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墨書 Inktalez
"Wait? How does Xi know I'm outside?" I glanced at Old Zhou in confusion. He shrugged, "Go on, talk to your girl about how worried you are for her!"
In front of Xi's father, my face flushed. I silently followed Dad Xi to the hospital room, where Mother Xi was also waiting outside. It seemed they really intended for us to have a private conversation.
I hesitated for a moment. To be honest, I didn't know what to say to Xi when I went in. "I'm really worried about you? I've been looking everywhere trying to find a way to save you?" That felt too cliché and cheesy; I couldn't bring myself to say it.
Looking at Xi's father, I noticed he was watching me with a half-smile. In an instant, I decided it was better to go in after all; at least it wouldn't be so awkward.
I pushed open the door to the hospital room. Under Xi's gaze, I slowly walked to her bedside and sat down. Looking at her pale face, I gently asked, "Are you okay?!"
Xi had her long black hair spread out on the pillow, and a small smile blossomed on her face. I quickly said, "You should rest well and not talk too much."
The breathing machine had already been removed, likely because the nurse had checked on her before I arrived. She tilted her head slightly and said softly, "Actually, I saw you earlier. Thank you so much; my parents told me everything."
I smiled shyly, "It was nothing." Not knowing what else to say, I just kept looking at her. After a while, she continued, "It was that Japanese guy! Call the police quickly! I saw him following me in the underground garage, and then... then..."
I comforted her, "It's okay, Xi. We've already caught him; he got what he deserved." Xi widened her eyes and asked me, "What about the monster?"
I couldn't bear to meet those beautiful eyes and lowered my head, stammering, "The monster... has already... gone."
Xi remained silent for a long time. When I looked up again, I realized she had closed her eyes, tears slowly streaming down from the corners.
I suddenly felt helpless and didn't know how to comfort her. All I could do was gently pat the back of her hand. After a while, she finally opened her eyes and looked at me. "Do you know? Actually, I saw a lot of things. I saw myself lying on the ground; I saw a mass of black mist wrapping around me; then I saw you. I knew everything about your conversation and fight with that Japanese guy, but no matter how much I shouted for you, you couldn't hear me!"
Xi began to choke up as she spoke. "Later, you all left. I was alone underground; it was so dark. I was so scared! I looked for people everywhere, but no one could see or hear me! I even went home, but no one was there. I went to school; my classmates couldn't see me either. It felt like I was a wandering ghost..."
Her sorrowful words made my heart ache as well. All I could do was repeatedly reassure her, "It's okay now; it's all over. Consider it an experience. Just rest well and try not to think about it."
Xi sobbed softly for a while, and when she had calmed down a bit, she said to me, "I later realized that it felt like my soul had left my body. I was terrified, desperately trying to find myself, but I just couldn't. It wasn't until later that I felt this strong pull, as if something was calling me, that I found my way here. You can't imagine the shock and reflections on life this experience has brought me."
I nodded. Indeed, anyone who went through such an experience would have profound realizations about life. Just then, I heard the door open and turned to see the doctor entering, followed by a group of people who seemed to be reporters with cameras in hand. Xi's parents were behind them, looking helpless.
The leading doctor excitedly announced, "This is a miracle from our hospital! The patient has awakened from a vegetative state, which is rare across the country!"
It was yet another case of sensationalism. I sighed; it seemed I couldn't talk to Xi alone anymore. I stood up and gently said to her, "Let's pause our conversation here. I'll come back to see you next time." I began to step back into the crowd.
Xi looked surprised and anxious. She eagerly asked me, "When will you come back next time?"
I smiled lightly; how could I know? I could only reply, "Very soon!" The crowd surged in and quickly enveloped me.
I took a few steps back to the door, pulled it open, and stepped outside. Old Zhou was standing at the end of the corridor, probably waiting for me to treat him to a meal! I patted my pocket; it seemed I wouldn't be saving any money this month. With a wry smile, I moved toward Old Zhou.
Old Zhou looked at me with a mischievous grin. Unable to hold back, I said, "Old Zhou, don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to save someone for their looks. I just couldn't bear to involve innocent people."
Old Zhou chuckled a few times before saying, "I didn't misunderstand; I was just thinking about what we should eat later!" My face flushed—damn it! I'd fallen for it again!
After taking one last look at Xi's hospital room, Old Zhou and I walked toward the elevator. It was nearly five o'clock already; after dinner, I would need to head back to the base. This matter should come to a close now; tomorrow would bring a new beginning.
Once outside the hospital gates, I thought for a moment and decided to take Old Zhou to find a nearby Hunan restaurant for a nice meal. Old Zhou initially protested against such spontaneity but immediately changed his mind when he learned that I'd be treating him with drinks and cigarettes.
After searching for a while, we finally found a place nearby. Old Zhou eagerly pulled me inside and chose a table by the window before starting to order enthusiastically.
I wasn't too concerned about the food, so I let Old Zhou order whatever he wanted. Since he had put in so much effort this time and helped out significantly, it was only right that I showed my gratitude.
While waiting for our dishes to arrive, feeling quite bored, I suddenly remembered something and curiously asked Old Zhou, "By the way, Old Zhou, am I in danger?"
"Yes, yes!" Old Zhou said absentmindedly as he gazed out the window, where the night was gradually descending. I couldn't tell what he was looking at.
"Well, can you teach me that symbol you drew on my hand? That way, I can protect myself if something happens," I tentatively suggested.
"Oh, that?" Old Zhou turned his head back around, resuming his playful demeanor. "Haven't you already learned it?"
"What the hell! When did I learn that?!" I exclaimed in disbelief.
Old Zhou grabbed my right hand and laid it flat on the table, pointing at it. "See? Isn't this it?"
I looked down and couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time; the scar from last time was still clearly visible!
I pulled my hand back. "Stop messing around; I'm serious!"
"Mine is real! Next time, just follow the old scar and cut it open again, and you'll be able to use it! You've already mastered it!"
What the hell! So that's how it is? I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. Fine, I'd rather not use that trick!
Old Zhou suddenly burst into laughter at me. Fine, this old man is a mystery; I admit I can't figure him out. Just then, the waiter started bringing out dishes along with a bottle of liquor. Thankfully, Old Zhou didn't order Wuliangye but opted for Erguotou instead. A weight lifted off my shoulders.
I quickly picked up a cup and filled it for him. Even though I'm not much of a drinker, I still needed to toast him a few times to show my respect and gratitude.
I ordered a pack of Furong Wang cigarettes, opened it, and placed it in front of Old Zhou. His eyes lit up at the sight; he raised his cup and downed it in one go. Then he lit up a Furong Wang, leaned back against his chair, and exhaled a long smoke ring. He looked so relaxed, like a deity.
As more dishes were served and we drank more heavily, Old Zhou gradually became more animated. The old guy was surprisingly spirited; he talked more and more about how impressive he used to be, and I could only nod along in agreement. We kept eating until after eight o'clock. Looking out the window, I noticed it had started to rain heavily, making me anxious about how I would get back!
Just as I was lost in thought, Old Zhou suddenly began to sing!
"Five hundred years, the sands of time have turned the sea, even stubborn stones are covered with moss."
...
What the hell! Isn't this a verse from Journey to the West? How could Old Zhou be singing it? And surprisingly, he sounds quite passionate, not much worse than the original singer, Yujun Sword. If this were in Kalak, he'd definitely be a karaoke king.
"Only one heart, still alive, yearning for freedom and ease, freedom and ease! Even if wildfires burn; even if ice and snow cover; still the will remains unchanged, still the faith does not fade!"
...
I leaned back in my chair, listening to Old Zhou banging on his bowls and chopsticks while singing loudly. In his impassioned voice, I seemed to see Old Zhou's glorious past, his youthful pride and vigor, the loneliness of friends and family leaving one by one, and Old Zhou's unwillingness and desolation...
Old Zhou is indeed a man with a story!
"Time has slipped away, stirring up emotions. Why? Why must there be such arrangements?" His voice gradually lowered until he slowly rested his head on the table and fell asleep...
(To be continued, more exciting tomorrow!)
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