Chapter 973: Yi Donglai

Chapter 973: Yi Donglai

Though Li Huowang had always wished to keep Yi Donglai out of this, the man had, after all, been a benefactor to him in the past.

Yet, in the current predicament, such considerations were a luxury he could no longer afford; if he failed, he doubted he would fare any better.

Moreover, he trusted that once Yi Donglai understood the gravity of the situation, he would surely lend a hand.

With his resolve set, Li Huowang stood up at once. He turned to Zhao Shuangdian and said, "The moment there is news regarding Zuo Qiu-yong, inform me immediately." With that, he headed toward the underground garage.

Just as Yang Na moved to follow, Qing Wanglai called out to him. "Where do you think you’re going?"

"Where else? To the White Tower Prison to find Yi Donglai. Once I bring him here, you lot can explain things clearly to him."

"How do you plan to get there?"

"By motorcycle."

"You intend to ride a bike one-handed to deliver yourself back to them?" Qing Wanglai gestured toward Li Huowang’s bandaged, severed hand.

"Forget it, I’ll handle this for you." Sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, Qing Wanglai pulled a phone from his pocket and began to dial.

Li Huowang whispered a few words of comfort to the worried Yang Na, signaling her not to fret, before he heard Qing Wanglai begin to speak.

"Hello? Director, greetings, greetings. Who am I? Oh, how forgetful of you; it’s Cui Feng. Yes, yes, that Cui Feng..."

Li Huowang frowned at the scene. It seemed Qing Wanglai was leveraging his connections, though he had no idea if it would prove useful.

After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, Qing Wanglai hung up and tilted his chin toward Li Huowang. "Done. I’ve secured the address of Yi Donglai’s home."

"What use is it for me to go alone? I need him to see you! You must explain to him that he is real!"

"We can accompany you, but we cannot have him brought to us."

"Why?"

Qing Wanglai leaned back into the sofa, saying meaningfully, "If Yi Donglai can treat you, what kind of projection do you think he is?"

"Do not trust others too easily; he may not necessarily be on our side."

"Yi Donglai? A projection?" Li Huowang shook his head. "He hasn't been involved in this; perhaps he isn't a projection."

"No, everyone on Earth is a projection; some simply haven't realized it yet. Do you know what I fear most? I fear that he is a projection of the Rules themselves."

Hearing this, Li Huowang understood immediately; it seemed Qing Wanglai’s worldview was riddled with contradictions.

There was no need to argue such matters; as long as he could persuade Yi Donglai to treat him, everything else could wait.

"Fine, have it your way. But even if he is a projection of the Rules, we must find him. Only he can cure my current affliction. The next attack from Fusheng Heaven could arrive at any moment—let’s move!"

Soon, the caravan emerged from the garage: Wu Qi’s camper, Qing Wanglai’s luxury car, and Zhao Shuangdian’s vehicle, all heading toward Yi Donglai’s residence.

Throughout the journey, Li Huowang pondered how to persuade him and what evidence he could present to prove the truth to Yi Donglai.

Lost in thought, the three cars eventually pulled up to the entrance of a residential complex: Longhu Bay.

"Building 16, Unit 2, 18th floor, 1803. He’s on rotation today, so he should be home," Qing Wanglai stated.

Wearing a hat and mask, Li Huowang followed the others, dodging security cameras as they slipped into the complex.

As they crowded into the elevator, it was packed to capacity. Li Huowang stood in the corner, his expression grave, shielding Yang Na with his remaining hand.

"Their methods this time are indeed cunning, but this only proves that everything you said before was correct, which is why they are using every means to target you," Zhao Shuangdian remarked.

"But do not worry. We know of your uniqueness, and we will protect you accordingly. You are not alone; we can help you weather any trouble."

Her persuasion did little to lift Li Huowang’s spirits. He looked at her intently before shifting his gaze away.

Her attitude on the boat had made it impossible for him to trust her; empty words meant nothing—only actions mattered.

Compared to her, Qing Wanglai’s words were brutally direct.

"Rest assured, Li Huowang. You are a highly useful tool for dealing with the projections of other existences. Such a fine tool must not be allowed to break; we will do everything in our power to repair you."

Li Huowang looked at him and retorted with a sneer, "Qing Wanglai, your heartlessness is truly transparent."

He could not fathom it: Zhuge Yuan was Qing Wanglai’s 'Heart-Parasite,' a man of such deep feeling and loyalty, yet Qing Wanglai was the polar opposite—a true villain to Zhuge Yuan’s true gentleman.

A "ding" interrupted his thoughts as the elevator doors opened. He stepped out, led the group to Yi Donglai’s door, and rang the bell.

When the door opened, Li Huowang saw Yi Donglai outside the White Tower once more. In the past, he had always worn a white coat.

Seeing him in casual clothes for the first time, Li Huowang felt a strange sense of alienation.

The apartment was minimalist, dominated by shades of gray and blue. From the shoe rack by the door, it was clear Yi Donglai still lived alone.

"Li... Huowang?" Yi Donglai, gripping the door handle with one hand, stared in disbelief at the young man before him. The critical patient who had vanished into thin air from the hospital was now standing on his doorstep.

"Dr. Yi, I need your help. My condition has relapsed; I require your treatment," Li Huowang said with earnest gravity.

Yi Donglai let out a dry laugh. "So you know you’re sick? You know you need treatment? I thought you were unaware."

With that, he grabbed Li Huowang’s arm and reached for his phone. "Hello! It’s me! Tell Old Yang to take the hospital van and bring some people—"

Before he could finish, a sharp "slap" echoed as Qing Wanglai snatched the phone away. The others swarmed inside, scouring the room, shutting down computers and every electronic device capable of communication.

They searched meticulously, leaving no detail unchecked.

Zhao Shuangdian pulled out her laptop, beginning to calculate something.

Yi Donglai, sitting on the sofa, watched the chaos, his heart unable to find peace.

Li Huowang placed a glass of water before him, deliberated for a few seconds, and pointed toward Qing Wanglai. "Dr. Yi, look. This is Qing Wanglai, the graduate student I mentioned before."