Jonas's behavior soon reminded Beigong Ling of the strange symptoms she had experienced earlier.
That sudden faintness clearly hadn't been normal. The only ones capable of affecting her like that were...
Beigong Ling recalled the title she had vaguely heard before losing consciousness: Forerunner.
She took a deep breath and looked at the man before her without saying anything more.
Just as she had prepared herself to expect from the outset, the "Predecessor Civilization" that had given her those technologies wouldn't let what she had done slide so easily.
She had shared the technology with Jonas and revealed her true identity. In "their" eyes, that was undoubtedly tantamount to betrayal.
Beigong Ling's nature meant that before doing anything, she had already resolved to accept the responsibility and consequences it would bring... and she was ready to bear any further risks arising from her actions.
In truth, she had never intended to make Jonas shoulder that risk, yet he had willingly done so.
To say she hadn't been moved would have been lying to herself.
At that thought, she raised her head and looked at the man before her with mixed feelings. After a long moment, she asked:
"How long will you have to stay in the hospital, Mr. Jonas?"
Although Jonas didn't know why Beigong Ling was asking, he still answered with a smile:
"I'm not sure. Two or three days, probably. It's a good chance to give myself a break."
He paused, then added:
"Honestly, I'm rather hoping I can stay here a few more days. A leisurely life with no particular purpose is hard to come by."
Something seemed to occur to Beigong Ling. She gave a derisive laugh and said with a hint of sarcasm:
"In District 25, only the dead get to take it easy."
Jonas