Inside the ward.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang sat on the edge of the bed, drinking soy milk—no, correction, it should be cola and Sprite. They dangled their feet, waving to the patients outside while they drank.
"Long time no see."
"It's good to see you again."
"Delicious."
"Mmm, really good."
When they were at the special department, all they could think about were these drinks. But they weren't available there, so they had to endure. Finally, their craving for cola and Sprite had reached its peak. If they continued to hold back, they definitely wouldn't be able to stand it.
So, they returned.
At the end of the corridor.
Director Hao asked, "How's the situation now?"
The senior director stood respectfully beside Director Hao, reporting on the situation. "Please rest assured, Director, everything is stable. The patients are just gathered there watching, there's no excessive behavior."
As the director of Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, he had to know how to share the director's worries.
He had calculated it.
The director was only ten years away from retirement, and he himself was still young. After the director retired, there was a high possibility that he would become the new director. Although he wouldn't be able to hold the position for many years, being able to become the director would make his resume shine.
It would also be a matter of face.
However, the premise was that he had to let Director Hao see his shining points. Only then could Director Hao confidently hand over Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital to him.
Therefore…
He was now doing what he should do, and he also needed to learn to think ahead. He had to learn to anticipate what would be needed after the director gave him a task, and then strive to solve those subsequent issues.
That's how to get a high score.
"Director, please go and rest. I'll take care of things here," the director said respectfully.
As the director of a psychiatric hospital, his professional knowledge was unquestionable. Moreover, he was very confident. In terms of professional expertise, the only person here who could surpass him was the director himself; the rest were small fry.
This was confidence, and also the ability of a director.
"Mmm, I'm relieved to leave it to you."
Director Hao was still thinking about going back to continue watching his drama. That snowy white scene… Aiya, just thinking about it made him excited. He retreated directly, without saying much.
If something truly insurmountable happened, someone would naturally come to find him.
The director bowed and scraped before the director, trying his best to please him. After the director left, he straightened up, pointed his finger, and gave orders to the orderlies on what to do…
Inside the ward.
Lin Fan found a bag and put all the soy milk from the bedside cabinet into it. He wanted to take it to the special department. There were still many things there that hadn't been resolved. Liu Ying's hair needed Old Zhang's help, and they couldn't let her come at night and not find them.
"I'm going to chat with Professor Xingkong."
Old Zhang's acupuncture technique, the Half-Step Universe Circulation Method, was stuck at a crucial point. He needed to hear other people's opinions, and Professor Xingkong was just such a person. Talented and capable, every conversation with him had a great impact on Old Zhang's thinking.
Go ahead.
Old Zhang left the ward and pulled Professor Xingkong, who was observing the scene while holding a sausage, into a separate room. No one knew what they were doing, but something big was definitely happening.
Lin Fan tidied up the things in the ward.
Then.
He patted his head.
"I still have some money I haven't returned to someone."
When he thought of this matter, his tidying slowed. He thought for a moment, but couldn't come up with a better solution, so he continued packing.
At the special department.
"Introduce those two talented individuals to me."
Jin Shangwu wanted to meet Lin Fan and Old Zhang. One-Eyed Man was somewhat resistant, not wanting to introduce them. In his view, this clearly meant that One-Eyed Man was afraid that Jin Shangwu would poach the talent he had discovered.
There was really no need for that.
He, Jin Shangwu, was also a prominent figure. He wouldn't do something like poaching people.
He just appreciated talent when he saw it.
One-Eyed Man smiled, his smile unnatural. He was being asked to introduce these two to Jin Shangwu. If they were normal people, there would be no problem at all. But were these two normal?
They were psychiatric patients. If Jin Shangwu knew that he had introduced two psychiatric patients to him for acupuncture, things would get tricky.
"It's nothing, I just want to chat with them. The situation in Yanhai City is so complicated now. Do I look like someone who poaches people?"
Jin Shangwu saw that One-Eyed Man didn't answer, and really thought he was worried about this.
It was a bit funny when he thought about it.
He didn't expect One-Eyed Man to be afraid of him doing such a thing.
How conceited.
One-Eyed Man slowly said, "Let's not talk about this, it won't lead anywhere. Your neck is fine now, we've talked about everything we need to talk about. Do you have anything else? If not, I suggest you go back. There are a lot of things happening in Yanhai City, I'm too busy to handle it all."
He was trying to get rid of his guest.
He hadn't been able to get any useful information from Jin Shangwu, but he definitely didn't think he was innocent. Prejudice wasn't so easily eliminated.
Jin Shangwu took out his phone, looked at the time, and smiled. "You didn't secretly look at my phone while I was asleep, did you?"
"Haha, do I look like that kind of person?" One-Eyed Man said.
His ability to lie through his teeth was absolute. Ordinary people couldn't compare to him.
He was a little surprised. Could this guy have discovered something? Logically, it was impossible. To ensure safety, he had cleaned up any trace of evidence. Even the most skilled detective wouldn't be able to find a single clue from him.
"Who knows?"
Jin Shangwu smiled, then said seriously, "I'll ask you one last time, are you going or not? Remember, this is a rare opportunity. You won't get another chance."
"I understand what you mean. Now that the frequency of evil creature activity in Yanhai City has climbed to the top ten, you'll definitely think there's some ulterior motive if someone wants you to leave at a time like this. But I just don't want you to die."
He spoke sincerely.
There seemed to be no problem.
"Why do I feel like your words are a bit harsh? Who am I? What's my strength? You say I'll die here? You can go out and ask around, my status in Yanhai City is that of a god walking among mortals in their eyes. Evil creatures have to retreat when they see me appear."
One-Eyed Man didn't like to brag, but some people forced him to, so he had to.
Jin Shangwu shook his head and smiled wryly. He knew he would say that.
"Alright, I respect your decision, but I hope you can protect yourself. If we lose you, it would be a huge loss for us."
"I'll leave now, so you won't be in a difficult position."
He waved his hand without saying much, but his back looked a little dejected.
"Hey!" One-Eyed Man shouted.
Jin Shangwu turned around with a smile. "What's up?"
After all, he couldn't let go of their past friendship. Even if some unpleasant things had happened, it couldn't stop their friendship.
Just say it.
I'll stay.
As long as you ask, I'm willing to give you the chance to treat me to a meal.
One-Eyed Man said, "You didn't brush your teeth this morning. Remember to find a hotel to brush your teeth after you leave, otherwise you'll have bad breath."
Jin Shangwu left without a word, not looking back.
Looking at his back, One-Eyed Man sneered in his heart.
"What were you expecting? Did you think I'd keep you for dinner? Dream on."
One couldn't be too much of a one-eyed dragon, but he was indeed quite domineering.
Then, he thought about something.
What was the situation with the two psychiatric patients?
Why didn't Old Zhang's acupuncture work on Jin Shangwu, or had it actually succeeded?
He was very puzzled.
He had been fooled twice, and he secretly told himself that he would never be fooled again. But reality was cruel, curiosity would always kill the cat.
His curiosity quietly peeked out again.
He shook his head, trying to throw his curiosity to the back of his mind. Not long after, it quietly crept back out again. It was indeed a headache.
"Ying!"
A figure appeared in the empty office.
"Continue to watch them for me. Notify me immediately if anything happens."
Ying silently disappeared from the office.
"What an interesting ability."
One-Eyed Man saw it often, but he was still envious. This ability to come and go without a trace… if he had some ideas, like appearing in the women's bathroom, wouldn't it be great to see the mountains and ridges?
Arcade.
The owner walked over with a beaming smile, humbly placing drinks beside them. "Gentlemen, your drinks. Please let me know if you need anything. I can handle any request."
"Go away," Xiaobao said impatiently.
"Right away, sir."
The owner wasn't offended at all. Being able to exchange even a few words with a tycoon who treated money like dirt was an honor.
Anger?
That was out of the question.
Returning to the counter to continue counting his money, he thought about changing the arcade's name. Perhaps something like "[Tycoon's Name]'s Private Game Room" would please the wealthy young man.
In less than a month, he'd earned what others might not make in a year.
"Where did you guys go?" Xiaobao asked, manipulating his character in the fighting game. He wasn't punching or kicking, just taking a beating. Don't ask why; he wouldn't tell you.
Lin Fan excitedly mashed buttons, hitting, hitting even harder.
"Nowhere special, just work."
Qian Xiaobao looked at Lin Fan in surprise. "You still have to work?"
"Yeah, it's pretty easy. Old Zhang, Mother Hen, and I just walk around the streets. Not much to do," Lin Fan said.
KO!
Lin Fan smiled. He was still pretty good, even better than before.
"Old Zhang, want to play?"
Old Zhang rubbed his hands, eager to try. "Sure."
They switched places.
Xiaobao didn't hold back against Old Zhang. He unleashed his full combo, beating Old Zhang so badly he yelled and nearly ripped the joystick off.
If this were before, the owner would have roared, "Are you playing the game or my machine? You break it, you buy it!"
But now…
Please destroy my machines.
"Where is this place?" Xiaobao asked, playing one-handed. It was like beating a child, no fun at all.
Lin Fan sat behind them, watching the screen. "The Special Department, that's what everyone calls it. The people there are really nice, very friendly to us."
Qian Xiaobao knew about the Special Department. As the son of the richest man, he knew quite a bit. He asked expectantly, "Can I go with you guys?"
"Sure, but you have school. You won't have time to come with us," Lin Fan said.
Xiaobao was still young and should focus on his studies. He shouldn't have to worry about these things. Without an education, he wouldn't have a good degree, and then he wouldn't find a good job.
As his friend, he had to supervise Xiaobao's studies.
He remembered his previous dream, where people studied so hard, so diligently. When they were tired, they would lie on the ground. That kind of spirit was worth learning from.
Xiaobao said, "I can go during the holidays."
"Then it's fine," Lin Fan said.
KO!
Old Zhang lost miserably, unable to even touch his opponent. All three of his characters were gone.
"Lin Fan, I lost. I can't beat him." Old Zhang could only complain to Lin Fan, then looked at Xiaobao. "Xiaobao, you're really good. I can't beat you."
Xiaobao smiled smugly. With his noob-like skills, he was no match for him.
Lin Fan comforted Old Zhang. "Watch me avenge you."
Qian Xiaobao, as the son of the richest man, might be young, but his perspective wasn't something ordinary people could compare to. That kind of "money is dirt" mentality was something only three people present could achieve.
Xiaobao!
Lin Fan!
Old Zhang!
Just these three. As for the others, they were far behind.
The game continued.
Xiaobao, understanding discretion is the better part of valor, only dared to move left and right. He didn't dare punch or kick, let alone use combos.
They played and played.
Xiaobao declared the place boring and left the arcade under the owner's reluctant gaze.
Night.
The sky gradually darkened.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang walked Xiaobao home. Xiaobao hated having bodyguards follow him, so he took the opportunity to ditch them.
"Xiaobao, goodnight."
"Xiaobao, goodnight."
They waved to Xiaobao. Xiaobao wanted the chauffeur to drive them back, but they preferred the night scenery and fresh air. Walking back step by step felt wonderful.
The demonic rooster wanted to complain.
Are you guys crazy?
You have a car but choose to walk back? In the middle of the night? Are you nuts?
Unfortunately…
It was just a chicken, a chicken working as an informant, with no right to speak.
Park.
"Get lost, you bunch of stinky men! Just trying to take advantage of me. Do you think I'm that easy?"
A young woman in hot pants and a midriff-baring top staggered along.
During the day, the park was a beautiful world full of joy and scenery, but at night, everything became terrifying. What horrors lurked in the dark corners?
No one knew.
No one cared.
But when passing by, people would be afraid, scared that a few burly men with glowing eyes would rush out. That scene would be truly terrifying.
The young woman, completely drunk, figured that if her guess was right, she would probably be assaulted tonight.
Rustle!
There was movement in the nearby bushes.
"Who's there? Come out! Sneaking around, what do you want to do to me? Don't think I don't know, you just want to get on top of me."
Although drunk, the woman's sixth sense was sharp, able to detect subtle changes around her.
This was a talent.
Men couldn't learn it.
"Meow!"
A demonic cat emerged from the bushes, walking with a cat-like grace, pretending to be pitiful. These were the usual tactics of demons – using cuteness and vulnerability to evoke human kindness.
It had been wandering around the park for a long time.
It attracted many people, but most just petted it a couple of times and left.
The message was clear.
No time to raise a cat.
The demonic cat was very annoyed by this. You stupid humans are just beasts. You just think I'm ugly because I'm missing an eye.
As for not having time to raise a cat, that's all an excuse.
I saw you carry away a snow-white kitten with my own eyes.
"Kitty, come here, let me see you." The young woman crouched down and beckoned.
The demonic cat slowly walked over, gently licking the woman's palm. The woman lifted the cat up, and in the moonlight, she saw something there that disgusted her.
The demonic cat, unaware of any malice from this drunken human, completely let its guard down.
With its ability to act cute and cuddly, even with a missing eye, it was still a top-tier handsome cat.
"Meow!"
Plop!
Suddenly, the young woman grabbed the demonic cat's testicles and snarled, "You stinky tomcat, you must have been harassing a lot of female cats. I'll cut them off for you."
A wave of intense sensation surged through it.
"Meow!"
The demonic cat struggled free from her grasp, quickly distancing itself like a bolt of lightning. It couldn't accept it. Were all humans so cruel?
It hissed lowly, its sharp claws digging into the ground, contemplating killing this human.
It wanted to teach her a lesson.
The demonic cat would not be humiliated.
But just as it was about to attack, it smelled a familiar scent.
Demon?
Another of its kind was here.
Why would a demon appear at a time like this, and so close to another demon? Logically, they should all be hiding in the shadows, blending into the crowds.
Forget it.
I'll spare this stupid human.
The demonic cat instantly disappeared into the darkness.
The young woman cursed as the cat ran away, then staggered off. Passing by Lin Fan and Old Zhang, she pointed at them and yelled, "What are you looking at? Want to do me? Come on, I'm not afraid of you!"
After cursing, she continued to stagger away.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang looked at each other, frightened. There were so many crazy people these days. They just wanted to walk home obediently, but unexpectedly encountered such a dangerous person on the road.
"Lin Fan, I'm scared," Old Zhang said, clutching his sleeve.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here," Lin Fan reassured him.
If danger came, he would definitely let Old Zhang run first.
The demonic rooster looked at these two humans.
Damn!
You're the scary ones. And you say you're afraid of others?
It sensed demonic energy nearby. Hmm, was another one of its kind hiding here?
I hope it doesn't come out.
Even the Demon Pig King wasn't a match for them. Don't come out to die.
This is my final warning to you, as the Hero of Demons.
"Meow!"
Speak of the devil.
A cat, pretending to be timid, appeared in the middle of the road. It was dirty all over, missing an eye, and looked very pitiful, just a little ugly.
In this state, unless someone was crazy, no one would normally take it in.
The demonic rooster was stunned. Foolish compatriot! You were hiding so well, why did you come out? Do you know who they are?
They are the beings who dared to eat even the Demon Pig King.
With your tiny body, how long can you last?
It wanted to warn its compatriot.
But judging by its appearance, it clearly wanted to be adopted by humans. I'll keep watching; maybe there's a chance. If it really could win over these two humans, then they'd have another teammate.
The title of Hero of Demons wasn't something it could bear alone.
It was willing to share this supreme honor with others.
Because…
My path is not lonely.
"Lin Fan, what a cute kitty!"
Seeing the cat, Old Zhang hurried over and picked it up, stroking its soft fur. He couldn't put it down.
His elderly heart was nearly melting.
The demonic cat glanced at the rooster. The rooster nodded silently, but the demonic cat didn't acknowledge it, instead turning its head disdainfully, letting Old Zhang pet it.
"Hmm?"
The demonic rooster sensed something amiss. It had thought it was bringing in a helper, but now it seemed like it was a competitor. Hmph, you want to become the Hero of Demons? In that case, I won't tell you.
You'll regret missing the chance to become the Hero of Demons.
Lin Fan said, "This kitty seems to be in pain. Its eye is gone."
Old Zhang looked closely and saw the demonic cat's missing eye. He said sympathetically, "Such a cute kitty, how did it lose its eye?"
"No, I have to cure it."
Lin Fan patted Old Zhang's shoulder. "I believe in you, but this doesn't seem like the right place. Why don't we go back first, clean it up, and then treat its eye?"
"Okay."
What was originally a group of two men and a chicken now had a demonic cat added to it halfway.
The demonic rooster tried to communicate with its compatriot several times.
But it was ignored.
"Damn it."
The demonic rooster was furious. It wanted to tell its compatriot that in front of these two humans, it had to show its worth. If all it could do was act cute, it was doomed.
The demonic cat occasionally glanced at the rooster.
As fellow demons, they were rivals.
It was thinking about how to kill the demonic rooster, or at least make it leave the humans' side. Having two demons together was too dangerous.
Back at the dorm.
The showerhead sprayed warm water as the demonic cat enjoyed the human hands washing its fur. This feeling was simply too comfortable.
The demonic rooster stood haughtily at the bathroom door, watching the demonic cat revel in its enjoyment.
For some reason, it felt unhappy.
As if some kind of love had been taken away.
Although it was a demon, it also had a heart, and having a heart meant having feelings.
The demonic cat looked at the demonic rooster, a fleeting glance filled with disdain, then licked Old Zhang's palm.
"Hee hee, it licked me, that tickles!"
The demonic cat's message was clear: See, you stupid demonic rooster, there's no room for you here anymore. If you want to maintain the last shred of demonic dignity, get out of my sight.
These two humans are mine now.
Such a disdainful look was more like a challenge to the demonic rooster. But as an excellent demonic informant, it knew it shouldn't argue about such matters. It was completely unnecessary.
It left the bathroom and hopped onto the sofa, squatting there quietly, waiting.
Pride and arrogance will lead you to the abyss of hell.
Luckily, it hadn't recruited it into the informant ranks earlier. Otherwise, with its personality, it would definitely bring great destruction to the organization.
As the Hero of Demons, it didn't need to be cute or good at pleasing humans. All it needed was to show the enemy its value.
I can lay eggs, what can you do?
Just lick?
This was the demonic rooster's inner monologue.