The Law Of Virtual Body Energy And Its Medical Application: A New Paradigm For Diagnosis And Treatment Based On Virtual Reality Mapping Chapter 9
byThe Principles of the Role of Identity and Struggle in the Development of Things
The scent of green onions…
Qi Ruiqing was awakened by the fragrance.
The person who had been sharing his pillow was already gone, leaving only a rich aroma drifting through the cracks of the door. Qi Ruiqing climbed out of bed and sat slumped for a moment to clear his head, wondering who could possibly be so industrious this early in the morning.
Good morning. It was Shen Molin.
He was wearing an apron, standing before a row of condiments that were lined up as straight as soldiers in formation. He looked like a military drill instructor.
Did the sun rise from the west today? Qi Ruiqing rubbed his eyes, doubting he was actually awake.
Uh… let’s put those anomalies aside for now. Shen Molin brought over the final result of his labor. Taste this first.
Who would dare taste it? I didn’t see your preparation process; who knows if you extracted some chemical components from plastic products or kitchen waste to knead this scallion pancake… Hmm, it actually smells quite good.
I’ll go wash up first.
Qi Ruiqing bypassed him and walked into the bathroom. He grabbed his toothbrush, squeezed out the toothpaste, and filled a cup with water. When he looked up, Shen Molin had appeared behind him in the mirror like a ghost.
I followed an online tutorial. I didn’t create it from scratch.
Qi Ruiqing’s mouth was full of foam as he squinted at him sleepily.
I was too bored. The things in my head are old and stale. If I don’t come into contact with something new, I feel like I won’t be myself anymore.
It’s only been three days, Qi Ruiqing said as he rinsed his mouth.
Three days is a long time… besides, the internet provides many things that can’t be found in The Library. Other people’s experiences, descriptions, and insights are far more interesting than ordinary recipes. You said last time that the things I made were tasteless; that was because the descriptions in books were insufficient. But with the help of big data, I won’t make that kind of mistake again…
Hand me a disposable towel, Qi Ruiqing said, reaching out.
Oh… Shen Molin obediently handed it to him, then continued his rambling. I know, it’s only been three days, but you’ve looked through a lot of information in these three days and haven’t found a way to turn me back to normal. I still maintain a reserved attitude, believing that since this phenomenon exists, it is irreversible…
Cold water splashed against his face, washing away the sleepiness and haze. Qi Ruiqing looked up, staring through his wet face at Shen Molin’s reflection in the mirror.
Do you like the way you are now?
Uh… Shen Molin was caught off guard. I… maybe?
Oh, Qi Ruiqing said, wiping his face dry. Fine.
He tossed the disposable towel into the trash can by Shen Molin’s feet and brushed past him to walk out.
I—I mean I’ve gotten used to being like this. After all, I’ve been like this since the beginning of my memories, Shen Molin said anxiously, following close behind Qi Ruiqing to explain himself. But everything must be treated with a dialectical attitude. On one hand, I understand that this body is not in a state of health in the narrow sense…
Help me pour some water. Qi Ruiqing pointed to the thermos. Is there hot water?
Yes. 112.75 milliliters of dihydrogen monoxide at 45 degrees Celsius. Is that acceptable?
…Next time, just say warm water.
Oh, right. Seeing him sit down, Shen Molin pulled up a stool and sat close beside him.
He leaned his hands on the table as if holding a morning briefing: Continuing from before, on the other hand, my mind identifies my body as being in a normal state, capable of performing normal physiological activities. When I said I liked it, I didn’t mean ‘like’ in that sense. I meant… wait, be careful, it’s hot.
Shen Molin snatched the plate away, staring at the scallion pancake with a silent, intimidating intensity until the pancake cooled down by half.
55.5 degrees Celsius. It’s ready.
He even thoughtfully aligned the chopsticks before handing them to Qi Ruiqing.
Eat.
Meeting his expectant gaze, Qi Ruiqing’s heart eventually softened.
The scallion pancake actually looked quite good. If one were to pull up the tutorial on a phone, it would look almost identical to the picture. In a place Qi Ruiqing didn’t see, Shen Molin had analyzed and calculated every sign in the video, converting terms like “a spoonful,” “a pinch,” and “the right amount” into precise numerical values.
Mmm…
How is it? Shen Molin leaned in nervously.
Mmm…
How is it, how is it?
Mmm…
Qi Ruiqing looked up and asked, Did you taste it yourself?
I didn’t… Shen Molin rubbed his hands awkwardly. Qi Ruiqing had never seen him so desperate for validation. Is it not good?
No, the taste is surprisingly normal. Qi Ruiqing took another bite, feeling the rich aroma of egg and scallion blending into the warm, soft dough.
I wanted it to be delicious! Shen Molin said seriously.
Oh, you have quite high standards.
Because the tutorial said these were ‘Delicious Scallion Pancakes.’
Qi Ruiqing pressed a hand to his forehead.
This guy clearly wasn’t like this in front of others.
Before he knew Shen Molin, the guy was famous in their major for being eccentric. The university required freshmen to live on campus and participate in military training during their first semester, but this guy had somehow used a back door. Not only did he sit on the sidelines barely touching the sun, but he later moved directly into the faculty dormitory.
I heard he has some kind of illness.
What illness? His mother is a supervisor at this school!
Qi Ruiqing had been making instant noodles at the time, biting his fork as he lazily glanced at his gossiping roommates.
The second time he became famous was when a senior sister saw him in the 24-hour study hall around midnight. Struck by his beauty, she took a surreptitious photo and posted it on the campus wall.
Someone find out who this cold-faced handsome guy is. Even a Gaussian-blurred photo couldn’t hide Shen Molin’s temperament.
Cold-faced handsome guy? Isn’t that Jiahao? A roommate showed his phone to Qi Ruiqing.
Qi Ruiqing looked at it for a few moments, scratched his head, and said nothing.
If it had ended there, being studious and handsome wouldn’t have been an issue; not living in the dorms could even be seen as being considerate of others. But during lab class, what was with that abstract attitude of looking down his nose at everyone?
A reminder. Shen Molin’s WeChat profile picture was a cat brainstorming in front of a computer, quite a contrast. Please ensure all three of you attend the group experiment on time tomorrow. Do not be late.
Qi Ruiqing was unfortunately assigned to Shen Molin’s four-person group. Even more tragically, the other two members of the group were both late on the first day because they “overslept.”
During the half-hour they were late, Qi Ruiqing broke into a cold sweat listening to Shen Molin’s relentless stream of cold mockery.
He eventually couldn’t help but say a few words for them: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
And then he was marked by Shen Molin.
Everyone has the chance to make mistakes, but those who view these faults as normal phenomena are merely unmotivated fools. Shen Molin stood with his hands on his hips, sneering at Qi Ruiqing. It seems my group members are all ‘impurities’ who are careless about details and full of misplaced mercy.
Qi Ruiqing later found out those two guys had been late on purpose; they just wanted to annoy this arrogant guy, Shen Molin.
If he gets anxious and his fur stands on end, it’s his life that’s shortened. We get our beauty sleep and enjoy our own good fortune.
That was a bit much; they were a group, after all.
Qi Ruiqing, a simple boy from the countryside, was afraid of causing a bigger conflict, so he apologized to Shen Molin in private on their behalf.
Did they send you? Shen Molin didn’t look at him, just kept his head down writing notes. His handwriting wasn’t as arrogant as his personality; it was actually quite elegant.
No. Qi Ruiqing looked at his profile and felt a strange, different kind of emotion stir within him.
Why do you keep looking at me? Shen Molin demanded as soon as he noticed.
…Oh, I mistook you for someone else.
There were only the two of them in the classroom. Qi Ruiqing listened to the smooth sound of Shen Molin’s pen on the paper. He didn’t understand why someone with such power, status, and wealth would work harder than a small-town test-grinder like himself.
To climb out of the mountains to see the world and enjoy things never experienced before—wasn’t that the meaning of university?
…Because I have to finish five years of undergraduate material in three years.
Why? Qi Ruiqing was shocked.
There was no answer. He only saw Shen Molin grip the black pen tightly, the ink bleeding into an ugly black spot on the paper.
Next lab class, tell them to come early. Don’t waste everyone’s time.
Shen Molin did indeed manage to complete the entire university curriculum in half the time. His name was unquestionably placed on the list for the research department, which allowed him to bury himself in the laboratory for the remaining two years without worry.
But… perhaps people who are always harboring silent anger really do have shorter lives.
Qi Ruiqing, you are so obsessed with curing me because you prefer the old me, right? The current Shen Molin was just the current Shen Molin. That green youth and that familiar feeling… something had changed.
…I just hope to make up for some of my mistakes, that’s all. Qi Ruiqing swallowed the last piece of the pancake. Thank you for making breakfast. It was delicious.
So why aren’t you drinking the milk? I warmed it up.
Oh, because you’re lactose intolerant. After being with you for so long, I stopped drinking it in the morning too.
It doesn’t matter now. Shen Molin began to show off, his eyes bright. I can eat anything now. Look, you don’t even have to wash the dishes…
He really was different…
It makes me uncomfortable. Qi Ruiqing picked up the plate and walked toward the kitchen. I should still wash it.
Wait, Qi Ruiqing, Shen Molin suddenly called out to him. It seems…
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound of the door made them both stop. After all…
Who would be knocking so urgently at this time?
Do you have… Shen Molin looked at the dazed Qi Ruiqing, his expression becoming serious.
Qi Ruiqing shook his head and put the things down.
He pointed toward the door, his eyes asking Shen Molin: Can you tell who it is?
Rapid breathing, tight knocking—the person is in a hurry. There was a brief hesitation before knocking, but the footsteps came directly from the hallway to the door—the person knows you. The breathing is light, and based on the height of the knocking, it should be an adult female…
Knock, knock, knock! Knock, knock, knock!
Hide! Qi Ruiqing waved him away. I’ll open the door.
Shen Molin frowned, his expression worried.
I probably know who it is. Don’t worry.
There weren’t many female friends who were close to him and knew his address. Qi Ruiqing could only think of two. The assistant girl should be on the morning shift right now, so there was only one person it could be.
Shen Molin had taken advanced courses, and through them, he had met quite a few upperclassmen. Qi Ruiqing had followed along and benefited quite a bit.
This senior sister was how Qi Ruiqing had met…
And on the day of the disaster, she was the one who had held Qi Ruiqing and led him out of the collapse zone.
She was also the one who insisted that “Shen Molin caused all of this.”
Qi Ruiqing really didn’t know what attitude to take toward her.
Senior Sister… why are you here?
I… the senior sister paused. I was worried about you. I came to check on you.
Her gaze bypassed Qi Ruiqing to scan the room. This behavior made Qi Ruiqing even more certain that her purpose wasn’t just a “visit.”
You’ve been home alone for so many days without contacting me. I was afraid something happened to you. She took a step forward. Can I come in?
I can’t refuse. I can’t alert her. Qi Ruiqing glanced at Shen Molin, who was standing against the wall, thinking that Shen Molin had already turned invisible anyway.
Have you been volunteering?
Yes, Qi Ruiqing sat on the side of the sofa near Shen Molin, facing the senior sister. I went for a few days. But since that incident in the West District, I’ve been at home waiting for further notice.
Oh… how are you feeling now?
Qi Ruiqing didn’t know what she meant: did “feeling” refer to his grief for Shen Molin, or was it an allusion to something else?
Well, although it’s tiring and hard work, keeping busy stops me from thinking too much…
Then, have you seen Shen Molin?
This abrupt question clearly shouldn’t have been asked here. Qi Ruiqing looked up sharply and saw a strange emotion in her eyes.
Why are you asking that? he countered.
After all… it’s just… she was momentarily at a loss for words, seemingly realizing she had been too forward.
Qi Ruiqing, don’t be nervous. I’m just asking. You’ve been depressed because you can’t move out of the shadow of losing him; that’s why I recommended you to be a volunteer. I hope you can face reality and recover from the disaster.
Qi Ruiqing felt a chill on his back; it was Shen Molin staring at him as if examining him.
I’ve already recovered. Thank you, Senior Sister…
So, Qi Ruiqing, you’ve realized it, right? He’s dead. The dead cannot be brought back to life. Even if he were really still alive, he would just be a mindless monster.
What was she saying?
What was she saying: This disaster was terrible and without warning! Countless people were affected by the explosion; he wasn’t the only one who died. We all have to face this cruel reality.
What else was she saying: The experts said the Restricted Zone is dangerous, emotions are dangerous, and those Aberrations are dangerous too! I’m worried about you. All I want is for you to face reality and break free from the disaster. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt…
But from her words, he only heard three words: He deserves death!
She was clearly just a parrot accustomed to a pampered life, having learned a few phrases like “move forward” and “it’s okay” to put on airs, reciting her self-righteousness to everyone regardless of the occasion!
Senior Sister.
Qi Ruiqing lowered his head, his voice trembling with hidden anger, pain, and immense loathing.
He interrupted her, asking coldly and mockingly without mercy: Do you think you are very kind?
Do you want me to see his distorted corpse, understand that everyone has their fate, and then kowtow to thank fate for sparing me while I give up on him completely?
Qi Ruiqing… Shen Molin seemed to call him softly.
Or do you want me to watch Shen Molin be shot down by a gun just a few steps away, and then tell me over and over again that he got what he deserved?
I thank you for saving my life. Qi Ruiqing simply stood up. But you really have no right to criticize him in front of me.
I wasn’t criticizing…
You should leave. Aren’t you leaving yet?
Qi Ruiqing stood up and opened the door to see her out. I don’t want to see you.
Shen Molin kept calling him: Qi Ruiqing, you need to calm down.
But how could Qi Ruiqing be calm?
The person in front of him was the villain who had defiled Shen Molin’s reputation!
Yes… it was also her who had prevented him from saving Shen Molin. If she hadn’t made him run away, he might have been able to save Shen Molin!!
She was a murderer, a killer. She was the one who should have died!!!
Qi Ruiqing!
On the phone screen, in that enlarged photo… the senior sister held the phone up to Qi Ruiqing’s face, letting him see the evidence she held.
Qi Ruiqing, where are you hiding Shen Molin?
In the photo, from yesterday, under that tree, in the crowd—that figure standing beside him with his head turned toward him—was currently standing behind the senior sister, looking at Qi Ruiqing.
He shouldn’t be here. You shouldn’t have brought him back.
The senior sister’s face was dark and serious, her tone stern and unyielding. You can’t be sure he’s harmless to others. He was so close to the center of the explosion; it’s impossible for him not to be affected!
You can’t treat the safety of others as a joke!
Qi Ruiqing remained silent.
Qi Ruiqing, where is he? Tell me. Let him go where he belongs, otherwise…
Otherwise?
With a cold laugh, a hand suddenly twisted the senior sister’s arm, coiling up like a snake. The immense force almost caused the bones and tendons to dislocate and snap. Those crimson eyes slowly moved from the phone to look at the struggling prey.
Qi Ruiqing!
A hand pushed the senior sister aside and rushed forward to grab Qi Ruiqing’s shoulder firmly. He was pulled into a broad embrace, enveloped by a pair of wings and sinking into a gentle hold.
Don’t do this.
Something was drained from his body. He suddenly became weak and had to let go, collapsing completely into the embrace.
Shen Molin… he called his name.
Shen Molin? You’re Shen Molin?!
The senior sister’s voice was full of shock and confusion. Shen Molin looked back at her and narrowed his eyes.
The senior sister’s dislocated right hand immediately recovered.
I have no ill intent, and Qi Ruiqing is just emotionally agitated. Shen Molin held Qi Ruiqing and closed the door, appearing calmer than the senior sister could have imagined. By rights, I should also call you Senior Sister, correct?
Yes…
May I ask, was your purpose in coming here to find me, who left the Restricted Zone to blend into the crowd?
…Yes.
Then, don’t cause trouble for Qi Ruiqing.
The senior sister was speechless. Her eyes, filled with wonder and fear, scanned the familiar yet strange face before her. Ultimately, she couldn’t accept that this winged monster was the resurrected Shen Molin.
Did you… did you die?
Yes.
Then how are you standing here?
Because of some scientific laws.
When facing someone he didn’t like, Shen Molin wouldn’t waste words explaining.
But… but…
You can’t accept it. You still think I’m a monster, right?
The senior sister nodded hesitantly.
I respect your judgment, but I cannot accept unreasonable, tyrannical rules. Shen Molin shifted Qi Ruiqing slightly on his shoulder. For example, taking me to those incompetent fools to be quarantined and experimented on, or returning to the battlefield to fight against thermal weapons.
As you can see, I still have my reason, and I have no major physical mutations or distortions. I can also promise that I will not cause any form of harm to any ordinary person around me, nor will I ever willfully infringe upon the interests of others. Shen Molin asked in a negotiating tone, If I make such a promise, can you accept me living in society?
But you have mutated after all. You’re a monster. You’ve made a promise, but sometimes you won’t be able to control yourself…
What made me like this was curiosity and reason, not uncontrollable emotions.
But the experts said…
Shen Molin gave a disdainful sneer. Experts? I am the expert.
The senior sister wanted to say more.
But in Shen Molin’s arms, Qi Ruiqing’s weak plea made it difficult for her to speak:
Don’t go… don’t leave me alone…
I’m not going, but I need to have a private discussion with this… Shen Molin thought for a moment, ‘old acquaintance.’
Regarding my future.
…
Qi Ruiqing didn’t know when the senior sister left; he didn’t know what they talked about or for how long.
After a long, deep sleep, a desolate day passed. Accompanied by a migraine, Qi Ruiqing sat up in bed once again, staring blankly at the night sky and the patrolling searchlights outside the window.
Shen Molin leaned against the windowsill, just watching him without saying a word.
The night wind coolly blew the feathers and hair at his temples. His long wings were confined within the room, their brown feathers rendered even darker by the environment.
Shen Molin… Qi Ruiqing’s heart felt inexplicably panicked. What did you two talk about?
…She won’t expose me, and I didn’t do anything to her.
That was a good ending. Qi Ruiqing breathed a sigh of relief.
But… I really do have to go back.
His heart seemed to stop beating. Qi Ruiqing scrambled out of bed and grabbed Shen Molin’s hand.
Why? Didn’t you say she won’t report us? As long as we aren’t discovered by anyone else, won’t it be fine? Why do you have to go?
Shen Molin waited quietly for him to finish his questions.
Because I’ve reached a conclusion from you and that senior sister: individuals affected by that shockwave may not show physical mutations for now, but their Ethereal Entities are actually showing signs of instability.
She, because she pulled you away and failed to save me, felt pain, and thus convinced herself I was a criminal to reduce the guilt in her own heart. And you…
His hand gently rested on Qi Ruiqing’s head. You are obsessed with me.
You were very dangerous this morning. If I hadn’t intervened in time, you would have already undergone Aberration.
Qi Ruiqing could no longer clearly remember the events of the morning. He only knew that he had been very angry—so angry he wanted to kill someone to silence them.
According to the Third Law, I can be considered a negative factor affecting your health.
But can’t you control me? Qi Ruiqing pleaded.
But that is ultimately just a remedy.
He looked out toward the distance again—toward the freedom his biology yearned for.
There are still mysteries there. Shen Molin’s gaze held a desire that neither electricity, nor oil, nor humans could satisfy. Something is calling out to me, telling me that I am the only one who can answer all of this.
But that place is a broken, bloody disaster zone.
It is also the cradle that birthed me.
Qi Ruiqing knelt weakly on the floor, a sense of defeat weighing on him like the stone slab that had fallen on Shen Molin. He couldn’t lift it, and he wasn’t willing to let go.
…I can’t save you, Shen Molin. He said, Go then. It’s better for both of us.
I’ll come back to see you, Shen Molin said.
…Every day?
Fine.
It still wasn’t enough. What Qi Ruiqing wanted was every minute, every second, to be by his side.
Then go… but he could only condemn his own greed and say, I’m tired.
I’ll carry you back to bed.
No need. Just go…
He gave Shen Molin a forceful push.
Shen Molin took the opportunity to leap out of the window, taking flight.
Then I’m going.
Qi Ruiqing didn’t want to speak.
Goodnight.
The sound of wings beating the air gradually faded. Shen Molin was really gone.
Just like that day.
Every day was like that day.
Qi Ruiqing was alone once again. He didn’t understand why.
Clearly, he hadn’t mentioned that incident. Clearly, they had no conflict. Why did Shen Molin still leave?
Society, laws, regulations, human relations… what exactly was obstructing them? What was standing in their way?!
Why… why…
Why do you always have to leave me bruised and battered just when I love you the most…
Why…
Qi Ruiqing hugged himself, but the wind kept finding its way in. He was cold, so cold. It was as if his energy had drained away with Shen Molin’s departure…
He tilted his head, staring blankly at the shifting light and shadows on the floor, not understanding why the world was gradually collapsing and deforming.
He was clearly miserable, yet his mind was strangely still. He was lost and despondent, forgetting that he should control his body to crawl back and sleep.
But the body… what was the body? What were these chunks of meat? So much flesh, throbbing flesh… so disgusting…
So disgusting… so disgusting…
He was going to break.
Will Shen Molin see my corpse when he comes back? But will he even come back?
Shen Molin… come back quickly…
Quickly… save me…
Qi Ruiqing.
He clearly heard something land on the windowsill behind him. He heard the quiver of feathers and someone’s rapid breathing.
The disgust and pain vanished instantly. Qi Ruiqing turned back in surprise, looking at the returned Shen Molin.
Shen Molin! Shen Molin!
Yes, yes.
He really came back!
Shen Molin, take me with you! Qi Ruiqing urgently made his request. I don’t want to care about anything anymore. Take me with you!
But that would be selfish. Shen Molin looked down at him with a smile, the moon and the lights casting a cunning shadow.
Let’s be selfish for once!
He waited for Shen Molin, believing he would surely agree.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come back.
Qi Ruiqing, I have a plan—a study regarding the black hole at the center of the explosion, something that concerns the fate of the entire city.
Shen Molin reached out his hand to him, just as he had the first time he had invited Qi Ruiqing to join his research project.
Are you willing to be my partner—my only, indispensable, personal partner?
I am!
Qi Ruiqing grabbed his hand and threw himself into his embrace.
Then, let’s go.
The soft down of his eyelashes brushed against the wet skin beneath Qi Ruiqing’s eyes as he picked him up steadily.
Together.