On the Ark.

Page 14

Shining didn't speak, but simply raised her hand and waved it gently.

The wind rises.

The long black robe swayed gently.

Lin Ye took the bread in his hand, took a deep breath, and walked in the opposite direction.

Chapter Twenty-One: Tell Me, Who Are You?

3A, Reception Room.

Lin Ye sat somewhat uneasily in the soft chair, looking down at the hot tea that had just been placed on the table, the hand that had been holding the tea slowly withdrawing.

"Don't be nervous," a mature, older woman's voice rang out. "There's nothing to be nervous about."

Zilan.

This is the code name of the woman sitting opposite Lin Ye, and Lin Ye's first impression of her was... normal?

Yes, Lin Ye's first impression of Zilan was that she was normal, not because of her outstanding looks or figure; those things were irrelevant. After all, in his opinion, very few of the Rhodes Island operators Lin Ye had encountered in the past few days were truly normal. For example, there was Shining, whose eccentric thinking that "studying medicine can't save one's compatriots," and who was neither a swordsman nor a doctor; there was Nearl, the beast-eared girl with an unusually volatile temper, carrying a switching axe; there was the lizard driver; and there was his roommate, the stunningly beautiful lop-eared rabbit... a real man.

In comparison, the woman named Zilan in front of me seems much more normal. Even her demeanor is different from the others mentioned earlier.

She wore a white shirt, a black skirt, and a black wide-brimmed hat. The brim covered most of her face, but the part that was visible was stunningly beautiful, with a pair of golden eyes beneath her light-colored, ear-length short hair.

Is this really a Rhodes Island operator?

Lin Ye couldn't help but think to himself.

It feels like I'm working as an editor for a fashion magazine.

Furthermore, judging from her appearance alone, it's impossible to determine which race of subhuman she is; she seems more like a pure human. There are no visible tails, animal ears, or other such features, though they could also be concealed by her black top hat.

"I'm fine," Lin Ye said. "I'm not too nervous."

Zilan smiled and said, "If I hadn't been looking into your eyes the whole time, I might have believed you."

Lin Ye felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Have some tea," Zilan gestured, "I don't usually make tea for people, you know."

“…Thank you.” Lin Ye picked up the teacup.

Zilan continued, "Actually, I can understand you because I've had the same experience. Just a few years ago, I was sitting in the same spot you're sitting in now, even though I was infected."

Are you infected?

Zilan smiled and said, "Can't you tell? I did a pretty good job of hiding it. After becoming an infected person, I've always been troubled by how to match my clothes, which has taken me a lot of time."

Lin Ye nodded without saying anything. He didn't know what to say either; when women were discussing fashion sense, it was best for men to remain silent.

"So, shall we officially begin?" Zilan took a folder from the table behind her and then unfolded it. "To be honest, this is the first time I've ever given someone this kind of test."

"...Am I the only one coming to Rhodes Island for an interview during this period of time?"

“No, how could that be?” Zilan shook her head. “It’s just that the position you applied for is a bit special, so the test for you will be correspondingly special.”

Lin Ye didn't react immediately: "The position I applied for is special? What position did I apply for?"

"Huh? You don't even know the position you applied for?" Zilan was a little surprised, but quickly smiled again. "It seems that Shining made the decision for you. Didn't she tell you anything?"

"She just asked me to come and do what I'm good at."

"That's it." Zilan took a piece of paper out of the folder. "Take a look."

Lin Ye took the document and quickly scanned its contents: "Rhodes Island... psychiatrist?"

"Yes, psychologist. After our discussion, we found that this would be the most suitable position for you."

Lin Ye smiled wryly: "The premise is that I do indeed have the ability that Shining mentioned, right?"

Zilan smiled: "Indeed, when I saw your abilities... or rather your talents described in the report, I was quite surprised. But if it's true, then being a psychiatrist is indeed the most suitable position for you. After passing the test, you will become Rhodes Island's first psychiatrist."

"The first one?"

“Yes, Rhodes Island doesn’t currently have a dedicated position for psychologists,” Zilan said. “I’m temporarily handling that work. I work in the human resources department and am also a psychologist, but unfortunately, I’m not a professional.”

"I think you look much more professional than me."

"Really? Thank you for the compliment," Zilan said softly. "But unfortunately, very few operators are willing to seek my psychological counseling."

Lin Ye asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"

“Most of them are children who have been hurt, their hearts were closed off at a very young age.” Zilan smiled slightly helplessly, “They can’t even open swords.”

“Okay…” Lin Ye then thought of the nightingale that Shining and Nearl had mentioned.

“Of course, I can’t blame them. It’s mainly because I don’t have the ability to open their hearts,” Zilan said. “But if it were you, maybe you could do it?”

Lin Ye could only manage a wry smile.

"So, can we begin?" Zilan opened the folder, holding a pen in her hand. "How about we have some water first? You seem a little nervous."

Lin Ye nodded, took a sip of the tea that was almost cold, and put the teacup down: "I'm done."

“Well, so the first question,” Zilan asked, “why did you come to Rhodes Island?”

"this."

"Just answer anything," Zilan said easily. "They're all small questions, but they're very important."

Lin Ye nodded: "Does being tired of your old life count?"

“Of course.” Zilan smiled. “Rhodes Island needs passionate people like you to join.”

"I'm just bored."

“Well, next question,” Zilan continued, “Have you had any similar experiences? Shining said you are a very professional doctor with extensive clinical experience, is that true?”

"Fortunately."

Please give an example.

Lin Ye was silent for a moment before answering, "Does a one-minute neutering surgery for a male cat count?"

“Of course it counts.” Zilan scribbled on it. “Now, next question.”

Lin Ye had no idea where Zilan got so many questions, and they were all things that left him speechless. Yet Zilan recorded them so meticulously. It was really strange. Was his experience as a veterinarian in Chernobog worth writing about so much? He just couldn't understand it.

And so, Zilan asked, and Lin Ye answered.

Time slowly passed.

Lin Ye had no idea how many questions Zilan had asked or how many he had answered. He felt somewhat dazed and his head was unusually heavy.

Then he saw Zilan holding a pocket watch in her hand, gently waving it in front of him.

"Lin Ye, can you hear me?" Zilan asked softly.

Lin Ye nodded subconsciously.

"Can you tell me where you're from?" Zilan asked.

“Chernoborg…”

"Have you been staying in Chernobog?"

Lin Ye sensed something was wrong, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. His mind was so muddled that he couldn't think straight, and he could only mechanically reply, "No... I'm not in Chernobog."

Where is it?

Lin Ye did not answer; he was resisting the question.

“Tell me, where are you from?” Zilan said.

"...I can't say."

“No, you can tell me,” Zilan coaxed gently. “Where are you from? What have you done?”

"I don't know... I can't say..."

“You can say it, Lin Ye, you can say it,” Zilan said. “Before coming to Rhodes Island, did you work in a similar place?”

"...Similar places? I don't understand."

"You know, a place similar to Rhodes Island. Not in Chernobog, but further away, a place more like Rhodes Island."

Lin Ye remained silent.

Zilan said softly, "Come on, tell me. Where are you from?"

Lin Ye's expression became conflicted, and Zi Lan knew that the lock on Lin Ye's heart had been unlocked.