Morning.
Without wasting time, the group had a simple breakfast and set off with the village chief.
Although the village chief still tried to persuade them kindly, telling them not to go and just live peacefully in the village, they understood he meant well.
So they didn't listen.
On the way, Zhao Gao couldn't help asking: "Say, Village Chief! Is that hospital scary? And what exactly are they hiring for?"
"Oh, that? Scary? If you're just going to get treated! But I've never actually been inside the hospital myself."
"But didn't you say people from the village have gone there for treatment?"
The village chief shook his head: "No, the villagers went. I only accompanied them to the hospital entrance. Only the patients carrying money can go inside alone. Family members aren't allowed to accompany them."
(They're not even afraid the hospital will do something shady?)
"Then what kind of job are they hiring for?"
The village chief hesitated for a moment, then slowly said: "Oh, it's for caregivers!"
(Isn't that the kind of job only found in hospitals taking care of paralyzed patients or in mental hospitals?)
"But I heard these caregivers are supposed to keep patients from running around—though I don't know if they're humans or ghosts—and also to prevent doctors from killing patients. Well… you guys should be fine, hahaha!"
"…"
Hiring caregivers to prevent doctors from killing patients? Then if they stop the doctors from killing patients, won't the doctors kill them instead?
This thought appeared simultaneously in everyone's minds.
(This doesn't sound like "fine" at all. How can you laugh like that, old man?)
Amid chatting and silence, the group arrived at the hospital entrance.
The village chief nodded to them: "Mm, we're here."
Saiki glanced over. This hospital was very unusual. The exterior looked very old, and it didn't have a Chinese style—it felt distinctly Western.
More importantly, even though it was daytime and other places were still bright, no sunlight fell on this hospital. Several crows stood motionless on the surrounding wall like specimens, only their heads slowly turning left and right as if searching for something.
Zhao Gao asked worriedly: "Village Chief, is there really no problem here?"
The village chief smiled amiably: "As long as you don't cause trouble, there shouldn't be any issues!"
[Yare yare daze, hm? What's this?]
Saiki walked to the nearby signboard, wiped off the dust, and read what was written.
"Saint Chadson Psychiatric Hospital!"
"…"
"Village Chief, this is a psychiatric hospital?"
Village Chief: "Oh, that's the old name. It's been changed now. It's not just a psychiatric hospital anymore, so don't worry—it's very normal."
[Not just a psychiatric hospital, meaning it's still a psychiatric hospital.]
"Ah!!"
They hadn't even entered yet—just standing at the hospital gate—and already miserable screams came from inside.
"Village Chief, there are really tragic screams coming from the hospital!"
Village Chief: "They're probably giving patients injections. Very normal."
"Tap tap tap tap…"
Everyone saw tall men—two to three meters high—pacing at the hospital entrance. They were wrapped up tightly, but their eyes looked extremely vicious. Even stranger, their eyes were green.
"Village Chief, there are really ferocious-looking people standing at the hospital entrance!"
Village Chief: "Oh, those are the gate guards? Foreigners, you know—tall and big is normal. I believe in you guys."
(This isn't normal at all! Anyone with eyes can see they're not human!)
Someone jumped out of a hospital window.
"I want to go home, I want to go home!"
Suddenly a bunch of people holding guns popped out from the hospital bushes.
"Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!"
The person still in midair hadn't even landed before being riddled with hundreds of bullets and falling to the ground. Yet he actually stood back up, apparently not in life-threatening danger.
Then those giant men grabbed him and dragged him back into the hospital.
"Village Chief! That…"
Saiki walked forward, patted Zhao Gao on the shoulder, and said calmly
[No need to ask anymore. Those are the Boy Scouts. Alright, let's go in quickly!]
Zhao Gao: Do you think I believe that?
Saiki gave Zhao Gao a "figure it out yourself" look, then turned back to thank the village chief
[Then thank you for guiding us, Village Chief. Goodbye!]
After all, the man had let them stay one night and guided them here. A simple thank-you wasn't too much.
The village chief frowned slightly. A strange emotion flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a faint smile: "Mm, it's just being a caregiver—nothing serious. But I have one request for you all. I hope you'll listen carefully."
Everyone else turned serious and focused their attention on the village chief.
The village chief showed an encouraging expression: "Try hard to survive, okay!"
Everyone: …
(This request carries so much pressure!)
"…"
...
The six entered the hospital. Just a few steps past the main gate, a middle-aged man in a white coat suddenly appeared.
The man was about 1.8 meters tall, with some stubble left on his face and short messy hair. He wore glasses and had the air of a refined scoundrel. You could tell he had been quite handsome when younger, but his eyes were green.
"Who are you? Here for treatment?"
Su Sheng: "No, no. We heard this hospital is hiring caregivers, so we came to see if we could…"
Before Su Sheng finished, he was interrupted.
"Oh, I see. Alright, fine. I approve. Come in and get ready for work!"
(That was fast. Not even checking anything?)
"So fast? May I ask who you are?"
The white-coat man walked ahead while saying: "I'm the director of this hospital. Hurry up and follow me!"
The group followed the director, who slowly explained the benefits.
"Our treatment here is pretty good. Work starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. If a patient has any issues during that time, you'll be notified and must come immediately. We provide three meals, and the pay—don't worry, it's 50 yuan (7$) a day. No need to feel too grateful!"
The director stated proudly. After hearing it, everyone was stunned. Of course they wouldn't feel grateful after hearing that!
(Yare yare daze, the benefits are so good. When my brother graduates college, I'll recommend him to come here.)
The director walked to the front desk and knocked on it with his finger. A head popped out—it was a girl who looked about 20 years old.
"They're new caregivers. Prepare their things first, then call Xiao Ya down to arrange them."
Girl: "Okay."
The director nodded and left. The girl picked up the phone, dialed, and said: "Xiao Ya-jie, new people are here. The director told you to come down and arrange them."
"…"
After hanging up, she looked at Saiki and the six others. A trace of relief flashed in her eyes.
"Follow me. I'll prepare your uniforms and work badges first."
While following the girl, Saiki looked at her with a puzzled expression.
They reached a room. The girl opened a box and started rummaging.
Beside him, Akiyuki poked Saiki's hand with her finger and asked quietly: "Is she human or ghost?"
[Just ask her yourself.]
Akiyuki paused for two seconds, then said: "I'm scared~"
[If you're scared, then don't ask.]
Actually the others were curious too, but none dared to ask.
Only Yao Yao walked up to the girl with a smile and asked: "Hello big sister, are you a human or a ghost?"
Look at that boldness.
The girl froze. She clearly hadn't expected someone to ask such a direct question. But after recovering, she looked at Yao Yao with a half-smile, half-not expression.
"I…"
""