Chapter Thirty-Three: Sun Qi Pays a Visit

Looking at Qin Yang, who was nearly a mummy, Ji Lietiger couldn’t help but chuckle. He truly admired Qin Yang. To withstand a fierce fight with him and then endure a powerful electric shock without fainting, to take on over a dozen hardened criminals single-handedly with nothing but a knife so that none dared approach—such ruthlessness and skill commanded Ji Lietiger’s respect. Most importantly, if not for Qin Yang, Ji Lietiger himself would have found it nearly impossible to escape from the detention center. Strictly speaking, he owed Qin Yang a debt—a tremendous debt.

Outside, daylight had blossomed, the world washed in white snow, reflecting into the hospital room.

Liu Molan sat quietly beside him, her eyes red as she gazed at Qin Yang. Whether it was from prolonged crying or the aftermath of an unbroken night, he couldn’t tell.

“I’m not dead, so why are you crying?” Qin Yang saw the lingering tears at her eyes and smiled wryly. “The doctor said it’s just surface wounds, only blood loss.”

“I...I...” Liu Molan, usually composed, was increasingly at a loss for words.

Ji Lietiger took a sip of soy milk, bought earlier by Liu Molan, and grinned. “This guy is tough, and his recovery is fierce. The doctors were shocked when he woke up today. Brother, your wife is worried sick about you—how can you say something like that?”

“Damn it, why aren’t you gone yet? When the police arrive, let’s see how you escape!” Qin Yang cursed, annoyed. As they talked, familiarity grew between them, and the conversation shed all pretense.

Ji Lietiger pursed his lips, checked the time, and finished his soy milk. “Fine, fine, I really should leave. I’ll come find you when you’re discharged.”

After he left, the room fell into a brief awkward silence.

Liu Molan lowered her head, uncertain what to say. Qin Yang felt uncomfortable with her altered demeanor, so much unlike her usual self. The room became quiet, and after some time, Liu Molan shifted the topic. “Why does Ji Lietiger fear the police?”

“He broke out of prison,” Qin Yang replied, changing position but inadvertently pulling the wound on his back, grimacing from the pain. “A few days ago, I was framed and locked up in the detention center. I fought with him, and he escaped during the transfer to the hospital. So, indirectly, I became his savior. Otherwise, with his crimes, he’d undoubtedly be sentenced to death.”

“I never would have guessed,” Liu Molan shook her head. “Ji Lietiger seems like a good man—easy to talk to, and sharp-minded.”

“Sharp-minded?” Qin Yang scoffed. “I haven’t seen it. He’s a drug lord. Every batch of drugs in Haitian City and even across the southeast province passes through his hands. He’s a prime target for the Public Security Bureau. If not for being framed, he would still be a dominant figure. When he stomps his foot, the whole city shakes.”

Liu Molan was incredulous. “He’s really a drug lord?”

“Absolutely,” Qin Yang shrugged. “The police told me themselves.”

“He doesn’t seem like it,” Liu Molan murmured.

Again, an awkward silence settled between them, uncertain how to continue. Liu Molan bit her lip lightly. “Thank you for last night.”

“I told you, I’m your driver,” Qin Yang laughed. “Besides, any man would protect a beautiful woman.”

Liu Molan’s cheeks flushed deeper as she lowered her head.

Just then, the door swung open. Officer Zhao from the Public Security Bureau entered first, carrying a bag of fruit. Seeing Liu Molan’s rosy face, he chuckled, “Looks like I came at the wrong time. You two carry on, I’ll keep watch outside.” He pretended to step back.

“Enough, what’s up?” Qin Yang laughed. “Quit acting.”

Liu Molan rose with a blush, “You two talk, I’ll go make a call.”

Once she left, Zhao moved to the bedside and sat down. “You really caused a stir last night—the police squad nearly went crazy.”

“Did they catch those men?” Qin Yang asked.

Zhao shook his head. “No, they escaped, took the bodies with them. Captain Sun will be here shortly.”

“What’s she coming for?” Just thinking of that tigress made Qin Yang frown. “I’m not in the mood for interrogation.”

“Who said you’d be interrogated?” Sun Qi’s voice sounded from the doorway. Zhao hurried to offer her a seat. Sun Qi said impatiently, “You’re decent enough not to leave Molan alone last night. Otherwise, I wouldn’t let you off. But don’t think I’ll stop investigating you. For now, you’re still one of my targets.”

“Don’t make it sound so ambiguous,” Qin Yang rolled his eyes. “I’m not your target.”

“Idiot, stop imagining things.” Sun Qi shot him a glare, then her expression shifted, curiosity flickering. “I saw Molan blushing just now. What happened? I’ve known her so long and never seen her blush. Did you take the opportunity to tease her?”

“When will you ever see me in a positive light?” Qin Yang asked, frustrated.

“Not anytime soon. But your actions last night did lessen some of your negative impression—just a little, mind you.” Sun Qi huffed, smug.

Qin Yang sighed. “I’ve never hoped for a good impression from you. It’d be awkward if you took a fancy to me—I couldn’t bring home such a fiery wife to meet my parents.”

“Idiot.” Sun Qi was so angry she wanted to hit him, but Zhao quickly intervened, “Captain Sun, it’s just a joke, just a joke—he’s still injured, wait till he’s healed.”

Sun Qi begrudgingly relented, “Who chased you last night? What did they look like?”

“It’s hard to say—too dark to see clearly. Two died last night, several were seriously injured. If you follow this lead, you should find them. The leader’s name is Deng Qi,” Qin Yang replied honestly. “Hey, I killed someone—are you going to lock me up?”

Zhao grinned. “It was self-defense, a reasonable response in a dangerous situation, fully within the law. You don’t need to worry. Captain Sun said you’ve got guts—she even wants to recommend you for a reward.”

“Seriously?” Qin Yang asked, incredulous.

Sun Qi shot Zhao a glare, and he quickly covered his mouth and stepped aside.

“In any case, you big idiot, thank you for saving Molan,” Sun Qi said. “We’ll keep tracking the robbers. If you have any leads, let us know. We won’t disturb you further—there’s plenty to handle at the station. Zhao, let’s go and let him rest.”

“We’re off,” Zhao said cheerfully. “Don’t worry about revenge. After the beating you gave them, none dare show their faces. If they do, we’ll catch them immediately.”