Barry, We're Lifelong Best Friends

The Central City Police Department gave off a very serious, solemn, and old-fashioned vibe. By old-fashioned, I don't mean Eastern, but rather the kind of retro chivalry that has settled in the West – solemn and inviolable.

Opposite the main entrance in the center of the office, there were murals symbolizing truth, freedom, and justice.

Eddie Thawne.

Iris's current boyfriend, Joe's partner, ancestor of Eobard Thawne, and the main force who eliminated Reverse-Flash at the end of the first season. Of course, that method of fighting could only be used once.

Joe and Eddie happened to be walking out of the office, about to start their workday. A strange bank robbery had occurred yesterday. A dense fog suddenly appeared at the scene, and over a hundred thousand cash was stolen. They needed to investigate based on the clues obtained yesterday.

As soon as they stepped out, they encountered Barry leading Cisco and Lin Li into the police station.

Joe frowned and said to Barry, "What are you guys up to?"

Seeing Eddie present, Barry found it inconvenient to explain in detail, so he simply said, "I invited Cisco and Lin Li to help me with a new experiment."

Barry also introduced them: "Eddie, this is Cisco, and Lin Li."

Eddie, very curious, shook hands with Lin Li and said, "Cool, Barry. You even know exotic Eastern friends. I'm Eddie, Eddie Thawne."

Lin Li smiled and nodded, "Lin Li. Nice to meet you."

No need for introductions, I already know you, Eddie.

Lin Li quite admired Eddie as a character. The ability to think of such a method to save everyone, such a great and noble sentiment, deeply impressed him.

Joe looked at them and said to Lin Li, "Lin Li, come with me for a moment."

Lin Li, not understanding why, followed Joe to a corner.

Joe glanced outside to confirm Barry wasn't listening, then said, "Lin Li, I know Barry has been getting along well with you guys lately. I hope you can persuade Barry to stop wearing that red suit and fighting criminals everywhere."

Lin Li also looked outside and saw Cisco taking a selfie with the mural. He wasn't surprised by Joe's words. In the TV show, Joe initially opposed Barry's actions until meta-human crimes started appearing, making him feel that ordinary police were powerless against them, which led him to agree with Barry's behavior.

"Joe, why don't you persuade Barry yourself? After all, you've known Barry for over a decade and are closer to him."

"Okay, I'll be honest with you. I've spoken to Barry about this. I knew it was Barry from the moment he got super-speed and started fighting crime. I've known Barry for over a decade and am very familiar with his personality, which is why I'm trying to stop him indirectly."

Lin Li found this behavior very off-putting. It was like parents treating you like a child your whole life, protecting you, planning for you, controlling you, and consciously guiding you in the direction they thought was best.

Lin Li said impolitely, "You know Barry, but do you understand why Barry is doing this? You don't understand Barry, you haven't understood his inner world. Besides, Barry is an adult. I think he has his own decisions. Joe, I think you're trying to steer Barry, control Barry, and guide him in the direction you want. You need to understand Barry more deeply."

After speaking, Lin Li patted Joe's arm and walked back to the others without waiting for a response.

Cisco pulled Lin Li over and held up his phone, "Lin Li, come on, smile..."

Seeing that Joe hadn't returned, Barry walked over to him and asked, "Joe, what's wrong?"

Joe blinked, lost in thought, still contemplating Lin Li's words.

"Nothing. Shall we have a father-son talk tonight?"

"Okay, I'd love that."

After their conversation, Joe and Eddie went out to work.

Barry, meanwhile, took Lin Li and Cisco upstairs to the lab.

At this moment, Lin Li stood at the laboratory entrance, feeling a bit anxious. He hoped to truly find interdimensional energy or other clues to return home, but his rationality and knowledge told him it was impossible. Eight months was enough time for any energy to dissipate and vanish, especially something as theoretical as this.

Cisco and Barry both patted Lin Li's back in comfort.

Lin Li took a deep breath and accepted the 'interdimensional energy source detector' that Cisco had created.

As soon as he entered the laboratory, Lin Li turned on the detector and meticulously, seriously, and solemnly approached the walls, floor tiles, and tables. He even brought over an aluminum ladder, carefully checking the air, the skylight, and every inch of the space.

This process took over half an hour, and the result was, of course, nothing.

Lin Li's expression remained blank. He then activated infrared detection, Y-ray detection, magnetic field detection, and plasma high-load, electron reaction tests.

The "interdimensional energy source detector" had nearly eight different types of detection methods. However, apart from detecting some expected reactions, there were no anomalies outside the scope of understanding.

Was that theoretical interdimensional energy truly just theoretical? And when would he be able to go home?

Lin Li felt a pang of sadness and discouragement. Of course, he knew that finding his way home wouldn't be easy, but with no hope at all right now, it was hard not to feel disheartened.

Seeing the dejection on Lin Li's face, Cisco said to him, "Lin Li, it's okay. Our technology is improving every day. Maybe someday we'll figure out black holes, white holes, dimensions, and things like that. We still have hope."

Barry, seeing Cisco wink at him, added, "Yeah... maybe technology will advance rapidly, and perhaps a meta-human who can control black holes will appear. We can just study them. Or maybe... someday someone will appear who can travel through time and space? Don't lose hope, there's always hope."

It's all nonsense! Both of them knew that what they were saying was highly improbable. Science wouldn't advance so quickly to understand the existence of black holes and dimensions in a short time. As for what Barry said, that was even bigger nonsense.

Or so they thought.

In the future, Lin Li knew Barry could travel through timelines.

Lin Li, who had been feeling down, suddenly saw a spark of light in his eyes upon hearing Barry's words.

His heart surged, his emotions ran high, and he stared at Barry in shock.

Barry felt unnerved by the stare and nervously asked, "Why? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"

A wild idea formed in Lin Li's mind.

In the future, Barry could travel through timelines. If he could get Barry to take him back to the explosion of the particle accelerator, back to that police lab, before the vortex disappeared, and throw him back...

Wouldn't that allow him to go home?

Lin Li's despondent expression suddenly turned ecstatic.

He hugged Barry tightly and said excitedly, "Barry, I need your help in the future. Please help me."

Barry replied without hesitation, "Absolutely. I'm very happy to help you."

Barry, we'll be best friends for life. Because you helped me without hesitation, I swear I will protect your present, your safety, your father, your wife, everything.

Lin Li vowed silently in his heart.

Just then, Barry's phone rang.

"Caitlin, what's up? There's a very strange fog on Yod-Mile Street? Okay, I'm on my way."

Fog?

Lin Li's heart stirred.