Back in the forest, Zhao Qun hung from the tree, still smoking slightly, wondering how exactly he'd explain this to his employer.
Meanwhile, Han Yu followed Li Mei deeper into the woods, where her mobile lab had been set up inside what appeared to be a repurposed tool shed covered in talismans, rat skulls, and a polite warning sign that read:
"Do Not Enter Unless You're Okay With Sudden Enlightenment Or Spontaneous Tail Growth."
"Where did this place come from?" Han Yu was sure there was nothing like this before.
"I have my means." Li Mei said, not elaborating further.
And as the doors creaked shut behind him, Han Yu knew—deep in his soul, in his bones, and in the small spot behind his ear where she injected things—that peace was once again postponed.
Because there were pills.
And he was the only idiot left brave—or dumb—enough to take them.
