Eldritch Horror Theatre

That’s right, Rachel was being used as an Inner World detector, and so far, she was working perfectly.

Since everyone was different, each person inherently possessed their own unique value worth exploiting.

Of course, this was only the beginning; they had just entered the hospital.

For instance, an immediate problem presented itself: where to find Tina?

Aside from her name and the graceful figure beneath her uniform, he honestly knew very little about her.

As for why he was looking for Tina?

Naturally, it was to investigate why she had barged into his home in such revealing clothes.

Based on his previous comparisons and guesses, his current conclusion was that the hospital’s corresponding Inner World might have also experienced a major disturbance yesterday.

Tina’s abnormal behavior naturally connected her to this.

If she could remember more, it would undoubtedly help him figure out the whole situation.Of course, Fu Qian hadn’t forgotten the core reason for targeting the hospital: the body bags and patient gowns that had appeared in both the surface and Inner Worlds.

It repeatedly proved that this place was an unavoidable link in Evan’s plan. From there, he could infer that his competitors might come here investigating his whereabouts—and that his competitors might deduce he would make that exact same deduction.

This was the fabled convergence of fate.

...

”Do you have an appointment?”

Unfortunately, a life fraught with misfortune was always the norm.

Just as Fu Qian, admitting to himself that he didn’t know where to find her, arrived at a reception-like area, the person behind the counter casually asked the question before he could even speak.

”No, I need to find a nurse who might be late—”

His tone was calm and straightforward. Today’s Fu Qian was shockingly honest.

”Sorry, we don’t take anyone without an appointment.”

Unfortunately, the woman was highly principled.

Before Fu Qian could even state a name, the overly plump auntie behind the counter delivered this classic rejection without batting an eyelid.

To be fair, it was a reasonable response; this didn’t fall within her job description.

Although, judging by the hospital’s current traffic, a walk-in system would have worked just fine.

”Then I’ll make an appointment.”

After confirming there were no patients around who might be delayed by him, Fu Qian straightforwardly accepted her suggestion.

”Sorry, we only accept phone appointments—”

The receptionist replied at the speed of light once again, her words as smooth as a rehearsed routine.

This time, she was clearly impatient. She frowned and looked up as she spoke, only for her voice to come to an abrupt halt.

”Tina.”

Casually dropping a name, Fu Qian shifted the muzzle of the gun resting on the counter, pointing it the other way to ease her psychological pressure.

”...I don’t know if she’s here.”

Although her face was still as pale as paper, the gesture seemed to help her regain her ability to speak.

With a trembling voice that practically painted a picture of her convulsing throat, the receptionist unconsciously offered an explanation.

”You can find out.”

Fu Qian’s voice remained gentle. He even put the gun away before prompting her.

He wasn’t intentionally hiding his identity as a police officer; he just felt that revealing it might not be as efficient as this.

Judging from his experiences along the way, this town’s decay had permeated every corner, including the police force.

Old Man Hake’s role was fast approaching that of a neighborhood committee member.

Given this worldly receptionist’s attitude, even if he revealed his identity and asked for her assistance, she would likely demand a badge.

Unfortunately, whether due to lax local management or the Warehouse’s outrageous cost-cutting, he had already patted himself down and clearly didn’t possess one.

Therefore, Fu Qian decisively chose a display of firepower.

As for whether it would cause trouble?

He wasn’t worried; people were different.

Fu Qian was fairly certain that the moment he put the gun away, the first thing this woman would consider was what might prompt him to pull it out again.

It was merely passing on a message; why risk that kind of retaliation?

”There’s no phone where she is... Should I go take a look?”

The receptionist seemed to have figured this out. Her attitude instantly turned proactive, and she even remembered to cautiously ask for Fu Qian’s permission, seemingly afraid he would think she was trying to run away.

”Tell her Anke is looking for her.”

In theory, using the opportunity to run away was human nature, but Fu Qian agreed very quickly, fully displaying the demeanor of one who would never doubt those you employ.

His request even sounded extremely lenient, as if he merely wanted to send a message and didn’t care whether she actually brought the person back.

”Okay.”

However, as the one executing the task, the receptionist clearly didn’t feel the same way. She hurriedly left with a complicated expression.

...

”Did she go find someone for you?”

Rachel had essentially been half-reluctant about Fu Qian’s forced request for assistance.

But to show that she wasn’t entirely cooperative, Rachel chose to stand far away and observe when Fu Qian went over to negotiate.

Seeing the person behind the counter immediately get up and hurry away after just a few sentences, Rachel couldn’t help but walk over.

”Do you know her?”

Fu Qian glanced at her.

Because of her angle earlier, Rachel hadn’t been able to see the exchange involving his firepower.

So in her eyes, the woman had simply gone to find someone for him after a brief conversation. Her disbelief was completely understandable.

”I don’t know her, but I know of her. She isn’t exactly easy to talk to.”

Rachel answered quickly, seeming to harbor a deep impression of the woman.

”She can be easy to talk to.”

Giving a slight nod, Fu Qian had no intention of clearing up her confusion and merely replied calmly.

Hmm...

The familiar phrasing seemed to remind Rachel of how she had ended up becoming his driver. She fell silent for a moment—though she didn’t disappear.

There was still no sign of the Inner World; this place still seemed to be enjoying its peaceful years.

...

”Why did you come here?”

Unfortunately, the quiet atmosphere was quickly broken. Accompanied by hurried footsteps, someone soon rushed over to where Fu Qian sat and let out a low growl.

Tina.

For Fu Qian, that face was naturally easy to recognize.

Even though the clothes she wore now were completely different from this morning’s style.

She was indeed as dedicated as he was, having still come to work.

Although she had been at his house when he left, that was only to avoid Hake. Fu Qian didn’t think Tina would stay at his place for long.

And for her to still manage to come to work after leaving... were the things she remembered not terrifying enough?

Or did she want to use this routine to help deny those memories?

Indeed, Fu Qian hadn’t been entirely sure Tina would come to the hospital; he was just giving it a try.

After all, as long as she was here, she would be a good starting point.

”I need to talk to you about something.”

Giving a slight nod, he simply signaled for her to step outside to talk.