His consciousness was hazy and indistinct, as if submerged in a quiet, deep sea.
Subtle but distinct noises reached his ears, making his consciousness gradually clear, like slowly rising to the surface of the water, and his body's perception also gradually returned.
As if after a long sleep, Bai Qi slowly opened his eyes, staring blankly at the white ceiling.
[A strange 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 a pain from his left leg.
Bai Qi instinctively frowned, and the attempt to move his leg was forced to stop the moment a more intense pain appeared.
Shifting his gaze, Bai Qi saw his left leg wrapped in white gauze and bandages.
Besides his left leg, his arms, waist, sides, and other parts of his body also felt an indescribable pain; his body felt like it was falling apart.
The lingering confusion from just waking up quickly dissipated under the stimulation of nerve-wracking pain, and memories from before he fainted flashed back into his mind.
Bai Qi finally realized what had happened, and his eyes gradually cleared.
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 small room on the outskirts of Magic City, 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, I don't drink, I go to bed at 1 AM, and I never get enough 8 hours of sleep every day.
Long-term overtime and mental fatigue accumulated from various things have led to my current state. A psychiatrist said I should be hospitalized for treatment or take a break from work to rest properly.
Unfortunately, the mortgage his father left for Bai Qi didn't allow it.
Last night, after his usual overtime, on the way back to his rented room, Bai Qi finished watching the latest honkai impact 3rd 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 the game for four years, and now it was finally coming to an end.
The main characters had experienced life and death separations, and even more memorable twists and turns, ultimately changing that imperfect world slightly closer to how they wanted it to be.
Those subtle and unforgettable stirrings, those once surging emotions in his chest, coupled with the beauty that everyone yearns for, made this a good story.
The scene of Kiana helping up her younger self, accompanied by the soothing and melodious tune, evoked years of memories, like clear and gentle spring water flowing into a parched soul, bringing a warmth to Bai Qi's cold and lonely heart.
If a story can evoke emotions and reflections at its end, then it can be considered a good story.
Bai Qi thought so, exited the playback interface, glanced at the completely irregular views, likes, and collection counts, and casually closed the pink APP.
"Stories" are beautiful, but reality…
Can only be "reality."
Bai Qi stepped into the crowd, drifting along in the interwoven river of people, aimlessly wandering with the rhythm of the city's inhabitants.
Without a handsome appearance that would make readers exclaim about relatability, Bai Qi was just an ordinary person, one who would be lost in a crowd, one whom passersby wouldn't give a second glance.
In this era, even just being exceptionally good-looking allows one to access and acquire more 'resources' than an ordinary person.
The bustling crowd was a constantly unchanging scene, but today there seemed to be a small change.
Under a pillar at the subway station, an old man in a Taoist robe was setting up a stall… let's call it a stall for now.
There was no actual stall, as this was inside a subway station, and the sign was just a light bamboo pole with a piece of cloth tied to it, easily picked up to change locations.
In front, a red cloth was laid out, and on it sat a tablet computer with patterns of the Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams on its screen.
If it were according to Bai Qi's usual habits, he would never talk to strangers without reason, but the brief emotion brought by "Graduation Trip" had left Bai Qi in a gentle emotional state.
"Grandpa, your equipment is really keeping up with the times!"
"Hahaha, times have changed!" The old Taoist priest chuckled, stroking his white beard, "Young man, would you like a fortune-telling?"
Bai Qi glanced at the paper slip on the red cloth that read 'Five Yuan per session,' and shook his head, "Then never mind."
What's the difference between this and throwing away five yuan?
Five yuan is still money!
Growing up in a single-parent family, his only father passed away unexpectedly not long ago, leaving Bai Qi with only twenty-eight years of mortgage payments remaining.
Oh, of course, it wasn't a house in Magic City.
Bai Qi's father was just an ordinary migrant worker; it would be impossible for them to buy a house in Magic City even after working for hundreds of years.
It was just a house in their small hometown county.
Even so, it was enough for Bai Qi to tighten his belt and live, with almost no entertainment expenses.
honkai impact 3rd was also purely a server leech.
"Never mind, meeting today is fate. Come, old Taoist will tell your fortune for free." The old Taoist priest said grandly, while picking up the tablet and handing it to Bai Qi.
"I think you're just purely bored, aren't you?" Bai Qi grumbled, then raised his hand and tapped the screen.
The patterns of the Four Symbols and Eight Trigrams began to rotate.
"Cough cough, don't say that, this is called fate!" The old Taoist priest coughed twice; he was indeed utterly bored at the moment.
More than ten seconds later, Bai Qi and the old Taoist priest simultaneously leaned their heads forward, looking at the fixed divination result.
"This hexagram…" Calculating with his fingers, the old Taoist priest narrowed his eyes, recalling the direction Bai Qi had just been heading.
"Young man, are you heading north?"
The old Taoist priest was calm and composed, exuding an air of immortal grace with a wave of his hand.
"That's right."
"…" Bai Qi's overly bland reaction made the old Taoist priest a little awkward. Young man, can't you be a little more cooperative?
Bai Qi focused on the hexagram, "And then?"
"Depleting Metal to assist Xun Wood, this hexagram indicates that heading north will bring noble assistance." The old Taoist priest continued in a leisurely tone, "It's a lucky hexagram."
"Oh? I don't think so." Bai Qi's expression was calm, but his words gradually made the old Taoist priest's eyes widen.
"Grandpa, look at it this way." Bai Qi squatted down, nudged next to the old Taoist, and pointed at the hexagram.
"Upper Qian, lower Xun, outer Metal restrains inner Wood. Coming from outside to restrain, it is harmful to me, easily damaging the femur, an image of a car accident and bone fracture when traveling. This is a bloody disaster."
The old Taoist priest was stunned, a little bewildered: "…Huh?"
What kind of operation is this?
"Young man, you also understand this?" The old Taoist priest leaned back defensively, then looked up and down at Bai Qi.
"Just a little, just a little." Bai Qi really only understood a little; he read too many novels and occasionally remembered a lot of knowledge he wouldn't normally use.
"Grandpa, do you think what I said is correct?"
"Let me see again." The old Taoist priest put down his hand that was stroking his beard.
Next, Bai Qi and the old Taoist fully exchanged opinions on whether the hexagram meant 'noble assistance' or 'bloody disaster,' deeply discussed the generation and changes in cognitive differences, and ultimately, both felt that what the other said had some merit, and then… there was no 'then,' the subway arrived.
Bai Qi smiled, expressed his gratitude, and said goodbye, leaving the old Taoist alone to continue studying the hexagram.
He couldn't say he completely disbelieved, but for things like metaphysics, Bai Qi usually maintained 99% denial and 1% belief.
You know, in probability theory, there are no absolute zero percent and one hundred percent.
Things like the spiritual energy resurgence in fantasy novels are not impossible, just extremely unlikely.
After exiting the subway station, Bai Qi scanned a Meituan shared electric bike and rode towards his rented room.
After that… Bai Qi got hit!
Unfortunately, it wasn't a large truck or dump truck that handles transmigration and rebirth services, and he also wasn't hit to death.
As for the specific situation?
Bai Qi stared blankly at his wrapped left leg and the tide-like pain spreading throughout his body.
[No way!? I actually got hit by this!?] Bai Qi complained wildly in his heart.
"You're awake."
There was a hint of relief in the clear and pleasant voice. Bai Qi paused, then shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar figure who had spoken.
Her delicate makeup, lightly applied, was as pale as snow in the sunlight. Her long, silky hair cascaded like a waterfall, contrasting with her white main body and green-accented knitwear, outlining a slender and graceful figure.
Besides that, Bai Qi, who was unusually perceptive in certain aspects, also noticed her unique temperament.
Yes, temperament.
It sounded a bit inexplicable, but it was something that genuinely existed in reality.
For most people, it's easy to pick out a college student mixed in with a group of working professionals, as the latter are like sheep mixed in with dogs.
She wore an apologetic yet formal smile, appearing gentle and warm, but in reality, she felt somewhat unapproachable, like a high-mountain flower.
It wasn't a vulgar arrogance displayed on the surface, but a kind of inherent pride and nobility, a confidence stemming from her background and family.
"You are?"
Bai Qi raised an eyebrow, not feeling the slightest bit of unusual emotion due to the girl's appearance and temperament.
Under normal circumstances, he couldn't possibly have any connection with a girl of this caliber.
Although he was a man, Bai Qi had no interest in cars; he couldn't even recognize common brand logos. The only car he knew was the king of cars, the Wuling Hongguang.
But this didn't prevent him from guessing that the car that hit him was a luxury car worth over a million yuan.
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?
What happened?
What happened?