"Sigh! You don't need to know our names," Shen Xingkong said. "Once I take your money and treat your sister, we go our separate ways. Don't come looking for me after that." He ignored Bai Tao's outstretched hand, not out of rudeness, but to make it clear that someone like Bai Tao should avoid him after this—peace for both of them.
Feeling slightly awkward, Bai Tao withdrew his hand and sat quietly in the car, only speaking occasionally to give directions to his sister's place.
Do you remember the Biological Research Institute where Chief Engineer Chen worked? It was in the eastern outskirts of the city, near the sports stadium. Bai Tao's sister lived nearby, not far from that same institute.
This area was indeed remote, so much so that there wasn't even a bus stop nearby. The closest one was several hundred meters away. As they drove into the dilapidated housing district, Shen Xingkong let out a deep sigh. He hadn't realized there were places in Z City even more run-down than where he lived. He had rarely ventured to this part of town.
This neighborhood had been built in the 1950s and was once known as "Little White Houses," a prestigious residential area for retired cadres. Sixty years later, few of those original residents remained, and the area had turned into a slum. Piles of garbage were scattered everywhere, flies buzzed around, and discarded bottles and cans littered the open spaces. There were even several scrap collection stations in the area.
The Audi maneuvered through the narrow passages between buildings until they finally arrived at the base of one of the "Little White Houses." Bai Tao was the first to get out, pointing up at the building. "My sister lives up there. Come on, quickly!"
Shen Xingkong and Chang Le exchanged a glance but said nothing, following Bai Tao up the wooden staircase to the second-floor outdoor corridor. Each floor had three or four apartments, with doors opening directly onto the corridor. Bai Tao quickened his pace, hurrying to the end of the corridor before pulling out a key to unlock the door.
Suddenly, Chang Le grabbed Shen Xingkong's arm and shook his head, signaling him to be cautious. He was worried about "danger."
Shen Xingkong ignored him, shaking off Chang Le's hand and following Bai Tao into the apartment. Chang Le quickly caught up, feeling an inexplicable chill as if shadows were flickering around them. Everything seemed ominous and eerie.
"Xiao Lan... Xiao Lan..." As soon as they entered, Bai Tao called out loudly for his sister.
The apartment was dark. The sun had almost set outside, but no lights were on inside, leaving everything shrouded in darkness. Shen Xingkong and Chang Le had to grope their way forward. At one point, Chang Le accidentally kicked something, causing a clattering noise that made his hair stand on end.
Suddenly, a light flickered on in front of them, and both Shen Xingkong and Chang Le froze.
The apartment was tiny, barely a two-bedroom place. The living room was no larger than an average bathroom. Shen Xingkong and Chang Le stood in this cramped space, facing an open bedroom door. The light that had just turned on came from inside the bedroom.
In the light, they could see Bai Tao inside, gently comforting a young girl.
The girl was sitting on the windowsill, her skin as pale as snow. The window beside her was open, allowing the night breeze to flutter her long hair and white dress. The fluorescent light illuminated her detached, ethereal face, making her look like a goddess descended from the moon.
"Old Shen... this girl's a real beauty..." Chang Le couldn't help but mutter.
"Yeah, especially while she's sleepwalking," Shen Xingkong shot back, his gaze sharp enough to cut through stone.
"Gulp!" Chang Le swallowed nervously, any trace of desire instantly vanishing.
Inside the bedroom, Bai Tao remained at his sister's side, his smile strained as he desperately tried to make her happy.
"Xiao Lan, look who's here. It's a doctor! He said he can cure your illness."
The girl didn't seem to hear Bai Tao. Her face showed no reaction as she stared blankly out the window. She looked more like a perfect statue than a living person.
"Xiao Lan, don't scare your brother like this. Please wake up..." Bai Tao's heart ached. He remembered how lively and adorable his sister had been before she got sick, always pestering him to make paper airplanes with her.
"Let me handle this." Shen Xingkong walked over, grabbing Bai Tao by the arm and dragging him aside without explanation.
Bai Tao glanced at Shen Xingkong but stayed silent, nervously waiting for him to treat his sister. Chang Le followed into the bedroom, curious about how Shen Xingkong was going to cure sleepwalking.
Shen Xingkong didn't start treating Bai Tao's sister right away. Instead, he approached her and observed her closely. The girl didn't react to his presence at all. If not for the occasional blink, Shen Xingkong might have thought she was dead.
After a few minutes of observation, Shen Xingkong noted that her pale skin was abnormal, likely due to a lack of sunlight exposure and possibly anemia. However, apart from her overly pale complexion, she appeared perfectly healthy. At least outwardly, there were no signs of illness.
"I'm sorry..." In the stillness of the room, Shen Xingkong suddenly apologized to the girl.
Bai Tao froze, a terrible feeling creeping into his gut. His instincts were right—something bad was about to happen. Without any warning, Shen Xingkong wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and forcibly lifted her off the windowsill, carrying her toward the bed.
"Ah!" The girl finally reacted, screaming in terror and thrashing wildly in Shen Xingkong's arms.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Bai Tao panicked, thinking Shen Xingkong had bad intentions, and lunged forward.
"Hehehe!" Chang Le let out a sinister chuckle, stepping in front of Bai Tao to block his path and vision. "Calm down, man!"
"Get out of the way, you bastards! Let go of my sister!" Bai Tao, furious, tried to shove Chang Le aside.
"Trying to pull moves on me?" Chang Le swiftly grabbed Bai Tao's hand, twisting it behind his back and pinning him against the bedroom wall.
"Let go of my sister..." Bai Tao's voice cracked with desperation, but he couldn't break free.
Meanwhile, Shen Xingkong had thrown the girl onto the bed and quickly jumped on top of her, pinning her down. Despite her fierce struggle, she was no match for Shen Xingkong's strength. He sat on her waist, immobilizing her. He then grabbed her right hand.
At this moment, Shen Xingkong could only think of one approach—to check if there was any physiological issue causing her condition. The best way he knew how was to utilize his special ability. With his free hand, he reached into his waist pouch, pulled out the beehive needle, and gently pressed it into the Shenmen point on the girl's wrist.