Chen Lin sighed deeply. “I’ve lost contact with my superiors, and I’m worried they’ll soon notice my disappearance. It could lead to a serious diplomatic incident.”
While speaking, Chen Lin carefully observed Natasha’s reactions. If she had shown even the slightest hint of suspicion, he would’ve avoided saying something so risky.
Fortunately, Natasha’s disappointment in Qlipoth Fort was evident, and her gaze toward Chen Lin was filled with genuine sympathy.
After a brief moment of thought, Natasha offered her advice. “I wouldn’t recommend trying to return to the overworld. Qlipoth Fort’s tyranny is well-known down here. If the Supreme Guardian has issued such severe charges against you, showing up in the city above would almost certainly end badly for you.”
“We’re only passing through the Underworld for now,” Chen Lin replied, shaking his head calmly. “When the time is right, we’ll find a way to leave. Otherwise, our presence might bring unnecessary trouble to the people here.”
Natasha’s expression softened with a touch of surprise, her respect for this renowned scientist growing even deeper.
“You don’t need to worry about that. Qlipoth Fort has no authority here. No one will come looking for you,” Natasha reassured him. “If you get permission from Wildfire, you can stay in the Underworld without any problems.”
“That wouldn’t be right,” Chen Lin said through gritted teeth. “The Supreme Guardian’s actions are unpredictable and extreme. If our presence here causes harm to innocent people… I’d rather surrender myself than see others suffer because of me.”
Natasha was momentarily taken aback by his firm resolve. Then, shaking her head, she said, “You truly are selfless. No wonder the people in the overworld admire you so much. But you don’t need to worry about that. Cocolia won’t take such drastic measures. I’ll ask Sampo to introduce you to Wildfire—they’ll undoubtedly welcome your presence here.”
Natasha’s words were sincere, but she also had her reasons. With Chen Lin’s remarkable abilities, he might be able to help the Underworld resolve many long-standing issues.
Compared to the pressing challenges faced by the Underworld, harboring a fugitive seemed inconsequential. After all, how many people in the Underworld didn’t have a bounty on their heads?
And as for Qlipoth Fort potentially cutting off trade or imposing sanctions as retaliation? That was laughable. Without supplies from the Underworld, the overworld’s population would freeze to death in no time.
Cocolia might be ruthless, but she wasn’t foolish enough to sabotage the overworld’s survival.
Chen Lin sighed again. “I never expected things to turn out this way. It feels like no good deed goes unpunished.” Then, glancing at Natasha, he asked, “Doctor Natasha, are you close with Wildfire?”
After a moment’s thought, Natasha nodded. “I’d say so. They frequently come to me for medical treatment, so we’ve developed a good relationship over time.”
“I’m just a frail researcher,” Chen Lin said with a wry smile. “I don’t have much to offer the mining districts other than my brain.”
After another sigh, he leaned forward slightly and asked, “Doctor, what exactly did Sampo deliver to you earlier?”
“Oh, that?” Natasha retrieved the bottles and jars Sampo had given her. “They’re rare medications—mainly anesthetics and painkillers. These are some of the most urgently needed supplies in the Underworld. Many patients rely on them.”
She explained that miners often suffered from lung diseases or injuries caused by cave-ins and accidents. After treatment, they needed painkillers during recovery. Even minor surgeries required anesthetics and pain relief—without them, the pain alone could kill a person before their wounds healed.
For injuries like fractures, painkillers sped up recovery and minimized long-term complications.
As Natasha described the dire state of medical resources in the Underworld, Chen Lin couldn’t help but notice her impressive knowledge and leadership qualities. Her demeanor suggested she was more than just a doctor—perhaps even a figure of authority.
“Can’t the Underworld produce its own medicine?” Chen Lin asked. “Sampo mentioned there used to be a robust industrial system down here. Wouldn’t that include chemical manufacturing?”
“Most of those areas were contaminated by the rift,” Natasha replied, shaking her head. “Many workers died during the rift’s expansion. The manufacturing processes are too complex, and no one remembers how to make these medicines anymore.
“In recent years, a few of us doctors have researched alternatives. We found a type of mushroom native to the Underworld that can serve as an anesthetic, but the side effects are severe. Patients who use it might permanently lose their ability to feel pain, which could lead to even greater dangers.”
“Are there no functioning factories left at all?”
“There are, but they’re only capable of producing basic goods from whatever raw materials we can gather underground. At most, we can process overworld supplies into things like condiments.”
Natasha hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Chen Lin, I know you’ve done a lot for Belobog. I want to ask for your help. Could you improve the living conditions here in the Underworld?
“We’re not like the overworld’s oppressive government. We would never betray someone who helps us—I give you my word on that.”
Her tone was earnest, her gaze unwavering. Natasha understood that people who had been betrayed often carried a deep wariness of others. If she didn’t seize this opportunity, more miners might lose their chance at proper treatment.
For Natasha, ensuring the survival and well-being of the Underworld’s people was worth setting aside her pride to ask for help—even from someone much younger than herself.
Chen Lin had already proven his capabilities in the overworld. If he could replicate that success here, it could transform their lives.
“I promise you,” Natasha added, her voice firm, “whether or not you agree to help, your decision won’t affect how the Underworld treats you. I’ll personally guarantee that.”
Chen Lin had been deliberating how to offer his assistance without seeming self-serving. He hadn’t even broached the topic yet when Natasha made the request herself.
Perfect timing.
Feigning surprise, Chen Lin grasped Natasha’s hands and said earnestly, “Doctor Natasha, there’s no need to be so formal. Before becoming a researcher, I was a doctor too—I specialized in pharmacological development. Helping people is the most sacred duty of my profession.
“I have a terrible habit—I just can’t stand to see my people suffer!”
—
T/N: were u an actor before you wwere a doctor too
This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗？ by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
Reader discussion
0 Comments
Be the first reader to share a thought about this chapter.