CH 28.2

Next day, at courtyard time.

Jiang Yiyi is looking at the centre of the crowds of the courtyard. Three familiar faces, and no Black Glove still.

Lin Yi is by his side as usual, and explains, “Black Glove won’t come before he feels better.”

Jiang Yiyi nods and stops observing, instead turning his head towards Ye Wang, who is standing outside the courtyard.

Ye Wang acknowledges him with a nod.

“Looks like he is still concerned because of you.” Says Lin Yi, who then whispers to him, “I have to go tell him something.”

Then he takes off for Ye Wang.

Ye Wang stops to look back at Lin Yi.

“Ye Wang, I need to apply for some days off.”

Ye Wang raises his brow, “sure. Shoot me the application.”

“I’m in a hurry. Can it be arranged soon?”

“I’m afraid not,” Ye Wang answers with a stern expression, “when it is approved and the date set, I’ll be in touch.”

Lin Yi is not surprised at the answer——Just as they suspected, with the fourth floor now the centre of the vortex of power struggle, no one is allowed out.

It is not only FedCom who has eyes on that info.

Lin Yi nods, but before he can go back, Ye Wang speaks up, “you seem to get along with Doctor.”

Lin Yi stops.

“He doesn’t seem to mind your two-face behaviour at all.”

Lin Yi narrows his eyes slightly, “I think you misunderstand. The Doctor and I are merely an Outstanding Supervisor and his charge.”

“Really?” Ye Wang then idly comments, “perhaps it might be a good idea to think about, why he is still keeping you around, then,”

Lin Yi turns back around to face Ye Wang, “you sound like you have something to say.”

“I think you know Doctor better than we do.” Ye Wang says only as much as he needs to, “if you are not on his side, why would he keep you around?”

Because of the Outstanding Supervisor role, because…

Lin Yi pauses, going on a trip to memory lane. Several scenes flash past his mind.

As they descended the floors together, held by a nominally cooperative alliance, Lin Yi did use to think that they had partially aligned goals.

However, the crux of the issue is that their initial arrangement does not hold up at all——Jiang Yiyi does not need him, because he cannot provide anything of value to Jiang Yiyi either.

Just like Ye Wang is asking, if he is useless to Jiang Yiyi, then why is he keeping him around?

Ye Wang smiles when no answer comes after some time, “you do not seem to know either.”

“I suggest you think about it, then.” Ye Wang pats him on the shoulder, “what, exactly, is he trying to do with you.”

Lin Yi glances towards Jiang Yiyi.

The distance means he cannot see Jiang Yiyi face clearly. He can only identify him by the silhouette.

What kind of person is Jiang Yiyi? A question he has asked himself countless times——And certainly, many people having asked themselves the exact same as well.

Conflicting behaviour and logical inconsistencies are the labels that best describe Jiang Yiyi’s image thus far.

None of them can claim to know Jiang Yiyi. Also, Lin Yi, being the closest person he has spent the most time with, and whom Jiang Yiyi even seems to have an interest in defending, actually has a vague idea in his mind, one beyond logical deduction and rational thought.

“Perhaps, he is keeping me around, simply because…” Lin Yi stops looking away to stare Ye Wang in the eye once more.

He is familiar with such gazes. A desperate, curious gaze to learn. For there has been no progress, no understanding on this person on the file named Jiang Yiyi.

When everyone on file has weaknesses and flaws detailed, or, even failing that, tendencies and habits, they are able to further investigate, control, and defeat them.

Not Jiang Yiyi. He has nothing. He is like an informational black hole. He absorbs all gazes, returning nothing but a dark void.

“Simply because… he is a good person?”

Ye Wang stares at him in silence, only replying after a couple of seconds, “you know, I do believe you know the Doctor very well now.”

Lin Yi realises something from the response, “he told you so himself?”

“If you mean him emphasising that he is a good person——Yes, he did.” Ye Wang asks, “looks like you believe him?”

“Why wouldn’t you?” Lin Yi answers quite frankly, “it does explain a lot, doesn’t it?”

“Do you need me to show you Lone Wolf’s autopsy report?”

“No need. I’ve read it.”

“And… a good person?”

“There is no proof that Lone Wolf’s death is related to him.”

Ye Wang is looking at Lin Yi in a way that reminds him of something.

“Have you ever thought about…” Ye Wang is hesitant in speaking for once, “seeing a psychologist?”

“I’ve been meaning to, but now… still waiting for my holiday.”

“When this is over with, I do suggest you book a session with a psychologist as soon as possible.” Ye Wang pats him on the shoulder once more, “do not forget, that Doctor is far more skilled with psychological than surgical endeavours.”

“Are you suggesting that…”

“No.” Ye Wang interrupts him, looking at the courtyard, “I was not saying anything.”

Lin Yi, after taking a moment to confirm that Ye Wang is finished and not interested in restarting the topic, nods and heads back to the courtyard.

There is a shadow lingering in his mind.

Average people will have trouble fathoming exactly what Jiang Yiyi is capable of via hypnotic suggestion and control.

And, in a certain sense, Lin Yi is also simply another average person.