In my helplessness, I decided to abandon conventional thinking and engage in bold reasoning, much like Sherlock Holmes in novels, starting with daring assumptions and then methodically eliminating other possibilities. Often, the seemingly impossible assumptions would eventually be proven true.
First, all three creatures mutated from earthworms, requiring energy or some form of power to drive the mutation. I hypothesize that this power originates from the Zhidan Garden ruins. Similarly, I drew an arrow next to the entry for the Merfolk, labeling it “mutation.” The other end of the arrow could be connected to — humans. Merfolk mutate based on humans. Simply put, Merfolk become humans. The energy source for this is also the Zhidan Garden ruins. I recall Su Ying once mentioned that Zhidan Garden was where Merfolk transformed into humans, aligning perfectly with my current thoughts. Thus, my conclusion after sorting through the evidence is: the mutation of insects, cockroaches, and fish into earthworms, and Merfolk into humans, is all due to some power from the Zhidan Garden ruins. These three creatures might just be a side effect; the key point is that the same power from Zhidan Garden can turn Merfolk into humans. This is evidently a constructive hypothesis that vaguely connects all clues. However, to confirm or refute this theory, I need the help of two crucial figures: one is Ruan Xiwen. Currently, I am unaware of how far the X organization’s research on this archaeological event has progressed, but I believe they should have a general idea. The second is Su Ying. Interestingly, her theory about the Merfolk has been proven, which has piqued my interest in the secrets she claimed to have. However, directly verifying with Ruan Xiwen is now impractical, leaving only Su Ying. Looking back, I find her history of mental illness quite mysterious. Could there be some reason she’s been misdiagnosed as mentally ill? Su Ying obviously doesn’t know the whole truth, but she might be somewhat related to the event. She seems to be hiding something about herself and the so-called Merfolk. Ruan Xiwen probably holds the key to this, but he’s not yet able to fully explain the entire event. I believe he has no reason to act at the construction site every day, and his uneasy expression yesterday was not an act for everyone to see. Suddenly, I thought, Ruan Xiwen must not know of Su Ying’s existence. What if I use Su Ying as leverage for the truth with Ruan Xiwen? But this would feel like betraying Su Ying, and Ruan Xiwen might not agree. Moreover, Su Ying’s true identity is still unconfirmed, so let’s drop it. Thinking this, I glanced at my watch; it was already eight. Normally, Su Ying would have come to find me by now. I thought today I might as well go upstairs to look for her; perhaps she would reveal something. Today, I have a purpose…
However, just then, my phone rang; it was Su Ying. “Hello, Nado? I have to stay at school today, so sorry I can’t chat with you. I’m really sorry!” “Oh, it’s okay. We can talk tomorrow.” I sighed internally at my bad luck. Speaking of which, she called specifically to apologize for this, which seemed a bit unnecessary. As a girl, could she… I started to suspect again, but if she really has feelings for me, it should be easy to get information out of her. If necessary, I might even have to sacrifice my looks — if I have any. The matter has become quite clear, although no conclusions have been drawn, the only thing left to do is to have a good chat with Su Ying tomorrow. With an optimistic mindset, I went to bed early.
