Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Coupled with the fact that Chen Yun had seen him in a distressed state due to hallucinations the previous night, but now he was calmly lying in bed with everyone else, another conclusion could be drawn: some unfortunate nurse bore the brunt of all his hallucinations.

"He really isn't afraid of falling out with the nurses, huh..." Lu Shuo whispered barely audibly beside Chen Yun.

"No," Chen Yun pondered for a moment and shook his head, "The time isn't right yet."

Everyone here was avoiding confrontations.

They were all experienced participants who had been through thick and thin. No matter how disgruntled they felt, they wouldn't burn bridges unless it was absolutely necessary. Just like how she deliberately set Hu Li up last night, he remained silent today as if nothing had happened.

Chen Yun and Lu Shuo said, "That person, even if wanting to retaliate against Hu Li, would still wait."

When it comes to life and death, everything else is trivial.

Hu Li knew he might be retaliated against in the future, but at that moment, he had to act. Otherwise, the progression of his condition would differ from the rest. Even though it eventually did, he at least gathered some clues. This might force him to shift strategies, from following the game's rules to do everything possible to survive — even if it means relying on the ferryman NPC.

"Last night, were you all touched by the ghosts in your hallucinations?" With a different demeanor every day, Hu Li shared all the clues he had gathered, "This must be the 'deterioration of the condition' that the black-eyed doctor spoke of. However, sleep can alleviate it."

——On the first night, no one slept, so the hallucinations on the second night progressed from "seeing" to "being touched". Those who took the medicine and slept on the second night will likely remain in the "being touched" stage on the third. Only if they avoid sleep again will their conditions deteriorate the following night.

"I haven't slept for two days straight. I wonder how 'severe' I'll become tonight?" Hu Li remarked with a self-deprecating smile, looking around at the group, "I have just one question: did any of you coordinate with them in advance to get the medicine tonight? How did you find it so quickly?"

Chen Yun responded earnestly, "No."

Lu Shuo seemed to have an epiphany, "Is it possible to coordinate in advance?"

Su Xunlan played with her disheveled hair, avoiding Hu Li's gaze, "I wanted to, but after my suggestion to take turns staying awake was met with much criticism, who would be willing to coordinate with me? Yet, Hu Li, don't be too anxious. We might not have coordinated yesterday, but I believe today we can."

Going by the number of patients who slept, it seems only one nurse remained undiscovered. As time goes on, their familiarity with the Qing Mountain Psychiatric Hospital will grow, making it easier to find people. Moreover, even if the nurses give up their sleeping pills, there remains a risk of experiencing hallucinations. The best choice for both sides might be for nurses to pair up and give the medicine to the patients, ensuring the patients sleep without experiencing hallucinations. In this way, the nurses can rest easy, free from the fears of hiding.

If they can continue like this, maintaining surface harmony until the seventh day of the instance shouldn't be a problem.

This was also Hu Li's line of thought.

That's why he shared his hallucinations with Xiang Fei last night, not only to rid himself of the hallucinations but also to alert the nurses. Fighting amongst themselves would only harm both sides. He couldn't find the nurses either way, so it was worth a try.

However, Chen Yun believed this strategy was unfeasible. Firstly, the "Patient's Guidelines" mentioned the sleeping pills have side effects. Could they really be taken daily?

Secondly, this strategy was similar to Su Xunlan's suggestion from yesterday, which was wholly rejected by the nurses. It wasn't just for self-preservation, there must be other reasons.

Hu Li was particularly concerned about the first point and asked others, "Those who took the medicine last night, what were the side effects?"

Lu Shuo scratched his head, "I don't know."

Hearing this seemingly mocking reply, Hu Li couldn't help raising his voice, "You don't know?!"

Lu Shuo responded with a serious tone, "At least for now, I can't tell what the side effects are."

Xiao Siyu echoed, "Same here."

Bian Yuchen also told Huli, "Same here."

Su Xunlan expressed with unusual sincerity, "It's the truth; we're not deceiving you."

Even Shi San nodded in agreement. Huli was more than half convinced, realizing it would be unlikely for them all to conspire against him. He got out of bed and headed for the door, stating, "Let's consult the doctor or Aunt Mary. Surely, they can't all lie to us."

While the others gradually headed downstairs, Liu Buhua slipped into Room No. 1, asking Xie Yinxue, who remained seated by his bed, "Godfather, why have you been so silent today? Are you feeling unwell?"

Xie Yinxue tilted his head downward, his gaze fixating on a silvery-grey object next to the bed, "I am looking at this wheelchair."

Liu Buhua glanced at it briefly, unable to discern anything special, "What's wrong with it?"

Xie Yinxue's eyes curled into a smile. Lifting the unblemished strap of the wheelchair with his fingertip, he declared, "This isn't the one I sat in yesterday."

The wheelchair he had initially used was provided by Aunt Mary, and its strap had been broken. It wasn't the same as the one now beside him. In other words, Bian Yuchen had procured a new wheelchair for him.

Moreover, last night, Bian Yuchen had pointed out to him the diaries left by former patients on a bookshelf—a hint so discreet that few could notice. Xie Yinxue had only seen such behavior from Bu Jiuzhao in the first instance of the game. If not for his close ties with Bu Jiuzhao, even Xie Yinxue might have wondered if Bian Yuchen was an NPC ferryman, especially considering the other oddities surrounding him.

Xie Yinxue settled into the wheelchair, signaling Liu Buhua to push him to the doctor's office, "I need to see Aunt Mary again tonight. I have questions for her."

Puzzled, Liu Buhua remarked, "Isn't Aunt Mary at the reception desk? Why wait until evening?"

"True," Xie Yinxue paused, "But I wish to converse with the nighttime Aunt Mary, not the one from daylight."

Although Liu Buhua typically appeared indifferent to game strategies, when Xie Yinxue earnestly explained things, he'd deeply ponder them. Grasping the implications, he asked, "You mean...the daytime Aunt Mary and the nighttime one aren't the same?"

"You truly understand me best," Xie Yinxue responded with a smile, looking back at him, "Let's keep this insight between us for now."

Patting his chest, Liu Buhua assured, "Don't worry; I've got it."

Yet soon after, he wondered aloud, "How did you come up with this idea, godfather?"

Truthfully, Xie Yinxue hadn't been sure initially. He hadn't even considered this angle, especially since within the "Eternal Lock," it was a known rule that guiding NPCs wouldn't lie. They'd answer all questions posed by participants, evading certain topics if necessary but never providing false information.

Aunt Mary was the first NPC they encountered upon entering the instance, undoubtedly a guide.

Hence, when Lin Yue asked her if "Bian Yuchen was previously a nurse here" and she responded with a "No," everyone held onto their suspicions but didn't press further.

Yet, Aunt Mary had always been distinct from the other guiding NPCs in past instances—she had no face.

Indeed, thanks are owed to Enoch. In the Eternal Abyss Academy, in order to thwart Xie Yin Xue, he intentionally remained hidden, even introducing a dean, using a chalkboard and syllabus instead of himself to announce the rules. Through broadcasting, he conversed with the participants, revealing to Xie Yin Xue that these tasks don't really require a direct involvement from a guide NPC. Strictly speaking, they just need to "talk" with the participants at the beginning of the quest.

Mary indeed is a guide NPC, but who can be certain that the "Mary" they see now is the same "Mary" they encountered at the beginning?

Moreover, in Qing Shan Mental Hospital, the one that seems even more like a guide NPC than Mary is the black-eyed "Doctor Bu". He seems impatient and, according to Bu Jiu Zhao’s words on the first night, has an intricate identity. Why is Mary assigned to a reception desk, while such an “important figure” is left to deal with “mundane tasks”?

Furthermore, had there been no issue with Mary's identity, Bi Yan Chen wouldn't have deliberately interrupted her conversation last night.

Clearly, Bi Yan Chen also knows that his identity won't withstand repeated questioning.

The reason for this?

It's because he's the "nurse" mentioned by Doctor Bu, the one who's gone mad.

Precisely because he went mad, in the previous quest, Bi Yan Chen was a nurse, but in this one, he's become a patient. This explains the discrepancies surrounding Mary and him.

Nevertheless, to be absolutely sure, Xie Yin Xue decided he needs to hear the answer directly from Mary at night.

As he and Liu Bu Hua leisurely reached the hospital's first floor, Hu Li was in front of the nurse's desk, asking Mary, "Mary, do you know the side effects of sleep medication?"

Mary coldly responded, "The doctors are currently available. Instead of asking them, you come to me?"

Hu Li replied with a hint of frustration, "Alright then."

The “Hospital Patient Rules” did mention doctors wouldn’t lie. The other participants, along with Bi Yan Chen and Su Xun Lan, headed towards the psychiatrist's office after Mary answered. Hu Li also decided to leave. However, after only a couple of steps, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, as if someone had punched him.

Rubbing his head, he turned and confronted Lv Shuo, "Why did you hit me?"

Lv Shuo looked bewildered, raising his hands, "I didn’t even touch you!"

Xiao Si Yu defended Lv Shuo, "He didn’t hit you."

"If not you, then who?" Hu Li shifted his gaze to Chen Yun on Lv Shuo’s left.

He had a minor altercation with Chen Yun the previous night. Maybe Chen Yun was holding a grudge and sneakily hit him, or perhaps Lv Shuo did it but won't admit. After all, Lv Shuo, Xiao Si Yu, and Chen Yun are allies. Taking revenge on Chen Yun's behalf isn't out of the question.

Hu Li's suspicions were evident in his eyes. Anyone observant could see it. Seeing this, Xiao Si Yu stepped in front of Chen Yun, "Chen Yun didn’t hit you either. Are you hallucinating from lack of sleep?"

"Are hallucinations this vivid?"

Doubt filled Hu Li's eyes. Without concrete evidence of their deception, and genuinely concerned about his own deteriorating condition, he decided not to argue further, hoping to calm the situation. But Mary, who was observing from the side, suddenly took interest. Leaning forward, her hands resting on the counter, she said mischievously, "I did see a mischievous patient tap your head."

The words made Huli furrow his brows deeply, stopping him in his tracks instantly.

The nurses had all departed, leaving only the "sick" participants behind. Since the guide NPC doesn't lie, and she claimed so, it must be one among Chen Yun, Lü Shuo, and Xiao Siyu who hit him on the head.

However, acknowledging his fault from the previous night, Huli waved dismissively and feigned magnanimity, "It's fine. It's not a big deal. I won't hold it against you. Just don't do it again."

Lü Shuo felt wrongly accused and desperately wanted to ask Auntie Mary, "Without eyes, how could you have seen it?" Alas, he didn't have the courage. He could only look around to see if other participants could vouch for their innocence.

Then he spotted Xie Yinxue and Liu Buhua.

But as Lü Shuo opened his mouth, he remembered Xie Yinxue's aloof attitude towards them in this instance. He then choked back his words, thinking that if Huli wasn't looking to settle scores, it might be best for everyone to compromise. He would take the blame.

To his surprise, the next moment, Lü Shuo heard the young man in the wheelchair remark indifferently, "Auntie Mary, since when did you have eyes? How come I didn’t notice?"

"Didn't notice?" Auntie Mary straightened up, her voice chilling as if mixed with shards of ice, "Are you blind?"

"I truly didn't." Xie Yinxue slightly tilted his head, his lips curling into a gentle smile, his voice soft, "In my eyes, you're the blind one. What can you possibly see?"

From beginning to end, the young man didn’t utter a word in defense of Lü Shuo or Chen Yun. Yet his words seemed to carry an underlying message—because you're blind, you saw what none of us did.

Listening, Lü Shuo was simultaneously worried for Xie Yinxue, fearing he might provoke Auntie Mary into endangering him, while also admiring internally: Mr. Xie is as candid as ever.

Their first encounter in the "Gluttonous Feast" instance, Xie Yinxue had similarly argued with a chef named "Ah Jiu". The recurrence of a similar scenario was oddly... nostalgic.

"Xie Yinxue, you truly are a disobedient patient."

As expected, how could Auntie Mary tolerate provocations from a patient she despised?

In a flash, she lunged towards Xie Yinxue, grabbing the handles of his wheelchair, leaning down to "stare" intently at him and cackling eerily, "I'll remember you."

Facing Auntie Mary's threatening words, Xie Yinxue showed no fear. His smile even broadened, as he politely and softly said, "Auntie Mary, would you mind stepping aside? You're blocking my way to the doctor. Or do you intend to push me there?"

"Alright then."

Surprisingly, Auntie Mary actually agreed.

But it was evident she had no intention of genuinely pushing Xie Yinxue. Her definition of "push" was to lift her right leg, preparing to kick his wheelchair.

Liu Buhua had asked Xie Yinxue earlier if he was feeling unwell. Even though Xie Yinxue hadn't directly answered, Liu Buhua was certain of the affirmative response. While a kick from Auntie Mary wouldn’t knock Xie Yinxue over, Liu didn't want him to endure it. Just as he was about to intervene, someone else acted even faster—

"Out of the question!"

Hu Li slid on his knees beside Auntie Mary, cradling her slender white leg, "How could I let you exert yourself with such menial tasks? As Xie Yin Xue's ward-mate, it's my duty to assist him!"

Xie Yin Xue: "..."

Auntie Mary: "..."

Even Chen Yun, Lv Shuo, and Xiao Si Yu were taken aback, thinking that Hu Li, with his slick adaptability, was quite adept at navigating the complexities of the Locked Immortality realm. After all, they had never seen anyone else who could be so flexible and crafty in various situations.

Auntie Mary silently withdrew her leg.

Hu Li lingered a bit longer, as if savoring the touch. Seeing this, Auntie Mary wished she were truly blind and coldly snapped, "Get lost!"

"Yes, yes, right away." Hu Li nodded repeatedly, then stood up and took over pushing Xie Yin Xue's wheelchair from Liu Bu Hua, "Let's go, Brother Xie, I'll push you to the doctor."

At this moment, did Hu Li even care who had hit him on the head anymore?

He'd seen arrogant participants in the Locked Immortality game, but only Xie Yin Xue had dared to defy even the guide NPCs.

Hu Li felt that after Xie Yin Xue's provocations earlier, Auntie Mary would definitely not let him off easily tonight. If he survived unscathed, he'd definitely be an NPC guide. Regardless of their current dispute, they were ultimately on the same side. And even if Xie Yin Xue wasn't an NPC guide, his ability to suppress Auntie Mary to the point of only being able to bluster was impressive. How could they fail to complete the game if they earned his favor?

"From today on, don't be polite to me. Treat me as your second adopted son and order me around as you please."

Not only was Hu Li excessively attentive to Xie Yin Xue, but he also flattered Liu Bu Hua. Upon entering the psychologist's office, he first wiped a perfectly clean chair with his sleeve before helping Liu Bu Hua to sit, "Elder Brother, sit here. I've cleaned the chair for you."

Bu Jiu Zhao, catching this scene, was puzzled: "?"

What happened?

Had Xie Yin Xue acquired another adopted son in just one night?

Xie Yin Xue was somewhat exasperated by Hu Li's antics: "Just call me Xie Yin Xue. Even if you call me 'adopted grandfather', I won't give you any discounts."

Hu Li was amenable, "Alright, Grandpa Xie."

Xie Yin Xue: "..."

Bu Jiu Zhao: Well, here's an adopted grandson.

Because Xie Yin Xue had mentioned yesterday that if they couldn't pass the level, they could ask for his help at a price, nobody found it odd when Hu Li tried to win his favor. However, Xiang Fei, who had dealt with Hu Li's illusion the previous night, was still irritated and sarcastically said, "Such a grown man, yet you enjoy acting subservient. Typical of you."

Hu Li quickly apologized to Xiang Fei, "Yes, yes, my dear Grandmother, I apologize for my wrongs last night. Please be magnanimous and forgive me."

“……”

Xiang Fei was at a loss for words.

Hu Li was so shameless that no matter how much you berate him, he doesn't care. Even if he bows and scrapes in apology now, he'll sell you out the moment it suits him. And if you keep provoking him, he'll hold a grudge and find a way to stab you in the back. It's hard to handle him. So, even though Xiang Fei was furious, she swallowed her anger.

However, there was someone here who could handle Hu Li—Bu Jiu Zhao.

He was not pleased.

Why did Hu Li call Xie Yin Xue 'Grandfather' and Xiang Fei 'Grandmother'? Couldn't he use 'Sister' instead?

"Hu Li."

Bu Jiu Zhao called Hu Li's name with a poker face, deciding to treat him first.

When called upon by the doctor, Hu Li promptly obeyed, quickly seating himself in the chair opposite Bu Jiu Zhao. But before he could get comfortable, Bu Jiu Zhao coolly remarked, "Your illness seems grave. I fear death is near."

At those words, Hu Li nearly fell out of the chair.

After regaining his balance, Hu Li felt a tingling sensation crawling over his legs, as if dozens of centipedes were marching up his body. The sensation felt too real, causing him to desperately check his body for the critters.

Though there was nothing there, the crawling feeling persisted. He grew more fearful of the man before him—not just because of his chilling voice, but also because of those vertical, beast-like pupils. If the eyes were this eerie, what could lie beneath the mask?

On the other hand, another doctor with regular black eyes seemed more comforting. He reassured Hu Li, "Oh, I don't think he's that severely ill. If the illness doesn't kill him, your words might."

Even though the 'symptoms' persisted, Hu Li felt somewhat relieved, asking, "So, doctor, what should I do?"

"Rest assured, as long as you come daily and complete your treatment, even the most stubborn illnesses can be cured," the black-eyed doctor responded without looking up. "But you need to rest properly; if the illness progresses faster than the treatment, how will you recover?"

Hu Li nodded vigorously, his face now resembling that of a model student, "I promise to sleep tonight!"

The black-eyed doctor signaled that the session was over. As Hu Li left, the other patients waited for their turn. But the doctor then handed over his notes to Lin Yue, "The rest of you seem well-rested and are responding to the treatment. Continue as you are; there's no need for further sessions right now."

The treatment was effective?

The expressions of the group grew peculiar upon hearing those four words.

There was no need to mention the patient participants; their symptoms worsened at night, with hallucinations escalating from mere visions to tangible sensations. Was this considered effective treatment? Xiangfei, having experienced the same "treatment" as the patients last night, looked particularly displeased.

"It seems you haven’t slept for days; dark circles and sullen expressions. Haven’t you?"

Noticing Xiangfei's mood shift, the doctor with dark eyes abruptly addressed her and the other nurses, "Be careful, excessive work can drive a person mad. I wouldn’t want to see any of you becoming patients the next time I visit."

A shiver ran through the nurse participants.

The doctor's words were crystal clear. In simpler terms: continuous lack of sleep would drive the nurses insane, turning them into patients. This could explain the earlier mentioned instance of a nurse going mad.

——Sleeplessness.

Over the past two nights in this realm, they had tried countless ways to sleep. While the patients might fall asleep with medication, what could they, the nurses, do? Would they have to resort to medication too?