Chapter 3, The Goddess of Yesteryear

After having dinner, I took my leave, as I needed to return to Qiaocheng, which is still a one and a half hour drive away

Just pretend for me, bring it here

I was completely taken aback; she actually came here for this Future medical institution. I recalled Professor Luo mentioning the mysterious department she belonged to. Could it be this medical institution? It can't be that coincidental, can it?

I quickly said: "Lohua."

I said with a bitter smile: "Teacher, we are not people from the same world..."

I have prepared some black coffee for you

"Well, it is a matter of business, but this issue is related to you." Her eyes were fixed on me, which made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. It took me a while to realize what she had said: "Related to me?"

As the professor spoke, he finished a cigarette and extended his hand towards me

He smiled in a narrow-minded way as he spoke

I was startled and looked around, not noticing anything unusual, and then said: "I just got off the highway, what happened?"

She said, "I am currently at the Jingzi Tea Bar, not far from your home. If it is convenient, let us meet."

I hurriedly said, "Yes, I have time. Where are you now?" I quickly wanted to confirm.

"I told you, if you get married and don't inform me, I will not spare you!" As he spoke, he actually raised his hand. I did not dodge, as I knew he was just trying to scare me. I have become accustomed to this way of interacting between us. Although we haven't seen each other for some time, the bond between teacher and student remains unchanged, and the understanding we share will not waver. In my heart, he is like family to me. I have become accustomed to this way of interacting between us. Although we haven't seen each other for some time, the bond between teacher and student remains unchanged, and the understanding we share will not waver. In my heart, he is like family to me.

I had just taken my seat and was about to deliver a well-worn opening line when she spoke first. In what way does she seem like someone I haven't seen in a long time?

She smiled and said, "I'm fine, how about you?"

Before I finished speaking, he interrupted me: "I know what you're thinking, you feel unworthy compared to others. What era are we in? You still hold such outdated views on social status. Nie Lan doesn't even look down on you, yet here you are, feeling inferior. Let me ask you, have you had a girlfriend in these past few years? Have you started a family?"

That being said, Nie Lan is still single. What do you think? Would you like me to help you two get together?

It is Nie Lan, it is her, she is still as beautiful as ever, but compared to when she was studying, she has shed her youthful innocence and gained a few more touches of mature charm

The professor's wife said she was going to buy some groceries and asked me to stay for dinner. I originally intended to decline, but Professor Luo insisted that I stay, so I had no choice but to agree

Perhaps this is what people often refer to as the confusion of those in power and the clarity of the bystanders

I am busy: "Thank you, but please do not interfere in our matters."

"When your teacher's wife comes back, you must say that you were the one smoking this." He mischievously winked at me

At the very beginning, I focused my attention on that so-called medical institution, but after visiting Wenhui's home, my thoughts changed due to my personal subjective feelings, and I unexpectedly began to believe in the existence of what is referred to as the soul

I just spoke with the teacher on the phone and learned that you went to Lincheng. Do you have time now

I curiously asked him where Nie Lan is currently working, and he replied: "It seems to be in some department, she mentioned it is quite mysterious and has some relation to life sciences"

I certainly remember my classmate from graduate school; she and I were both favored students of Professor Luo

The most important thing is that there was a spark between her and me, but later I withdrew because she is the daughter of a high-ranking official, while my family has been ordinary citizens for three generations. I feel that we are not from the same world.

I laughed; this is nothing like the professor from before, he is simply like a child coaxed into eating candy

She sighed: "You are still the same as you were in university; I thought that after these years in society, you would have changed."

Professor Luo shrugged and said, "I don't know, but you mentioned that their relationship is very good, very close, and they hardly ever separate. If that's the case, there's no need for hypnosis; a strong psychological suggestion would suffice to achieve such an effect. However, I suggest you not invest too much effort in Wenhui, as the main issue does not lie with her, but with that Luo, what was it again?"

Professor Luo patted my head and said, "What are you thinking? Let me tell you, she didn't rely on family connections; Nie Lan's abilities are no less than yours. Among all the students I have taught, you and she are the best. By the way, although I don't know her specific workplace, I do have her mobile number. Would you like to save it? You can catch up when you have time."

I was taken aback; what does she mean by this? Does she hope for me to change or does she hope for me to remain the same?

This opening line makes me feel quite clichéd, but what else can I say?

Finally off the highway, my phone suddenly rang

As soon as the teacher's wife left, he said: "Do you have a cigarette? Please give me one."

I certainly did not refuse

I took out a cigarette and handed it to him, then helped him light it. He took a puff, closing his eyes as if he were thoroughly enjoying it

"Hello, who is this?" As soon as I spoke, I felt a twinge of regret; how hypocritical of me! I had already saved their number but pretended to ask like this.

Long time no see, how have you been

She ordered a cup of black tea herself

Well, I am also doing fine

He looked at me with a bewildered expression and said, "This is just my intuition; whether it is correct or not, you will have to verify for yourself."

She nodded slightly: "A few days ago, were you inquiring about a medical institution called Future?"

I obediently handed him my phone, and he saved Nie Lan's number on it

The professor's remarks were astonishing, and they truly took me by surprise; I had never considered this question before

I am somewhat delighted. Could it be that she is in Qiaocheng? I know she is from Yanjing, and she wouldn't have come to Qiaocheng specifically to see me, would she?

In fact, I have never truly let go of Nie Lan in my heart; I am just more afraid of facing her. If I were to see her, I fear I would not even be able to complete my sentences.

Throughout the journey, fragmented images kept surfacing in my mind, all of which were memories from my university days, and the one I thought about the most was Nie Lan

I nodded slightly. Although his words had surprised me just now, I felt that the possibility was rather slim. The transportation department had been on the scene of Luo Hua's death and confirmed that it was indeed an accident. Moreover, there is also the insurance company, which is quite astute; if there were truly any issues, the insurance company would not have compensated so readily.

I believe the professor is overthinking it

Is Zhiqiang there? I am Nie Lan. Have you returned to Qiaocheng now?

"By the way, do you still remember Nie Lan?" Professor Luo asked me while enjoying the taste of his cigarette.

Next, I truly do not know what to say

Wasn't I coughing before? Do you see me coughing now? My asthma has long been cured, it's nothing. Where's the cigarette? Hurry and bring it to me.

I secretly sighed in my heart; it seems that having a good family background does have its advantages

As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw a woman extending half of her body from one of the cubicles in the library, waving at me

I couldn't help but feel a bit touched; she still remembers that I like to drink black coffee

I nodded slightly, realizing that I truly had to bear this burden. I am well aware of the temper of the professor's wife; although she appears amiable towards us students, her demeanor is quite different when it comes to the professor, who is notoriously henpecked.

After parking the car, I arrived at the entrance of Jingzi Tea Bar. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my emotions as much as possible. I was contemplating what my first words to her should be.

I cleared my throat and said, "Long time no see, how have you been?" The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted it

Originally, it would take approximately 15 minutes to drive from the highway exit to the agreed meeting location, but I arrived in just 10 minutes

The professor is correct; firstly, there is no existence of ghosts or deities in this world, and everything is a result of human actions. Therefore, since it is human-made, this medical institution called Future must be involved.

Reluctantly, I had no choice but to light another one for him

I replied: "I have had two girlfriends, but we broke up because we didn't get along. As for starting a family, I have no idea when that will happen."

I shot him a glare: "Isn't it your teacher's wife who forbids you from smoking?"

Indeed, the issue lies with Luo Hua. Assuming that the medical institution truly exists and that the letter sent to Luo Hua by it is genuine, you must first clarify two questions: what exactly does this medical institution called Future do, and why is Luo Hua willing to become their volunteer? To make someone a volunteer, there must be conditions that can attract Luo Hua or reasons that can persuade him. Of course, Wen Hui is not entirely uninvolved; as a friend, you should care about her more. You need to find out what has happened to her in the days between your last two meetings that caused her to change, what she has been hiding from you, and why she does not want you to continue investigating.

"Is there something you need to do in Qiaocheng this time?" After I asked, I couldn't help but want to slap myself. Pan Zhiqiang, can you have a proper conversation with a beautiful woman? To be honest, it would be a lie to say that I have no fantasies about Nie Lan at all. Professor Luo's words still have an encouraging effect on me. If it weren't for my overthinking back then, perhaps she would have already been my wife by now. That wretched inferiority complex is truly debilitating. To be honest, it would be a lie to say that I have no fantasies about Nie Lan at all. Professor Luo's words still have an encouraging effect on me. If it weren't for my overthinking back then, perhaps she would have already been my wife by now. That wretched inferiority complex is truly debilitating

They are now much more successful than you

I certainly want her phone number, but I cannot bring myself to ask for it.

Teacher, you just said that the reason I felt that way was due to Wen Hui's psychological suggestion. You also mentioned that Wen Hui might have been manipulated by them. What method did they use? Was it merely psychological suggestion or hypnosis?

Upon picking it up, I was surprised to find that it was a call from Nie Lan. I was unsure whether to feel astonished or delighted, and I almost failed to notice that the red light had already turned on ahead. If I hadn't reacted quickly, I would have crashed into the rear of the BMW in front of me

Last month she came to see me, and we even mentioned you. You rascal, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but if you had put in a little more effort at that time, it could have worked out. What a wonderful girl she is.

Even if Wen Hui later intended to conceal something from me, she had previously been very certain that she had seen that letter and was also very certain that the events of that afternoon had indeed occurred.

He exhaled a puff of smoke, and his expression became serious: "Zhiqiang, this matter is indeed strange. I suggest you find a way to clarify it. It is possible that even the death of your friend may be related to this medical institution."