Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden realisation – the hospital had punished them from entering the instances for a whole month. How was this going to work out?


    “Smiley, what’s Lu Xu up to now?” Zhou Xiao Zhen casually asked, her fingers dancing on her phone. “He’s got you all worked up.”


    “He wants to connect me with clients,” Yu Xiao explained the deal and asked, “What do you think?”


    “If there’s a prop in the mix, count me in!” Zhou Xiao Zhen eagerly chimed in. “That belt from the hanging ghost sounds intriguing. Who knows, it might be even better after an upgrade.”


    “I’m also inclined to go ahead with this deal,” Misty added, her curiosity sparked by the prop but with a hint of caution. “While our skills are decent, we lack experience in certain instances. So, I’m a bit wary.”


    This concern weighed on Yu Xiao too. “Lu Xu suggested teaming up, but they’ll need talismans.”


    “How many?” Zhou Xiao Zhen inquired.


    “Twenty.”


    “Wow… that’s quite a number,” Zhou Xiao Zhen reacted. “It might have been manageable before, but now, Smiley, your stash of yellow talisman paper is running low. We’ll have to buy them from the mall, which will hike up the costs.”


    “Actually… there’s one more option,” Yu Xiao proposed. “What do you think about having ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ join us?”


    “Could it really be that big shot from One Hospital?!” exclaimed Zhou Xiao Zhen, unable to believe what she was hearing.


    “Isn’t he supposed to stay away from dungeons for a month?” pointed out Zhao Lan.


    “Yeah… ” Yu Xiao bit her lip, “Should we delay our deal, then?”


    “Let’s table that thought. Our main priority should be stability. There will always be more opportunities for us. We might even come across better ones,” suggested Zhao Lan with a hint of excitement. “For now, it’s crucial to connect with ‘Wide Sea and Sky’. Establishing a relationship with him and gathering information about the hospital could be extremely valuable.”


    “Sounds like a plan,” Yu Xiao agreed, reaching for her trusty Nokia phone. “I’ll give him a call right now.”


    “I really hope I can live another five hundred years~…”


    “…Who’s interrupting me this time?” Yu Xiao was momentarily speechless as she looked at her phone, which displayed an unknown number. She wondered if it could be someone from the Health Bureau.


    With that thought in mind, she decided to answer the call. “Hello? Who is this?”


    “It’s me, your ‘Pal~’,” greeted a familiar, alluring, yet slightly eerie voice from the other end of the line. “It’s only been a day, and you’re already forgetting my voice?”


    “…”


    Yu Xiao’s face drained of colour, causing Zhao Lan to furrow her eyebrows in concern. “Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”


    Curiosity sparked in Zhou Xiao Zhen’s eyes as she tilted her head. “Who’s on the line? Please tell me it’s not those Medical Disputes folks finding out about Smiley’s latest pranks.”


    A strained chuckle escaped Yu Xiao as she clutched the phone tighter. “Mr. Gluttony,” she confessed, her laugh hollow. “Funny, I was just about to call you, and here you are calling me.”


    “Well, that’s what friends are for, right? Whether I’m ahead or you are, it’s all good,” Gluttony’s warm and jovial voice oozed through the speaker. “I always knew you had my back. Forget about Mr. Wang’s nonsense; the man’s a walking joke.”


    Yu Xiao dabbed at her brow, pretending to be nonchalant. “Mr. Wang is always spewing rubbish!” She probed with feigned ease, “By the way, how did you even get my number? It’s not exactly public information.”


    Gluttony chuckled, the sound rumbling through the line with an ASMR worthy feel. “Well, I was at sixes and sevens about who to ask, but then Qing Shi from Sage Hospital just up and sent it to me. He’s part of your circle, right?”


    A sly grin twisted Yu Xiao’s lips, though her teeth were practically grinding. “Hehe, that’s classic Qing Shi. Yep, he’s part of the gang. I’ve got a bunch of doctors and NPC buddies on my side.”


    Gluttony’s joy was palpable. “That’s rare. Most people can’t stand NPCs.”


    Pride could be heard in Yu Xiao’s words. “Well, I’m the odd one out. My better half is an NPC, so there’s no room for animosity here.”


    Taking advantage of Gluttony’s buoyant mood, Yu Xiao continued. “So, buddy, was this just a casual chat, or is there more to your call?”


    “Allow me to present the main course, my dear, a tantalising dish for us to savour,” revealed Gluttony with a touch of charm befitting a gentleman.


    “Hm?”


    “For what feels like an eternity, I’ve been confined to the basement, yearning for a change of scenery. The desire for freedom has been eating away at me, but unfortunately, my social circle is lacking, and the job market has not been kind,” Gluttony’s voice, a blend of allure and softness, filled her ear.


    “… Considering that you hold a position of influence at St. Elizabeth Hospital, I couldn’t help but entertain the thought of taking on the role of the attending physician. It offers both novelty and the comfort of familiar faces. Care to indulge me, my dear friend?”


    Yu Xiao closed her eyes briefly, contemplating. ‘Ah, I understand now. You have your sights set on my position at St. Elizabeth!’ She took a deep breath, gathering herself before responding, “Well, well, well. I am fully supportive, without a doubt. However, you do know that George currently serves as the attending doctor at St. Elizabeth, right? And as much as I may be the boss, I do not have the authority to hire or fire attending doctors.”


    “Understood, my dear lady, I am well aware of the protocol,” Gluttony replied mischievously. “Although the Dean may not possess the ultimate power to appoint attending physicians, should a vacancy arise, the higher-ups tend to listen to the Dean’s suggestion for a suitable replacement.”


    “Is that so? That’s news to me,” Yu Xiao feigned innocence. “But as of now, the position of attending doctor at St. Elizabeth is already filled.”


    “I’ve got it,” mused Gluttony, his words slithering like snakes. “I could make a meal of George, and voila, a vacancy for the attending doctor’s spot.”


    Yu Xiao’s breath hitched, her heart skipping a beat. ‘You can’t be serious!’


    A pause hung heavy in the air, her thoughts a tangled mess.


    “Why the sudden quiet, my friend?” prodded Gluttony. “Doesn’t my recipe appeal to your taste?”


    “I…” Her reply was a mere morsel, barely escaping her lips.


    “What did he say?” Zhou Xiao Zhen’s voice trembled with concern. “Why do you look scared?”


    Zhao Lan shared the worry but chose to remain silent, only listening to the conversation until Smiley finished the call.


    Yu Xiao weighed her words. “It’s not so simple, Gluttony. George isn’t just some snack.”


    “Heh, have faith,” his laughter was rich and full-bodied. “He isn’t even an appetiser before the main course.”


    “But eating the attending doctor is illegal; we’ll be caught,” voiced Yu Xiao, expressing her apprehension. “I’m hesitant, I’m afraid.”


    “Fret not, leave the worrying to me; just play dumb,” reassured Gluttony with a touch of compassion. “When it’s time to serve up the new attending doctor, simply put my name in the ring.”


    “In that case…” Yu Xiao, cornered, saw the inevitable. “Alright, consider your dish ordered.”


    Gluttony chuckled, “Alright, then it’s settled.”


    After the call ended, Yu Xiao glanced around in a daze.


    “And?” Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen stood on either side of Yu Xiao, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. “How did he get your number? What did he say? Was it a threat?”


    “He…” Yu Xiao massaged her temples, “He’s aiming for the attending doctor role at St. Elizabeth’s.”


    “What?” Zhou Xiao Zhen furrowed her brow in confusion. “But what about George?”


    “He said he wants to eat George.”


    “Oh, my…” Even Zhao Lan, known for her composure, was momentarily speechless. “He… he’s ruthless.”


    “We can’t let him take over at St. Elizabeth’s!” Yu Xiao’s gaze hardened as she smacked the bed for emphasis.


    “Wow,” Zhou Xiao Zhen’s eyes sparkled with an odd excitement. “Even though you’re always at odds with George, you’re still his defender in the end.”


    “Defender? Ha,” Yu Xiao let out a resigned sigh, “George is as clueless as they come; he couldn’t outwit me at St. Elizabeth’s. Gluttony, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Who knows what chaos he’ll unleash at St. Elizabeth’s? Will I end up on the menu?”


    (tn: poor George, Smiley considers you dumb enough to keep XD)


    Zhao Lan arched an eyebrow, her voice steady. “What’s your play here? Gluttony’s shadow might just creep back if you waver now.”


    With a blend of determination and grace, Yu Xiao sprang to her feet. Her voice echoed slightly in the sterile room as she declared, “I won’t give him the satisfaction,” She decisively clapped her hands together and added, “Off to find George.”


    **


    George had bounced back from his injuries, diving headfirst into the daily grind. However, his wallet felt the pinch of a recent pay cut, souring his mood——something that hadn’t seen much sunshine since ‘she’ took over.


    In the canteen, George sought refuge in comfort food, knowing Tie Niu always whipped up something tasty. “A bite to lift the spirits,” he thought.


    Tie Niu shook his head. “This dish? A tribute to the Dean.”


    George’s frown deepened. “She’s not like us; she won’t touch this stuff.”


    Tie Niu stood his ground. “The meat here are hers to command, not for handouts.” Sёar?h the n??el Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George’s eyes narrowed, a hint of threat creeping in. “Are you trying to start something?”


    Tie Niu took a step back, knowing George had the upper hand.


    “George!” Suddenly, the canteen was alive with Yu Xiao’s voice. “Found you!”


    George tensed, and Tie Niu’s eyes sparked with defiance, standing firm. “Not a scrap for you.”


    Dressed sharp in a white coat, Yu Xiao strolled over. “Having a little chat?”


    Tie Niu stayed quiet, while George, clearly not thrilled to see Yu Xiao, turned to leave without a word.


    “Hold up,” Yu Xiao said, a playful smirk on her lips. “Let’s chat in your den—I mean, office. Got some business.”


    As Yu Xiao headed out, Tie Niu jumped in, “Dean, the pan-fried heart’s ready. Would you like a bite?”


    Yu Xiao’s brow furrowed. Internally, she wondered, ‘How could I stomach that?’ But nodding to Tie Niu’s goodwill, she replied, “No thanks. George can have it.”


    A subtle tension lingered between George and Tie Niu as their dynamic subtly shifted. Tie Niu deflated like a punctured balloon, while George, for some reason, couldn’t help but smirk.


    Inside George’s office, a spread of delicious dishes awaited him. With rare curiosity, he asked, “What’s on your mind? Why not chat in your office?”


    Yu Xiao smirked back. “Oh, you know, my office’s vibes. But this is about you, so here we are.”


    As George, meticulously dissected his meal with surgical precision, he prompted, “Out with it then.”


    “Let’s not ruin your meal,” Yu Xiao said warmly. “I can wait.”


    One eyebrow cocked, George peered at her over his gold-rimmed glasses. “Alright, what is this about?”


    “Alright, here it is. Ever heard of Gluttony?”


    George’s poised dining etiquette faltered as his utensils were momentarily suspended mid-air. With a sinister edge, his mouth twitched upwards as he responded, “Yes, I heard the name on the news this morning. Is he targeting you?”


    “Yep,” confirmed Yu Xiao. “Guess why.”


    “Tell me.”


    “He’s eyeing the attending doctor position at Saint Elizabeth’s.”


    “…Not happening!” George’s composure cracked, his face now tinged with annoyance. “Ridiculous! That spot’s mine!”


    “But he thinks by gobbling you up, he’ll nab it,” said Yu Xiao earnestly. “Is there any truth to that?”


    A heavy silence fell.


    “Despite you blaming me all the time, I still lean towards you,” Yu Xiao said, patting George’s shoulder. “I don’t want you ending up as a snack. I want you to stay as the attending doctor. I’m sentimental, and I don’t let go easily. So, when I heard about his plans, I rushed to tell you first.”


    For a moment, George’s heart stirred. He’d always thought there was no love lost between them. But now, his certainty wavered.


    Standing before him, the Dean held the power of Gluttony at her fingertips and could effortlessly remove him from her path. But she refrained. Instead, she came to deliver a message.


    A dash of sourness with a sprinkle of shame stirred up George’s usually chill heart. Regret crashed over him for his past misjudgments, realising he had underestimated the Dean—this unexpected ally—as a mere annoyance.


    “Maybe get ready in advance?” suggested Yu Xiao, genuinely concerned. She didn’t want Gluttony taking over at Saint Elizabeth’s and was fully behind George. “Need a hand?”


    “No, thanks,” George replied, determination in his eyes. “I got this.”


    “Alright then,” Yu Xiao said, pushing her chair back. “Just dropped by to give you a heads-up. Since you’re good, I’ll catch you later.”


    With that, Yu Xiao left, leaving George to watch her go.


    **


    In the Dean’s office on the ground level, a small cat stretched its neck, sensing the return of a particular individual to Saint Elizabeth. Eager anticipation filled the feline until, abruptly, the person vanished.


    The kitten buried its head in its fluffy fur, its round eyes reflecting profound disappointment as it remained motionless.


    **


    Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen approached eagerly in the ward. “How did it go? What did George say?”


    “George mentioned having a plan,” Yu Xiao replied, pouring herself a glass of water. “While I’m not privy to the specifics, he made it clear that he doesn’t require my assistance.”


    Zhao Lan nodded. “George isn’t one to gamble with his life. If he’s confident, we should trust his judgement.”


    “True,” She agreed. “Still, it feels remiss to stand by idly.”


    “What’s the rush?” Zhou Xiao Zhen interjected. “Smiley, Gluttony hasn’t made a move yet, and you’re already plotting revenge?”


    “Am I truly that easy to predict?” Yu Xiao replied earnestly. “I just think that the hospital’s hierarchy is in chaos. Anyone can become an attending doctor without any merit. Once appointed, there’s no way out unless you have connections or resort to bribing superiors to change positions. It just doesn’t feel right to me.”


    “Are you considering escalating this to higher authorities?” Zhao Lan queried. “As a supervisor from the Health Bureau, it’s within your purview to report such matters to superiors.”


    “Exactly,” She affirmed, swiftly retrieving her phone.


    After George got injured, she made sure to keep the contact information for the Health Bureau easily accessible.


    “Director Zhang’s office, good morning,” a chirpy voice came through the line.


    “Good morning,” Yu Xiao replied, her tone firm yet courteous. “This is Yu Xiao, also known as the ‘Deaf Descendant’ Inspector. I have an urgent matter that needs the attention of the leadership.”


    “Um…” There was a brief hesitation on the other end. “I’m just a secretary,” the voice hesitated, “Director Zhang is currently unavailable. Maybe you should try reaching out to someone else.”


    “I’m afraid I don’t know anyone else,” Yu Xiao explained. “This is the only contact I have.”


    “No worries,” the secretary reassured her. “Let me give you Director Wang’s office number. He’s our leader; it would be best to address your concerns with him.”


    “Thank you.”


    “Hello?” a robust voice answered the call. “May I ask who’s calling?”


    “I’m looking for Director Wang,” Yu Xiao stated. “I need to discuss some rather intricate matters with the leadership.”


    “Oh…” the voice faltered. “Ah, a pity… I’m sorry to inform you that Director Wang has a stomach ache, he’s not here.”


    “In that case, who should I speak to?”


    “Let me provide you with the contact information for the Deputy Director.”


    Yet, fate seemed to conspire against her, for the Deputy Director, too, was unwell. Thus, Yu Xiao found herself with the Director’s direct line.


    “Hello,” a familiar voice greeted her, reminding her of the Director she had encountered at the hospital during her inspection.


    “Director,” Yu Xiao addressed him, her voice steady and authoritative. “I am the Dean of Saint Elizabeth and the ‘Deaf Descendant’ Inspector from the Health Bureau.”


    “Ah,” the voice on the line crackled with recognition, “So it’s you. What can I do for you today?”


    Yu Xiao responded promptly and directly. “I’ve encountered some issues within the hospital system that require your attention.”


    There was a pause on the line before the director encouraged her to continue. “I’m listening, go on.”


    Taking a deep breath, Yu Xiao began to express her concerns. “I’ve noticed discrepancies in the hospital’s policies regarding promotions and demotions. Many dedicated staff members, who have shown unwavering commitment to their roles, are unable to progress. Remaining in one position for an extended period inevitably leads to frustration…”


    The director maintained his composure as Yu Xiao outlined her grievances. In fact, he commended her efforts, praising her as a diligent and proactive individual. “While your points are valid,” he interjected, “the hospital has been operating under these guidelines for years without incident.”


    “How is it possible that there are no issues?” Yu Xiao challenged, her voice filled with scepticism. “There must be some employees who, desperate for change, have resorted to nefarious acts.”


    Intrigued by Yu Xiao’s statement, the director urged her to provide more information. “Please, go on. I would like to hear more.”


    “Before I proceed, may I request that my identity remains confidential?” Yu Xiao’s tone was cautious, her words tinged with apprehension. “In case of fallout, I’d rather not be the one who rocked the boat. I’m just a small cog in this machine, after all.”


    The director nodded solemnly, assuring her, “Your anonymity will be protected. You can speak freely.”


    With resolve, Yu Xiao continued. “Well, here’s the situation,” she paused briefly, gathering her thoughts. “Gluttony, a resident of the basement, has been actively pursuing a new position. He’s got his eyes set on attending doctor position at Saint Elizabeth Hospital. However, since Dr. George currently holds that position, Gluttony is contemplating… eating George.”


    After Yu Xiao hung up the phone, her heart raced in her chest, a mix of excitement and worry swirling within her.


    “Smiley, this is incredible,” Zhou Xiaozhen exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Now Gluttony won’t be a attending doctor.”


    “I couldn’t care less if he becomes an attending doctor or not, as long as he steers clear of St. Elizabeth,” Yu Xiao fretted, her voice tinged with concern. “I have a bad feeling about what might be brewing at St. Elizabeth. We can’t stay here. What if we hide out in the instance?”


    “Sounds like a plan,” Zhao Lan chimed in. “Aren’t you supposed to Call ‘Wide Sea and Sky’?”


    “Yes,” Yu Xiao nodded. “I had almost forgotten, with all these interruptions.”


    With determination in her eyes, she fumbled beneath the cosy blanket, retrieving her trusty Nokia phone. Scrolling through her contacts, she located ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ amidst the list.


    **


    In the eerie stillness of the dimly lit hospital ward, the heavy curtains remained tightly shut, blocking out the natural light that usually flooded the room with warmth and comfort. This was an uncommon sight, as daylight was often seen as a shield against darkness, a protector for those within its reach. The choice to keep the curtains drawn during the day hinted at a deeper unease lingering within the walls.


    Amidst the quiet, a persistent sound pierced the dimness.


    “Beep beep beep beep beep…”


    The sound seemed to stretch on endlessly until a frail hand emerged from the tangle of sheets, reaching for a nearby phone.


    The phone’s screen bathed the room in a soft blue glow, illuminating the caller’s name. In that gentle light, the name reflected in the eyes of the figure, stirring memories long buried in the depths of his mind.


    The call abruptly ended.


    He trembled, realising he had accidentally pressed the wrong button, and hurriedly redialed.


    **


    “They’re not answering,” Yu Xiao huffed, irritation creeping into her voice.


    “Could their phone be out of reach?” Zhou Xiao Zhen pondered.


    “How’s that even possible?” Zhao Lan chimed in. “They’re in the ward; it’s not the size of a football field. Their phone must be close by.”


    “Perhaps it’s on silent mode,” Zhou Xiao Zhen proposed. “Phones need their beauty sleep too.”


    “Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep…”


    “Huh?” Yu Xiao’s eyes widened as she peered at the phone screen. “Look who’s calling – it’s ‘Wide Sea and Sky’!”


    Without missing a beat, she answered, “Hey there.”


    A brief pause followed by a chilling, gravelly voice on the other end, “You’re not ’Teng Jing Zhi, who are you?”


    “Spot on, I’m not ’Teng Jing Zhi,” Yu Xiao responded, a touch of amusement in her tone. “But I’ve got ’Teng Jing Zhi’s phone here.”


    “Where’s ’Teng Jing Zhi?”


    “He’s no longer with us,” Yu Xiao stated solemnly. “He passed away many years ago. I… click… Oh my days,” she exclaimed. “They hung up on me!”


    “Why not give it another try?”


    Determined, Yu Xiao hammered the call button for ‘Wide Sea and Sky,’ but alas, silence greeted her every attempt.


    “What’s the deal?” Yu Xiao scratched her head in bewilderment. “Couldn’t they at least hear me out?”


    “This ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ isn’t so vast after all,” Zhou Xiao Zhen consoled, giving Yu Xiao a reassuring pat on the back. “Maybe it’s time to move on. We’ve got a whole contact list here. If all else fails, we’ll dial them up one by one; someone’s got to answer.”


    The reality dawned upon them – there might not be many left alive on that list, let alone others to turn to.


    ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ continued to dodge Yu Xiao’s calls, leaving her with no choice but to move on.


    “I’m going to the market to get some talisman papers,” Yu Xiao announced. “We’ll have a talisman-drawing session in the afternoon.”


    Her original plan of relaxing in bed for the afternoon was now scrapped, thanks to a series of irritating phone calls.


    Among her collection, the most popular talisman was the 【Healing Crisis Talisman】, so she decided to whip up a batch of those. As she sketched out about a dozen, Yu Xiao found herself in a smooth groove, only to have her concentration shattered by the familiar ring of ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ calling again.


    The sudden jolt made her hand shake, ruining the talisman she was working on.


    Without hesitation, Yu Xiao picked up the call, blurting out, “Hey there, ‘Wide Sea and Sky’…”


    “Why do you have Teng Jing Zhi’s phone?” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ maintained their frosty tone.


    Yu Xiao didn’t mince words, telling him straight up about her spooky run-in with Teng Jing Zhi. “Not long ago, I visited an instance, the Sage Hospital, where I crossed paths with Teng Jing Zhi, who had already passed on and transformed into a ghost.”


    As she poured out her tale, ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ remained eerily silent, prompting Yu Xiao to wonder if her words were falling on deaf ears.


    After she finished, a lengthy pause lingered.


    Eventually, ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ spoke, “Got it.”


    His voice had undergone a transformation. Once gruff, it was now so deep that Yu Xiao had to strain to catch every word, and she needed to listen intently to decipher his message.


    “That…” Yu Xiao sensed a shift in the atmosphere, and her emotions mirrored the complexity of the situation. “How long has it been since you last contacted Teng Jing Zhi?”


    ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ fell silent once more. Aas Yu Xiao wondered if he was avoiding the question, he responded, “Can’t recall, it must have been around twenty years ago.”


    Yu Xiao was caught off guard once again. She had intended to gather insights about the hospital from ‘Wide Sea and Sky’, but now she found herself tongue-tied.


    Two strangers, unacquainted and separated by their phones, shared a moment of silence together.


    After what felt like an eternity, a wait so prolonged that Zhou Xiao Zhen, who was waiting on the sidelines, began to squirm, ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ finally asked, “Why did you call me?”


    “I heard about you in the news, and, I found your contact in my address book,” Yu Xiao truthfully disclosed. “I wanted to inquire about the status of the hospital. I’m new at the Sixth Hospital, while you’ve been stationed at the First Hospital for quite some time, so you would have more knowledge than I do.”


    ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ probed, “What do you want to know?”


    “How can one leave the hospital?”


    “By amassing points. Once your accumulated time is enough to match the average lifespan in the real world, approximately seventy years old, you earn your exit pass,” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ elucidated.


    It echoed what Luo Jin and others had before mentioned. Yu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief before asking, “Do you know anyone who has actually left the hospital?”


    “I know of one,” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ replied, his voice steadying. “A decade ago, the top patient from the First Hospital left.”


    Confirmation of someone’s departure left Yu Xiao filled with indescribable emotions, including gratitude. The possibility of leaving symbolized hope.


    After a brief pause, Yu Xiao mustered the courage to ask another question. “You’ve been at the hospital for so long, why haven’t you left yet?”


    Her question caused the other end to once again fall silent.


    Yu Xiao felt a twinge of irritation creeping up on her. “What’s the point of staying silent? How does it benefit you? Seriously!”


    “Points… are no longer the main issue,” mused ‘Wide Sea and Sky’, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. “Perhaps I am no longer suited for the world beyond these walls.”


    He chose the words ‘not suited’ instead of the more direct “not adapted,” hinting at deeper complexities.


    Furrowing her brows, Yu Xiao adopted a casual tone to hide her true feelings.


    “Oh, don’t say that. Your words are quite the buzzkill for a newbie like me. I had just got a team-up card and was considering teaming up with you for a pro-led adventure. Alas, your instance-running privileges have been revoked. Who knows when I’ll stumble upon another team-up card,” she lamented, quickly changing the subject.


    As if on cue, ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ interrupted, “I have plenty of team-up cards. I can give them to you.”


    “…”


    Yu Xiao couldn’t believe her ears when she heard the casual offer. It almost made her want to kneel down. “You have many?”


    “Over the years, my collection of various items and cards has grown,” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ responded. “Please, tell me your nickname so I can send the cards to you.”


    Struggling to contain her excitement, Yu Xiao, a young girl about to enter society, couldn’t resist the temptation. “I am known as ‘Deaf Descendant’,” she revealed, “Deaf as in deaf-mute, not Dragon.”


    “…”


    “…”


    Both fell silent this time, then ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ said, “I know you.”


    Yu Xiao couldn’t help but feel a twinge of awkwardness. “Really?” she chuckled nervously.


    “I hear about you in the news every few days,” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ continued. “You’re no ordinary newcomer.”


    Flushed with embarrassment, Yu Xiao proposed a card exchange using talismans, only to have her offer declined by ‘Wide Sea and Sky’, who claimed he had no need for such trinkets. This left Yu Xiao truly astounded. Since her arrival at the Sixth Hospital, she had never encountered anyone who refused talismans and freely gave away valuable item cards.


    After hanging up the phone, Yu Xiao felt a bit dazed.


    “How did it go?” Zhou Xiao Zhen asked. “What did they say?”


    Zhao Lan also looked eager. “Did someone really leave the hospital?”


    “I…” Yu Xiao licked her lips, unsure how to express her feelings. She said, “I feel like I’m a debt collector asking parents for money.” (TN: Chinese often refer to children as “debt collectors”)


    “Huh?” Zhao Lan was puzzled. Why would Smiley have such a thought? “What happened?”


    Yu Xiao replied, “‘Wide Sea and Sky’ said he would give me some team cards.”


    “Oh my god, is he really that nice?” Zhou Xiao Zhen wiped the corner of her mouth, which had already started to drool. “Team cards are hard to come by. Lu Xu and the others were ecstatic when they got one. By the way, how many is he giving you?”


    Yu Xiao hadn’t asked about that. ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ only said, ‘a lot,’ without specifying the exact number.


    “Well… probably quite a few.”


    “Wow!” Zhou Xiao Zhen jumped up. “Hahaha… I’m so happy! I can’t wait to show off to Lu Xu and the others!”


    Accepting the team cards for free made Yu Xiao feel a bit embarrassed. When she used to ask her parents for money, she did it openly and without shame. But ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ was not family, after all.


    Thinking about this, Yu Xiao felt a twinge of regret. She had boldly accepted the team cards but had forgotten to ask for the giver’s name.


    Next time, Yu Xiao thought, she would ask. ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ seemed to lack any business sense. If he were as savvy in business as Luo Jin and Lu Xu, he might have left the hospital long ago. Next time, she would try to introduce some business opportunities to him, so he could earn more points.


    Knock, knock, knock…


    A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.


    “The delivery has arrived~” chimed the delivery girl, her voice carrying through the door. “It’s a package from the first hospital~”


    “I’ll be right there!” Yu Xiao hastened to the door, calling out, “Is it a lot of stuff?”


    The delivery girl seemed slightly puzzled by the question. “Whether it’s ‘lot of’ or not depends on its contents. If it’s chops or legs, then it’s not much. But if it’s tongues or fingers, then it’s considered plentiful.”


    “…” This metaphor was truly something.


    Taking the package from the delivery girl, Yu Xiao noticed its unexpected weight.


    Could a few cards weigh this much? Intrigued, Yu Xiao and her companions gathered around as she opened the box, revealing a vibrant assortment of cards inside.


    “This…”


    Zhao Lan was deeply puzzled, “Are these several card decks?”


    Zhou Xiao Zhen’s mind had crashed. She fell back onto the bed stiffly, mouth agape, muttering to herself, “I’m rich… I’m rich…”


    Deciding to seek clarification, Yu Xiao dialled ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ once more. This time, he answered promptly, albeit with a hint of weariness and impatience in his voice. “What is it?”


    “So many cards!” Yu Xiao was almost speechless, “Why did you give me so many cards?”


    “They were all jumbled together, and I couldn’t be bothered to sort them out one by one,” ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ impatiently said, “The team cards are all in there, pick them out yourself. I want to sleep, don’t bother me.”


    “……”


    Zhao Lan asked, “What did he say?”


    “He said he was too lazy to pick out the team cards, so he just sent them all in a package.” Yu Xiao explained, “He told us to pick them ourselves.”


    “……”


    Zhao Lan was puzzled, “Even if he’s selling cards, he should have enough points, right?”


    “He doesn’t seem to have any business sense.”


    Zhao Lan pondered, “He must be quite old, right?”


    “Definitely,” Yu Xiao agreed, “He’s been here for at least twenty years.”


    “That makes sense,” Zhao Lan nodded, “People from the past and present are different, without experiencing information overload, their thoughts are more simple.”


    “I’ll teach him how to do business next time.” Looking at the box of cards, Yu Xiao felt a mix of happiness and worry for the first time. She needed to sort through them carefully.


    The three of them squatted on the floor, spending an hour to organize all the functional cards.


    The array of functional cards was truly diverse. While most seemed trivial, like the bad-luck cards, there were also valuable ones interspersed among them due to their sheer quantity.


    Zhou Xiao Zhen held a thick stack of cards, saying, “These are all disposable small props cards, the most here is a pair of roller skates.”


    Astonished, Zhao Lan noted, “There are a total of thirty-seven team cards in here.” It was quite a surprise, considering Yu Xiao had initially downplayed the amount!


    Looking at the cards, Yu Xiao felt conflicted. After hesitating for a while, she placed her hand on the stack of cards and said, “Shouldn’t we return these cards to ‘Wide Sea and Sky’? These are the cards he has earned over the years at the cost of his life, it doesn’t feel right for me to keep them.”


    Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen fell silent.


    Finally, Zhou Xiao Zhen nodded, “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”


    “I agree with Smiley’s approach,” Zhao Lan smiled and said, “We are still newcomers, and we have opened the Talisman Shop, so accumulating points is easier for us than for ordinary people. ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ may not have sold these cards because his old-fashioned phone may not have access to the marketplace. If he’s willing, we can help him sell them.”


    “Zhao Lan’s right,” Yu Xiao supported her idea. ‘Wide Sea and Sky’ should already have a good amount of points from before. If we can help him exchange points by selling functional cards, he might be able to leave the hospital soon.