The Director was a man of few words.
Throughout their conversation, the Plague Doctor had to bring up every topic.
During this time, Xie De noticed that the Director treated the Plague Doctor very strangely. There was a peculiar cowardice mixed with a willingness to order him around, like an aging bastard of a father who had no choice but to depend on his accomplished young son, yet could not swallow his pride.
The monks served them cool tea.
The Plague Doctor was about to tell an embarrassing story about a patient.
The Director took a small sip of tea and interrupted him, his voice carrying a cautious hope. "Will your teacher be arriving soon? I hear he has done extensive research on the human body."
"Ah, yes. My teacher has already reached the Waystation outside the village." The Plague Doctor nodded. "He should be here in two days."
The Director rose, his back hunched. "I'd like to take a look around the Hospital." He then addressed Xie De politely. "I've invested quite a bit of money in it, all to provide the master with a good research environment. Mr. 39, would you care to join me?"
Smiling, Xie De raised his teacup and took a small sip.
In that brief interval, a storm of thoughts erupted.
455 rallied and spoke at top speed. "Master? Research environment? Teacher? There really is something fishy about the Hospital! Host, we can't let a lead this big slip away. We have to follow..."
Its voice grew fainter and fainter before vanishing with a crackle.
Xie De set down his cup. "Let's go."
At first, the Director led the group, with Xie De beside him. They walked openly into the Hospital through a somewhat cleaner side entrance, and a group of plague doctors naturally