1423 In Modern Day 21 (2/2)

”Why don't I take you there?” I don't mention the fact that he's lost.

As a person, one has to know when to joke and when not to.

The man's expression changes. After a few seconds, he whispers, ”Alright.”

”Let's go.” I turn and lead.

”Thank you…” The wind nearly scatters his voice from behind.

As I walk along the road to the crossroads, I casually chat.

”Which country are you from? You speak pretty good Mandarin.”

”I'm a minority.” The man hesitates for a moment before replying.

”Oh, no wonder. Which ethnic group are you from? How should I address you?” I'm enlightened.

The man walks to my side and falls silent for a moment before saying,

”My surname is Bai[1]. My name is Ailin.”

”It's a nice name, just a little feminine,” I tease.

To be honest, a superficial joke like this definitely doesn't match the sarcasm in my heart. I've already given Bai Ailin a feminine nickname in my mind:

Lin Lin, or Lyn Lyn.

Bai Ailin ignores my joke and walks forward before turning left.

”Wait. Wrong. That's wrong. Over here.” I quickly correct him.

You really are a primary school student!

Bai Ailin immediately turns around and follows me to take the right turn.

I don't look at his face, and I don't say a word. I give him time to calm down, lest he gets angry.

To be honest, who gave him the courage to come out in the middle of the night to look for a hospital with such a terrible sense of direction?

Couldn't he just get a taxi?

Or let his parents accompany him!

After turning right, it's only a fifty to sixty-meter walk. The hospital appears before us.

”This hospital isn't big. This is the inpatient building. If you go straight ahead, you'll see the Emergency Department and the outpatient building. Do you need me to bring you there?”

”No need, I'm just going to the inpatient building.” Bai Ailin is visibly relieved. ”Thank you.”

As he speaks, he takes out a simple brass key from his pocket.

Strange… People actually use a key like that in this day and age? In actuality, it just appears like that on the surface. It's essentially a smart key? I don't probe further and wave.

”Goodbye.”

After walking for a few meters, I look back worriedly, only to find Bai Ailin gone.

I can no longer see him on this road. It's as if he vanished into thin air!

The hospital's side door didn't open either!

Could he have fallen into the sewers? I look over and realize that the manhole cover is fine.

Perhaps he used the key to open the door and enter… Heh heh, the old man guarding the side door must be asleep, right? I shake my head and stop thinking about this.

I head all the way home. I find myself feeling a little thirsty thanks to the barbecue, so I take out a cup from my room, open the fridge, and pour the cold water that has been chilled the entire day into the cup.

This is a habit of mine during the summer. Before I head out in the morning, I boil a pot of water, pour it into the large container, and place it in the fridge. I can then drink it after work.

Gulp! Gulp! Gulp… I drink two glasses in a row and finally feel fine.

After pouring another glass, I saunter back to my bedroom and sit at the computer table.

As I sweep my gaze, I suddenly sense something amiss.

Eh…

The black notebook I bought this afternoon is laying open.

I remember that before I went out for barbecue, it was clearly closed. Besides, I didn't open the windows for fear of mosquitoes!

[1] Literally ”White” in Chinese