Chapter 2: Once Inside the Hospital, the Depths Are Like the Sea

Page (1/3)
Under the tree, on the bench.
Still the same old place.
On his way back, Chi Feichi picked up a newspaper and sat down to flip through it.
Since he had confirmed that this was the world of Detective Conan, and he had nothing better to do, he might as well check out the current timeline.
Perhaps the news could reveal some clues.
In the past week’s papers, there was no mention of Shinichi Kudo.
Such a low profile suggested he had likely been drugged and shrunk.
There was coverage of Kogoro Mori, with a front-page story two days ago.
“Collision of Detective Writer and Real Detective: Renowned mystery author Ninta Ryo passes away; famous detective Kogoro Mori deciphers cryptic clues from his work!”
Could this be a relatively recent event?
But was the timeline here based on the anime or the manga?
If aligned with the manga, Ai Haibara would have appeared by now; if the anime timeline, she might still be some time away.
He grew somewhat curious about this little girl…
Chi Feichi pondered briefly.
Given how secretive that organization was, it was unlikely they had exposed much to the outside world — meaning its members probably didn’t appear on any publicly known bounty lists.
And Sherry = scientist = unknown shut-in = worthless!
Hmm… that was the mindset of a scavenger from his past life.
A scavenger, or bounty hunter, primarily captured dangerous criminals and handed them over to the police or government.
To operate, one needed a license issued by the International Investigation Bureau.
In his previous homeland, which was quite safe, such professions had little room to exist.
Yet he still pursued it…
That year, seven children gathered — the oldest ten years old, the youngest only six.
They were martial arts students.
Entering martial school was usually a choice for kids either deemed unruly by their parents or those from troubled families.
Given the national circumstances, few sent their children there out of mere interest.
If you wanted to learn martial arts, wouldn’t an extracurricular class be better?
Those seven all came from families struck by tragedy, with no one to care for them. Relatives had sent them to martial school, so they bonded well.
One day, some edgy kid discovered the term “scavenger,” and instantly ignited the others’ adolescent passions.
No one wanted to remain mediocre — or perhaps they simply wanted a goal to survive for, even if they barely understood it, fueled only by youthful zeal.
Ten years later, the seven left their country, carrying a decade of sweat and tears and skills far superior to their peers.
At that moment, they were truly free and carefree, though reality was often harsher.
Even if they found a way, found weaknesses, not everyone could compensate for a lack of talent in firearms.
Seven started, only three passed.
Within a year, two gave up one after another; only he remained steadfast.
Why persist?
He didn’t know.
Maybe because this was his survival’s meaning since childhood. Or perhaps the bewildered, frustrated gazes of his friends who left that year. Or maybe it was the intoxicating feeling of freedom and spontaneity that made him lose his way…
But this was certainly no glamorous profession.
Some friends who returned home became wealthy bodyguards or coaches — less lucrative than scavenging, but stable and safe.
He had stubbornly persevered for three years, earning a decent sum but risking his life, never regretting it.
Those free, reckless, wild, unique, and novel sights carried a deadly beauty.
Chi Feichi diverted his gaze from the newspaper he rarely read to the wall opposite him.

Page (2/3)
Far more beautiful than the scenery here…
Six deceivers — in this life, I won’t miss those sights either… Didn’t you say when you left I was the most talented?
Keep envying, then.
Chi Feichi lowered his eyes, hiding a faint smile. As he was about to resume reading, a flood of unfamiliar memories washed over him, tinged with envy and relief.
These were the memories of Chi Feichi in this world.
Parents bound by interests, devoid of affection, whose relationship cooled completely within five years, each going their own way.
For business reasons, they didn’t divorce, maintaining a nominal marriage and barely caring for their only child.
In his memories, the house was cold and empty, school anniversary performances where his parents never appeared, moments where only excellent grades earned him fleeting attention, followed by a hurried departure…
No dramatic plot twists — just an introverted, reclusive original consciousness who had never loved, had no friends, no goals, no hobbies, and eventually fell ill.
Until the very end, a mix of envy and relief filled him, and the memories ended three days ago.
Chi Feichi understood the original consciousness had likely dissipated completely.
Regrettably, perhaps due to personality, even though he experienced those emotions through the memories once more, they passed quickly, touching only a faint chord but not deeply.
So, two consciousnesses sharing one body could never fully understand each other. When doctors said, “I understand you,” it was such a tender lie.
Silently mocking the psychiatric hospital’s doctors, Chi Feichi gathered his thoughts.
His plans had to change now.
He had stayed in the hospital because of the original consciousness’s depression; he worried that if that consciousness took over and despaired, they might both be lost.
In the hospital, even if his consciousness slept, doctors and nurses watched over him — safer.
But if the original consciousness was gone, he no longer intended to play along.
Discharge?
To be discharged, either the doctors had to believe you were well, or family had to pick you up.
The second option was impossible — the doctors were responsible, and his parents showed no intention to supervise. They wouldn’t allow discharge without assurance of recovery.
So the problem returned to the first option…
No need to consider — a dead end.
Given his “time perception disorder,” being here with responsible doctors only revealed his flaws more clearly.
The only way was for his parents to agree, and for him to be firm enough to leave.
After all, he had committed no crime nor antisocial acts; the hospital couldn’t forcibly keep him.
Sneaking out with other options was foolish —
Being firm could get you out, but choosing escape without communication would just worsen your condition!
They’d catch you and place you in intensive supervision!
Chi Feichi absentmindedly flipped the paper, thinking he’d call his biological parents about leaving the hospital soon.
“Mr. Chi, are you looking for something?” a young nurse smiled as she approached.
He had been lost in the newspaper, acting odd — the staff had to monitor patient behavior, understand when possible, and document any abnormalities for the doctors.
Chi Feichi immediately grasped the nurse’s intent and paused. “I was just daydreaming.”
“I see. Got it.” The nurse nodded. “He’s zoning out; I’ll note it down.”
Chi Feichi was speechless. He glanced at an older man leaning on the railing, gazing at the sky.
He had been here eleven years, with no hope of discharge anytime soon.
Like a deep sea of the hospital, recovery seemed impossible… terrifying!
…
Normal routines: eat, move, sunbathe, eat, take medicine, sleep — a day passed.
Except for the lack of freedom, it was the lazy life dreamt of by many.
But to prevent outside interference and dependence on electronics, and for safety, no phones or computers were allowed — an unbearable restriction for those wanting to laze about watching shows on their phones.
The next day, Chi Feichi went to call from Shimei Fukuyama’s office.

Page (3/3)
The home phone was, as usual, unanswered. He then called the biological father’s cell phone.
“Beep… beep…”
After two rings, the call was answered.
A calm male voice said, “Hello, who is this…?”
“Father, it’s me, Chi Feichi.”
A pause on the other end. “How are you recovering?”
“Fine. I want to be discharged.”
Chi Feichi was direct.
From the memories, he wasn’t sure if the biological parents had others outside, but they were both money-obsessed.
They spent freely; at least his living expenses were sufficient.
Even this hospitalization, the couple took him for checkups in the morning and admitted him, then rushed off to their careers in the afternoon.
A very peculiar family.
Addicted to making money, unable to stop…
One day without earning made them restless…
“I love money; making money makes me happy…”
No pleasures left in life but money…
Money brings happiness; the process of earning is joy too…
Chi Feichi found this strangely amusing.
After all, he was Chi Feichi the time traveler.
He could only think: live your life your way…
“I’m going to France tomorrow, will be gone at least half a month,” the man said calmly. “Let’s talk when I return. Actually, the hospital is fine — at least you’re cared for. Doctors and nurses are much more professional than butlers or servants.”
Nearby, Shimei Fukuyama frowned.
Simply put, that meant, “Son, we’re too busy to care; you’re fed and looked after in the mental hospital, isn’t that fine?”
Is that really how parents speak? Too cold…
Chi Feichi wasn’t surprised; the answer was close to what he expected. “What about my mother? Has she not returned?”
“I don’t know about her,” the man replied.
Chi Feichi continued, “Can you find someone to get me out? It’s too boring here.”
The calm male voice: “I’ve already arranged your leave at East Capital University. If there’s nothing to do, why come out?”
Chi Feichi said calmly, “When I’m bored, I just want to call you every day to check in…”
A second of silence on the line. “I’ll see if someone can pick you up.”
“Preferably a relative.”
“Got it. Wait for news.”
“How long at most?”
“Three days.”
“Okay.”
The call ended swiftly.
Chi Feichi looked up, meeting Shimei Fukuyama’s thoughtful gaze — reminiscent of a certain black uncle from Marvel.
Fukuyama asked, “Mr. Chi, does your family have a history of hereditary mental illness?”