Chapter 686
Chapter 686
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 686
>Chapter Title: Kangning
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Although Li Huowang was a key target for assistance and visits from the neighborhood committee, he was generally not allowed to leave the complex.
But going to the mental hospital for a follow-up appointment was a perfectly reasonable excuse; there was no reason to refuse. After all, if he skipped the follow-up and relapsed, that would cause major trouble.
"You should've said earlier it was for a follow-up. Come fill out this form. Miss, are you his escort? What's your relationship to him?"
After Li Huowang filled out some forms under Auntie Qi's supervision, a ride-hailing car was already waiting at the complex entrance.
Before Li Huowang and Yang Na could get in, Auntie Qi poked her head into the passenger seat first and instructed the driver:
"Xiao Wang! Is the tank full? Remember, only stop at Kangning Hospital—no detours, no stops along the way! Keep your phone on the whole time!"
"I still need to swing by the fruit stall to buy some things."
Li Huowang chimed in from the side.
"Aren't you just going for a follow-up? Why buy fruit at a mental hospital?!"
Auntie Qi eyed him suspiciously, as if terrified he'd seize the chance to bolt.
"I've made some friends there. Can't I visit them while I'm getting my check-up?"
"Friends from the mental hospital? Other crazies, huh?"
After more back-and-forth on the matter, it ended with Yang Na buying the fruit from the supermarket in the complex.
Though this ride-hailing driver bore a resemblance to the cops from before, Li Huowang didn't dwell on it. Surveillance or protection—it made no difference. He had no intention of stirring up trouble en route.
Once Li Huowang and Yang Na were seated, the car turned onto the road and accelerated. He rested his head against the window, staring vacantly at the passing scenery, brows knitted tight as he mulled over everything he'd been through.
"What exactly are those people? What do they want from me? What could I possibly have that's worth their spying?"
Asking anyone else would be pointless; even the police were out. Besides, no one trusted him anymore. His only lead now was Qian Fu at Kangning Hospital.
Since they could tamper with surveillance footage, it was highly likely they'd also slipped the needle into his food.
"But... but why? If they wanted me dead, they could've just poisoned my meal. So why go with a needle?"
"The needle only hurt me a little; it achieved nothing else. Wait—could they really be doing what Qian Fu said, sowing discord between us? Making me doubt him until I cut him off?"
The realization only hardened Li Huowang's determination to meet Qian Fu again.
Sensing his mood, Yang Na reached over and laced her fingers through his, squeezing tight in wordless comfort.
Li Huowang turned to her with a reassuring smile.
"It's fine. I'm just going back to the hospital to ask about some things. I'll be back right after."
"Mm. From now on, no matter what happens, don't shoulder it alone. You've got me."
"Mm."
Li Huowang closed his eyes and drew her close gently, just like that night on the rooftop.
The car sped along the road, time ticking by. As Kangning Hospital loomed closer, Li Huowang grew increasingly agitated.
At long last, the car pulled up. Li Huowang led Yang Na toward the white walls and green windows of Kangning Hospital.
Greeted once more was his attending physician, Wu Cheng. Compared to how other patients were treated, Li Huowang's welcome was far warmer now.
Inside Wu Cheng's office, he sipped from a disposable cup, chatting casually with him.
"I heard you got kidnapped?"
Wu Cheng asked, cradling his teacup.
"It wasn't some episode—real people tried to abduct me."
Li Huowang explained to Wu Cheng.
"Naturally. Don't worry, I never said it was an episode. You left two fingers behind, so there were definitely real people involved. What're the police saying?"
"They told me to wait. They even stuck this thing on me—can't even leave the complex easily anymore."
Li Huowang lifted his left foot.
"Heh, no worries. With all that footage, they'll nail them eventually. So what brings you back this time?"
"Nothing much—just a check-up to see if my condition's changed."
Li Huowang naturally didn't admit he was there for Qian Fu.
"Heh, the fact you're aware of it means your illness is likely under control. Since you're here anyway, let's run some tests."
Taking the tablet and eyeing the questions on it, Li Huowang's heart clenched. Unbeknownst even to himself, a thread of self-doubt lingered: had it all been madness?
After enduring so much, Li Huowang often couldn't trust his own perceptions.
Test after test, Li Huowang concentrated fully.
Once every test was done, and after a patient chat with the doctor, Wu Cheng's relaxed look let Li Huowang exhale in relief. As expected—he wasn't crazy. It was all real, not illness-born hallucinations.
"Don't stress so much. You're good—if there were issues, we wouldn't have discharged you. At home, stay relaxed and take your meds on schedule."
Hearing that signaled the end of his check-up; procedure said it was time to head home. But Li Huowang had unfinished business.
He stood and glanced toward the inpatient ward, asking hesitantly:
"By the way, Doctor, can I visit other patients? I've been here a while and made some friends."
"Oh, sure, go ahead. You know the place—no need for me to show you. They're all still around."
Entering the visiting room gave Li Huowang an odd feeling. Before, he'd always exited through the inner door and entered via the outer; this was his first reversal.
Li Huowang couldn't go straight for Qian Fu—that'd look too suspicious. He visited everyone he knew from his hospital days, the fruit bags from the complex entrance meant for them.
The others went fine, but emerging from Zhao Ting's visit—the one with depression—Li Huowang immediately felt resentful eyes boring into his back.
He reached back and patted Yang Na lightly.
"There's nothing between us. I'll explain later. Just one friend left."
Li Huowang drew a deep breath, waiting anxiously for Qian Fu. But wait as he might, left and right, the news that came was grim:
"Qian Fu had an episode. He's in restraints. Try again next time."
Li Huowang's heart dropped at the words, a dire premonition swelling within.
"What's going on? Did I get here too late? Did those people get to him?"
(End of chapter)