Chapter 14 Love and Materialism
Walking out of the hotel, the howling winter wind made Li Lin involuntarily shiver and shrink his neck. Under the strange gazes of the surrounding guards, he rubbed his hands and swayed as he walked towards the Penguin Logistics dormitory.
Although he, now having completed his transformation, was no longer afraid of cold, stuffiness, and the like, the sensations originating from his human period still lingered in his body, making him react accordingly to certain temperatures, as if his body were still the same. Just like the decisions he made; the inside had been completely replaced, but he himself was still the same.
He didn't want to see any war, nor did he want this world to bleed. But right things were right things, and he didn't want to be the one to obstruct them.
So doing nothing wasn't good either, and doing everything was even worse. Then just do what's within one's ability.
Bring over the experiences from his own past world, let the Oripathy patients have some better development, and then everyone goes their separate ways. He wasn't an Oripathy patient either, nor did he have any empathy; being able to do this much was already his limit.
The Seven Hills mountain range, a large expanse of barren mountains mortgaged by Eden Company. Due to environmental and geographical factors, it was truly impossible to develop. Although there were many valuable Originium ores inside, the complex Originium creature ecosystem and various interconnected environmental factors made mining impossible. The mining company that purchased the entire mountain range, after losing the gamble, urgently needed liquid funds to get out of trouble, and Eden happened to take it over.
Li Lin always believed that rather than appealing for something, it was better to do something oneself. Although the Seven Hills mountain range wasn't large, it also had a complete ecosystem and Originium minerals. Although the local conditions were relatively complex, that was for ordinary people. Oripathy patients with Originium Arts, through time and Eden's help, could quickly take over an area and establish their own city. This way, even if those people's revolutionary attempts failed, they would at least have a place to go. Even if outsiders gossiped, it wouldn't be of much use; after all, it was their private area. A city couldn't overturn the heavens either.
And regarding Talulah, whom he had met only once, Li Lin, to be honest, wasn't that much of a simp . Having good feelings was having good feelings, admiration was admiration, but asking him to give up all his friends and run over there to pursue some justice, getting involved in politics, Li Lin wasn't stupid, he wouldn't do it.
Historically, ordinary people involved in politics never had good endings. Li Lin was very self-aware about this. And whether the plight of Oripathy patients could truly be changed, Li Lin didn't care too much. Because he wasn't an Oripathy patient, and neither were his friends. Regarding the environment of Oripathy patients, although he could understand, and also sympathize greatly through history, to say he should therefore give up everything and cause a big scene… he wasn't that kind of hot-blooded person.
Friends are fine, he himself isn't hot-headed, so just doing his best is enough, no need to risk his life.
'Should bring something back for Exusiai and the others…'
Looking at the shops around, already decorated for winter, Li Lin exhaled, strolled into a large department store.
Although it was already winter, the physical fitness of Terra people was clearly very good. In such an environment, men, women, old, and young wearing various short-sleeved shirts and shorts were countless. There were even some girls parading around in bikinis, and others didn't show any surprised expressions.
Li Lin previously hadn't paid much attention to the surrounding environment due to his physical problems, nor had he paid much attention to their attire. Only now, walking on the street wearing a long shirt, did he realize how good these people's bodies were. However, a large majority of people still wore thick clothes. Although they wouldn't get sick or anything, it would still be cold if it was cold, and some people didn't like being frozen in winter, so they put on thicker clothes just like Li Lin.
And after purchasing some things in the mall that his Penguin Logistics companions might like, Li Lin walked out the main door carrying large and small bags.
But before he could take a few steps, he heard a clamorous sound from across the street. Amidst the clamor, Li Lin also heard a few familiar scolding voices.
Using his average physique to squeeze into the crowd for a look, sure enough, he saw Officer Ch'en leading the Lungmen Guard Bureau to seal off a mall. A group of people crying and shouting couldn't withstand Officer Ch'en's indifferent gaze; several wolf-like police officers quickly pressed the criminal suspects to the ground and detained them. And Li Lin, looking at Officer Ch'en who seemed to be working, greeted her very naturally.
"Yo, Officer Ch'en? Working again?"
"Oh, Li Lin. Long time no see, looks like… you're not exactly fine either."
Hearing the familiar voice, Ch'en turned her head and saw Li Lin greeting her. Looking at the white-haired, red-eyed Li Lin, Ch'en was stunned for a moment, then said somewhat strangely.
"Is your body okay now? Walking around in winter won't cause any danger, right? Do you want me to find a few police officers to accompany you back? You've just recovered from a serious illness; being exposed to the cold wind should increase the risk of illness, it's better to go back and recuperate for a while."
"Ah, it's fine, walked through the gates of hell , got a blessing in disguise after coming back. Now I look more like a Terran, right?"
Looking at Ch'en's somewhat pitying gaze, Li Lin immediately struck a strong pose.
The tall Oni girl behind her, seemingly named Hoshiguma, glanced at Li Lin's physique, then puffed her cheeks as if wanting to laugh, but was glared back fiercely by Ch'en. Making Li Lin feel slightly hurt in his pride.
Although he had just returned to being a normal person and reached the average level of Terrans, without exercise, there were no muscles, no toned physique. And compared to that big sister Hoshiguma, his height probably didn't even reach her chest; no matter how you looked at it, he was a weak character, being laughed at was also normal. Ch'en coughed twice facing this awkward scene, putting on a serious expression.
"It's best if you're fine. Ah, by the way, does your Penguin Logistics have any problems recently?"
"No no, we've always been law-abiding good citizens , Officer Ch'en, you know that."
"Mm. Then I have a matter I want to ask you for help with…"
"No problem."
Looking at Ch'en's slightly troubled expression, Li Lin gave a thumbs-up, a brilliant smile on his face.
"We're friends, right? What's so difficult about friends helping each other? Just ask if you have anything."