Doctor Lu Always Wants To Steal My Baby! Chapter 23
byChapter 23 The White Moonlight Turns Black Moonlight
“You are—” He Chen paused for a long moment before managing to control his surprise and utter the codename, “L?”
“It is me,” Lu Changqing nodded.
“You—” He Chen opened his mouth and hesitated again. “Why would you involve yourself in these… mundane affairs?”
Mundane? Lu Changqing paused, cleansed his hands, and poured He Chen a cup of tea. “Perhaps because I am a mundane person?”
This explanation held no persuasive power.
He Chen took the teacup, drank a mouthful to calm his nerves, and glanced at Lu Changqing’s serene face. “Did the Lu family force you to do this?”
He said this, then immediately felt it was wrong: Lu Changqing’s status in the Lu family was not the same as his own in the He family. Who could force him to do anything?
Only if he himself wanted to.
Lu Changqing was no longer the Lu Changqing of ten years ago, and even if he were, perhaps He Chen had never truly understood him.
In fact, He Chen felt he was terribly slow-witted, having never truly understood anyone—first Jin Ge and Xiang Ge, and now Senior Brother Lu.
It didn’t matter. Not understanding was fine, being slow-witted was fine; he just needed to be doubly cautious.
Once he completed the matter weighing on his heart, he would take Leyan and leave, flying far away. Friends and brothers—he didn’t need them.
He Chen set down the teacup and leaned back. When he looked up again, his demeanor had undergone a subtle shift—more composed, more formal, carrying a faint wariness:
“May I ask who is behind you, Senior Brother? The Lu family, or the Second Prince?”
L could stand for Lu of the Lu family, or Lan of Chu Yunlan. These were both guesses He Chen had entertained previously.
Broadly speaking, the forces in the Star River Empire were divided into three factions: first, the old guard warrior nobles represented by families like the He family; second, the healing faction led by the Lu family; and third, the new elite who held technology, were adept in the market, and controlled half of the Empire’s economic lifeline.
The Second Prince Chu Yunlan’s maternal family, the Qian family, was the head of the new elite. Chu Yunlan represented this third faction, often clashing with the warrior faction over power and profit.
Compared to them, the healing faction was considered neutral, but Lu Changqing’s father, Lu Jingshan, was Chu Yunlan’s godfather. After taking office as the Imperial Council Speaker, he reversed his predecessor’s “balancing act” style, showing clear favoritism towards the technological new elite in many policies.
Several years ago, the research institute under the Council even collaborated with the Qian family to develop a “Zero” mecha. This mecha was powerful yet had a low barrier to entry, allowing warriors of ordinary aptitude, or even just well-trained commoners, to exert the combat power previously only possessed by high-level warriors.
The He family and other nobles maintained their control over the military and their tyrannical behavior precisely because they held vast high-level military power.
In other words, this was an epoch-making mecha that could strip the old nobles of their greatest advantage.
However, the “Zero” mecha required rare energy ore to drive it. Without enough ore, it couldn’t be mass-produced, and so this era had yet to be “made.”
Three years ago, before Han Jin died, he gave He Chen a clue to an ore vein—a match that could ignite the era.
Soon after, the mysterious L contacted He Chen.
L needed the ore vein, and He Chen could easily guess their objective. The coordinates of the ore vein were in He Chen’s hands, located on the River Pole Star. For the other party to successfully mine and transport the ore, they needed He Chen’s cover. This was the foundation of their cooperation.
“You don’t need to overthink it; you only need to interface with me,” Lu Changqing evaded He Chen’s question.
“If I’m going to help the tiger, I need to know the tiger’s true identity, don’t I?” He Chen’s words were sharp.
Lu Changqing felt his knife-like gaze but remained calm. “Just assume the true identity is me.”
“Or is my weight not enough to speak with Commander He?”
…That was, quite enough.
“Speaking of helping the tiger, I’d like to ask Junior Brother, this greedy accomplice, how much of the funding I put into Han River was actually used according to my requirements?” Lu Changqing asked gently and slowly.
“Ahem.” He Chen was silent for a moment, his expression still composed and stern. “Enhancing Han River’s defenses also enhances the security of your objective.”
Lu Changqing glanced at him but didn’t refute, instead pouring him a second cup of tea. “You came to discuss the Fire Fox matter?”
Seeing He Chen remain silent and thoughtful, he proactively spoke:
“Based on the evidence you gathered from clearing them out, overturning the case from three years ago might be difficult, but if used properly, it could at least force the He family to hand over one or two important people to take the fall.”
“One or two people are not enough to account for what happened three years ago.”
He Chen stared at the teacup.
“I know. It’s just a little interest.”
Lu Changqing saw He Chen’s silence and his mind stirred slightly. “Do you have concerns?”
“Is it Xiang Heng?”
He Chen tightly pursed his lips, then looked up at him. “How many informants have you planted around me, Senior Brother?”
“My people have all been openly vetted by you. I can guarantee that,” Lu Changqing answered calmly.
He Chen was noncommittal about his words.
After the events of three years ago, he had learned not to trust easily. One of his goals in meeting L was to probe their background through face-to-face conversation. Now, had he learned a little?
He Chen quickly scanned Lu Changqing’s face, then awkwardly shifted his gaze away.
“I’m not in a hurry for revenge. I could wait three years, and I can certainly wait longer,” He Chen said coolly, having calmed down.
He raised his cup and finished the tea, suppressing the anxiety and ferocity that flashed across his eyes when he thought of the hellish scene three years ago.
Lu Changqing saw that flicker of ferocity. His voice was calm and low. “It’s best that you think this way. Now is indeed not the optimal time.”
“Collusion between the military and bandits isn’t just the He family, and it didn’t start now. The Emperor hasn’t dealt with it, not because he is unaware.”
“But because his Chu family was also a beneficiary,” He Chen finished coldly.
The Imperial Chu family was originally one of the major warrior strongholds, just like the He family. He Chen was clear on this political landscape.
This was treasonous talk, but Lu Changqing didn’t stop He Chen, merely reinforcing a layer of mental barrier. “To seek justice from the He family, this single incident is not enough. It is also not the time for things to fall into chaos. But I promise, what I agreed to do for you will be done.”
“Is the key ‘insufficient evidence’ or ‘not the time for chaos’?” He Chen looked at Lu Changqing. This gaze was deep and sharp, no longer the student He Chen of the past, but the Commander He Chen of today.
His alloy fingers tightened around the teacup. “If it’s the former, may I ask, Senior Brother, if I had other evidence of the He family’s crimes, and only needed your help to open up channels of communication, would that be feasible?”
“What evidence?” Lu Changqing asked.
“I said ‘if’,” He Chen emphasized.
“Then I cannot answer,” Lu Changqing said, refilling his tea. “Without knowing what the evidence is or who it involves, I cannot help you. Star Capital’s forces are deeply entrenched. One wrong move and the whole game is lost. If I submit it for you, it might not be helping you, but harming you.”
He Chen frowned. His evidence was indeed highly sensitive. He had discovered clues during the Fire Lizard invasion years ago and had investigated Myster multiple times over three years, gathering significant evidence of the He family’s dealings with the Mysterians.
But there might be others behind the He family.
He Chen refused to tell Lu Changqing because of this concern. He didn’t know which other forces might be involved, including those behind Lu Changqing. Until he figured that out, he wouldn’t act rashly.
“Then I will wait until I truly find the evidence before telling Senior Brother,” he replied evasively.
Lu Changqing looked at him deeply. “Our goals are aligned. You can tell me—”
“Our goals have never been aligned,” He Chen’s sharp eyes lifted. “I want revenge; you care about the ore vein.”
“Senior Brother doesn’t need to play the emotional card with me. We are purely partners. Please remember, if I simply move a finger and send those coordinates to someone else, your grand plan will fall through.”
The warrior nobles deeply resented the “Zero” mecha. If they learned of the existence of this ore vein, they would surely devote all their efforts to destroying it.
But Lu Changqing didn’t seem anxious. “If my plan falls through, your revenge plan will also come to nothing.”
“Perhaps I’ll just give up and stop seeking revenge?”
“Then Leyan will eventually learn that you exchanged his father’s dying wish for wealth and glory.”
…Why bring up Leyan suddenly? He Chen was stunned, as if his spell had been interrupted.
“I know you want revenge,” Lu Changqing said unhurriedly, looking into He Chen’s eyes. “But the revenge you seek—is it merely breaking a small branch off your enemy, or uprooting them completely?”
He naturally—He Chen clenched his hand. He naturally wanted to do everything possible to make them pay a sufficient price.
“To truly achieve revenge, you must be calm, not impatient.”
“I am not impatient,” He Chen tightly pursed his lips.
He felt this “probing” session today was poor. He hadn’t probed anything from the other side, but he himself was nearly exposed.
He decisively changed direction. “Let’s not discuss the evidence for now. I have another simple request. Surely I can make that?”
“Speak.”
“I need to know who in the He family is contacting Xiang Heng, and what they are using to control and threaten him.”
“Is this what you truly wanted to discuss today?” Lu Changqing asked.
He Chen felt pierced by his gaze. Just as he was about to frown, he heard him ask, “Are you certain it is ‘control and threat’?”
“I am certain,” He Chen’s tone was firm, though his eyes lowered and his body was slightly tense.
“Understood,” Lu Changqing looked at him and answered softly. “I will investigate as soon as possible.”
Hmm? He Chen relaxed and looked up. He thought the conversation had been unpleasant, and Lu Changqing wouldn’t agree so easily.
“Regarding the rotation of garrison points, Chu Yunqi has interfered. What do you plan to do? I will cooperate,” He Chen offered in return.
“No special cooperation is needed. If anyone asks for your opinion in the next couple of days, just pick the best location you want.”
“Alright.” Although he didn’t understand the complexities involved, He Chen didn’t doubt his—or their—capability, and readily agreed.
“Then—” He Chen glanced at Lu Changqing and stood up. “Senior Brother, I’ll take my leave.”
This time, he proactively extended his hand, his expression calm.
He called him “Senior Brother,” but the person he faced was no longer the Senior Brother who made him feel guilty and ashamed, but merely a business partner.
Why should he feel guilty towards a business partner? He just felt a faint awkwardness. “After ten years apart, Senior Brother commands my respect.”
“Junior Brother also surprises me,” Lu Changqing said after shaking He Chen’s hand. “Tomorrow night at seven, are you free?”
“For what?” He Chen was puzzled.
“To treat you and Leyan to dinner.”
“No need,” He Chen refused. The white moonlight had turned black moonlight; he needed to maintain vigilance.
“We are fellow disciples; there’s no need to be polite.”
“If you were just Senior Brother, I wouldn’t be polite,” He Chen looked at Lu Changqing. “But you are L.”
Lu Changqing chewed on his words for a moment. “I am L, so?”
“So it’s better if we keep things clear. Once the cooperation is concluded, I hope we have no further entanglement.”
Whether it was the He family or the Lu family, in He Chen’s eyes they were the same. He didn’t want to participate in the games of these powerful elites.
Lu Changqing was silent for a moment. “No further entanglement? Have you asked Leyan’s opinion?”
…He Chen naturally had not.
“Tomorrow night at seven, where?” After only half a second of internal struggle, He Chen acted as if he hadn’t said the previous words, asking sensibly.
“I will send you the address.”
“Good,” He Chen said, pausing. “Thank you, Senior Brother, for looking after Leyan these past three years.”
He thought for a moment and then asked, “Does your care for Leyan have anything to do with our cooperation?”
“No,” Lu Changqing looked at him, his tone slightly serious for the first time since their meeting. “Leyan is Leyan. You and I are you and I.”
“It was small-minded of me,” He Chen met Lu Changqing’s gaze for a moment and apologized swiftly, though not sincerely.
He hoped Lu Changqing’s words were true, but he still didn’t trust easily.
He Chen started to walk out, but before leaving the door, he stopped and asked, “The clue to the ore vein—did you already know about it when the Han River base incident happened three years ago?”
“We had just tracked it down then. Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” He Chen said. “What about the He family’s collusion with space pirates? Did Senior Brother know about that even earlier?”
Lu Changqing subtly frowned for a moment. “Around the same time.”
Just as expected. He Chen fell silent, reaching for the doorknob.
“Why are you asking this?” Lu Changqing asked from behind him.
“No reason,” He Chen’s voice was calm. “I was just thinking that if I had known these things earlier, perhaps I wouldn’t have caused so many people to lose their lives.”
If he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have stumbled unprepared upon the He family’s transaction with the space pirates, wouldn’t have faced their combined assault, wouldn’t have fought back in anger, and wouldn’t have triggered that mining disaster during the fierce battle…
But he hadn’t known earlier.
“I didn’t know your stance then,” Lu Changqing said. At that time, he himself had just crossed a threshold and taken over these matters. Han River had already suffered the incident before he could take any action after receiving the intelligence.
“I know. I just blame myself for being slow-witted and failing to notice the anomaly,” He Chen said.
He truly didn’t blame Lu Changqing, nor could he. He was just struck by the sudden realization that L was someone he knew, and he thought, if only someone had warned him back then, just one word…
Lu Changqing looked at He Chen’s tall figure, which seemed to bear a thousand pounds of weight, frowning slightly. His voice was slow and heavy. “I regret the casualties at Han River.”
“Thank you,” He Chen said politely, his back to Lu Changqing, his face expressionless.
He was numb to words like “regret.” To any faction or high-ranking official, those casualties, those lives that were complaining about hard training, bad food, and firing Old Wang the cook one day, only to be buried deep underground the next, were just data points on their chessboard.
They might genuinely utter a word of “regret,” then stack it with other intelligence to see what value it could provide at what time.
He Chen didn’t know if Senior Brother Lu had also—or perhaps always been—such a person.
It didn’t matter if he was.
They were just partners, each taking what they needed.
He Chen suppressed the sudden, inexplicable emotion in his heart, stopped lingering, pushed open the door, took a long stride, and then paused—
“Brother.”
“Xiao Chen, you’re back?” He Siyuan was slightly surprised, but quickly reacted, walking towards He Chen. “When did you return? Why didn’t you tell the family?”
“I came back for the assessment and to bring Leyan for a check-up.”
“Leyan, where is he? What’s wrong with him?” He Siyuan frowned.
“Nothing, just a small check-up. I’m on my way to pick him up.” He Chen glanced at He Siyuan. “Why are you here, Brother? Are you feeling unwell?”
“Oh, no, I just asked Director Lu for a routine check-up.” He Siyuan smiled politely, giving Lu Changqing, who had just stepped out, a look that seemed only they could understand. “Director Lu, sorry for the interruption. My assistant told me to wait in the consultation room. I was just heading there.”
Lu Changqing nodded.
“Then you two carry on,” He Chen looked at Lu Changqing. “Farewell, Senior Brother.”
Senior Brother? He Siyuan’s pupils contracted slightly.
They were indeed alumni, but not every graduate of the Imperial First Military Academy could call Lu Changqing “Senior Brother” or meet him privately.
Was it because of He Leyan?
He Siyuan’s mind worked quickly. Seeing He Chen already moving to leave, he didn’t forget to instruct, “Pick up Leyan and come home first. I’ll notify the family.”
He Chen paused for a moment. “Alright.”
*
After contacting Ning Tian, He Chen found He Leyan, who was being showered with attention while… doing somersaults.
Seeing him, He Chen felt a wave of tenderness, truly relaxing and shedding his burdens for a moment.
He watched silently with a smile for a while, then looked around, found Wen Yi among the surrounding medical staff, and strode over.
“Commander He.” Noticing He Chen approaching, Wen Yi smiled at him. “Leyan has certainly learned a lot.”
Was he serious or joking? He Chen couldn’t quite tell, assuming Wen Yi was complimenting him. He smiled modestly and asked the crucial question. “Dr. Wen, how were Leyan’s check-up results?”
“Two indicators haven’t come back yet, but everything else is excellent.”
That was good. He Chen sighed in relief, turned to Ning Tian to retrieve something, and handed it to Wen Yi. “Dr. Wen, thank you for taking care of Leyan. He mentioned you like classical music, so I bought a set of records. I hope they are to your liking.”
Wen Yi was stunned. “Commander He, there’s no need for this. Previously, I already—”
“It’s just a small gift, from Leyan,” He Chen said.
Since that was the case, Wen Yi didn’t stand on ceremony and accepted the records. “Then thank you and Leyan.”
He glanced at He Leyan in the crowd, then looked back at He Chen. “Leyan seems much closer to Commander He.”
“He’s alright,” He Chen couldn’t help but let his lips curl up. “Dr. Wen, seeing that you are free tomorrow, I’ve booked an appointment with you for tomorrow afternoon.”
An appointment? “Is Commander He unwell?”
“My mental strength has been unstable recently. Dr. Shao Ying recommended I see you.”
“I can do that.” Wen Yi didn’t refuse, but as he watched He Chen walk towards He Leyan, he frowned belatedly: Leyan just mentioned that Daddy was treating his father?
Director Lu had already taken action, so why would he be needed? Moreover, Senior Brother Shao and he were of similar ability; there was no need to recommend He Chen go out of his way to see him.
As Wen Yi pondered, he was interrupted by a small figure rushing over. “Daddy Wen!”
“Good boy,” Wen Yi smiled and picked up He Leyan.
“Did you see me do somersaults?” He Leyan asked excitedly.
“I did,” Wen Yi’s smile widened. “You haven’t been idle these days.”
He certainly hadn’t. He was diligent, well-behaved, and obedient!
He Leyan hooked his arms around Wen Yi’s neck and pressed his small head against his shoulder. Just as he was about to say something, he heard a series of attention-grabbing “coughs.”
Wen Yi and He Leyan looked at He Chen simultaneously.
“Is Commander He catching a cold?” Wen Yi’s eyes held a smile.
He Leyan, unaware of the dangers of the world, slid down from Wen Yi and pressed his hand against He Chen’s back. It was cold to the touch. The “Little Dr. He” frowned. “You have a fever!”
[Not the cub, you’re touching alloy…]
[Don’t worry, it’s hard for a warrior to catch a cold. Your father is probably just suffering from a case of petty jealousy. Dog head.jpg]
The daily few minutes of live stream were on. Viewers seeing this couldn’t help but tease, while others were seriously fulfilling their “supervisory” duty:
[Caring for his father—looks like the cub is doing well in Han River?]
[He is doing well. Following Commander Dad, he learned real skills. He can do somersaults now.]
[Hahaha, that’s good too. Strengthens his physique.]
[Did they come back specifically for the check-up? When are they returning to Han River? *Cough*, not that coming back to Star Capital is bad, but we thought we’d see lots of muscular handsome guys when we tuned into Leyan’s stream. The previously leaked videos weren’t enough.]
[Gotta say, the Han River base might be poor and remote, but, from the cub’s dad down to the soldiers around the cub… does anyone understand me?]
The screen was flooded with [I understand!].
He Chen was unaware of the comments. He picked up He Leyan. “I don’t have a fever, but if you keep playing, you will.”
He felt He Leyan’s sweaty clothes. “Let’s go. The check-up is done. We’re going home.”
He paused slightly when he said “home,” but it wasn’t obvious, and He Leyan missed it.
“Is your treatment done too?” He Leyan asked.
He Chen nodded.
“Are you comfortable now?”
“Comfortable.” That single sentence was enough to make He Chen comfortable. Moreover, the cub was nestled obediently in his arms, his small hands hooked around his neck, just like they were hooked around Wen Yi’s earlier!
Hearing He Chen say “comfortable,” He Leyan was relieved—a relief that largely stemmed from his trust in “Daddy’s” ability.
“Then what about Daddy? Is he coming home with us?” he asked next.
How could he come along??
“Daddy is busy,” He Chen said.
“I can wait!”
“…I can’t,” He Chen felt complicated. “Daddy said you need to be obedient. He will eat dinner with you tomorrow night.”
He Leyan pursed his lips and looked at He Chen. “Really?”
“Lying makes you a puppy.”
Only then did He Leyan reluctantly and somewhat sadly nod. “I’ll be obedient.”
[So obedient…]
[But who is Daddy? Didn’t they say the cub’s dad is single?]
[He is single, but he has a fiancé.]
[Where is the fiancé? The engagement was broken off long ago.]
[Yes, the fiancé was from some noble family, a minor branch young master, I heard. Then they broke off the engagement for some reason.]
[What a loss! He missed out on our obedient Leyan cub.]
[The cub wasn’t born yet back then, hahaha. I wonder if that young master regrets it now.]
“Fang Wenzhuo, do you regret it?” In Elder Fang’s home, Fang Wensong, who was watching the live stream using his grandfather’s account, nudged his cousin from a minor branch.
“No regret,” Fang Wenzhuo glanced at the half-metal hand on the screen and looked away.
“What, is he ugly?”
Not ugly; he was handsome enough to make one jealous—Fang Wenzhuo didn’t like that. He preferred to be the dazzling one, the one being praised. Besides, “He is a criminal’s son.”
“So? Is he very fierce?” Fang Wensong asked curiously.
“Something like that,” Fang Wenzhuo didn’t want to say more. “Anyway, he won’t amount to anything.”
“And you will?” Fang Wensong raised an eyebrow at Fang Wenzhuo—no malice, just pure sarcasm.
Fang Wenzhuo swallowed his anger, considering he was the family head’s son. Elder Fang, however, scolded his grandson and then glanced at Fang Wenzhuo: Does a room of orchids necessarily produce fragrant people, and a fish market necessarily make people foul and unkind? In his opinion, not necessarily.
Judging people by appearance and breaking promises—the branch family had made a bad move.
Although he had only watched the live stream a few times, Elder Fang’s impression of He Chen was surprisingly good…
The live stream ended then. He Chen said goodbye to Wen Yi, carried He Leyan out of the Medical Institute, and looked at Ning Tian. “Together?”
“No need,” Ning Tian said coldly, opening the hovercar door for He Chen. “Goodbye.”
“Take a vacation. Don’t look so unhappy, like someone owes you money,” He Chen said.
“You forced me to take it,” Ning Tian replied coldly.
That was to protect his safety, lest he investigate blindly and cause trouble.
“Your brother is doing this for your own good,” He Chen snorted, waving his hand. “Get lost.”
Ning Tian said nothing, picked up his bag, and his expression softened slightly when he looked at He Leyan. “Leyan, goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Uncle Ning.” He Leyan greeted him, waited for Ning Tian to leave, and looked at He Chen. “You were impolite.”
“…He was impolite first.”
He Chen said, buckling the cub’s seatbelt. “I was wrong.”
His attitude was so good that He Leyan was momentarily confused and didn’t say anything more. Sensing the hovercar starting, he leaned against the window, his large eyes staring blankly at the Medical Institute outside.
He Chen felt uneasy, like a big villain. He stroked He Leyan’s soft hair and promised seriously, “I’ll bring you back tomorrow.”
He Leyan retracted his gaze—he was reluctant, but not that reluctant. Instead, he asked softly, “Where are we going now?”
“We’re going to—” He Chen started to speak, checked the time, and changed his mind. “To see someone.”
“See who?” He Leyan asked.
He Chen smiled. “Your brother.”
Who? He Leyan’s small brain stalled. “What brother?”
He Chen chuckled: A brother on the family register.
“His full name is He Moyan, but he doesn’t acknowledge that name. He prefers to be called Shadow. He’s much older than you, but not as sensible or obedient. He’s studying at Star Capital University. We’re going to give him a surprise.”
He Chen’s smile didn’t fade as he spoke.
He Leyan looked at his happy expression and suddenly, suddenly felt a little unhappy. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
*
As He Chen’s hovercar sped away from the Medical Institute, a piercing alarm sounded at the door of a special ward on the first floor.
Lu Changqing looked up from the live stream playback, rose, and quickly walked toward the ward area.
“Energy impact Level 2, gravitational constant fluctuation 0.5 points, brainwave topology predicts a 55% chance of riot!”
Someone followed behind Lu Changqing, reporting the monitoring data from the warning ward, but when Lu Changqing approached the door, everyone following stopped far away, watching with a mix of respect and awe as Lu Changqing unlocked the door alone and quickly stepped inside.
A few strands of violent energy leaked out, causing the crowd to instinctively step back. The isolation door, made of special material, quickly closed.
Inside and outside the door were two different worlds.
The light inside the door was dim, a special illumination provided for riot patients with sensory overload. The entire ward maintained this darkness, silence, and emptiness.
There was no furniture in the room except for a soft mat. Even the walls were soft and vaulted—this was actually a special material designed for energy redirection, with dense structural channels behind it to channel explosive mental energy into the resonant layer formed by the entire wall.
In the center of this special ward, on the soft mat, a middle-aged man with restraint rings on his hands and neck, disheveled hair, sat cross-legged. He opened his bloodshot eyes, looked at Lu Changqing, and suddenly smiled. “You’re here?”
Lu Changqing paused. “Did you do this on purpose?”
“I was too curious. I apologize, but I was simply too curious,” the middle-aged man said in a hoarse voice, then started laughing, the laughter seeming uncontrollable. The surrounding walls occasionally lit up with faint light.
Lu Changqing acted as if the invisible, chaotic attack didn’t exist. He walked closer, sat down cross-legged, and, separated by an automatically erected blue barrier between them, grasped the wires connected to the middle-aged man’s wrist and head. “Marshal Shen, allow me to remind you, treating a riot like a game, even a god can’t save you.”
“I know, Director Lu, I know. I won’t mess around. This interesting thing isn’t over yet; I can’t die,” the middle-aged man said, cooperating by taking deep breaths, seemingly trying to calm himself. But before a second passed, he suddenly leaned close to Lu Changqing, his bloodshot eyes wide. “Did you see your little lover?”
Lu Changqing paused, then said calmly, “I told you, he is my Junior Brother.”
“Fine, fine, Junior Brother. You haven’t gotten him yet, so he is indeed Junior Brother, and can only be Junior Brother,” the middle-aged man nodded rapidly.
“Can’t control your mouth? Should I give you two more doses of tranquilizer?” Lu Changqing raised his eyes faintly.
The middle-aged man shut up.
Lu Changqing closed his eyes. Whatever he did, the middle-aged man’s body jolted, and a look of intense pain crossed his face. A flash of pain also crossed Lu Changqing’s face.
Soon, the faint light that occasionally flashed on the walls disappeared. The middle-aged man’s nervously twitching body gradually calmed down, and the barrier separating the two automatically vanished.
About twenty minutes later, Lu Changqing opened his eyes, followed by the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man was much more normal.
“Thank you, Director Lu,” he said courteously.
Lu Changqing nodded, stood up, and seemed about to leave, but paused, turning back to the middle-aged man. “His state is not good. And he is not very happy.”
“Haha!” The middle-aged man’s courteous facade shattered, and he laughed wildly. “I knew you couldn’t resist! You still have to consult me!”
“Consulting me is the right thing to do.” Seeing Lu Changqing’s expression, the middle-aged man made an effort to control himself, slightly restraining his crazy talk. “Tell me, what’s wrong?”
“He—” Lu Changqing uttered one word, saw the middle-aged man’s face full of anticipation for a good show, and stopped.
“What about him?” the middle-aged man asked impatiently.
“What about him—”
“I thought about it, and I think it’s better to let you remain curious.”
Lu Changqing turned around calmly and mercilessly, walking out without hesitation.