Chapter 93: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter

Liu Di strolled leisurely, deep in thought. He had a plan for purchasing the "Experimental Graveyard," and by tomorrow, everything would be revealed.

As he watched the sunset, Liu Di sighed to himself, "Since I no longer have a place to stay, I might as well go have a drink with Grandpa Tuo tonight."

After the Empire's charity gala, Grandpa Tuo's free hospital had gained significant attention. The rundown three-story building was now packed with all kinds of supplies, and more were reportedly on the way. Yesterday, a large number of volunteers had even shown up, eager to work at the hospital for free. However, Grandpa Tuo had turned them away or simply sent them off.

For Grandpa Tuo, it wasn't about having more than enough; it was about having just enough. Material wealth didn't matter much to him. Compared to all the newfound attention, he preferred a quieter life.

If there was something Grandpa Tuo wanted to refuse, no one could argue with him. After all, with one phone call, Duan Hua, the head of Hai City's police force, would arrive with the special forces. Dozens of soldiers, armed and ready—who would dare cause trouble?

The night was cool. On the rooftop of the three-story hospital, Grandpa Tuo and Liu Di were gazing at the distant antique piano, both drunk and dazed. Empty bottles of Erguotou lay scattered around them.

"If you can't handle it, just admit defeat… Grandpa Tuo will let you off the hook… Honestly, I could still drink another bottle…" Grandpa Tuo mumbled to himself before tilting his head and falling asleep.

Seeing this, Liu Di, also flushed and swaying from the alcohol, finally managed a faint smile. He gave his body a sudden shake, instantly neutralizing the alcohol in his system. Then, he got up, went downstairs to fetch a blanket, and gently covered the old man.

Earlier, Grandpa Tuo had mentioned that in three days, he would be heading to the front lines with General Heishan. Once there, there would be no more drinking. The international situation had been unstable lately, with organizations possessing advanced modification technologies repeatedly infringing on Chinese territory. His mission was crucial, potentially affecting China's standing on the global stage.

The Yan family's research clearly couldn't be relied upon. The entire burden of China's human modification technology now rested on the old man's shoulders.

Suddenly, a nimble figure leaped up from the side of the building. It was a young man of about eighteen or nineteen, with a handsome yet determined face. His right arm was empty, severed cleanly below the elbow.

The young man nodded slightly at Liu Di, his tone calm, "Brother."

"Mm…" Liu Di lit a cigarette and looked into the distance, "Xiao Xia, Grandpa Tuo says the hospital will be in your hands now."

The young man nodded, his eyes as calm as still water, "Don't worry, Brother."

Xiao Xia, Xiao Qiu, Xiao Dong, and Xiao Chun—these four children were orphans that Grandpa Tuo had adopted. Each had been abandoned due to some physical disability. Grandpa Tuo, being carefree, had simply named them after the seasons when he found them.

Under Grandpa Tuo's years of teaching, they had all become skilled in medicine and top-level military combat techniques. After they turned seventeen, Grandpa Tuo had sent them off to gain experience. Two days ago, Grandpa Tuo had called them back, instructing them to stay at the hospital and take care of the patients and children after he left.

The four children obeyed Grandpa Tuo's words without question, their attitudes always humble.

Liu Di flicked the ash from his cigarette and smiled, "Xiao Xia, since we're both free, how about we spar a bit?"

Xiao Xia bowed his head slightly, "Brother, there's no need. We can't beat you."

"Oh, come on! You're still young; don't lose your confidence. Hold your head up high!" Liu Di laughed again.

"Brother, we haven't lost our confidence. Except for you, we've defeated every opponent we've ever faced."

Xiao Xia's voice remained as calm as ever, but his eyes were dark as ink, deep and cold.

Liu Di was stunned for a few seconds, then chuckled and asked, "Does Chief Duan Hua still bother you?"

"Yes, he does," Xiao Xia nodded.

Duan Hua, much like General Heishan, had a passion for talent. When he first saw Xiao Xia and the others, his eyes lit up, insisting on recruiting them into his special forces team.

Liu Di scratched his head, "Even if he's a bit annoying, you'll just have to put up with it. He's a good person, not like those foreigners you encountered as mercenaries."

"Understood, Brother."

Xiao Xia finally raised his head, unable to resist asking, "Brother, we've kept our mercenary identities hidden for so long. Why do you suddenly know everything now?"

"And you seem… different than before."

Seeing the flicker of doubt in Xiao Xia's eyes, Liu Di hesitated. He bent down to search for a half-empty bottle of Erguotou, took a few gulps, and said, "Whenever you can outdrink me, I'll tell you the answer."

"Brother, I feel like I'll never be able to drink as much as you."

"Haha! Then you'll never know the answer!"