Chapter 30

Lin Shuicheng stumbled but quickly regained his balance with Han Huang's support. He lowered his gaze and said, "I'm fine, thank you."

Seeing the commotion, the others stood up as well. Yang Zhiwei rushed over, supporting one of Lin Shuicheng's arms, and called for Han Huang's help, "Classmate, take him to your school's infirmary. He's suffering from exhaustion and low blood sugar."

A student council member promptly brought a glass of warm water for Lin Shuicheng. After taking a few sips, he gagged and started to bend down in discomfort. However, Yang Zhiwei held him back, "Don't squat, stand straight, just for a while."

Han Huang took immediate action and squatted down, "Help me lift him onto my back. I'll carry him there and drive him!'

Han Huang sprinted with Lin Shuicheng on his back.

Due to heightened security measures at Star University, no cars were allowed in, but his electric scooter proved crucial at this moment. A group of people hopped onto the backseat. Han Huang drove ahead while the council member cautiously supported Lin Shuicheng, discreetly assessing the passengers: Yang Zhiwei, Yang Shen, Section Chief Xiao Jue from Department Seven, Dean Shen Zhui, a bodyguard from He Muya's side, and finally, Assistant Division Chief Dong Shuoye from the police department who had climbed aboard.

What a damn luxurious lineup!

The council member trembled, holding onto Lin Shuicheng without daring to speak. Yang Shen had some peppermint candies on him, which he gave to Lin Shuicheng to suck on. Upon reaching the school hospital, the doctor diagnosed it as low blood sugar caused by overexertion and fatigue. The main remedy was rest, preferably a good sleep.

Two liver-protecting pills were prescribed, followed by an IV drip of saline and nutrient solution for Lin Shuicheng. The doctor advised him to get a proper rest.

In the hospital room, Lin Shuicheng looked utterly exhausted, his mental state precariously close to collapsing.

Yang Zhiwei entered to check on him and whispered, "Little Lin."

Lin Shuicheng also greeted him, "Teacher."

"I've seen your report, it's excellent. Rest well, you don't need to worry about the rest. The adults will handle adult matters; kids should stay out of it," Yang Zhiwei said. "I'm in a hurry, but I wanted to drop by and see you. Take care."

Lin Shuicheng nodded.

Even though he was already in his first year of graduate studies, Yang Zhiwei still had the habit of addressing him as a 'child.'

He knew that Yang Zhiwei was referring to the departmental affairs.

In truth, whether it was him or someone else standing up today, Yang Zhiwei would have come because it involved a confrontation between their schools, the difference between the Old European Branch and the Old North American Branch. With Xu Kong being sick and in recovery, they couldn't allow their students to fight alone.

Yang Shen also came by to inquire about his condition. He Muya's bodyguard handed him a business card, saying, "Ms. He invites you for a visit when you're free, of course, after you've recovered. She has some matters to discuss with you."

Lin Shuicheng nodded again.

Dong Shuoye paused at the door. He knew Xiao Jue but wasn't close. After exchanging greetings, they both entered the ward to pay their respects.

Xiao Jue's visit this morning was purely coincidental. Fu Luoyin had left for a mission, and Xiao Jue had just concluded a matter on his end. He knew that Lin Shuicheng was in charge of the project Fu Luoyin had reported on a few days ago. Taking into account the Seventh Bureau's involvement, he directly brought Lin Shuicheng to Star University.

Lin Shuicheng expressed his gratitude, but Xiao Jue waved it off with a smile. "Thanks to you, the Seventh Bureau has another achievement to add to its record this year. We also owe it to the General Affairs Bureau for their shrewd decision-making, allowing us to seize an opportunity."

Dong Shuoye chuckled. "That's Director Xiao's keen insight."

Xiao Jue smiled warmly. "Oh no, not me, it's Little Fu with the sharp eyes. If anyone's unlucky today, it's Professor Yu; I doubt he'll recover from this. I just came to check on your condition, Brother-in-law. Take care, Student Lin."

Lin Shuicheng acknowledged him with a soft "Mm."

Dong Shuoye stayed behind. After seeing Xiao Jue off, he turned to look at Lin Shuicheng.

Lin Shuicheng met his gaze, his expression calm, clear, and slightly perplexed.

He no longer recognized the person in front of him.

Dong Shuoye noticed his confusion and paused before saying, "Do you remember me? We've met before, at the first floor of Star Hotel."

Lin Shuicheng tried hard to recall but failed—the encounter had taken place over a month ago. On any given day, he would encounter five or six people trying to strike up a conversation, and receive numerous business cards. It was impossible for him to remember them all.

Seeing that he still didn't recall, Dong Shuoye felt a bit awkward and introduced himself, "From the Chief Constabulary."

"Hello. What can I do for you?" Lin Shuicheng asked.

He always displayed a polite yet distant demeanor towards strangers, and it seemed to be intentionally projected. When facing his undergraduate mentor, his eyes were filled with admiration and gratitude, and he treated his colleague Yang Shen with courtesy and respect.

Xiao Jue had brought him here, and Unit 7 had given him a great deal of help, so Lin Shuicheng's attitude was quite good as well.

However, in front of the Chief Constabulary, a cold detachment appeared in his eyes. It was unmasked and clear, a sharp, silent resistance. Lin Shuicheng knew where this mission had originated.

This student-like attitude was genuine, though Lin Shuicheng was well-mannered enough not to show it directly. Just like when he spoke on stage, his words sharply targeted the academic hierarchy, but then he cleverly softened them. Everyone present was embarrassed, as they all understood the true meaning behind Lin Shuicheng's words.

"There's nothing much. I just came to tell you something," Dong Shuoye said, pulling out a lighter and lighting it before remembering they were in a hospital room, promptly extinguishing it with a click.

"After today, Yu Fan won't be staying in your mathematics department. The dean and vice-dean will likely face accountability, and at my level, too, there'll be consequences," Dong Shuoye mentioned the matter as if it concerned someone unrelated to him. "A suspension of three months or more. With General He's recent involvement in Unit 7's issues, it seems academia is under scrutiny, and I've found myself in the line of fire."

Lin Shuicheng appeared disinterested in his words, responding softly, "I'm sorry then."

"You're talented, and you have a strong personality. No wonder Minus Two took a liking to you," Dong Shuoye whispered. "Do you know someone named Xia Ran?"

Lin Shuicheng was taken aback, shaking his head as he replied, "I don't know him."

"Dong Shuoye," Dong Shuoye nodded slightly, swallowing the words he was about to say.

"You'll get to know him eventually."

To be more precise, Lin Shuicheng resembled Xia Ran in his past. That vibrant, passionate, and unwavering gaze could never be replicated.

When those eyes lit up, everyone would know that there was only one person in his world.

Lin Shuicheng's obsession, brilliance, intensity, and courage to love and hate were all qualities that Fu Luoyin adored.

Back in their second year of junior high, Xia Ran had once pulled off a sensational act that shook the entire school.

At that time, everyone in their circle knew that he was dating Fu Luoyin. Somehow, the news leaked, reaching their teachers.

The Fu family was strict, almost traditional, regarding such matters. When Fu Luoyin fell ill with chickenpox and his grades slipped due to fever, the teachers attributed it to his "romantic involvement," summoning Fu Luoyin for frequent talks.

Xia Ran also received a warning, urging him to focus on his studies and not spend too much time with Fu Luoyin.

Back then, Xia Ran was still an excellent student. Each week, a different class in the school would take turns giving a speech under the national flag, cycling from the third year to the first year and back. Xia Ran was always their class representative.

Fu Luoyin had recently recovered from a severe illness and had lost much weight. He was in Class 1 while Xia Ran was in Class 3. Standing tall and thin at the back of his class, Fu Luoyin could easily spot Xia Ran when he ascended the podium.

During adolescence, everyone had an inexplicable fascination with topics related to love.

When Xia Ran took the stage, both classes erupted into teasing. Everyone smiled at Fu Luoyin, and the teacher scolded them lightly, but there was little they could do to control the situation, so they let it be.

Even now, Dong Shuoye vividly recalled that the theme of Xia Ran's flag-raising ceremony speech that day was "Gratitude," the most clichéd and uninteresting topic.

After listening to him monotonously for quite some time, the audience gradually erupted into an uproar. The speaker on stage shifted his tone, his gaze softening as he smiled in the direction of Class 1, Grade 2. He said, "Aside from my family and teachers, as well as my fellow classmates who have accompanied me, I also need to express my gratitude to my boyfriend. Thank you for choosing me to share this period with you. Meeting you is the best thing that has ever happened to me. To Fu Luoyin from Class 1, Grade 2, even though I can only see you during the summers, it is more than enough to make me eagerly anticipate every upcoming summer. Thank you very much."

Xia Ran and Fu Luoyin became household names in their school within a single day. Xia Ran's homeroom teacher had physically assaulted him, kicking him down from the second floor to the first. Fu Luoyin skipped three evening study sessions to accompany him to the infirmary. Upon their return, they were beaming with smiles, carrying a large bag of milk tea for their classmates. From that day on, no teacher in the school dared to intervene with their romantic relationship.

While others might conceal their romance, Fu Luoyin and Xia Ran were inseparable from their sophomore to senior year in high school. Whenever rankings were announced, Fu consistently ranked within the top five, while Xia placed within the top twenty. If not for the incident that struck Xia's family during their senior year – or perhaps even despite it – everyone believed they would remain together forever.

That vibrant and rebellious passion remains the brightest hue of their youthful days until this very moment.

Dong Shuoye said, "Take care and rest well. We'll meet again if fate brings us together."

Lin Shuicheng replied nonchalantly, "Thank you."

Only then did the door close fully.

He vaguely remembered that the person who drove him here was a member of the society named Han Huang, likely an officer or a department head, but he didn't see him in person.

Lin Shuicheng waited for a while, but no one came. He still owed them a thank you, but the overwhelming exhaustion and emptiness had already consumed him. Within seconds of the room falling silent, he drifted off to sleep with his phone in hand.

Lin Shuicheng was not used to unfamiliar beds; perhaps the hospital bed was too hard, or maybe his mind was subconsciously preoccupied with something. His dreams were hazy, filled with elusive illusions. It felt as if his brain and chest were stuffed with swollen sponges, leaving no space for coherent thoughts.

All he could sense was boundless weariness.

Sleeping and waking, he kept track of time in his daze. The shortest nap lasted eight minutes before he startled awake again.

An intravenous needle hung by his side, his wrist feeling cold. The lights were off in the single hospital room, and darkness slowly enveloped the outside world.

It was a quiet night.

Was Lin Deng lying in this darkness with him, or were the two departed souls trapped in this endless cycle with him?

Lin Shuicheng felt a sharp pain in his wrist, reaching out to remove the pillow when his phone suddenly lit up.

He stared at the unfamiliar number for a moment before, after a pause, he pressed the end call button.

As soon as he hung up, the call came back immediately, accompanied by a text message: "Answer the phone." The tone was commanding.

Lin Shuicheng intended to hang up again, but his hand trembled, failing to press the button. Instead, he accidentally tapped the answer call option.

The phone was held close, nestled together with him within the dim and stuffy blanket.

Startled, Lin Shuicheng found the other person already speaking.

Fu Luoyin's voice was incredibly low, lower than anyone else Lin Shuicheng knew. When he spoke with even a hint of severity or without emotion, it sounded fierce; yet, when he spoke softly and gently, there was an alluring tenderness that could make one's chest resonate with subtle vibrations.

In truth, Fu Luoyin's voice was very pleasing to the ear.

Fu Luoyin asked, "How do you feel? Didn't I tell you to sleep? I've just entered the signal zone. Director Xiao informed me about your situation. I'll come pick you up shortly, so wait for me... around..." He seemed to check the time on his end, "two hours."

Lin Shuicheng had been silent, but upon hearing this, he turned his head gently and buried his face in the pillow, muffling his voice. "Two hours, and I could go home by myself."

Fu Luoyin chuckled on the other end of the line. "Don't be angry, it's my fault, alright? Just go to sleep and rest. Be a good boy, I'm on a mission here."

Lin Shuicheng remained silent. Fu Luoyin recalled what he had said on the sofa that day, so he continued, "Even though I wasn't there today, I know everything you've done. Our Little Lin has been working so hard for so long; your report must be excellent. Do you know what Director Xiao told me? He wants me to make sure I keep you close, preferably having you join Department 7 right after graduation, so no one else can snatch you away."

Lin Shuicheng murmured, "I didn't ask you to praise me like that."

"Oh, then I praised you wrongly. I should have praised your problem-solving skills," Fu Luoyin continued to laugh, his voice still deep and gentle, almost hypnotic. "So, the method I suggested about drawing the house was somewhat useful, wasn't it?"

Lin Shuicheng didn't respond.

"I saw how focused you were when you were thinking back then, and I thought if you couldn't figure it out, nobody could," Fu Luoyin said. "This time, it was rushed, I understand, so I won't comment on your lack of self-care. But since you managed to complete it and found the solution, it was worth it. The past is in the past, and the future will come later. Do you know what matters now?"

Lin Shuicheng fell silent for a moment before mumbling again, "Waiting for my husband to pick me up."

On the other end, Fu Luoyin burst into laughter—simultaneously, Lin Shuicheng's soft and elegant murmur scratched at his heart like a kitten's playful claws.

He thought to himself, Lin Shuicheng was so exhausted, so worn out, collapsing after giving his presentation. He liked him so much, he should have wished to be by his side at that moment.

But he wasn't.

Fu Luoyin said, "Sleep obediently, and your husband will come to get you later."

"Can't sleep," Lin Shuicheng replied. "My mind is preoccupied, and I can't seem to stop thinking."

Fu Luoyin could roughly guess his condition – his body was almost exhausted, and he was severely fatigued, but his mind remained highly strung.

He had experienced such a state frequently when he was in the Eighth District before. He knew that apart from medication, there weren't any particularly effective remedies. The best thing was to divert his attention.

He whispered, "Then let's keep the phone on. I'll talk to you. Just listen, no need to respond. If you can't sleep, I'll tell you a story."

Lin Shuicheng activated the speakerphone and adjusted the volume to a suitable level before placing it by his pillow. Wrapping himself in the blanket, he gradually warmed up, except for the back of his hand where the IV needle was still attached, which remained icy cold and painful.

Fu Luoyin really started telling him stories.

There was wind noise and some bustling ambient sounds on his end, but Lin Shuicheng couldn't discern what they were. Fu Luoyin's voice alternated between distant and close, clear and muffled, with the signal cutting in and out, leaving Lin Shuicheng unsure of his location.

It was evident that Fu Luoyin wasn't skilled at storytelling. He wasn't a particularly talkative person anyway, and all he could manage were repetitive trivialities or mundane daily occurrences.

He began with the Chief, mentioning that the cat had almost reached eight pounds. In Lin Shuicheng's absence these past few days, the Chief had been listless with longing. He recounted the events of the day, acknowledging that he knew Lin Shuicheng was late and had rushed out in his lab coat in a panic. At that moment, Fu Luoyin was engaged in a perilous mission on the other side – leading a team to an undeveloped area to rescue a tipped-over truck that had plummeted down a ravine.

The transporter was robot-operated, but it carried four researchers who were transporting a sample of a super bacterium. They had run into trouble due to an unexpected landslide that buried them for three hours, leaving their fate uncertain.

No one dared to attempt a rescue. Everyone knew that the sample could leak in a major accident, endangering not only the four researchers but also the rescuers themselves. Undertaking such a mission was tantamount to signing a death warrant.

Fu Luoyin, the CEO and a former soldier, personally suited up in protective gear and parachuted down for the search and rescue operation. He ventured alone into the heart of the disaster zone, running around with rescue equipment all day.

One researcher, crushed by the overturned vehicle, didn't survive, but the rest were saved - fortunately, the sample remained intact. It was a narrow escape from a terrible situation.

Despite the harrowing experience, he narrated it calmly. He even asked, "On my way back, I encountered a desert hare. Should I catch it for you to play with?"

There was no response on the other end; Lin Shuicheng had already fallen asleep.

Fu Luoyin's voice became a soothing white noise, offering a sense of comfort amidst the unfamiliar and desolate surroundings.

Knowing that Lin Shuicheng was asleep, Fu Luoyin lowered his voice but continued talking.

At one point, while exiting the mountainous area, he was stopped by a guard. Recognizing him, the guard said, "CEO Fu, the weather forecast predicts rain ahead, which might trigger another landslide! Don't proceed, it's too risky!"

Fu Luoyin replied, "Keep the rescued people and your medical staff where they are and wait for further instructions. My vehicle is reinforced, so I'll make a trip out."

"The overturned vehicle was reinforced as well!" the guard warned.

Fu Luoyin checked the weather forecast and the time, then pondered for a moment before responding, "It's alright. My partner is unwell, so I need to go see him."

...

When Lin Shuicheng woke up again, it was because he realized in his dream that his phone was silent.

He seemed to have heard something about "landslides" and "heavy rain" in his dream, which startled him awake.

"Fu... Fu Luoyin," he muttered softly into the phone, suddenly lucid.

The name felt strangely unfamiliar on his lips.

After a moment, Fu Luoyin's voice came through, "Mm, you're awake?"

"I'm almost there, don't worry," Fu Luoyin's voice was a bit hoarse. "I talked too much earlier, so I fell silent."

Lin Shuicheng lowered his gaze and wrapped his fingers around the warm phone once more.

He softly said, "Okay."

He pulled out the IV needle, sat up on the bed, and, feeling dizzy, draped his coat around himself. Then, he turned on the light and began reading his phone from the bedside.

His energy had somewhat returned, allowing him to catch up on the messages he'd missed over the past few days.

He added friend requests one by one and replied to each text message.

The screen's brightness was harsh on his eyes, so he had to pause and rest after reading for a while.

Moments later, the door opened, and Fu Luoyin entered.

He immediately spotted the discarded IV needle on the floor—along with the remaining half-bag of nutrient solution that hadn't been finished. He frowned. "Why did you pull out your own IV?"

Lin Shuicheng whispered, "That medicine was sticky. I didn't want it in my veins."

Fu Luoyin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "There won't be anything to eat to fill your stomach and replenish your energy for a while. We only have compressed biscuits and mineral water in the car, which aren't very tasty. Should I take you out to get something to eat?"

Lin Shuicheng shook his head.

He was exhausted and still wanted to go home to sleep.

Therefore, Fu Luoyin didn't insist. He took Lin Shuicheng into the car and drove steadily towards their home.

In the passenger seat, Lin Shuicheng was exceptionally well-behaved.

Fu Luoyin turned on the heater, and the warm air tousled Lin Shuicheng's fine hair slightly. He quietly hugged a brick-like compressed biscuit, nibbling on it bit by bit.

A few bites, then a sip of water.

Fu Luoyin detested compressed biscuits, but seeing how much Lin Shuicheng enjoyed them, he almost couldn't resist grabbing a pack for himself. Unfortunately, he was driving, and it wouldn't be appropriate to disturb Lin Shuicheng to feed him.

So he watched as Lin Shuicheng methodically finished two packs of compressed biscuits.

Upon reaching their destination, Lin Shuicheng wanted to freshen up. Worried that he might faint in the bathtub, Fu Luoyin followed him into the bathroom to help with the bathing.

Lin Shuicheng was highly uncomfortable and whispered, "Get out."

"What are you shy about? It's not like I haven't seen it before." Fu Luoyin was quite straightforward. With his strong grip, he washed Lin Shuicheng as if he were a cabbage, warning him beforehand, "No fooling around. Your task today is to sleep obediently."

Lin Shuicheng winced as he was kneaded all over, his muscles and bones aching to the point of tears. When Fu Luoyin finally tossed him onto the bed, he was still reeling from the pain.

Seeing Lin Shuicheng's teary eyes, Fu Luoyin found it amusing. "Does it hurt that much? My fellow soldiers enjoy giving each other shoulder massages. Well-behaved student, your left shoulder is too stiff to knead; you've been in a bad posture for too long. You should pay attention to that."

Silent, Lin Shuicheng curled up like a bullied cat, hiding under the covers.

Fu Luoyin considered that someone like Lin Shuicheng, a researcher, might indeed have more delicate skin than the average person. In truth, he had already applied less force, but for some reason, Lin Shuicheng still found it painful.

He tried to soothe him. "Shall I be gentler next time?"

Lin Shuicheng continued to ignore him, seemingly too lazy to respond. He reached out to pull Fu Luoyin under the covers, then nestled into his embrace. Feeling warm and comfortable now, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.