FMLB Chapter 118

Heart of a Physician

 

“He has always been the pride of heaven, holding a prominent position in the Institute at such a young age. In order to change my research field for Zixie, I engaged in studies related to the Mental Sea Stimulation, reaching an agreement with the head of the Cleaners to conduct human experiments at the Star Ocean Orphanage.”

 

“Initially, they wanted to recruit Zhengqi. He was far more outstanding than me.”

 

“When I left the Institute, Zhengqi was very disappointed in me. Later, he persuaded me to switch sides, and I agreed. I decided to act as a spy at the Star Ocean Orphanage.”

 

“But one day, I suddenly pondered a question. Why did I assume Zhengqi had not colluded with those people? In this world, there’s more than just the Star Ocean Orphanage for conducting human experiments.”

 

【Main Quest: Find Mao Zhengqi’s Laboratory】

 

There were no location hints. 

 

Who knew if this lab was on Central Star or another planet? 

 

If I had known the decryption game was this tricky, I might have chosen the adventure mode instead.

 

He Ruge had no clue and turned to Xi Guican, “How do we find it?”

 

“Mao Zhengqi is also in the Eternal Tower. If all else fails, we’ll have to torture him…” 

 

His icy blue eyes softened with a hint of amusement when he saw He Ruge ‘s shocked expression. 

 

Xi Guican whispered, “Just kidding.”

 

He Ruge blinked, but his surprise didn’t dissipate—

 

His Xi Guican had learned to joke.

 

Actually, during this time, many things had unconsciously changed. He Ruge suddenly remembered the little things he had overlooked in daily life, like Xi Guican attending his classes in the Land Class 1.

 

Every time Xi Guican sat in the back row listening, the sloth babies dared not doze off, as if there was an open refrigerator releasing cold air for the cubs.

 

At that time, He Ruge thought the sight of the cubs sitting upright was cute, but Xi Guican, who could tolerate the cubs’ chatter and faithfully play as the refrigerator, was also adorable. He would sit quietly in the corner, watching He Ruge attentively, occasionally casting his gaze towards the cubs, devoid of hostility or annoyance.

 

This was different from Number 20 in the game, who coldly observed the cubs. Even when dealing with Ruanruan, he would only call him “Number 19,” a cold code devoid of much emotion. 

 

But now, when Xi Guican saw the little rabbit in the orphanage, he would join He Ruge in calling out “Ruanruan”.

 

He would also use a teasing tone to call He Ruge “Teacher Xiao He” or “Doctor He,” no longer the monotonous and official “He Ruge “. 

 

Formerly, Xi Guican seemed unsure how to express affection; when he wanted a favor, he would dryly say, “He Ruge , I want to kiss you.”

 

Now, he would say something subtly flirtatious, stopping just short, a couple of short sentences, like a big cat purring with a food bowl.

 

The feeling of having a son growing up was probably like this.

 

He Ruge ‘s lips slowly curled up. If Xi Guicanjoked for the first time, he should show a reaction of being teased. 

 

However, he didn’t need to brew a smile right now; the smile spread naturally from the corners of his eyes and brows.

 

“How about this, Guican? I’ll go talk to Mao Zhengqi, using my nomination for the Anlarhos Medical Award as a basis for an academic exchange.”

 

Xi Guican nodded, “I’ll accompany you.”

 

Mao Zhengqi was an elderly scholar with white hair and a cold demeanor. When he spoke, each word seemed to be squeezed out rigidly. 

 

He was a stubborn old man, visibly similar in appearance to Mao Zhengyong. However, one was a beloved grandfather to cubs, while the other was a terrifying figure cubs feared.

 

Upon hearing He Ruge ‘s intention to discuss matters, Mao Zhengqi stood at the door and said coldly, “I don’t think we have anything to discuss. I don’t like listening to music, and my research doesn’t require people singing.”

 

Perhaps in Mao Zhengqi’s eyes, their nomination was opportunistic.

 

He Ruge felt indifferent, but Xi Guican raised his eyelids and said, “Do you know why Mao Zixie became my attending physician?”

 

When Xi Guican was diagnosed with the rare Spiral Spirit Devouring Syndrome, many experts in the field of Mental Sea Stimulation fought to treat him. After all, patients like Xi Guican were rare and difficult to find. Participating in the treatment of such a rare disease would yield great benefits.

 

Mao Zhengqi had also tried, but he failed. 

 

“Why?” Mao Zhengqi asked.

 

Xi Guicanreplied nonchalantly, “Because I like listening to music. I don’t like doctors who don’t listen to music.” 

 

It was clear he said this to irritate Mao Zhengqi.

 

Mao Zhengqi’s face alternated between pale and flush, his beard almost trembling. He placed his hand on the door handle, ready to escort them out. However, Xi Guican slipped the notebook into the door crack. 

 

“I’ve come this time to have Mr. Mao return the second half of the notebook.”

 

Seeing the notebook, Mao Zhengqi’s face changed. He reached out to grab it from Xi Guican’s hand, but Xi Guican was much stronger than Mao Zhengqi. Xi Guican effortlessly pulled back, nearly causing Mao Zhengqi to stumble.

 

The fearful Mao Zhengqi might fall and hurt himself due to his advanced age, He Ruge hurriedly stepped forward to support him. 

 

Unexpectedly, Mao Zhengqi shook off He Ruge ‘s hand and shouted, “Give it to me! This belongs to our Mao family!”

 

“One is the main line, and one is a side branch. Why didn’t you mention you’re all one family when you separated? This belongs to Mao Zhengyong. According to the law, the notebook should also belong to his son.” 

 

Xi Guican reached out and raised the notebook high, looking coldly at Mao Zhengqi. 

 

“You tore off the second half of the notebook without permission. Should I call you Mr. Mao or Mr. Thief?”

 

In fact, neither Xi Guican nor He Ruge had evidence and couldn’t confirm Mao Zhengqi was the one who tore off the notebook. Despite Xi Guican’s current righteous and confident tone, he was simply bluffing Mao Zhengqi.

 

“You, you!” 

 

Mao Zhengqi’s hand trembled as he realized he couldn’t snatch the notebook back from Xi Guican. Suddenly, his expression turned despondent. 

 

“You don’t understand anything.” 

 

He opened the door, saying, “Come in, don’t make a scene at the door.”

 

Mao Zhengqi’s room was filled with the fragrance of medicine, unlike Mao Zhengyong, who always brewed milk tea for guests. Mao Zhengqi served He Ruge and Xi Guican with tea.

 

After taking a sip from his teacup, Mao Zhengqi’s anger gradually subsided. He sat upright in his chair, his expression stern as he asked, “The second half of the notebook is with me, and I won’t give it up. If you came here for this, you can leave after finishing your tea.”

 

Fearing Xi Guican might anger Mao Zhengqi again, He Ruge hurriedly spoke, “Mr. Mao, we came this time to discuss academic issues with you. Dr. Mao Zixie asked me to record songs, and I’m surprised my singing has such an effect on patients.”

 

He Ruge earnestly continued, “Especially after learning about my nomination for the Anlarhos Medical Award, it all feels unreal. I’m curious how other nominees are studying Mental Sea Stimulation. Surely they aren’t just singing songs like me; they must be diligently experimenting in the laboratory…” 

 

He Ruge ‘s self-deprecation and praise for Mao Zhengqi made the old man’s expression much more pleasant.

 

Mao Zhengqi’s tone softened slightly, “Your songs are actually listenable.”

 

He Ruge persisted and said a lot of flattering words. He has always had a good temper, especially towards vulnerable groups such as the elderly, weak, sick, and pregnant. Towards the end, Mao Zhengqi also revealed some information, such as having his own private laboratory in the Institute and conducting charity clinics in hospitals, remote planets, and prisons.

 

Many patients cannot afford medical expenses in their lifetime, enduring pain and suffering. Meeting a medical saint like Mao Zhengqi for charity treatment is fortunate for those patients.

 

Mao Zhengqi treats all patients equally, whether innocent cubs or ruthless criminals; in his eyes, they are all patients.

 

He Ruge recalled the game’s plot name for Mao Zhengqi, “Heart of a Physician.” Many things place importance on “first impressions.” For instance, the game said Mao Zhengqi has the heart of a physician, which doesn’t sound like a bad person. 

 

Plus, the plot in the animated film where a mouse contributed to eliminating villains also contributed to He Ruge ‘s positive initial impression of Mao Zhengqi. If not for the game mentioning “human experiments,” He Ruge would find it really hard to link Mao Zhengqi to such activities.

 

Just like Mao Zhengyong back then.

 

This Mao Zhengqi is hard to imagine as a medical maniac conducting human experiments. Knowing someone and knowing their surface doesn’t mean you know their heart. Hearts can’t be discerned with a scalpel. 

 

He Ruge looked at the old man in front of him and said softly, “If I have the chance, I would like to visit your laboratory and see your research. You can also listen to me sing.”

 

After leaving Mao Zhengqi’s room, Xi Guican frowned unhappily and said, “You were too polite to that stinking old mouse.” 

 

He wished he could pamper He Ruge and was genuinely angry when Mao Zhengqi gave He Ruge a sour face. Xi Guicantruly wanted to torture this stinking old mouse into handing over the second half of the notebook.

 

“He’s quite old.” 

 

He Ruge originally wanted to pat Xi Guican’s head, but Xi Guicanwas too tall. He settled for patting his shoulder instead. 

 

“It’s just a few soft words; nothing serious. The elderly are just like children; they need to be appeased.”

 

“Since Mao Zhengqi mentioned his private laboratory is in the Institute, it definitely isn’t where he conducts human experiments. So, where exactly is Mao Zhengqi’s true laboratory?” 

 

The more he thought about it, the more he got a headache. 

 

“Forget it. Guican, didn’t you say we were going to the amusement park tonight? It’s only eight o’clock; we still have time to go out and play for a while.” 

 

He Ruge skillfully diverted Xi Guican’s attention, instantly making him happy again.

 

See, not only cubs and the elderly need comforting; even a big white tiger needs to be comforted from time to time.

 

“Great!” Xi Guican immediately pushed thoughts of Mao Zhengqi aside and they walked hand in hand out of the Eternal Tower.

 

A grey pigeon flew across the sky. At the same time, a game prompt sounded:

 

【Beep—Trigger Random Mission: Search for the Grey Pigeon Squad】