Along the way, Leimeng spoke comforting words with a boisterous attitude, cursed the damned Bloodfang Tarantula, and marveled at the bravery of Han Feng and Shi Lei.
Ling Chen, however, maintained his silent and sorrowful demeanor, occasionally agreeing with a word or two, but his eyes, deep down, coldly observed the security arrangements and personnel flow within the Medical Center.
Bai Zhi quietly followed by Ling Chen's side, occasionally stealing a glance at him, her eyes filled with worry and a hint of imperceptible reliance.
Upon arriving outside Old K Captain's ward, after strict disinfection and identity verification, the three entered the room.
Inside the ward, the light was soft, and various precise life-sustaining instruments hummed faintly. Old K Captain still lay quietly in the transparent medical pod, immersed in a pale green life-sustaining fluid.
The look of pain on his face had disappeared, replaced by a deep calmness; his breathing was steady, but there were still no signs of him waking up.
The screen of the medical pod displayed stable life curves, and the faint, dark red energy residue light spot, marked as a C-grade threat, was now almost invisible.
"Old K Captain! I've come to see you!"
Leimeng shouted loudly as soon as he entered, but then realizing the inappropriateness of the occasion, he immediately lowered his voice considerably, with a touch of awkwardness.
"Look what good stuff I brought you! Earth Core Fire Lotus! Cracking Earth Rhino King Leg! Smells good, doesn't it? Makes you hungry, doesn't it? If you're hungry, hurry up and get out of bed to drink!"
He placed the wine jar and meat buns on the designated table in the ward, opened the oiled paper package, and immediately, the rich aroma of meat and wine permeated the air.
Bai Zhi walked to the side of the medical pod, her pure eyes gazing worriedly at Old K Captain inside. Her small hand gently pressed against the glass as she murmured softly, "Old K Captain, you must get well soon."
Ling Chen stood a little further away, his gaze heavy as he stared at Old K Captain. The Soul Jade Physique's cold will silently spread out, meticulously scanning Old K Captain's body condition like the most precise sensor!
Vital signs stable! Ability core slowly repairing! That trace of Soul Jade Physique energy residue almost completely purified!
But consciousness remained in a state of deep slumber! Brain activity weak! As if the soul was locked in the deepest level of sleep!
The Qingdi Longevity Body's recovery power primarily acted on physical repair and energy purification; its effect on consciousness-level trauma seemed not significant?
Ling Chen instantly made a judgment in his mind!
Old K Captain could not possibly wake up in the short term! He might even remain in this slumber forever!
The threat was greatly reduced!
His value also decreased accordingly! From a potential opponent to be wary of, he became a tool that could perhaps be used to gain sympathy and shape an image!
Ling Chen sneered inwardly! But on his face, he showed an even more sorrowful and worried expression!
He slowly walked forward, approached the medical pod, extended his hand as if to touch the glass, but then let it drop powerlessly.
"Old K Captain..."
Ling Chen's voice was hoarse and low, full of emotion, "The brothers are all waiting for you. The Ashes Squad cannot be without you. You must wake up."
His performance was sincere and deeply moving!
Leimeng, watching from the side, felt his eyes redden slightly and let out a heavy sigh: "Alas! Old K Captain, that old fellow! He's got a tough life! He'll definitely wake up!"
Bai Zhi was even more moved, her eyes reddening again. She looked at Ling Chen's sorrowful profile and couldn't help but gently tug on his sleeve, whispering, "Lin Chen brother, don't be too sad. Old K Captain will feel everyone's good wishes."
Ling Chen turned his head, met Bai Zhi's pure gaze, and forced a strong smile: "Yes, I believe so."
Just then, the door of the ward was pushed open, and a medical staff member in a white coat walked in; it was the nurse in charge of Old K Captain's ward.
She saw the wine and meat Leimeng had brought and frowned slightly: "Strong-smelling food is prohibited in the ward. Please put it away."
Leimeng awkwardly rubbed his nose, having no choice but to reseal the wine jar and rewrap the meat buns.
The nurse checked the data records of the medical pod and nodded to Bai Zhi:
"Dr. Bai, Old K Captain's vital signs are very stable, and the trace of abnormal energy residue has been purified below the safe threshold. However, consciousness recovery still needs time, or perhaps some strong external stimulation."
"Strong stimulation?"
Ling Chen keenly caught this word.
"Yes,"
the nurse explained.
"For example, a voice he is extremely familiar with, or a person or event of great significance to him, might awaken his deep consciousness."
A flicker of imperceptible light flashed in Ling Chen's eyes!
But he said nothing more.
The three stayed in the ward for a while longer, mainly Leimeng and Bai Zhi speaking in low voices, while Ling Chen mostly stood silently to the side, seemingly immersed in grief, but in reality, the Soul Jade Physique's cold will never stopped operating, recording every detail in the ward.
Visiting hours ended, and the three left the ward.
Walking to the entrance of the Medical Center, Leimeng patted Ling Chen's shoulder.
"Alright, you've seen him, you've offered the wine, now you can come back and drink with me, right? Tonight, you must finish half of this jar of Earth Core Fire Lotus with me!"
Ling Chen showed a tired smile, as if slightly relieved from a heavy burden, and nodded: "Okay, tonight I'll drink with big brother until we drop!"
He needed Leimeng, this straightforward and bold ally! He needed to maintain this brotherhood! This would be greatly beneficial to his future plans!
As for that strong liquor, the Soul Jade Physique feared nothing more than the erosion and assimilation of various energies!
Drinking?
It was just right to further numb this seemingly shrewd but actually simple-minded Captain of the Violent Bear Squad!
Ling Chen's gaze inadvertently swept over Bai Zhi, who was as pure as a small white flower beside him!
Bai Zhi seemed a bit hesitant, and whispered to Ling Chen: "Lin Chen brother, you just went through a battle, and your emotions are so volatile, drinking will harm your body. Why don't you..."
"It's fine,"
Ling Chen gave her a gentle smile, with a hint of forced cheerfulness.
"Big Brother Leimeng also means well. I'll have a drink with him; it'll help me relax."
He needed to maintain this persona of drowning his sorrows in alcohol and valuing loyalty!
Moreover, perhaps in a drunken state, he could extract more information from Leimeng about the core area of Ash Canyon or the internal affairs of the guild!
Seeing this, Bai Zhi could only nod worriedly: "Then drink less, and take care of your body."
"Yes, don't worry."
Ling Chen nodded.
The three parted ways at the entrance of the Medical Center; Bai Zhi returned to her dormitory area, while Ling Chen, with Leimeng carrying the wine and meat, walked towards Residence B3-07 in the Panshi District.
Ling Chen's silhouette cast a long shadow under the simulated lights!
Within that shadow, endless coldness and calculation seemed to hide!
The visit was over!
The act was done!
Now it was time to enjoy the fine wine and intelligence brought by Big Brother Leimeng.