Ruan Mengying and Li Muxiao went to Shanghai for testing together, and they both knew at the same time that Ruan Mengying had a terminal illness, then it is entirely possible that what happened later was that the two of them discussed together, indicating that Li Muxiao at least knew part of the truth.

There has been progress in Ruan Mengying's case, and Meng Siqi is very happy. The previous loss and confusion have mostly disappeared, and he gradually reveals a faint smile.

Lu He pursed his lips, looked at Meng Siqi for a while, and asked, "How are you guys doing?"

Meng Siqi replied: "Maybe... I still need to go back and confirm it carefully."

She didn't know that when she said this, she frowned inadvertently, and the hint of sadness on her face was easily noticed by others.

Lu He said, "Where do you want to go? I'm not familiar with Shanghai. Is there any place you want to go? Let's go have a meal and return in the afternoon."

Zhao Lei Ting turned his head and asked, "Siqi, is there any place you want to go?"

"No." Meng Siqi said slowly, "I'm not familiar with this place either." She remembered something else, "Do you want to go to Sister Rong's medical school?"

Zhao Leiting and Cai Shuangxi had almost the same expression and were stunned.

Meng Siqi then realized that she had made a mistake. After all, what was so good about the Medical School? She might have felt that Chen Jierong seemed to be nostalgic when she talked about it last time, so she wanted to see what that place was like.

Lu He said, "The school is nearby, why don't we go there and have something to eat."

"Yes, the school must be cheap," said Cai Shuangxi.

Zhao Lei Ting pouted and said, "Brother Shuangxi, do you think Team Lu cares about being cheap?"

"That's right, there's no way Team Lu would treat us to a cheap meal."

On the way to school, Meng Siqi was wondering what Lu He cared about. Was it because of what she said? She was just saying it casually, because she hadn't decided where to go. She thought they must have somewhere they wanted to go, so she hurriedly said, "After dinner, I'll go with you wherever you want to go."

"Siqi, do you have any ideas? Tell me. It's not easy to come to Shanghai, so just take this opportunity to relax." Zhao Leiting said.

"I'm fine. There's no particular place I want to go." Meng Siqi declined.

After finishing their meal at the school gate, Meng Siqi had no appetite and didn't eat much. Everyone prepared to go back and took a walk on the school's green path. This was the road from the school gate to the teaching building. The path was very wide, with sycamore trees planted on both sides. The sunlight sprinkled in through the leaves of the sycamore trees, forming beautiful mottled bright-colored copper coins on the ground.

The students gathered in groups of two or three, talking and laughing. Their youthful faces were full of vigor and energy. Their eyes were like bright stars, filled with a desire for knowledge.

Meng Siqi could imagine how youthful and lively Chen Jierong was when she walked on this road. Her beauty must have attracted many boys to look back. As long as she smiled, it must have been the most beautiful scenery here.

She loves learning, is obsessed with medicine, and has met many medical experts. Now she has become an excellent forensic doctor. Time flies, many years have passed, and Meng Siqi is now standing at the entrance of the school. The scene is similar to when Chen Jierong left and looked back at the school. She suddenly remembered what Chen Jierong said to her in the car that day.

"The first time I dissected a cadaver, I was excited and nervous. Looking back, that was the most important day in my life. If it weren't for that day, I wouldn't have become a forensic doctor. I remember the day I left school, I stood at the school gate for a long, long time. I was particularly reluctant to leave, but I told myself that I would become the best forensic doctor!"

Yes, now, she is the best forensic doctor, and Meng Siqi thinks she is also the most beautiful forensic doctor. She stood here, looking at the school gate, and her eyes slowly became moist.

Lu He and the other two stood behind her and waited for a while. When Zhao Leiting was about to pat her arm to urge her to leave, Lu He interrupted him and motioned for her to wait a moment.

Meng Siqi slowly collected her emotions and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Actually, she didn't like being sad, but perhaps it was because many things happened today that made her cry for a moment.

She turned around and found that the three of them were waiting for her quietly. She smiled and said, "Sorry, let's go."

Lu He said: "It seems that Oriental Pearl Tower has not been completed yet. I remember that the Bund is pretty good. Why not spend more than an hour to go there and take a look around."

"Okay, I raise my hands in agreement." Zhao Lei Ting said happily.

Cai Shuangxi said: "Captain Lu, how come you are so familiar with Shanghai? When have you been to Shanghai?"

Lu He did not respond to him. When getting in the car, Meng Siqi suddenly remembered that although the Oriental Pearl Tower had not been completed, the Bund was not bad. Wasn’t that what Chen Jierong had told her last time in the car?

Chen Jierong chatted with her that time and suggested that she must come to Shanghai in the future. She said that the Oriental Pearl Tower would be very beautiful when it was completed. She also said that the wind from the Bund blowing on people's faces could make people forget their worries.

She didn't expect that Lu He remembered it all.

An hour later, at the Bund Square, Meng Siqi stood in front of the guardrail by the river. The breeze blew her hair and she felt relieved. Just as Chen Jierong said, all her troubles seemed to be blown away in an instant and blown into the Huangpu River. Otherwise, how could there be wrinkles on the surface of the river?

Lu He stood beside her, his hands in his jacket pockets, facing the river breeze, looking at the tall buildings across the Huangpu River. He looked into the distance quietly, and his sight seemed to travel through the entire city.

"Siqi, Brother Lu!" Zhao Leiting's voice rang in Meng Siqi's ears, "Please turn around!"

Meng Siqi turned around.

"Click!" With the sound of the shutter, Zhao Leiting took a picture of her and Lu He turning around at the same time with his camera.

Meng Siqi would never have thought that thirty years later, this photo, sandwiched in her notebook, would have already turned yellow, with some details blurred. But Lu He's gaze was filled with the rustling river breeze, calm and determined, and the direction he was looking at was her.