Frightening Joke: Above the Mist-Chapter 1 Discharge

"Hmm, you've met the criteria for discharge."

The attending physician, Dr. Cheng, put down the medical records and looked at him, "Yanliang, after you leave, make sure to take care of yourself. If you encounter any problems, don't hesitate to contact me. After all, Uncle Cheng has watched you grow up..."

Dr. Cheng looked at the young, delicate figure sitting upright before him with a complex gaze.

Bai Yanliang, male, twenty-three years old.

At the age of thirteen, he was involved in an extraordinarily brutal murder case. The victim was his only relative—his brother, Bai Yanren.

The case from ten years ago shook all of Ye City, not just because of the horrifying manner of Bai Yanren's death, but also because the main suspect was only one—thirteen-year-old Bai Yanliang.

When the police arrived at the crime scene, besides the room filled with shattered bodies, there was only Bai Yanliang sitting dumbly amidst the blood and remains, and from the walls to the floor, down to the weapon left at the scene, everything was marked by Bai Yanliang's crimson handprints.

What was even more chilling was the time of the victim's death.

The autopsy report revealed that Bai Yanren had been dismembered for a whole day, meaning thirteen-year-old Bai Yanliang was alone with the remains for a day and a night.

No one knew what he did or what he was thinking during that time.

No grief, no tears, no fear, completely expressionless.

His youthful face seemed to wear a lifelike mask, revealing no emotions.

Later studies by psychological experts suggested he might have an antisocial personality disorder.

This disorder, also known as callous personality disorder, is characterized by strong aggression, a propensity for lying, manipulation of others' emotions, disregard for societal moral norms, and a tendency to perform actions most people find unacceptable.

Ordinary people would only commit impulsive acts in extreme hurt or fear situations, like crimes of passion, excessive self-defense, etc.

After causing severe consequences, ordinary people often feel anxiety, guilt, and regret.

But not those with antisocial personality disorder.

They can hurt others with a clear conscience, completely desensitized to victims' pain, let alone having sleepless nights over it.

They lack empathy, committing evil with ease, and weave lies using others' kindness and trust without the slightest pang of conscience.

The case caused such an uproar that the police filed charges, and all evidence left at the scene and Bai Yanliang's personality disorder pointed to him as the murderer.

But because Bai Yanliang was under fourteen, he wasn't held criminally responsible, and the prosecutor's office couldn't bring charges to court.

The resolution was for Bai Yanliang to be housed and managed by Ye City Mental Hospital, to "cure" his personality disorder before he could be discharged.

In reality, this was just another term for lifelong imprisonment.

Because curing personality disorders is fundamentally impossible.

However, an unexpected change occurred.

Starting in his third year at the hospital, his monthly mental state examinations began to show slow improvements, of course, in a positive direction.

He became less withdrawn and anxious, and he grew fonder of looking at the open sky compared to dark corners.

After the first three years in the hospital, Bai Yanliang never got into another physical altercation with anyone, nor did he have a quarrel.

He self-taught all high school courses and borrowed many dull books from the doctors.

"He's a normal person; he shouldn't be kept in a mental hospital for life."

This perception gradually won over all the doctors and nurses as Bai Yanliang's behavior became more gentle and friendly.

He even became the only "patient" in the facility who could independently roam the entire mental hospital without supervision.

Moreover, according to Dr. Cheng, more and more of the young girl interns were captivated, lost without direction over him; after all, he wasn't just gentle in temperament but also possessed a delicate face, akin to the type popular among young people today.

"Thank you, Uncle Cheng." Bai Yanliang stood and shook hands with Dr. Cheng, smiling, "Although it sounds a bit odd, this place is like my second home, and I'll return often to visit everyone."

Dr. Cheng looked at the young man, patted Bai Yanliang's shoulder, and also smiled, "Go on, take good care of yourself."

Bai Yanliang nodded and turned to leave Dr. Cheng's office.

Watching his departure, an odd thought suddenly crossed Dr. Cheng's mind.

Antisocial personality disorder, adept at deception, disguise...

"How could it be..." Dr. Cheng chuckled, brushing off the unrealistic notion with a pat on his head.

If all of Bai Yanliang's behavior was an act, then that would be too terrifying, wouldn't it? To have maintained such a disguise from the age of sixteen until now?

Over there, Bai Yanliang slightly turned, and at the last moment when the office door was about to close behind him, he suddenly said with a smile, "Thank you, Dr. Cheng."

Dr. Cheng froze, snapped his gaze up, only to see the door already closed behind Bai Yanliang.

...

"Xiao Bai, you're getting discharged..."

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"Will you come back and visit me?"

"Don't forget me, Xiao Bai..."

A few young nurses held onto Bai Yanliang's sleeves eagerly, following him all the way to the door.

"Yeah, you all should work hard. I'll come back to visit everyone." Bai Yanliang looked at the vibrant faces and smiled.

"Mm! You promised."

Amidst a sea of reluctant gazes, Bai Yanliang waved his hand and finally stepped out of the place he had stayed for ten years.

"It's been ten years, brother."

Bai Yanliang looked up at the sky, murmuring softly.

"Are you out?"

A low, hoarse male voice sounded to Bai Yanliang's right.

He turned his head to see a man in his forties with a full beard, dressed casually, leaning against a car, smoking and watching him.

"Uncle Yang?" Bai Yanliang greeted, somewhat surprised.

"Not bad, thought you'd only remember the young gals and forget about me." Yang Wanlong stubbed out his cigarette on the ground, chuckling.

"How could I forget? Over all these years, only Uncle Yang took time to visit me in the hospital annually, despite the police work being busy..."

"Don't mention it, get in the car." Yang Wanlong nonchalantly gestured.

Bai Yanliang nodded with a smile, accepting Yang Wanlong's offer, and got into the SUV with his luggage.

"No place to stay right after getting out; head to Uncle's house first." Yang Wanlong said casually, while he took out another cigarette. Just about to light it, he saw Bai Yanliang sitting in the back seat, abandoned the cigarette, and changed the subject: "Don't refuse; after you find a job, I won't keep you. Besides, there's something at my place meant for you."

"Something?" Bai Yanliang frowned slightly, then seemed to realize something and looked seriously at the side of Yang Wanlong's face.

"Yeah, your brother's belongings, which have been kept by the police, ought to be returned to you."