You Are Not Spare Parts

“It slept for twelve years. Pressure and physical contact woke it.” Lin thought of the messages. “Why does Gu know me?” “That is what we need to learn.” Footsteps sounded outside. Zhou entered with his follow-up report. The swelling had returned to its pregame level and some pain was back, but the risk of a tear had decreased. He laid the pages before Lin. “Your trade carried my pain for forty-seven minutes,” Zhou said. “What mattered was that it gave me time to stop.” “Then it was worth it.” “We aren't finished.” Zhou extended his hand. “Listen carefully. If you want to exchange my state again, ask me. Your ability is not the team's public medical kit. You are not a backup machine we dismantle whenever someone breaks.”