Consciousness was as hazy and indistinct as if it were sinking into a deep, quiet sea.
The subtle yet real noise reached my ears, making my consciousness gradually clearer, as if it were rising to the surface of the water, and my senses gradually returned as well.
As if after a long slumber, Bai Qi slowly opened his eyes and stared blankly at the white rooftop.
‘An unfamiliar ceiling…’ This was the first thought that flashed through his mind.
The air was filled with the slightly pungent smell of disinfectant, and a soft, fluffy touch came from beneath me.
The pain in my left leg replaced the heaviness in my body.
Bai Qi instinctively frowned; his attempt to move his leg was forced to stop the moment an even more severe pain appeared.
Shifting his gaze, Bai Qi saw his left leg wrapped in clean white gauze and bandages.
Besides my left leg, I also experienced indescribable pain in my arms, waist, abdomen, and side, feeling as if my body was about to fall apart.
The lingering confusion upon waking quickly dissipated under the stimulation of the nerve-wracking pain, and memories from before losing consciousness flashed back into my mind.
Bai Qi finally realized what had happened, and his vision gradually cleared.
Before explaining what happened, the first thing to do is to introduce yourself.
My name is Bai Qi.
I am 25 years old, I rent a small 10-square-meter room on the outskirts of Shanghai, I am unmarried, and a staunch advocate of not getting married.
I work at a small internet company and have to work overtime until 10 or 11 p.m.
every day before I can go home.
I don’t smoke or drink, I go to bed at 1 a.m., and I don’t get at least 8 hours of sleep a day.
Long hours of overtime and various other things have led to accumulated mental fatigue.
My psychiatrist said I should be hospitalized or take a break from work to rest properly.
Unfortunately, the mortgage his father left Bai Qi didn’t allow it.
Last night, as usual, I finished working overtime and was on my way back to my rented apartment…
…
Bai Qi watched the latest Honkai Impact 3 short animation, “Graduation Trip,” on the bilibili app.
Bai Qi wasn’t a veteran captain since the game’s launch, but he had accompanied the game for four years, and now it’s finally coming to an end.
The main characters experienced life and death separations, as well as more memorable twists and turns.
Ultimately, they managed to slightly alter that imperfect world to resemble the one they desired.
Those subtle and unforgettable moments of excitement, those once-thrilling emotions, coupled with the beauty that everyone yearns for, make this a wonderful story.
Kiana lifting up her childhood self, accompanied by a soothing and melodious tune, evoked memories from years past, like clear and gentle spring water flowing into a parched soul, bringing a touch of warmth to Bai Qi’s cold and lonely heart.
If a story can evoke emotions and reflections in the reader at the end, then it can be considered a good story.
Thinking this, Bai Qi exited the playback interface, glanced at the completely illogical playbacks, likes, and collection numbers, and casually closed the bilibili app.
The story is beautiful, but reality…
That leaves only reality.
Bai Qi stepped into the crowd, drifting along with the flow of people, wandering aimlessly to the rhythm of the city’s inhabitants.
Without a handsome appearance that makes readers exclaim he has a sense of immersion, Bai Qi is just an ordinary person, the kind of person you wouldn’t notice in a crowd, the kind of person you wouldn’t even glance at if you passed by.
In this day and age, even just having outstanding looks can give you access to more resources than the average person.
The bustling crowds are a scene that never changes, but today there seems to be a slight change.
Under a pillar in the subway station, an elderly man dressed in a Taoist robe was setting up a stall…
let’s call it setting up a stall for now.
There were no stalls, since this was inside a subway station, and the sign was just a light bamboo pole with a piece of cloth tied to it, which could be picked up and moved at will.
A red cloth was placed in front of them, and on the cloth was a tablet computer with patterns of the Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams on the screen.
If it were according to Bai Qi’s usual habits, he would never strike up a conversation with a stranger for no reason…
But the brief moment of emotion brought on by “Graduation Trip” left Bai Qi in a gentle state of mind.
“Grandpa, your equipment is really up-to-date!” “Haha, times have changed!” The old Taoist priest chuckled, stroking his white beard.
“Young man, would you like a fortune-telling?” Bai Qi glanced at the five-yuan note on the red cloth and shook his head.
“Then forget it.” What’s the difference between this and throwing away five yuan for nothing?
Five yuan is still money!
Having grown up in a single-parent family, Bai Qi was left with only twenty-eight years of mortgage payments after his only father passed away unexpectedly.
Oh, of course, not a house in Shanghai.
Bai Qi’s father was just an ordinary migrant worker; even if they worked for hundreds of years, they still couldn’t afford to buy a house in Shanghai.
It’s just a house in my hometown, a small county town.
Even so, it was enough for Bai Qi to tighten his belt and live frugally, with almost no entertainment spending.
In Honkai Impact 3rd, he was simply a pure server freeloader.
“Alright, it’s fate that we met today.
Come, let this old Taoist tell your fortune for free.” The old Taoist priest spoke magnanimously, and at the same time picked up the tablet and handed it to Bai Qi.
“I think you’re just purely bored.” Bai Qi muttered, then tapped the screen.
The patterns of the Four Symbols and the Eight Trigrams began to rotate.
“Ahem, don’t say that, this is called fate!” The old Taoist priest coughed twice; he was indeed extremely bored.
Ten seconds later, Bai Qi and the old Taoist priest simultaneously poked their heads out and looked at the hexagram that had been frozen in time.
“This divination…” The old Taoist priest squinted his eyes as he calculated with his fingers, recalling the direction Bai Qi had just traveled.
“Young man, are you heading north?” The old Taoist priest remained calm and composed, displaying an air of otherworldly elegance with every wave of his hand.
“That’s right.” “…” Bai Qi’s overly calm reaction made the old Taoist priest a little embarrassed.
Young brother, can’t you cooperate a little?
Bai Qi stared intently at the divination result.
“And then?” “This hexagram, which weakens the metal element and strengthens the wood element, indicates that traveling north will bring the assistance of a benefactor,” the old Taoist priest continued in a melodious tone.
“It is an auspicious hexagram.” “Oh?
I don’t think so.” Bai Qi’s expression was calm, but his words made the old Taoist’s eyes widen.
“Grandpa, what do you think?” Bai Qi squatted down, sidled up next to the old Taoist priest, and pointed to the divination result.
“The upper trigram is Qian (☰), and the lower trigram is Xun (☴).
The outer metal overcomes the inner wood.
Since the attack comes from the outside, it will harm me.
I am prone to injury to the femur, and it is an omen of being involved in a car accident and fracturing my bone while traveling.
This is a disaster of bloodshed.” The old Taoist priest was taken aback, somewhat bewildered: “Huh?” What the hell is this?
“Young man, you know about this?” The old Taoist leaned back tactically, then looked up and sized up Bai Qi.
“I know a little bit.” Bai Qi really only knew a little bit.
He had read a lot of novels and could occasionally remember a lot of knowledge that he didn’t usually use.
“Grandpa, do you think what I said is right?” “Let me take another look.” The old Taoist priest put down his hand that was stroking his beard.
Next, Bai Qi and the old Taoist priest exchanged opinions at length about whether the divination indicated help from a benefactor or a bloody disaster, deeply discussing the origins and changes in their differing understandings.
Ultimately, they both felt that the other’s points had some merit, and then… That was it; the subway arrived.
Bai Qi smiled and expressed his gratitude before bidding farewell and leaving, leaving the old Taoist alone to continue studying the divination.
While not entirely averse to metaphysics, Bai Qi typically maintains a 99% denial and a 1% belief in it.
It’s important to understand that in probability theory, there are no absolute zeros or one hundred percent.
The revival of spiritual energy, as depicted in fantasy novels, is not impossible, but the probability is so low that it is almost impossible.
After exiting the subway station, Bai Qi scanned a Meituan shared electric scooter and headed towards her rented apartment.
after that…
Bai Qi has been injured!
…
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a truck or dump truck that handled transmigration and rebirth services, and he wasn’t killed by the trauma.
As for the specifics?
Bai Qi stared blankly at his left leg, which was wrapped up, and the pain seemed to spread like a tide throughout his body.
“You’re awake.” A hint of relief lingered in the clear, melodious voice, and Bai Qi was taken aback…
He then shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar figure who had made the sound.
Her delicately applied makeup, as white as snow in the sunlight, and her long, silky hair cascading down like a waterfall, contrasted with her white knitwear with green accents, outlining her slender and graceful curves.
In addition, Bai Qi, who was exceptionally perceptive in certain aspects, also noticed her unique temperament.
Yes, temperament.
It may sound a bit strange, but it is something that truly exists in reality.
For most people, it is easy to pick out college students who have infiltrated a group of adults.
After all, the latter is like a sheep mixed in with a pack of dogs.
Her apologetic yet polite smile appeared gentle and warm, but in reality, it made her seem unapproachable, like a flower on a high mountain.
It wasn’t a vulgar arrogance that was merely superficial; rather, it was a pride and nobility that truly existed in one’s bones, a confidence stemming from one’s background and family.
“Who are you?” Bai Qi raised an eyebrow, showing no unusual feelings despite the girl’s appearance and demeanor.
Under normal circumstances, he would never have any contact with a girl of that caliber.
Although he was a boy, Bai Qi had no interest in cars and couldn’t even recognize common brand logos.
The only car he recognized was the king of cars, the Wuling Hongguang.
But that didn’t stop him from guessing that this girl’s car was a luxury car worth over a million.
Clearly, this is the culprit.
“My name is Gu Wu.
This car accident was caused by my mistake, and I will take full responsibility for all related matters.
I will also compensate you.
I am truly sorry.” Gu Wu bowed deeply, a standard apology gesture.
What were the cities of ancient times actually like?
Is that small amount of compensation even a significant sum for a genuine second-generation rich kid?
It’s just pocket money for a few days at most.
Conversely, connections and personal relationships within officialdom are extremely valuable and must be used with utmost caution.
Just like the widely publicized barbecue stand assault incident, if someone seizes the opportunity, the consequences could be disastrous!
Using official resources for a trivial matter that can be solved with money is something only an idiot would do!
Having received an elite aristocratic education since childhood, Gu Wu, while not yet as far-sighted as her parents, is still quite shrewd and resourceful.
Moreover, this is a special stage in her father’s career, and she absolutely cannot give her father’s opponents any leverage.
Gu Wu is not an arrogant, domineering, or unreasonable person.
The fault for the car accident was indeed hers, and her apology to Bai Qi was sincere.
“Let’s discuss the details of compensation later; for now, let’s focus on your health.” A polite tone and impeccable manners—that’s the mark of a true second-generation rich kid.
“Bai Qi…
right?
How are you feeling now?” The nurses and doctors behind Gu Wu stepped forward to examine and inquire about her.
Perhaps because of the presence of the former, the nurses’ tone was unusually gentle.
“The anesthetic should be wearing off soon, and you might experience some pain…” Facing the doctors and nurses, Bai Qi answered their questions about her physical condition truthfully and learned the general situation of her body.
He suffered multiple external injuries, including two broken ribs and a comminuted fracture of his left leg.
Thanks to Gu Wu’s timely medical attention and the fact that a professor-level doctor performed the surgery, Bai Qi’s condition was not as bad as it seemed.
The left leg can recover to a normal state in 6 to 8 months.
After the doctors and nurses left, Gu Wu and Bai Qi discussed the compensation issue.
The total amount of medical expenses, meal allowances, transportation expenses, lost wages, nutrition expenses, and mental distress compensation and mental anguish damages is 2.09 million yuan.
This is the amount of compensation after deducting the surgery fee and the main expenses incurred during this hospitalization.
This amount of money is nothing to Gu Wu, but her main purpose is to resolve this matter, not to give money to Bai Qi.
Therefore, within the scope of actively seeking to assume responsibility and provide compensation, one should minimize one’s own losses as much as possible.
For Bai Qi, 2.09 million was an amount he could not refuse.
Furthermore, if a letter of understanding can be signed today, the money will arrive tonight.
Bai Qi didn’t hesitate or struggle too much, and made the choice that most ordinary people would make.
Although the compensation for a comminuted fracture is equivalent to the compensation for being beaten up, not everyone is a top-tier rich kid.
She had countless ways to avoid this bleeding, such as letting the insurance company stall and delay.
Judging from Gu Wu’s behavior, it can be inferred that the letter of forgiveness is useful to her, but Bai Qi knows nothing about Gu Wu’s background and cannot determine how important the letter of forgiveness is to her.
The compensation of 2.09 million yuan is undoubtedly a huge sum for ordinary people at the bottom of society.
Taking all factors into consideration, Bai Qi readily signed the letter of understanding.
After instructing the hired caregiver to take good care of the patient, Gu Wu apologized again and then turned and left decisively, her steps elegant.
Gu Wu was very confident in her appearance and temperament, but Bai Qi did not show any timidity or affection during their conversation, which surprised her a little.
If we switch to a scene with a domineering CEO, the famous line should be: “This is an interesting man.” But that’s all.
It’s just a fleeting interest.
She and Bai Qi are from completely different classes, well, from two different worlds.
With the letter of understanding in hand, she would have no further dealings with Bai Qi.
The story of a rich girl falling in love with a man from a poor background only exists in novels.
‘Is this what they call receiving help from a benefactor?
That’s truly…’ Bai Qi silently watched Gu Wu’s departing figure, a forced smile on his face.
“Phew…
whatever.” Bai Qi let out a deep breath and shifted his gaze from the IV drip to the starless night sky, where colorful neon lights adorned the night view of Shanghai.
Alone and without relatives, Bai Qi didn’t care about his own life; death might not be a bad thing.
There was no resentment, only a sense of gankai (a feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or sadness).
Even after deducting subsequent medical expenses and other miscellaneous costs, these two million yuan would be enough for him to repay the loan left by his father.
Without eating, drinking, or staying in the house, it would take him nearly 20 years to earn more than two million.
Lying on the soft hospital bed, Bai Qi was bathed in the clear, mercury-like moonlight, and the thoughts churning in his mind gradually subsided.
After all thoughts had faded, in a moment when his soul had returned to peace, Bai Qi suddenly opened his eyes.
Something seems off!
Since waking up, Bai Qi had felt a strange sense of disconnection, but the feeling was extremely subtle.
So he hadn’t noticed it during the noisy daytime until now, when he realized that the strange feeling was real.
It wasn’t a physical injury, but rather a feeling that seemed to come from the depths of one’s soul.
Tossing and turning, pondering deeply, Bai Qi slowly drifted off to sleep while trying to recall this strange feeling.
To Bai Qi’s astonishment, his consciousness remained clear even after he fell asleep!
Drawn by a mysterious force, Bai Qi’s perspective rapidly shifted upwards.
Hospital, Shanghai, China, Asia, Earth…
The perspective didn’t stop; it continued to expand.
Earth, Earth-Moon system, Solar system, Local interstellar cloud, Local bubble, Gould belt…
Despite the vast distance beyond human comprehension, Bai Qi’s consciousness remained clear under the protection of that mysterious power.
Orion Arm, Milky Way, Milky Way Group, Local Group, Virgo Supercluster, Supercluster…
Beyond the observable universe spanning 93 billion light-years, traversing the single universe, leaping out of the multiverse, breaking through the multiverse barrier…
Ultimately reaching a spacetime dimension that is completely beyond human comprehension!
Bai Qi was filled with astonishment and shock.
What happened?
(com): Adam_Flores.