Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Relentless Doctor

At that moment, someone suddenly patted him on the shoulder. The abrupt touch startled him, making him jump and quickly turn around to see who it was. But before he could, a pair of hands forcefully turned him back, making him face the promotional film once more. Only after the film ended and the projector was turned off did the person spin his chair around. Before him stood an elderly man with glasses, bearing the unmistakable air of authority.

The man introduced himself, “Hello, my name is Gu Weimin. I’m the head of Division Three at the M City Investigation Center.” As he spoke, he extended his hand for a handshake, but the doctor was so stunned that he didn’t react at all. Without hesitation, Gu Weimin seized the doctor’s hand and shook it firmly. The doctor’s expression was a masterpiece of conflicted emotions, as if he were about to burst into tears.

“Good day, Director,” the doctor stammered.

Gu Weimin waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t call me Director. Publicly, we’re ‘Supernatural Exploration Monthly’—you should call me Chief Editor.”

The doctor offered a bewildered, forced smile. “Good day, Chief Editor.”

Gu Weimin asked, “Finished watching the film? You must have a general idea about our division and the 444 Supermarket by now. Well, do you have any thoughts?” Midway through speaking, he suddenly remembered something and reached for a book on his desk, flipping through it.

“This book is for you,” Gu Weimin said. “It’s internal material from our division—includes a historical overview, departmental breakdown, collaborations, FAQs, you name it. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can review it here.”

The doctor stared at Gu Weimin, who returned the gaze. Each man had his own thoughts.

“Chief Editor,” the doctor began hesitantly, “can I discuss something with you? How about this: I’ll write you a statement of assurance when I get back. I promise—truly!—that everything I saw and heard today, I will treat as if it never happened. It’ll all be buried inside me, and I won’t breathe a word to anyone. Would that do?”

Gu Weimin sighed, “Ah, well, that’s not so simple. If we just let you go, the existence of non-human entities could be exposed. That would go against our operational protocols. I’m afraid you’ll have to endure some inconvenience for now.”

Upon hearing this, the doctor’s face twisted in discomfort, as if he were suffering from constipation.

Gu Weimin continued, “You’ll stay with us for the time being.”

The doctor protested, “Isn’t that just house arrest?”

Gu Weimin smiled. “Think of it another way—consider it a vacation. A little recuperation and rest are good for you. Once headquarters develops the new, highly effective erasure method, you’ll be free to go. What do you think of that?”

The doctor stammered, “And, uh, when will that erasure method be ready?”

Gu Weimin scratched his head. “Maybe a month? Or, well, perhaps a year. Of course, research can run into the occasional snag. It’s understandable if it takes a bit longer—three years, five, even ten. Just go with the flow.”

With every word, the doctor’s heart sank further.

“Is there any other option?” he asked desperately.

Gu Weimin suddenly grew serious. “There is.”

With that, he blindfolded the doctor and led him to Dr. Bai. The doctor was half-reclining on a bench, his hands, feet, and head all restrained. Unable to see anything, his fear only intensified.

“Where are you? What are you planning to do to me?” the doctor called out.

“We’re going to attempt an enhanced brainwashing procedure,” Gu Weimin replied.

He then removed the blindfold. The doctor blinked and saw the beautiful Dr. Bai standing before him, brandishing two gleaming knives, their cold light flashing back and forth in front of his eyes.