Inside the room.
Several elderly ladies sat around the bed, while Teacher Chen Jianjian lay in bed. His limited mobility meant the ladies had to come to him for their chats.
Wang Zhong observed Chen Jianjian, looking much older than he'd expected, his face etched with wrinkles. It was remarkable that he could still be boasting at over eighty years old.
"Brother Chen, you have guests, we'll be going now."
"Bye!"
Chen Jianjian waved to the ladies, urging them to visit again soon for more palm readings. His son, Chen Xiang, cringed with embarrassment.
Dad, the guests are still here, can't you be more composed? What will they think?
Xiao Hong immediately pegged the bedridden Chen Jianjian as a lecher. There was no doubt in her mind.
"And who might you be?"
Chen Jianjian inquired, his cloudy eyes seemingly placid yet sharp. His gaze swept over the others, but lingered on Xiao Hong for a full three seconds.
This is a common ailment among men.
Perfectly normal.
Beauty transcends age in a man's eyes.
"Father, these are leaders from the Extermination Organization. This is Mr. Wang Zhong. They have some business with you, something they'd like to discuss."
Chen Xiang made the introductions, puzzled. His father had no extraordinary skills, aside from creating a popular comic and earning some money. He couldn't imagine what his father could possibly possess that would warrant a visit from the Extermination Organization's leadership.
"Welcome, please sit down." Chen Jianjian gestured for them to take a seat, sharing his son's bewilderment.
What's going on?
Why are they looking for me?
I'm practically on my deathbed, what use could I be?
Wang Zhong sat down and began, "Teacher Chen, your creation, 'Light Warrior,' is incredibly famous. It's been a part of generations of childhoods, and remains popular even today."
"Oh, it's nothing, nothing. I'm content that this small creation has brought joy to viewers. The sequels to 'Light Warrior' are now being produced by a company I've commissioned. It doesn't have much to do with me anymore." Chen Jianjian was clearly proud of creating the Light Warrior character, a lifelong source of pride.
He says it's nothing, but he's clearly delighted inside.
Chen Jianjian pondered, Why are the Extermination Organization leaders discussing this with me? I don't understand.
"Haha, Teacher Chen, you're too modest. It's far from 'nothing.' It's a classic! I'm a big fan of your creation. My grandson loves it too. He dreams of becoming Light Warrior every day. It's had quite an impact."
Wang Zhong offered some flattery, avoiding direct questions. Everything had to be done gradually. Building rapport first, and then getting to the point amidst a pleasant conversation, would yield better results.
Chen Jianjian smiled. "It's an honor to receive such high praise from a leader."
Wang Zhong chuckled. "Oh, by the way, I was wondering, Teacher Chen, what was going through your mind when you created Light Warrior? The character is so iconic, I imagine there must have been some inspiration."
Xiao Hong and the others listened intently. This was their purpose for coming, to inquire about the origins of 'Light Warrior.'
"Inspiration?" Chen Jianjian paused, then looked seriously at Wang Zhong. "What if I told you I've seen Light Warrior? Would you believe me?"
Everyone was stunned. He's actually seen him?
Had anyone else said this, they wouldn't have believed it. If Chen Jianjian had said this in the past, they wouldn't have believed him either, dismissing it as publicity. But now…they were inclined to believe him.
Seeing their stunned expressions, Chen Jianjian felt a flicker of confusion. Did I play it too realistically? Do they actually think Light Warrior is real?
I was just joking.
Just trying to lighten the mood. Don't take it seriously.
"We believe you," Wang Zhong said firmly.
Chen Jianjian was completely dumbfounded. He hadn't expected these Extermination Organization leaders to be so…childlike. Anyone with a bit of sense would understand it was just boasting, not reality. Why are you taking it seriously?
Of course…
Although he was no longer active in the scene, he kept up with current trends. Many children, and even some adults who were young at heart, genuinely believed in the existence of Light Warrior.
It's their faith.
Chen Jianjian realized, Since that's the case, I'll play along. I never imagined my work would have such an impact. Truly unexpected.
"Believe in the light," Chen Jianjian declared.
Wang Xiaomjun excitedly added, "And miracles will happen."
Chen Jianjian looked up in bewilderment, slightly confused. What does that mean?
Shouldn't the next line be 'Light exists'?
'And miracles will happen,' who said that?
I don't remember that.
Never mind.
It's not important right now. No need to overthink it.
"Teacher Chen, my name is Wang Xiaomjun." Wang Xiaomjun stepped forward and shook Chen Jianjian's hand. While Chen Jianjian looked on in bewilderment, he continued, "Please forgive me for not shaking with both hands. This right hand is very important to me. I met Light Warrior, and I shook his hand with this hand. I plan to never wash it again."
The others from the Extermination Organization understood. It was Wang Xiaomjun's pride, a moment he would never forget.
However…
Chen Jianjian shifted his gaze to his son, Chen Xiang. Chen Xiang noticed his father's look and understood its meaning.
His father was asking him, You little rascal, where did you find these lunatics? And they're supposed to be leaders of the Extermination Organization? It feels like I'm with a group of elementary school students.
Xiao Hong said, "It's getting late, Teacher Chen needs to rest. We'll come back another time."
Wang Zhong glanced at Xiao Hong in surprise, but said nothing.
Everyone stood up and said goodbye to Teacher Chen.
After they left, Chen Jianjian pointed at his son, wanting to say a lot, but at a loss for words.
The gist of it was… Don't bring any more crazy people here.
Damn it!
They actually believe Light Warrior exists! They're insane! How could that be possible?
Anyone with a brain would understand.
He didn't even bother telling them that the inspiration for 'Light Warrior' came from a girl at a bathhouse. The girl, dressed in a shimmering outfit, had dazzled him.
Just as he was about to make his move, a raid occurred. The door burst open, and uniformed officers swarmed in, demanding, "What are you doing?"
Without thinking, he'd replied, "I'm searching for inspiration."
Outside the nursing home.
"Teacher Chen Jianjian looked at us like we were idiots. He doesn't believe Light Warrior is real. We've got the wrong person," Xiao Hong explained, seeing the confused looks on everyone's faces.
Wang Zhong said, "If even the creator doesn't believe he exists, then who is the Light Warrior you saw?"
Xiao Hong replied, "Therefore, there are two possibilities. The first is that it's someone impersonating Light Warrior. The second is that Light Warrior truly exists, and Chen Jianjian, under Light Warrior's guidance, had a burst of inspiration, but is unaware that Light Warrior is real."
"A very profound answer," Wang Zhong chuckled.
Xiao Hong said, "Whether it's profound or not is irrelevant now. The most important thing is that we urgently need to figure out how to see Light Warrior again. I also have a suspicion that Light Warrior might be living among us. Remember what Light Warrior was wearing when you first met him? A security guard uniform."
"What kind of security guard uniform?" Wang Zhong asked. This could be a new lead.
"A standard security guard uniform, a very common one," Xiao Hong said, frustrated. If it were a unique uniform, they could track it down eventually. But this…it was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Where could they even begin to look?
It was impossible.
Wang Xiaomjun declared, "I know! Light Warrior said, 'Believe in the light, and miracles will happen.' Watch this, I can summon Light Warrior."
Xiao Hong tried to stop him, but it was too late. Wang Xiaomjun, completely lost in his own world, raised his right hand and roared,
"Appear! Light Warrior!!!"
His fervor and conviction captivated everyone's attention.
Xiao Hong and the others stared at him intently.
Caw… Caw…
A flock of confused crows flew overhead!!!
Chen Xiang, who had just stepped out of the nursing home, stood dumbfounded at the entrance. His father was right; these people were definitely crazy.
Of course…
He wouldn't hold it against them.
They were good comrades, heroes, who fought against monsters. They deserved respect and admiration.
"Let's go, don't embarrass yourselves any further." Wang Zhong noticed the bewildered stares of passersby and hurried into the car. Even if they believed Light Warrior existed, what could they do if others didn't?
What a mess.
Retreating was the best course of action.
At the Academy!
"Goodbye, Uncle," Tang Nayi waved to Lin Fan as she left school.
"Goodbye!"
Xia Qingmiao, who was walking with her, asked, "Nayi, don't tell me you like that security guard?"
"Of course not, we're just friends," Tang Nayi replied, then added as an afterthought, "Of course, if he romantically pursued me, I might agree."
Xia Qingmiao rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Why am I being ridiculous? I'm a youthful and invincible beautiful girl. Can't I experience the feeling of love?" Tang Nayi retorted. "But I heard that Wenxiu has been sparring with his older brother recently. His brother is a veteran member of the Extermination Organization, with tons of combat experience. I think he's definitely training in secret so he can defeat you. You should be careful."
Xia Qingmiao pondered, muttering to herself,
"Are members of the Extermination Organization really that strong?"
Hearing her mumble, Tang Nayi wanted to say, Of course they're strong. They're the ones who fight monsters. They're definitely very experienced.