Consciousness was blurry and indistinct, like sinking and drowning in a quiet deep sea.
Subtle yet definitely present noise entered his ears, making his consciousness clear up like gradually surfacing from water, and his bodily sensations also gradually recovered.
As if after a long sleep, Bai Qi slowly opened his eyes, staring blankly at the vast white ceiling.
[An unfamiliar ceiling...]
This was the first thought that flashed in his mind.
The air was filled with a slightly pungent smell of disinfectant, a soft and fluffy sensation came from beneath him, and the heaviness of his body was replaced by pain from his left leg.
Bai Qi instinctively furrowed his brow, the attempt to move his leg was forced to stop the instant a more intense pain appeared.
Shifting his gaze, Bai Qi saw his left leg wrapped in clean white gauze and bandages.
Besides his left leg, there was also unspeakable pain coming from his arms, waist, sides, and other parts, his body felt like it was falling apart.
The lingering confusion from just waking up quickly dissipated under the stimulation of the pain invading his nerves, memories from before losing consciousness flashed back into his mind.
Bai Qi finally realized what had happened, and his eyes gradually became clear.
Before explaining what happened, the first thing to do is introduce myself.
My name is Bai Qi, 25 years old, renting a 10 square meter room on the outskirts of Shanghai, unmarried, and an anti-marriage advocate.
I work at a small internet company, and I have to work overtime until 10 or 11 PM every day before I can go home.
I don't smoke, don't drink, go to bed at 1 AM, and don't get enough sleep for 8 hours every day.
Long-term overtime and various issues have led to mental fatigue accumulating to this day, a psychiatrist said I should be hospitalized for treatment, or stop working and get some good rest.
Unfortunately, the mortgage left by his Father didn't allow it.
Last night, after finishing overtime as usual, on the way back to his rental room, Bai Qi finished watching honkai impact 3rd's latest short film "Graduation Trip" on a certain pink APP.
Bai Qi wasn't an old Captain from the game's launch, but he had accompanied this game for four years, and now it finally reached its end.
The protagonist group experienced separation by life and death, and also had more memorable twists and turns, finally changing that imperfect world slightly towards the way they wanted it to be.
Those subtle and unforgettable stirrings, those surging emotions that once swelled in their chests, plus the beauty that everyone yearns for, made this a good story.
The scene of Kiana helping up her younger self, accompanied by a soothing and melodious tune, evoked memories of several years, like clear and gentle spring water flowing into a parched heart, bringing a touch of warmth to Bai Qi's cold and lonely inner world.
If it can evoke emotions and reflections at the end of the story, then perhaps it can be considered a good story.
Thinking this, Bai Qi exited the playback interface, glanced at the play counts, likes, and collections that completely defied logic, and carelessly closed the pink APP.
"Stories" are beautiful, but reality~
Can only be "reality".
Bai Qi stepped into the crowd, drifting along and weaving through the river formed by people, aimlessly wandering along with the rhythm of the city's inhabitants.
Without a handsome appearance that would make readers exclaim about immersion, Bai Qi was just an ordinary person, one you couldn't find if you threw him into a crowd, an ordinary person you wouldn't give a second glance to when passing by.
In this era, even just having an outstanding appearance means the 'resources' one can access and obtain already exceed those of ordinary people.
The bustling crowd was a scene that remained unchanged, but today there seemed to be a small difference.
Under one of the Pillars in the subway station, there was an old man wearing a Taoist robe setting up a stall... let's call it a stall for now.
There was no actual stall, after all, this was inside the subway station, the sign was just a light bamboo pole with a piece of cloth tied to it, which could be picked up and moved easily.
In front was a piece of red cloth, on the red cloth was a tablet computer, the screen displayed the patterns of the Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams.
According to Bai Qi's usual habits, he would never talk to strangers without reason, but the brief emotion brought by "Graduation Trip" had put Bai Qi in a soft emotional state.
"Old sir, your equipment is really keeping up with the times!"
"Hahaha, times have changed!" The old Taoist stroked his white beard with a chuckle, "Young man, want a reading?"
Bai Qi glanced at the paper slip on the red cloth that said 'Five yuan per reading', and shook his head, "Then forget it."
How is this different from just throwing away five yuan?
Five yuan is still money!
Having grown up in a single-parent family, his only Father passed away unexpectedly not long ago, leaving Bai Qi with only the remaining twenty-eight years of mortgage.
Oh, of course, it wasn't a house in Shanghai.
Bai Qi's Father was just an ordinary migrant worker, it would be impossible for the two of them to buy a house in Shanghai even if they worked for hundreds of years.
It was just a house in his small hometown county.
Even so, it was enough to make Bai Qi tighten his belt and live, with almost no entertainment expenses.
honkai impact 3rd was also just a pure server parasite.
"Forget it, meeting today is fate, come, I'll give you a free reading." The old Taoist said generously, and at the same time picked up the tablet and handed it to Bai Qi.
"I think you're just purely bored, aren't you?" Bai Qi complained, then raised his hand and tapped the screen.
The patterns of the Four Symbols and Eight Trigrams began to spin.
"Cough cough, don't say that, this is called fate!" The old Taoist coughed twice, he was indeed extremely bored right now.
More than ten seconds later, Bai Qi and the old Taoist simultaneously poked their heads forward, looking at the frozen divination result that appeared.
"This divination result..." Calculating with his fingers, the old Taoist narrowed his eyes, recalling the direction Bai Qi had just come from.
"Young brother, are you heading north?"
The old Taoist was calm and composed, displaying an air of immortal grace with a wave of his hand.
"That's right."
"..." Bai Qi's overly bland reaction made the old Taoist a bit awkward, 'Young brother, can't you cooperate a little?'
Bai Qi focused on looking at the divination result, "And then?"
"Consuming Metal to generate and assist Wood, this divination result indicates that heading north will lead to assistance from a noble person." The old Taoist continued in a leisurely tone, "It's a fortunate reading."
"Oh? I don't think so." Bai Qi's expression was calm, but his words made the old Taoist's eyes gradually widen.
"Old sir, look at it this way." Bai Qi squatted down, shuffled next to the old Taoist, and pointed at the divination result.
"Upper Qian, Lower Xun, outer Metal restrains inner Wood, restraining from the outside in, harmful to me, likely to injure the femur, a sign of encountering a car accident and fracture while traveling, this is a disaster of blood."
The old Taoist was startled, a bit bewildered: "...Huh?"
What the heck is this operation?
"Young man, you understand this too?" The old Taoist leaned back strategically, then looked up and down at Bai Qi.
"Just a little, just a little." Bai Qi really only understood a little, having read too many novels, he occasionally remembered a lot of knowledge that wasn't usually needed.
"Old sir, do you think what I said is correct?"
"Let me take another look." The old Taoist put down the hand that was stroking his beard.
Next, Bai Qi and the old Taoist fully exchanged opinions on whether the divination result indicated 'assistance from a noble person' or 'a disaster of blood', deeply discussing the generation and changes in cognitive differences, and ultimately, both felt that what the other said had some truth to it, and then...
There was no 'then', the subway arrived.
Bai Qi smiled, expressed his thanks, and said goodbye and left, leaving only the old Taoist alone to continue studying the divination result.
It couldn't be said that he didn't believe it at all, but regarding things like metaphysics, Bai Qi usually maintained 99% negation and 1% belief.
One must know that in probability theory, there is no absolute zero percent or one hundred percent.
Things like the spiritual energy recovery in fantasy novels are not impossible, it's just that the probability is so low it's almost completely impossible.
After exiting the subway station, Bai Qi scanned a Meituan shared electric bike and rode towards his rental room.
Afterwards...
Bai Qi got hit!
Unfortunately, it wasn't a large truck or a dump truck that handled transmigration and rebirth services, and he wasn't hit to death either.
As for the specific situation?
Bai Qi stared blankly at his wrapped left leg, and the pain that spread like a tide throughout his body.
[No way!? I actually got hit by this!?] Bai Qi frantically complained in his heart.
"You're awake."
There was a hint of relief in the crisp and pleasant voice, Bai Qi was startled, then shifted his gaze to look at the unfamiliar figure who had spoken.
Her delicate makeup, lightly applied, was as pure white as snow under the sunlight, her silky long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, contrasting with the white main body and green accents of her knitted sweater, outlining a slender and graceful figure.
Besides this, Bai Qi, who was unusually perceptive in certain aspects, also noticed her unique aura.
Yes, aura.
It might sound a bit inexplicable, but it is something that genuinely exists in reality.
For most people, it's very easy to pick out a university student mixed in among a group of working adults, after all, the latter are like sheep mixed in among a pack of dogs.
She had a smile on her face that was apologetic yet formal, appearing gentle and warm, but in reality, she felt somewhat unapproachable, like a flower on a high mountain.
That wasn't vulgar arrogance displayed on the surface, but a kind of pride and nobility that genuinely existed in her bones, confidence stemming from her background and family.
"You are?"
Bai Qi raised his eyebrows, not feeling any unusual emotions because of the girl's appearance and aura before him.
Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for him to have any connection with a girl of this caliber.
Although he was a guy, Bai Qi had no interest in cars, couldn't even recognize common brand logos, the only car he knew was the King of cars, Wuling Hongguang.
But this didn't prevent him from guessing that the car that hit him was a luxury car worth over a million.
Apparently, this was the culprit.
"My name is Gu Wu. This car accident was caused by my mistake. I will take full responsibility for all related matters and compensate You. I am truly sorry."
Gu Wu bowed deeply, a standard gesture of apology.
In ancient urban novels, there was often a clichéd plot where a villainous rich second-generation heir would hit someone with their car and then use their power to suppress them.
But in reality?
Is that little bit of compensation money even considered money to a real rich second-generation heir?
At most, it's just a few days' worth of pocket money.
On the contrary, relationships and favors in official circles are particularly precious and should be used with extreme caution.
Just like the widely publicized incident of beating someone at a barbecue stall, if someone seizes the opportunity, the consequences are unimaginable!
Only a brain-dead person would use official resources for a minor issue that can be resolved with money!
Gu Wu, who grew up receiving elite aristocratic education, although not yet as far-sighted and strategic as her parents, can still be considered sophisticated.
Furthermore, this is a critical stage in her Father's political career, and she absolutely cannot leave any handle for her Father's opponents.
Gu Wu is not an arrogant, overbearing, and unreasonable person. The fault for this car accident was indeed hers, and her apology to Bai Qi was sincere.
"Let's discuss the detailed compensation matters later. For now, let's prioritize your health."
A polite tone, impeccable behavior – this is a true second-generation.
"Bai Qi... right? How do You feel now?"
The nurse and doctor behind Gu Wu stepped forward to examine and inquire. Perhaps due to the former's presence, the nurse's tone was exceptionally gentle.
"The anesthetic should be wearing off soon. It might be a bit painful next..."
Facing the doctor and nurse, Bai Qi truthfully answered questions about his physical condition and understood the general situation.
Multiple external injuries, two broken ribs, and a comminuted fracture of the left leg.
Because Gu Wu sent him to the Hospital in time and found a professor-level doctor to perform the surgery, Bai Qi's condition was not as bad as it looked.
His left leg will recover to a normal person's level in 6 to 8 months.
After the doctor and nurse left, Gu Wu and Bai Qi discussed the compensation issue.
Medical expenses, meal allowance, transportation fees, lost wages, nutritional expenses, mental compensation, and emotional distress compensation totaled 2.09 million.
This is the amount compensated after deducting the surgery fee and the main expenses of this hospitalization.
This amount of money was nothing to Gu Wu, but her main goal was to resolve this matter, not to give Bai Qi money.
Therefore, within the scope of voluntarily accepting responsibility and offering compensation, she had to minimize her own losses as much as possible.
2.09 million was undoubtedly a figure Bai Qi could not refuse.
And if the letter of understanding could be signed today, the money would be credited tonight.
Bai Qi did not hesitate or struggle too much and made the choice that most ordinary people would make.
Although the compensation for a comminuted fracture was equivalent to being beaten up, not everyone is a top young master after all.
She had countless ways to avoid this 'bleeding', such as letting the insurance company haggle and delay.
From Gu Wu's performance, it could be guessed that the letter of understanding was useful to her, but Bai Qi knew nothing about Gu Wu's background and could not determine how important the letter of understanding was to her.
The 2.09 million compensation was undoubtedly a huge sum for ordinary people at the bottom. Considering various factors, Bai Qi readily signed the letter of understanding.
After instructing the hired caregiver to take good care of the patient, Gu Wu expressed her apology again and then turned around and left resolutely, her steps elegant.
Gu Wu was very confident in her appearance and temperament, but Bai Qi did not show any timidity or admiration during their interaction, which slightly surprised her.
In a scene from an overbearing CEO drama, there should have been a line like, "This is an interesting man."
But that was all, just a tiny spark of interest. She and Bai Qi were completely two different classes, well, people from two different worlds.
With the letter of understanding in hand, she would have no further connection with Bai Qi.
The story of a rich Girl falling in love with a man from the bottom will only appear in novels.
[Is this the so-called 'help from a benefactor'? That's truly...]
Bai Qi silently watched Gu Wu's departing back, smiling without warmth.
"Huh~ forget it."
Exhaling deeply, Bai Qi's gaze shifted from the IV drip to the starless night sky, the colorful neon lights decorating Shanghai's night view.
Alone and without relatives, Bai Qi didn't care about his life. Death might not be a release.
Without resentment, Bai Qi was just a bit emotional.
Even after deducting the upcoming medical expenses and other miscellaneous costs, this two million yuan would be enough for him to repay the loan left by his Father.
Without eating, drinking, or housing expenses, he would need nearly 20 years to earn over two million yuan.
Lying on the soft Hospital bed, Bai Qi bathed in the clear moonlight, like mercury, and the thoughts turning in his mind gradually quieted down.
[Hmm!?]
After all thoughts had subsided, at a certain moment when his soul returned to tranquility, Bai Qi suddenly opened his eyes.
Something seemed off!?
Since waking up, there had been a strange sense of detachment, but that feeling was extremely slight, so Bai Qi didn't notice it during the noisy day. It wasn't until this moment that he confirmed that strange feeling, which was genuinely present.
It wasn't a physical injury, but a feeling that seemed to come from the depths of his soul.
Turning and tossing, thinking from left to right, Bai Qi slowly fell asleep while tracing this strange feeling.
What startled Bai Qi was that his consciousness remained clear even after falling asleep!
Under the pull of a mysterious force, Bai Qi's perspective rapidly rose.
Hospital, Shanghai, China, Asia, Earth...
The perspective didn't stop, it kept expanding.
Earth, Earth-Moon system, Solar System, Local Interstellar Cloud, Local Bubble, Gould Belt...
Vast distances incomprehensible to Humans, but Bai Qi's consciousness remained clear under the protection of that mysterious force.
Orion Arm, Milky Way Galaxy, Milky Way Subgroup, Local Sheet, Virgo Supercluster, Supercluster...
Beyond the observable universe of over 93 billion light-years, across a single universe, leaping out of the multiverse, breaking through the multiverse barrier...
Finally reaching spacetime dimensions completely incomprehensible to Humans!
Astonishment and shock filled Bai Qi's mind.
What happened?