Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1721: Chapter 1716: Bitter Fruit (10)

So, is he still not showing up?

Watching Dorian, who looked like he could hardly resist stabbing with a long spike, Fu Qian was thinking of something else entirely.

Yes, the reason for escalating Brother Dorian’s alert level so ungraciously wasn’t due to dissatisfaction with the previous experiences, but because the warehouse’s instructions were somewhat delayed.

Aside from an initial code name, from escaping the therapeutic dream realm to communicating with this attending doctor until now, there has been no further movement from the task warehouse, acting in an open-world manner, leaving Fu Qian to his own devices.

Unfortunately, after dealing with this for so long, Fu Qian didn’t think this special existence could have such composure.

For him, he leaned more towards the judgment made earlier — this place is quite special, restricting the warehouse’s function, and the task introduction is an example.

And in this situation, the solution is actually simple.

As an administrator, he needs to be more proactive and quickly become the catfish stirring the waters, prompting the warehouse to issue a task.

Although such actions do not align with his low-key style, exposing himself in a state of ignorance will objectively increase the difficulty of the task.

But blindly biding time might also miss the opportunity, similarly increasing difficulty.

The way of trade-offs lies in one’s heart.

And in the end, Dorian became the first victim of his choice.

First, he almost hesitantly escaped the therapeutic dream, then displayed overly aggressive bluntness once outside, which should be enough to raise any degree of vigilance in him rather than continuing to play Tai Chi with himself.

”I must say, among all the outsiders who come here, you are a rather special one... so can you explain what’s the purpose of pretending to need treatment?”

Without disappointing, after a brief thought, Dorian quickly gave a positive evaluation, without any intention of putting down his weapon.

”What do you mean pretending?”

However, Fu Qian still wasn’t quite satisfied with the latter’s statement, pointing to his own face.

”Does my mental state look very healthy?”

...

Ha ha!

It was clear from the moment Fu Qian spoke, he was already in an invincible position. Dorian obviously couldn’t refute anyone who could ask such a question.

”But in any case, you certainly don’t intend to receive treatment anymore, right?”

His response the next moment was classic, with endless sneers and undiminished vigilance, continuing to assume Fu Qian had ulterior motives.

”Indeed, to be honest, your methods of treatment were a bit disappointing to me.”

His cooperation was so proactive in deepening the issue that Fu Qian couldn’t be more satisfied.

Though in the next moment, his response was to turn around and give a sharp critique pointing at the five dolls.

”Interesting idea, but ultimately the quality of the props is not strong enough. For example, Miss Hilary, if the seductive effect she brings could be stronger, I might not even come out from underground.”

This wasn’t baseless flattery; among all five dolls, Hilary was undoubtedly the most special one.

The release brought by being in her embrace, akin to the Four Great Emptiness, was irresistibly tempting to the mind.

Anyone else would likely find it hard to let go of that feeling.

So escaping from there seemed simple: just walk from below to the chapel, get outside, sit in the darkness over the courtyard wall for a while, but essentially there were quite a few invisible obstacles.

”Is that so? I didn’t see that.”

Unfortunately, Dorian apparently only took Fu Qian’s words as social niceties, grinning without real amusement, continuing to step forward, directly standing before Hilary’s chair, looking at the exceptionally crafted doll.

And in the next moment, under Fu Qian’s gaze, he actually reached out and lifted the doll by the neck.

”So do you know why the quality of the props isn’t good enough?”

...

Dorian’s actions were undoubtedly a bit rough, twisting the doll’s pose during the tugging, even pulling aside a piece of the black lace on its face.

Of course, Fu Qian didn’t care about such disregard for office supplies; he was interested in the latter question.

”Because its material is not the best yet.”

Fortunately, Dorian’s performance was very much in line with expectations, continuing his self-questioning and answering without needing any prompting.

”So do you know what the best material is?”

With a thud, he tosses the doll carelessly at Fu Qian’s side, then asks.

”A person?”

It’s certainly impolite to keep making someone self-question and answer, and though Fu Qian hasn’t done much of such crafts, his empathy being his strong suit, it was easy to get into the meticulous predicament, casually picking up the doll to counter-question the next moment.

”...I increasingly want you to stay here!”

Although he didn’t immediately comment on right or wrong, Dorian’s expression said it all.

Allowing Fu Qian to handle his medical equipment, even his facial expression eased somewhat.

”I don’t know what exactly your purpose is for coming here, but you’re right, a replica is ultimately just a replica, how can it compare to the original—”

”So are you interested in taking this piece of trash and trading it back for the original?”

And after a strongly worded expression, he finally presented his suggestion, even showing an indescribable excitement in his eyes simultaneously.

It looked like just thinking about it made him extremely excited.

”Though your logic seems to have some issues, I can still try to roughly understand it.”

Slightly furrowing his brow, Fu Qian casually replied while holding the doll only one-quarter the size of a real person in hand.

Like Dorian, it was also clearly a transcendent item, so much so that even now, gazing into those eyes brighter than the original, he could feel a special allure.

”Are you trying to tell me that the real Hilary is nearby, and I can bring her here as new material for your tool, in exchange for better treatment conditions?”

”How about it? Are you interested?”

Like some desire inadvertently ignited in his heart, Dorian’s voice even became impatient.

”Or you can state your conditions, as long as I can fulfill them.”

”So, are the others here too?”

Sadly, Fu Qian’s malicious style was once again evident, examining the remaining four dolls without committing to anything.

”Yes, they are all here, but without a doubt, Hilary is the best one. Aren’t you interested in her?”

Seeming to realize his own overly eager attitude led to a disadvantageous position, Dorian controlled his emotions, slowing his pace of speech.

”No, I am interested.”

Fu Qian shook his head, his attitude suddenly becoming straightforward.

”Tell me where she is.”