Seeing the frightened looks on Director Hu and Director Lin, Yang Li couldn’t help but sneer inwardly, feeling a slight release of his pent-up frustration.
Then, he continued with a cold laugh, “See? You didn’t think this was so simple, did you? That kid fears nothing and no one. Back in the day, relying on his own strength alone, without even using Old Master Tang’s influence, he drove Deputy Mayor Zhang’s youngest son insane. Then, brazenly leveraging Old Master Tang’s doting favor, he forced Deputy Mayor Zhang’s eldest son into exile overseas.”
“And that ID he pulled out—do you know where it’s from? A major in the General Staff Department’s Intelligence Bureau… Do you have any idea what that means? With that badge, he could walk all over Xingcheng City without a care in the world… So tell me, would a kid like that just let this go? Would he simply forgive those little brats of ours?”
Hearing Yang Li’s words, the faces of the two directors grew paler by the minute, their minds racing. If he could do that to Deputy Mayor Zhang’s two sons, and now their own good-for-nothing sons had gone and provoked him…
Recalling the incident report from the police officer who led the team earlier, the two stood there dumbfounded. Hu Qingniu, the Health Bureau director, had completely lost his authoritative bearing. His face ashen, he muttered, “A broken hand is nothing compared to this. If something else happens, what do we do then?”
“Old Hu, Old Lin… Today, let’s not stand on ceremony. We have to find a way to appease this kid as quickly as possible.” With that, Yang Li narrowed his eyes and turned to Wang Delin, the director of the Tianyuan branch, asking, “Deling… What about those dozen or so students?”
“Don’t worry, Director. I’ve already sent someone to take them to the hospital. I’ve instructed the hospital to keep them in isolation for confidential treatment and to treat those students as quickly as possible. There won’t be any issues.” Wang Delin was Yang Li’s longtime subordinate and knew his superior’s thoughts inside out, so he quickly responded.
“Good… This absolutely cannot have any slip-ups. Otherwise, if that kid gets riled up, no one will be able to smooth things over.” Yang Li nodded approvingly.
“Old Hu, Old Lin… Whether this matter gets resolved smoothly all depends on that kid. The other students are irrelevant.” Yang Li’s sharp eyes were filled with caution. Then, looking at Hu Qingniu, he said, “Old Hu… This kid’s family is from the countryside in Lianyang. They run a small clinic, which falls under your jurisdiction. You can apply some pressure there.”
Hu Qingniu looked up at Yang Li, puzzled. After a moment of thought, he understood Yang Li’s meaning and nodded. “Alright… I’ll take care of it tomorrow.”
“Good… Make sure you do it tomorrow. Even if that kid knows you’re just going through the motions, he’ll still have to acknowledge the gesture.” Yang Li narrowed his eyes and then turned to Lin Zhijing, the Industry and Commerce Bureau director. “Old Lin… For your part, just spend a bit more money. Send some consolation gifts to that kid and the girl. Put some real effort into it. As for the medical expenses of the other students, Old Hu and I will handle them. No problem, right?”
Lin Zhijing looked at Yang Li and sighed softly before replying, “Alright… I’ll arrange it. As long as Junyan stays out of trouble, money isn’t an issue.”
“Good. Then it’s settled. Tomorrow, I’ll go meet with Xu Ze myself. I’ll have to swallow my pride for this.” With that, Yang Li let out an indignant snort and growled angrily, “That little bastard—I told him to tone it down, and now he’s caused a huge mess. Just wait until I deal with him later!”
Lin Yumeng, who had successfully been detoxified, was looking even more radiant. With the support of large amounts of glucose solution, her complexion had grown rosier, and in the morning light streaming through the window, she looked as delicate and vibrant as a flower.
Xu Ze, meanwhile, was resting lightly in a reclining chair a nurse had brought over, his eyes closed. For him, going one or two nights without sleep was no problem at all.
He had initially thought about running his energy circulation. Though he had now reached Level 3 medic, Xu Ze continued to work hard, never stopping his daily energy exercises.
But sensing the chaotic and murky spiritual energy in the hospital, Xu Ze quickly dismissed the idea. If he absorbed that kind of energy into his body, it would probably do more harm than good.
Quietly curled up under her blanket, Lin Yumeng’s long lashes fluttered slightly—she seemed to be waking up.
She wasn’t fully conscious yet, though. Scenes from the night before flashed through her mind.
Although the ketamine had left her without clear memories, she vaguely recalled some things. She remembered realizing something was wrong, forcing herself to stay awake just long enough to call Xu Ze, and then losing consciousness. In her hazy memory, someone had held her—someone whose scent was deeply familiar and incredibly reassuring.
Finally, after a few more flutters, her long lashes slowly parted. Her bright eyes quietly scanned the room until they landed on the warm hand she had been clutching tightly.
Turning her gaze further, she saw her beloved Xu Ze, the one she had missed so much, leaning back in the chair by the bed, seemingly fast asleep.
She admired his handsome face—the gently upturned brows, the slightly upturned corners of his mouth beneath his straight nose, his fair complexion undimmed by the sleepless night. A wave of contentment and joy washed over Lin Yumeng as she tightened her grip on his hand.
Feeling the movement, Xu Ze slowly opened his eyes and looked at Lin Yumeng on the bed. Seeing those beautiful eyes still clear and pure, a faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Although Lin Yumeng was now out of danger, Xu Ze insisted she stay for another round of IV fluids before even thinking about returning to class.
After Lin Yumeng washed up, Xu Ze went out to buy some rice porridge and fried dough sticks. The two of them ate happily in the hospital room.
Normally, Lin Yumeng could only manage a small bowl of porridge and one fried dough stick. But with Xu Ze eating beside her, her appetite was as good as her mood. Today, she finished an entire bowl of porridge and two fried dough sticks—nearly double her usual amount.
After they finished eating, Xu Ze tossed the paper containers and disposable bowls into the trash can outside. He had just asked the nurse to help hang Lin Yumeng’s IV when a soft knock came at the door.
Hearing the knock, Xu Ze raised an eyebrow and said calmly, “Come in.”
The door opened, and three people walked in.
The one in front was someone Xu Ze recognized—Officer Wang, the leader from the incident at Jinxiu Huatian the day before. Behind him was a tall man with a gaunt face and a hooked nose. Though his expression was stern, it was also full of smiles.
Next to him was a gentle-looking, chubby man, dressed in an impressive manner. He was holding a large bouquet of flowers, looking every bit the hospital visitor.
Behind them both was a sullen-faced young man with dyed yellow hair—Yang Xiaoming, the one who had illegally possessed a gun the night before. He was also holding a large bouquet of flowers and carrying a fruit basket.
Seeing Yang Xiaoming, Xu Ze’s brow lifted slightly. He figured the imposing, hook-nosed middle-aged man must be Yang Li, the director of the Xingcheng City Police Bureau. As for the other man, though Xu Ze didn’t know who he was, judging by his demeanor, he was likely an elder of one of those spoiled young men from yesterday—probably either Hu or Lin.
As the four entered, Xu Ze made no move to stand and welcome them. He simply nodded to a slightly startled Lin Yumeng, signaling her to stay calm, then turned to the group and said indifferently, “Please, have a seat.”
Seeing Xu Ze’s rudeness, a flash of anger crossed Yang Li’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared. He smiled and laughed heartily, “No need to be so polite, Xu Ze. Just take care of Lin Yumeng. We’ll find our own seats.”
With that, he pulled up a small stool and sat down. Officer Wang quickly grabbed another stool and placed it in front of the chubby man, saying cautiously, “Director Lin, please have a seat.”
Director Lin, however, didn’t sit right away. Instead, he walked cheerfully to Lin Yumeng’s bedside, handed her the flowers, glanced at Xu Ze, then pulled out two red envelopes and placed them in Lin Yumeng’s hands. With an exceptionally warm and gentle smile, he said, “Yumeng, you must have been frightened yesterday. I was planning to bring my own good-for-nothing son here to apologize in person, but he’s in the hospital right now. So as his father, I’ve come to visit you and offer my apologies. Rest well and focus on recovering.”
Lin Yumeng widened her frightened eyes, looking at the flowers in her hand and then at the two red envelopes. She quickly turned to Xu Ze for guidance.
Xu Ze, with a little help from Xiaodao, recognized the man. Seeing Lin Yumeng’s look, he smiled and nodded, signaling that it was okay to accept them.
Seeing the girl accept the red envelopes under Xu Ze’s silent approval, Lin Zhijing felt a surge of relief. If she was willing to take them, then there was still room for negotiation. He quickly walked back and sat down on the stool beside him.
Yang Li, noticing Xu Ze had allowed the red envelopes to be accepted, also looked pleased. If the kid was willing to accept the gesture, then things were still manageable. Otherwise, if he refused to budge, they’d be in real trouble.
Officer Wang, quick-witted as always, didn’t dare address Xu Ze as “classmate.” He quickly introduced the visitors. “Comrade Xu Ze, this is Director Yang of the Xingcheng City Police Bureau. He came especially today to visit Lin Yumeng.”
Yang Li smiled at Xu Ze and nodded. “Hello, Comrade Xu Ze. I’m really sorry about what happened yesterday. You and this classmate must have been frightened. I’ve brought this foolish child of mine along to offer both of you our sincere apologies.”
