Chapter 26: The Infirmary’s Secrets and a Close Call

Did the Infirmary Teacher know about his past?

Lin Qing’s initial reaction was disbelief.

Reports concerning his escape from the serial killer had, for reasons unknown, yet to be successfully published by any news outlet.

The commotion, once filled with numerous reporters vying for interviews, now felt like a fleeting dream; he opened his eyes only to find that nothing had truly transpired.

It was as if a stone had sunk into the ocean, leaving not a single ripple of news.

Although he knew the police didn’t wield such extensive power and that something suspicious was at play, Lin Qing no longer wished to interfere.

He lacked the capacity to do so.

He simply desired to return to his ordinary life, as if the past had never occurred.

However, the middle-aged police officer who had interviewed him claimed to know his mother and to have seen Lin Qing as a child.

He described him as plump, fair-skinned, and very lively.

The kindness he showed Lin Qing did not seem feigned, yet as they were about to part ways, he earnestly cautioned him against speaking of anything else.

If anyone brought up the topic of the serial killer, Lin Qing was simply to shake his head and claim ignorance.

The truth of his ten-year captivity must also be completely forgotten.

Otherwise, he would be in danger.

As for anything else, he needn’t worry; the police would handle everything.

Such words sometimes led Lin Qing, who originally wanted to let things go, to uncontrollably overthink.

‘Who exactly was the black-faced man who imprisoned him?’

The events of the past were like a tangled mess, now intricately interwoven, making it incredibly difficult to find the original thread.

Therefore, given the complexity of the situation, Lin Qing did not believe the Infirmary Teacher knew about his past.

Apart from that one middle-aged police officer, everyone else merely believed him to be a lucky survivor who had narrowly escaped a serial killer, not someone who had endured ten years of captivity.

“Teacher, what do you know?”

Thinking this, Lin Qing asked aloud.

He looked directly at the Infirmary Teacher, his gaze unwavering. Despite his small, slender frame, the eyes hidden beneath his dark hair held a hint of ferocity.

He resembled a predator ready to devour its prey.

“While the hospital hasn’t publicly disclosed your PTSD, I, your teacher, possess keen insight. I could tell at a glance, you know.”

The Infirmary Teacher spoke with a hint of pride, but quickly realizing such a demeanor was inappropriate for a teacher, especially in front of the patient, he cleared his throat twice and swiftly altered his attitude.

Now, he was a meticulous and serious medical professional.

Upon hearing that the Infirmary Teacher’s revelation differed from his expectations, Lin Qing quickly returned to normal, suddenly unsure how to respond.

“Don’t worry, this kind of thing can’t be spread, which is why I’m telling you quietly! If anything ever troubles you, come find me, your teacher. Never bottle it up alone.”

“Mm.”

Fortunately, before Lin Qing could speak, the Infirmary Teacher had already continued, leaving Lin Qing no choice but to nod along.

Saying nothing further, he took his clothes and headed to a hospital bed inside.

It had been a close call, but ultimately harmless.

‘In the future, it would be best to visit the infirmary less often…’

“Li Dong, are you leaving?”

“Thank you for your help, Teacher. I have class now.”

“If something like this happens again, tell your parents directly. Otherwise, they’ll become even more unreasonable.”

“I’m fine.”

Just as Lin Qing finished changing and pulled back the curtain, he saw a student’s retreating back. The Infirmary Teacher, watching the doorway, couldn’t help but sigh.

Lin Qing sensed trouble and quickly lifted his foot, eager to leave the infirmary as fast as possible.

Alas…

“Student, do you know Li Dong from Class 2-1?”

Lin Qing, however, was a step too slow, allowing the Infirmary Teacher to speak first.

Unable to continue his departure, Lin Qing halted.

“I’m a transfer student. I don’t know many people,” Lin Qing stated truthfully.

Not only did he not recognize students from other classes, but he hadn’t even memorized all his own classmates.

The Infirmary Teacher’s request for his help was destined to be in vain.

“Oh, well, I was just asking. That student is being bullied too severely… Unfortunately, I’m just an infirmary teacher; I can’t really help.”

“Teacher, class is about to start. I’m leaving now.”

Seeing that the Infirmary Teacher was about to launch into a lengthy lament, Lin Qing immediately pointed to the clock on the wall. Without another word, he turned and left the infirmary.

The Infirmary Teacher wasn’t one to stand idly by; he was, in fact, a good teacher. Yet, Lin Qing glanced down at his own slender arms, not believing he could be of any assistance.

One should consider the basic capabilities of the person they seek help from.

Moreover, even if he helped once, if the person didn’t change, there would only be a next time.

‘Don’t rely on others.’

‘In the end, everything rests solely on oneself.’

The incident in the infirmary had stirred some unpleasant memories for Lin Qing. He immediately shook his head, quickly burying those thoughts deep within his mind once more.

‘It would be best if they never resurfaced.’

With these thoughts, Lin Qing quickened his pace, determined to reach the field before the class bell rang.

‘No tardiness.’

The physical education teacher always punished late students with a ten-lap run.

Since his palm had been stabbed, Lin Qing’s body hadn’t fully recovered due to significant blood loss.

If he were forced to run laps again, he might collapse midway.

Wishing only for a normal school life, Lin Qing sought no further complications. He had to remain ordinary, allowing his life to be calm and undisturbed.

No ripples were to appear.

Fortunately, Lin Qing was not late. By the time he reached the sports field, there were still two minutes before the class bell.

He had arrived safely.

Instead of finding a secluded corner as he usually did, Lin Qing looked up, scanning the sports field.

A woman as beautiful as Su Yao was always the center of attention, no matter the occasion.

She was extremely conspicuous.

“Ah, watch out!”

Just as Lin Qing looked up, a startled cry rang out.

Then, feeling the swift rush of wind by his ear, Lin Qing’s fingers involuntarily twitched. His body, reacting faster than his mind, took a step to the left.

As his head tilted slightly to the left, a soccer ball descended from seemingly nowhere, whizzing past Lin Qing’s ear before thudding to the ground, leaving a noticeable dent.

If that soccer ball had hit him, he would undoubtedly have sustained significant injuries.

“Oh my god, what are those boys playing? It’s so dangerous!”

“Lin Qing is so lucky; he actually dodged the ball.”

“What incredible luck!”

After Lin Qing dodged the flying soccer ball, the students watching breathed a sigh of relief, then grew furious with those playing.

‘If they wanted to play soccer, they should do it at home.’

‘Why play here?!’

“Hey, send the ball back over.”

However, the male student who had kicked the ball seemed unconcerned, smiling as he spoke to Lin Qing.

His casual demeanor showed a complete lack of concern.

He clearly didn’t take it seriously.

Behind him, Zhou Lin, who had been playing with him, patted his chest in lingering fear, thinking, ‘That unlucky kid Lin Qing, why is he everywhere?!’