202: Chapter 202 Jiang Chen and I are good friends

Chapter 202: Jiang Chen and I Are Good Friends

The Gourmet plaza was bustling with noise and excitement, filled with rich aromas everywhere.

Xu Fei and Chen Lei held food-laden trays in both hands, finally managing to find a vacant spot to sit down.

Gazing at the steaming beef noodles and meat pies, just as they were about to dig in, their gazes inadvertently swept toward the television on the wall broadcasting the news.

At this moment, the television screen was displaying footage of the Rehabilitation Center building ravaged by artillery fire.

"In the early morning of January 31st, an unexpected riot suddenly broke out inside a hospital located in the Xiguan District of Dongdu City, resulting in unfortunate casualties among some personnel and causing a certain degree of property damage at the same time."

"Due to the sudden nature of the incident, the hospital's security forces found it difficult to respond quickly and effectively. To ensure the safety of other patients and medical staff inside the hospital, relevant authorities urgently dispatched troops to support the scene at the very first moment. After a hard-fought battle, they finally succeeded in stopping this commotion."

The news anchor spoke at a moderate pace, yet the tension contained between the lines rushed straight at them, allowing every listener to feel the critical degree of the situation that night.

The footage then switched to the studio, where a male host dressed in formal attire sat upright, solemnly reading the news script with a grave expression:

"After days of meticulous investigation, relevant departments have now ascertained that late that night, unlawful terrorists took advantage of the cover of night to secretly infiltrate the Rehabilitation Center building, attempting to release a certain dangerous substance with enormous harm. This move triggered extreme panic among the people inside the building, and the scene spiraled out of control for a time."

"Fortunately, the troops reacted swiftly. Upon receiving orders, they immediately struck out, engaging in fierce confrontation with the terrorists. Relying on their fearless fighting spirit and stellar military qualities, they successfully controlled the scene and prevented the situation from deteriorating further."

"As for the patients originally receiving treatment at the Rehabilitation Center, they have all been properly accommodated at present. Various tasks, including treating the wounded and comforting the families of the unfortunate victims, are proceeding in an orderly manner..."

The host paused for a moment and then continued:

"This incident undoubtedly sounded a heavy alarm for the entire society. Government departments will further strengthen security prevention measures and reinforce emergency response mechanisms hereafter. Our news media will also closely follow the subsequent developments of this event to ensure that the safety of the public remains within the scope of protection and will no longer suffer from similar threats..."

Listening to the news broadcasting the event and explaining the relevant causes, the surrounding diners reacted differently.

Some stopped the chopsticks in their hands, staring at the television screen with an expression of sudden realization, an 'I see' look.

Others whispered and discussed with their companions, seemingly still harboring doubts.

After watching the news for a while, Xu Fei shook his head slightly and sighed softly:

"Our mission this time has finally concluded smoothly."

"It's still early."

Chen Lei, sitting beside him, was already eating with his bowl in hand, swallowing a large mouthful of noodles and speaking vaguely:

"By the time the last batch of patients in the Rehabilitation Center is transferred away, it will at least be after the New Year. You can forget about the abacus of going home early for the New Year."

"As for whether I go home for the New Year or not, I don't really mind."

Xu Fei glanced at him and replied in a low voice: "Let's just hope we don't run into that undead monster in this place again, that would be a stroke of great luck."

Afterwards, he also picked up a chopstick of noodles, put them into his mouth, and chewed them leisurely.

However, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he was still pondering matters.

Seeing this, Chen Lei said while eating:

"Relax, Xiaofei. Gao Jin said that although that old ghost is still alive, he won't be able to stir up any major trouble in the short term."

"Now the higher-ups have issued a strict order, and our entire team is searching for the whereabouts of his true form. No matter which nook and cranny that fellow hides in, as long as he can't help showing his cloven hoof, we will definitely catch him."

Xu Fei nodded in agreement with these words.

Given the greedy nature of the Ghoul, trying to suppress the desire to eat was probably more painful than killing him himself.

Chen Lei grabbed a meat pie and continued:

"The only thing I'm worried about now is whether that officer will be implicated in the subsequent search."

Hearing his companion still treating the masked man as a colleague in his words, Xu Fei couldn't help turning his head to look at him:

"Aren't you curious about who that officer really is?"

"Whoever he is, the grace of saving my life cannot be repaid. Anyway, I don't believe he's a bad person."

Chen Lei took a fierce bite of the meat pie, then picked up the bowl with both hands and drank the piping-hot noodle soup in large gulps.

With a slurp, he sucked it into his mouth. The umami flavor of the broth and the solid texture of the meat pie intertwined and collided in his mouth.

Causing him to close his eyes contentedly, letting out a soft sigh from his throat.

"I suddenly kind of miss the Gourmet here. What should I do if I can't eat it after leaving Renan Hospital in the future?"

"That's so simple, just come to the hospital often in the future."

"Damn, why does your sentence sound a bit wrong? Are you cursing me!"

Hearing his companion's teasing words, Chen Lei came to his senses and immediately cursed with a smile.

Xu Fei swallowed a mouthful of noodles, looked at Chen Lei's left leg which was still wrapped in gauze, and laughed along.

This guy had a physique stronger than an ox. Having suffered such a severe piercing injury, he was now merely limping when walking and slightly inconvenienced—he was practically no different from a monster.

The two chatted casually, enjoying a moment of cozy time amidst the satisfaction brought by this bowl of beef noodles and a few meat pies.

Just at this moment, an 'acquaintance' happened to walk quietly past behind them, hearing the words whispered by the two clearly.

Fang Cheng looked straight ahead, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curling up slightly.

After finishing a meal with his uncle, they walked out of the Gourmet plaza together, strolled around downstairs for a bit, and then went back upstairs to return to the ward.

By this time, it was close to half-past three in the afternoon, and those relatives had long since finished their visits and left one after another.

Seeing Fang Cheng return, his paternal aunt and uncle spoke a few words with him, asking about his recent life and study situation, and then also bade farewell and left.

They worked at a multinational pharmaceutical company, usually very busy with work and frequently on business trips.

Having a rare holiday, there were many matters of visiting relatives and friends.

Fang Cheng did not continue to ask them to stay, sent his aunt and uncle downstairs, and turned back.

Entering the ward, he saw three caregivers busy sweeping the floor and cleaning inside.

Asking his mom, he learned that they were hired by his uncle yesterday.

As for why two more were hired.

According to his uncle's words, one served the old man's daily life and routines, one was responsible for hygiene and nursing work, and another stood by for rotation at any time.

Fang Cheng shook his head speechlessly, sat by the hospital bed, and accompanied his grandfather for a chat.

Since his uncle had already arranged everything properly, there was no need for him to make redundant efforts.

By past six in the evening, after having dinner with his mom and uncle in the hospital cafeteria and seeing that there were no other matters here, he left first.

The cold wind was like a knife, howling across the dimly lit hospital courtyard.

There was genial warmth during the day, but the temperature plummeted drastically at night.

Fang Cheng zipped up his jacket, turned up his collar, and walked quickly toward the main gate, preparing to hail a cab home.

Walking for a distance, his gaze inadvertently cast toward the distant gray building still guarded by soldiers.

Under the night veil, the outer wall of the Rehabilitation Center seemed to have been wantonly smeared with black ink, covered in pitch-black scorch marks.

The window glass on some floors was blown to pieces, leaving only hollow, tottering window frames.

It seemed to describe to outsiders with a silent posture the thrilling battle that took place that night.

An hour later, Jiangbei Jiuchang Street.

Returning home, it was just past seven o'clock.

The streets here were obviously much livelier than over in Xiguan.

The laughter and din of late-night snack stalls, along with the crisp sounds of wok cooking, drifted up from downstairs from time to time.

Fang Cheng washed up briefly in the bathroom and quickly walked toward the bedroom.

Click.

After closing the bedroom door tightly, he then turned to face the window through which neon lights penetrated.

With a rustling sound, he drew the curtains shut once more.

As the last slit was covered, all that noise, prosperity, and mortal hustle-and-bustle were blocked outside the window.

The room was cast in a hazy, serene tone, and the entire world seemed to have only this tiny space left.

In the darkness, Fang Cheng's eyes were piercingly bright.

He then sat cross-legged on the bed, preparing to begin Meditation and Cultivation.

Gently closing his eyelids, his breathing gradually grew long and steady.

His thoughts were like ripples rising on a calm lake, spreading out in circles and extending deep into his heart.

Soon, his whole person was immersed in the tranquility of this solitary Meditation, exploring the quiet corners of his soul.

For a long time.

Fang Cheng abruptly opened his eyes, looking at the scene inside the room.

The originally dark bedroom had somehow become incomparably bright, as if daylight had descended.

The desk, the bed, the wardrobe—the outlines of all objects were delineated clearly and distinctly, covered in a gleaming, warm halo.

It seemed as if this Meditation and Cultivation had lasted for more than a dozen hours, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the morning of the next day.

Fang Cheng's eyes flashed slightly, pondering for a moment.

Then he gently raised his hand, his thumb and middle finger snapping together, and snapped his fingers with a 'pop'.

In an instant, the scene in the room seemed to have been cast with magic.

The sunlight vanished rapidly like a receding tide, and the contours of the furniture sank back into darkness.

The night scenery outside the window surged in, and the room was once again enveloped in a hazy, cold tone.

The ticking of the alarm clock on the desk sounded, as if time was running backward and regressing.

The daylight just now was merely a brief and beautiful dream.

However.

"Pop!"

Fang Cheng then snapped his fingers again.

The surrounding scenery changed once more, and the entire bedroom instantly immersed itself back into a warm and bright daytime atmosphere.

With each snap of his fingers, just like turning an electric light on and off, the surrounding environment continuously switched between the two modes of light and darkness.

"It's better to maintain the daytime mode; it's not easy to confuse reality and illusion within the Memory Palace."

Fang Cheng looked around, muttered to himself, and then got up from the bed.

Walking to the bedroom door, he reached out to grip the somewhat chilly door handle and gave it a gentle twist.

The tightly closed door panel quietly opened following the force, making a barely audible 'click'.

Hoo—

The wind wailed like a dormant Vicious Beast, trying to surge into the room through the slightly opened door crack.

Creak—

The door continued to open slowly, and outside the bedroom was startlingly a dark and chaotic Void Realm.

Endless mist surged like black ink, so thick it couldn't be dissolved.

There seemed to be bizarre tentacles dancing wantonly within it, trying to drag the house emitting bright light into the abyss.

Fang Cheng's expression was calm, his figure standing steadily at the doorway, completely unaffected.

His lips moved slightly, fluently reciting an extremely awkward incantation.

"Om, Ah, Mi, Ma, Wa, She, Mou..."

As the incantation was recited word by word and sound by sound, it clearly echoed in the wind.

His gaze instantly pierced through the extremely dense black fog, locking onto another glowing consciousness hidden within this dark world.

Then, a manor gate carved with intricate patterns appeared not far away.

Fang Cheng walked out of the bedroom, stepped forward, and raised his hand to knock on this door.

Dong, dong.

Just after knocking twice, the gate opened with a 'creak'.

It emitted a hazy halo, faintly illuminating the front of the door, as if welcoming travelers in the darkness to visit.

Fang Cheng stepped forward, familiarly plunging into this light door.

As his vision blurred, his figure appeared in the old place the next instant.

An empty room that seemed to have its lights turned off and was wrapped in black curtains.

Just stepping into it, Fang Cheng vaguely felt that changes had occurred compared to the last time he came, appearing slightly different.

It seemed... the area of the room had become a bit larger.

Moreover, stepping down with his feet, there was a more realistic touch, no longer floating so weightlessly.

Just as he was pondering in confusion, a soft yet chilling voice sounded:

"Yo, what wind blew you to my place today? You actually came to chat early in the morning—don't you usually have a nightlife?"

Accompanied by the rambling, a figure exuding a dim green light emerged from the darkness.

It was still as blurry-faced as before, with only the body contour discernible, resembling a wandering ghost.

After drifting in front of him, seeing that Fang Cheng didn't make a sound, the Smiling Demon couldn't help asking:

"What is your business looking for me? You couldn't just be here to act cool, right?"

Fang Cheng fixed his gaze on him and suddenly asked a question:

"What is your relationship with Jiang Chen?"

Hearing this, the Smiling Demon was momentarily stunned. His gaze pierced straight at Fang Cheng with a bit of sharpness, and his voice involuntarily rose a notch:

"How do you know this name? Where on earth did you hear it?!"

His tone was urgent, and his previous cold state was instantly shattered, replaced by undisguised shock.

Fang Cheng smiled slightly and replied as if nonchalantly:

"I accidentally acquainted myself with him, met through martial arts, and cherished each other. We can be considered good friends who talk about everything, and it was precisely from his mouth that I learned about your situation."

Hearing these words, the Smiling Demon's shoulders trembled noticeably, and his body suddenly leaned forward. That gaze seemed intent on seeing through Fang Cheng, judging the truth or falsehood of these words.

Fang Cheng's demeanor was calm, meeting the gaze of this mysteriously-identified man who was staring fixedly at him:

"What, is he very important to you?"

"Heh."

The Smiling Demon stared for a long while, then suddenly let out a sneer: "So you were trying to trick me?"

Then his entire tense figure relaxed, and he shook his head with an indifferent tone:

"If that old ghost knew my whereabouts, he would have come looking for me in person long ago. How could he possibly tell an outsider like you."

The previous rhetoric indeed had major logical loopholes; it could only be a sudden trick, hitting him with a blind stick.

Unfortunately, the other party was very alert and did not fall for it.

Seeing that his trick was seen through, Fang Cheng didn't continue acting and shrugged frankly:

"Alright, Jiang Chen and I have indeed fought, but we aren't friends—we are enemies."

Then his tone turned stern, his gaze leveling at the other party:

"I came looking for you simply because I feel there are similarities between the two of you. Since Jiang Chen can be said to be our common enemy, you should all the more tell me his true origins."

Hearing this, the Smiling Demon fell silent for a moment, appearing to consider it seriously.

Suddenly he let out a long breath, raised his head, and looked at Fang Cheng once more:

"Do you believe ghosts exist in this world?"

"I do."

Fang Cheng answered without hesitation.

The Smiling Demon couldn't help being stunned again:

"Could it be that you've already witnessed them?"