Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Interrogation
In the darkness of the television room, the small screen displayed a close-up of Liu Yu’s face. In the next instant, the camera shifted its focus from his features to the greenery behind him. From the thick trunk of a tree, a shadowy figure emerged.
The camera zoomed in, revealing Sheng Yao’s unpredictable expression. He watched Liu Yu for a moment before suddenly turning his gaze toward Building Fifteen. The camera followed, switching to a high vantage point to look down upon Sheng Yao.
The doctor sitting before the television seemed to be staring directly at Sheng Yao through the screen.
He watched for a brief moment, then stood and switched off the television. The room plunged into absolute darkness.
In the pitch blackness, a pair of eerie blue eyes appeared. They glimmered like ghostly flames, drifting in the air. Accompanied by crisp footsteps, those twin lights moved slowly and steadily.
The sound of a door opening echoed. Light from the outer consultation room spilled in, illuminating the doctor’s blood-stained white coat.
A faint buzzing… The old clinic’s fluorescent lamp crackled, its glow dimming for a heartbeat before returning to normal.
The doctor stepped over tangled wires on the floor, pulled out a chair, and sat down with unhurried composure.
He fixed his gaze on the tray of files atop the desk, then suddenly let out a laugh.
His laughter was like the crack of a starter pistol. The faces on his ten fingernails began to murmur and whisper, whether in tears or laughter, all carrying a sense of eager anticipation for drama.
The doctor took the medical file labeled “Liu Yu” from the tray.
He walked straight out of the consultation room, and as he stepped through the door, a room appeared at the end of the corridor.
A sign reading “Records Room” was affixed to the door.
The doctor entered with the file, and shortly after, emerged carrying a different one.
He returned to the consultation room and spread the folder open on the desk.
His lips drew back, stretching wider and wider, his smile surpassing the mask’s boundaries. The noise from his fingernails surged, growing lively and boisterous, as if heralding the overture to a performance—excited and intense.
…
Sheng Yao hailed a cab and arrived directly at the entrance of his father-in-law’s apartment complex.
He had struggled to keep his emotions in check along the way, but after stepping out of the car, his pace quickened, and in the last ten meters, he nearly broke into a run.
The neon sign for “Monster Clinic” flickered among the dense branches of the street trees, like an ominous meteor shower streaking across the deep sky.
Beneath the sign, the bright glass doors emitted their own unsettling aura.
The clinic before him was indeed bizarre—remarkably so. There was not a single aspect that wasn’t strange.
He glanced at the neighboring shops. At this hour, which store would still be open on this old, narrow street in the aged community?
The dust-coated white walls and tiles spoke of an establishment with history. Yet his in-laws had lived here for sixty or seventy years, and he and Bai Xiao had been together for thirty-five, but he had never seen this clinic, just ten minutes’ walk from the apartment.
Images of the tumor on Liu Yu’s body flashed through Sheng Yao’s mind, along with the empty syringe on the office desk, and the vial of medicine the doctor had injected during “treatment.”
Everything was too uncanny.
This was not ordinary medicine, nor was it a miracle in the solemn, sacred sense of myth.
Sheng Yao’s muscles tensed as he pushed open the glass door, stepping into the clinic and heading straight for the consultation room.
He did not knock. His expression was one of suppressed rage, but deep within his eyes lay a hint of fear. As he turned the handle, he hesitated for a moment, but that brief pause did not stop him from entering.
The door opened. The doctor sat inside.
He appeared to be studying a patient’s file, looking utterly at ease. Only when he heard movement did he turn his head, his translucent blue pupils clearly reflecting Sheng Yao’s figure.
“What did you do?” Sheng Yao’s voice was low and hoarse. “What did you do to Liu Yu? What treatment did you give him?”
The doctor tilted his head, as though unable to grasp Sheng Yao’s questions. “He has allergic dermatitis. I treated him.”
“What treatment did you give?”
“Medication.”
“What medication?”
This time, the doctor did not answer immediately as before, but pondered for a few seconds. “Biologics, I suppose.”
The image of the tumor monster suddenly flashed in Sheng Yao’s mind.
He lunged forward, grabbing the doctor’s collar, pinning him forcefully against the wall.
Bang!
Bang!
Two loud crashes—one from the chair toppling, the other from the doctor’s back striking the wall.
Despite Sheng Yao’s aggression, the doctor remained calm. His body seemed impervious to pain, as if it did not belong to him, merely a piece of irrelevant flesh.
Sheng Yao could feel the weight in his hands, the heartbeat and breath of the doctor—a body as real as any human.
But the tumor, the syringe, his own rejuvenation, and…
“What did you do? What did you inject into Liu Yu? Into me? And…biologics…What did you put into our bodies? What is it?” Sheng Yao demanded through clenched teeth, swallowing a name that hovered on the tip of his tongue.
“Honey!”
Sheng Yao’s hand trembled, his heart skipped a beat, his neck stiffly twisting.
“Sheng Sheng…” The name he had suppressed spilled out. Flustered, his entire body trembled.
Bai Xiao stood at the door, gazing at Sheng Yao in surprise and concern.
Heat welled in Sheng Yao’s eyes. He hurriedly blinked, stifling his emotions.
He released his grip, letting the doctor’s feet touch the ground.
“What’s going on? What are you doing? Are you fighting?” Bai Xiao asked anxiously, stepping carefully inside and grasping Sheng Yao’s arm. “Is it because of my illness? Is something wrong? Don’t blame the doctor. Just being able to see you again is…already a blessing…” Tears gathered in her eyes. “If it can’t be cured, that’s fine. I’m already happy with these past days.”
“No! You’re fine! It has nothing to do with you!” Sheng Yao replied quickly, wiping Bai Xiao’s tears. “Don’t think too much. You’re alright. I’m just…a little anxious. You’ve stayed here so long…”
Bai Xiao pushed him away. “You were the one who insisted I stay for observation, worried I wasn’t fully recovered, and now you’re the one getting anxious! You’re really… The doctor helped us, he’s our benefactor, how could you act like this?”
She chided Sheng Yao, then turned to the doctor to apologize. “Doctor, he’s just worried, please don’t mind. If there’s anything you need us to do, just say so. And don’t be too nice to him, or he’ll take it for granted. You’ve done us a great kindness—we won’t forget.”
Sheng Yao fell silent, holding Bai Xiao’s warm hand.
His gaze swept across the desk.
The open medical file contained basic patient information—just like Liu Yu’s, with detailed personal data. The “chief complaint” was written in wild, illegible script. But unlike Liu Yu’s file, this one’s handwriting resembled a child’s, the name simply “Mao Mao,” written with careful strokes. The address had changed twice, three lines with shifting penmanship. The birthdate… eighteen years ago…
This patient had just come of age, probably a child learning to write when first treated.
Sheng Yao’s fingers curled into a fist.
Bai Xiao nudged him.
He looked up to meet Bai Xiao’s worried gaze, and the doctor’s deep, unruffled blue eyes.
“It’s nothing,” the doctor said, straightening his collar and setting the chair upright.
“I’m sorry,” Bai Xiao apologized repeatedly, pinching Sheng Yao behind his back.
Sheng Yao lowered his head. “Sorry.”
“No problem,” the doctor replied unexpectedly, closing the folder with a gentle gesture.
When Sheng Yao looked up again, he saw a glimmer of mirth in those blue eyes. Even beneath the taut mask, the outline of a grin seemed visible. A shiver ran down Sheng Yao’s spine.
“It’s late. You should go rest. You too.” The doctor’s smile faded, his tone cold.
Bai Xiao apologized again, ushered Sheng Yao out, and quietly closed the consultation room door.
She turned to Sheng Yao, her face serious. “What happened? Why did you suddenly clash with the doctor? Is it because of the patient you referred earlier?”
Sheng Yao forced a bitter smile, unsure how to explain.
The tumor he saw was clearly not human—not even something from Earth. At least, he’d never heard of such a thing in real life. In science fiction or horror films, yes, but not reality.
He once thought the doctor was a miracle worker, but what if he wasn’t a savior, but… something else? Like that tumor monster…
Sheng Yao pressed his lips together, stroking Bai Xiao’s hair.
She gently nestled into his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You must tell me everything. We’re married. We…only have each other now…”
Sheng Yao hugged her tightly, nodding with his forehead pressed to hers. “Once I figure out what’s happening, I’ll tell you.”
He couldn’t tell Bai Xiao what he’d seen tonight. He couldn’t let her share his fear. More importantly, Bai Xiao still had to stay in the clinic, living alongside the doctor…
Sheng Yao clenched his teeth.
For now, let Bai Xiao remain grateful to the doctor. That way, she wouldn’t clash with him. The doctor seemed unwilling to reveal his “true nature.” As for Liu Yu…
Sheng Yao resolved to investigate further.
“Alright. Don’t do anything dangerous.” Bai Xiao kissed his lips. “Don’t work too hard, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Things are good as they are. Don’t overthink it… If that person doesn’t recover, just help him as much as you can. Every treatment has a risk of failure. You’ve been busy with his case, with the Longevity Garden, with Aunt Qin… You haven’t had much time for me.”
Sheng Yao hugged her apologetically. “Sorry… I’ve been…”
Bai Xiao stopped him. “I know what you’re afraid of, and I understand your worries. I’ve been dead… dead for thirty-five years…”
Her last words were like a sigh, making Sheng Yao’s heart clench painfully.
“I came back to life, and you became young again. What happened to us can’t be explained to anyone else. Even the other patients in the clinic might not understand. I know you want to protect me.” She paused.
“Sheng Yao,” she took his face in her hands, meeting his eyes. “Every treatment has a chance. Mine is no different. If it doesn’t work, that’s all right.”
Sheng Yao’s expression changed.
Bai Xiao smiled, kissing him again. “Really, if it doesn’t work, that’s all right. I meant every word I said before. These days have been wonderful.” She rested in his embrace. “They’ve been wonderful…”
Sheng Yao tightened his arms around her. “It won’t just be these days. You’ll be fine. We still have to go home.”
“Yes. When I’m discharged, I want to visit my parents’ graves, then see what you’ve done to the house. Have you been living well while I was gone?” she asked with a smile.
“Of course. The house is fine.”
“That’s good.” Bai Xiao hugged him again, then released him. “Alright, go on now, before the doctor comes out to rush you.”
Sheng Yao was reluctant, but Bai Xiao still pushed him out of the clinic.
He wanted to take her away, but the last patient who fled—Liu Yu—had not fared well at all. In contrast, the stray dog rescued by him and Boss Le, who accepted treatment wholeheartedly and left the clinic normally, was now perfectly healthy…
Sheng Yao could only hope the doctor’s treatment was effective, as long as everyone cooperated…
But he couldn’t shake the image of the hideous, terrifying tumor, with its hateful, greedy green eyes.
…
Early the next morning, Sheng Yao spotted Yu Guangchun and Liu Yu through the convenience store window. They arrived at the office building one after the other; Liu Yu greeted Yu Guangchun and they entered together. Everything seemed normal, even less awkward than before. It was as if their drunken night had washed away all grievances.
Despite the distance—a wall, a street, and the bustling rush hour crowd—Sheng Yao’s ears picked up their conversation.
As he listened, a strange feeling crept over him.
He’d noticed over the past few days he had gained extraordinary vision and hearing, as though he possessed the eyes and ears of a thousand miles. His senses were greatly enhanced. In fact, his entire body felt stronger, capable of feats his nineteen-year-old self couldn’t achieve. This physical prowess even surpassed that of an athlete—or so he sensed, though never tested it strictly, and he couldn’t be sure if he’d truly exceeded human limits.
Lost in thought, he failed to catch the rest of Liu Yu and Yu Guangchun’s conversation. Their figures vanished into the office building.
Restless, Sheng Yao attended to his work in the convenience store. At closing time, he saw Liu Yu leave in a hurry, and later Yu Guangchun laughing and chatting with colleagues at the intersection.
Neither visited the store.
Everything seemed perfectly normal.
The normalcy persisted for over a week, until Sheng Yao finally ran into Yu Guangchun at the store.
“Working the late shift today? Didn’t see you yesterday,” Yu Guangchun greeted with a smile.
Sheng Yao forced a smile. “Yeah, the schedule changed a bit. Eating bento alone again? Wife visiting her parents?”
“Same as always. My son’s tutoring schedule can’t be changed, so everything revolves around him now,” Yu Guangchun chuckled.
“How’s your colleague lately? Things seemed tense before, right?” Sheng Yao asked eagerly.
As soon as he spoke, nervousness gripped him. He worried Yu Guangchun might sense his ulterior motive, or that the answer might unsettle him.
“Oh, you mean Xiao Liu,” Yu Guangchun sighed. “Young people really have energy. He’s stopped working overtime and started teaching himself programming…” Fearing Sheng Yao might not understand, Yu Guangchun explained the different languages used in programming. Though outdated in skills, he still had basic industry knowledge and enjoyed educating outsiders. As for Liu Yu’s enthusiasm for learning, he had none left, and his tone was complex.
Sheng Yao grew silent as he listened.
“…I never saw it before. I underestimated him, thinking as a fresh graduate willing to join our company, he just wanted an easy job, not someone who’d push himself… Young people are different, always ready to strive,” Yu Guangchun said, a bit envious and self-deprecating, glancing at Sheng Yao. “You’re only twenty, right?”
Sheng Yao forced a smile.
“There’s still time to work hard. If you can, don’t stick to these part-time jobs,” Yu Guangchun said, lowering his voice as he glanced at the staff room. “Better to learn some skills, earn a certificate. Once you get older, have a girlfriend, marry, have kids, everything revolves around life. I mean, you can’t just do as you please and fight for your dreams whenever.”
He patted Sheng Yao’s shoulder and turned to his bento.
Sheng Yao walked away quietly.
He had long since passed the age of chasing dreams. For years, his life had been nothing but duty and obligation. Now, he finally had a dream.
He wanted to grow old with Bai Xiao, fulfill thirty-five years of regret.
To do that, he needed to confirm the doctor’s treatment was effective and harmless; ensure Bai Xiao could keep living in good health.
For a moment, memories of Bai Xiao’s decaying body leaning against her tombstone, and her frail form in the passenger seat thirty-five years ago, flashed before his eyes.
He would never let Bai Xiao become like that again.
Sheng Yao’s resolve hardened.