Chapter 17 – Identity

Weiyao Technology has taken root in Xue City, excelling in both research and public welfare over the years, making it a representative of outstanding private enterprises in the country.

Weiyao’s core product is the Blizzard System, which specializes in targeted treatment for various mental illnesses. Its launch sparked widespread societal discussion.

Initially, there were skeptics. However, after the renowned journalist Jenny personally experienced the system and successfully treated her mild depression, she wrote a detailed report based on her experience, successfully opening the market for Weiyao Technology.

But due to the high cost and lengthy cycle of research and development, each system activation burns through massive funds. As a result, very few can afford the treatment, and only a handful of patients have actually experienced Blizzard.

Yet, without exception, all of them miraculously recovered after suffering from mental illnesses. Among them were patients with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder… The more cases of successful treatment, the greater the public’s curiosity about Blizzard grew.

But the exorbitant price remained an insurmountable barrier.

When Meng Yi and Xie Ning walked into Weiyao Technology’s headquarters, they suddenly hesitated. They’d heard that Blizzard was extremely costly, and the funding they could secure might not even be enough to power up the system.

But since they’d come this far, they had to try, even if they hit a wall.

Weiyao Technology’s headquarters stood in the city center, its thirty-plus floors towering like a silent giant. The building was circular, with a hollow center housing gardens and sky bridges. The company’s culture emphasized “treating work as home,” and overtime was commonplace for its researchers. The gardens, coffee corners, and dessert stations were perks specially designed by Weiyao’s management for its employees.

A receptionist from Weiyao Technology approached briskly: “Officers Meng and Xie, hello. President Xu has heard of your request and wishes to personally meet with you. Please follow me.”

Meng Yi breathed a sigh of relief and followed the receptionist with light steps.

In the elevator, the button for the 15th floor lit up, and they arrived smoothly at the designated reception room.

The room was well-lit, offering a view of the bustling streets of Xue City’s most prosperous district.

“President Xu will be here shortly,” the receptionist said. Just then, a man in a white lab coat and goggles walked in.

Meng Yi assumed he was a technician, but the receptionist called out cautiously, “President Xu.”

The man removed his goggles and lab coat, revealing a gray trench coat underneath, which he casually handed to the receptionist. He shook hands with Meng Yi and Xie Ning naturally and politely. “Officers, hello.”

Meng Yi had seen this President Xu in interviews on TV but hadn’t expected him to look even younger in person—barely in his early thirties.

“President Xu, I’ve long heard of your name,” Xie Ning said, neither servile nor overbearing.

He smiled, displaying none of the condescension typical of those in high positions, instead giving off the vibe of an ordinary friend.

“Don’t call me President Xu, officers,” he said, his lips curving into a deeper smile. “Just call me Xu Anran.”

As it turned out, we weren’t in a remote place at all. In fact, we were within Xinfeng County of Xue City. The crash site was only three or four kilometers from populated areas.

After mocking the three of us for our foolishness, Gu Lanshan leisurely said, “Just follow me. I’ve been staying in a self-built villa.”

Qi Youxuan hesitated. “There are so many of us. Won’t we be intruding?”

Gu Lanshan chuckled. “Then we’ll go, and you can walk back to Xue City by yourself!”

Qi Youxuan pouted and fell silent.

“Ah, the villa is huge—four floors, but only an old lady lives there. Don’t worry, I’ve stayed with her for a few days. She’s very hospitable and even treated me to toasted sesame cakes!”

We followed Gu Lanshan’s directions toward the paradise-like place he described, leaving the cumbersome luggage behind.

Noticing the backpack in Qi Youxuan’s arms, Gu Lanshan suddenly slung an arm around my neck. “Qin Yuezhang, you should really thank me.”

Yan Ru glanced sideways at Gu Lanshan’s hand, but when I looked at him, he deliberately averted his gaze and quickened his pace, leaving only a distant, elegant silhouette.

Suppressing the urge to shake Gu Lanshan off, I frowned. “Thank you for what?”

Gu Lanshan slowed his steps, putting some distance between us and Yan Ru before answering, “I brought your backpack out for you.”

It took me a moment to realize he meant the backpack I’d carried earlier—the one containing The Interpretation of Dreams.

“How could you just leave something so important behind?” Gu Lanshan poked my arm, looking exasperated.

I remained calm and played along. “Yeah, it was an emergency. Good thing you were there.”

“It’s what I do. We’re working toward the same goal.” Gu Lanshan pointed at Yan Ru’s back. “Has he… done anything unusual?”

A cold laugh rose from the depths of my heart.

“No, he’s been completely normal. Absolutely normal.”

Gu Lanshan pressed, “Still hasn’t said anything?”

“No.”

Gu Lanshan sighed. “This Rose Killer is really something. Even in a life-or-death situation, he kept his mouth shut. With that kind of willpower, imagine what he could’ve achieved if he’d used it for good.”

I agreed. “But he chose the wrong path. Those who stray from the right path deserve to die.”

“Tsk—” Gu Lanshan sucked in a breath. “Consultant Qin, I never realized you could be so extreme.”

“Maybe it’s my sense of justice. Thinking about what he’s done just makes me furious.”

Gu Lanshan muttered, “Ah, Wei Qinzhou was such a good man. Truly, the good die young.”

Yes, the good die young.

So why didn’t he choose to be a little more selfish, a little more hypocritical? Then he wouldn’t have ended up like this.

Gu Lanshan patted my shoulder. “I’ll go bond with him a bit more. Maybe I can get something out of him.”

I nodded cheerfully. “Sure.”

Gu Lanshan bounded over the grass, skipping toward Yan Ru. He tried to get closer, but Yan Ru turned away in disgust.

I watched everything unfold from behind them.

Gu Lanshan, Qi Youxuan, Xu Anran… and “Yan Ru.”

The events of the past few days replayed in my mind like a revolving lantern.

The legendary “Blizzard” truly lived up to its reputation. If I hadn’t stumbled across the pre-set anchor point—that bloodstained glutinous rice cake—I might still be lost in this dream, never questioning my identity.

Playing the role of a world-famous psychologist for a few days was enough.

But at least everything seemed to be going according to our plan.

I couldn’t wait to see what they’d do next to make “Yan Ru” reveal what they wanted to know.

I was looking forward to it.

And who am I, really?

I am the infamous Rose Killer—Yan Ru.

Author’s Note:

Actually, many of you have already guessed—Yan Ru and Qin Yuezhang have switched identities. Feel free to speculate how Yan Ru pulled it off~