A Date (2/3)

Jiang Hao was busy setting up his new home. He bought new bedsheets and bedding at the department store, along with all kinds of food, drinks, cigarettes, cigars, liquor, and fruit. Finally, he bought a typewriter. Most importantly, he rented a car. Without one, it was impossible to get around in the United States.

By the time everything was done, it was already afternoon. Jiang Hao drove to Connie Hospital, to bed 32 on the fifth floor, where he found Mr. Sharman still asleep with his eyes closed.

A female nurse sat beside him, leisurely reading a book. When Jiang Hao pushed open the door and entered, she immediately stood up. "Sir, you are?"

"Hello, beautiful nurse. I'm Mr. Sharman's friend, here to visit him. He still hasn't woken up?" Jiang Hao asked with concern.

"Yes, he's been unconscious the whole time," the nurse said.

"Does the doctor know what's wrong?"

"They can't determine the cause. The doctors have tried every method available, and all his vital signs are normal. He just won't wake up. It's really strange, like a sleeping beauty." The nurse shook her head.

Jiang Hao walked over and stood before Shaman, deliberately or casually blocking the nurse's view of his right arm. "He looks very peaceful. His breathing is even, too."

As Jiang Hao spoke, the silver needle in his hand swiftly pierced Mr. Sharman's neck. He turned to the nurse and said, "He doesn't look sick."

"The doctors think so too," the nurse said.

Just then, the room door opened again. A woman hurried in, pulling along a boy of seven or eight. The moment she saw Shaman lying on the bed, she cried out, "Oh, my God, Richard!"

The woman cried out and rushed to the bedside, grabbing the man's hand. "Richard, what happened?