CH 32.3

“Wrong?”

“Rare as they might be, we have some case files that showed, in the presence of danger, some humans instinctively choose to put on camouflage.” The expert paused, clarifying, “pretending that all is well.”

“Can hypnosis induce this?”

“What, to hypnotise your own reflexive responses?” The expert chuckled, “impossible. If your own instincts can be hypnotised, someone could just hypnotise you into committing even suicide, couldn’t they? The human body has self-preservation mechanisms…”

Lin Yi interjected, “what if it’s possible, hypothetically?”

The expert seemed taken aback for a moment before erupting into laughter, “if there really is such a master with such divine level of command over psychology, then you cannot hope to put up any resistance. You are not in control——In other words, you would not even know, if your memories are genuine, if your actions are the result of your own thoughts and commands, or their own thoughts and commands.”

Lin Yi was not sure exactly what his face looked like, but it must have been terrible, as the expert quickly reassured him, “those were simple speculation. Like many others, you’ve misunderstood the limits of hypnosis. All they are, is simply small influences on the psyche achieved through psychological priming and environmental cues. They can never achieve something like what I said.”

“If there really was some kind of ‘hypnosis’ that could do that, then it is not even hypnosis anymore——But a superpower.”

The expert was quite giddy, but Lin Yi could be nowhere near as optimistic.

Instead, since hearing of the expert’s conclusion, he found himself mired in another fear——Stemming from Lone Wolf’s form often reappearing in his mind. He committed suicide, with unparalleled determination and the most excruciating means. What caused him to make the choice?

Simple fear? Or… hypnosis?

Jiang Yiyi has gleaned what information he needed——From body language and microexpressions.

“Often, you find me disinclined to explaining.” Jiang Yiyi speaks up to dispel the silence, “right now, though, I must yet again stress, that Lone Wolf’s death had nothing to do with me.”

Lin Yi turns from looking at his unchanging face to looking at Lunatic instead.

“Lunatic’s improvement…” Jiang Yiyi thinks for a few seconds, “had to do with part of my small efforts, I’d say.”

“Nothing had to do with Doctor’s efforts, we know,” Lin Yi does his best to relax his body and keep any untoward emotions hidden, “since we could find no evidence.”

No weakness to speak of, not even leaving traces for others to track. Jiang Yiyi is undeniably the most dangerous enemy Lin Yi has ever encountered in his life thus far——Which is why, he must never become enemies with Jiang Yiyi.

“You heard about Bunny’s transformation yet? Interesting, isn’t it.” Fatty says, while watching the hustle and bustle of the courtyard.

Vulture glances at him, not replying.

Then Fatty continues to ask, “well? Not interested in that file anymore now?”

“I’ve thought about it. If Doctor wants in on this, then let him.” Vulture’s brows lift a little, and his tone is somewhat apathetic, “he’d be probing the way forward for us in any case.”

“For you, not us.” Fatty immediately clarifies, “I’m not interested in that info.”

“Fine, then, since you said that, if any of your men are there, I would show no mercy.”

“Since you aren’t interested, right?” Asks Vulture rhetorically.

Fatty is looking far off into the distance, only replying after some time, “so you’re retreating? Not going to try and face the Doctor?”

“Is it just me, or do I hear you looking forward to me doing something against him?” Vulture glances at him again, “why, you’ve got something against me? Against Doctor?”

“Hey, no need to get defensive. What grudge would I have against any of you?” Fatty pats himself on the head with a big smile, “he just stands out, is all.”

“Then do it yourself.” Vulture says coldly, “help out your fellow G’s by seeing what he’s capable of.”

Fatty, “hey, I’m nowhere strong enough.”

“No grudges, was it?” Vulture sniggers, “you must have been keeping an eye on him for a long time to know your difference so well, yes?”

“One of mine was done in my him. He has to pay.” Fatty turns to Vulture directly, “now that I couldn’t coax you into it, want to work together instead?”

“Doctor dealt with one of your men?” Vulture thinks about it, “on the upper floors?”

“Just answer the question. Will you work together, or not?” Fatty does not give any explanation, and asks directly.

“Together… is not too bad. What’s in it for us?” Asks Vulture, “none of ours have a grudge against Doctor.”

“You don’t want the file?” As soon as Fatty says that, their eyes lock.

“What, you do?” Then Vulture corrects himself, “I mean, your superiors finally gave the order?”

“Then we’d have to make a detailed plan.” Vulture lowers his voice, “kill two birds with one stone. We get the file, and also eliminate Doctor…”

Fatty does not reply. His eyes are staring into the far distance again.

“That said, your orders sure came late.” Vulture suddenly comments, “did they need to think that long about it?”

He is examining Fatty’s look closely, “everything alright at home?”

“We’re doing quite well, thank you for asking.”

Vulture smiles in turn, “good to hear. Or the plan can’t really go forward.”