Chapter Forty-Three: Hospitalized

"Don't make a move." Sun Qi saw her subordinates reaching for their guns and hurriedly stopped them, quickly stepping forward. Seeing the murderous look in Qin Yang's eyes, she could only sigh helplessly. "Qin Yang, give me the gun."

Qin Yang snorted and tossed the gun to Sun Qi. Some officers wanted to seize him, but Sun Qi held them back. She watched Qin Yang squat down, then stepped forward, reproachfully saying, "Are you mad? Do you realize how serious it is to attack the police? You even pointed a gun at them! I can't help you out of this one!"

"Is that so?" Qin Yang sneered, glancing at the two officers. "Do they even deserve to be called police?"

Even Yang Yaxin was so furious her cheeks were burning red. "What kind of police are you? When the criminals showed up, you all vanished without a trace. When they escaped, you blamed Qin Yang for letting them go? Are you blind? Can't you see how seriously injured he is? Yet you still want to use force against him? I'm going to file a complaint against your entire bureau. You dare call yourselves police? You have the audacity to wear those badges?"

Hearing Yang Yaxin's angry outburst, Qin Yang was surprised. Was this really happening? The usually gentle and demure beauty could be so passionate.

Sun Qi eyed the two officers suspiciously. The uninjured policeman hastily defended himself. "We were pursuing those criminals, only to find Qin Yang had let them go! We have reason to believe he's their accomplice and was involved in a terrorist act!"

"Accomplice? Would an accomplice suffer such injuries?" Yang Yaxin shouted.

Seeing the argument getting more and more chaotic, Sun Qi didn't know whom to trust. She decided to take the two officers back for questioning, then quickly sent Qin Yang to the hospital. When the doctors saw his wound, they were shocked. An arrow embedded in his arm—was he not afraid of excessive blood loss? They rushed him to the operating room, and after an hour of frantic effort, Qin Yang was brought out. His face was flushed, showing no trace of a wounded patient.

"How are you feeling?" Yang Yaxin asked anxiously.

"I'm fine. Just a scratch." Qin Yang smiled, though he still felt exhausted. After so much fighting, he was naturally worn out.

"You seem fine, but you've caused me plenty of trouble." Sun Qi complained, sitting nearby. "Now tell me everything that happened."

Qin Yang nodded and recounted what had transpired, omitting the details about the mysterious archers and the purple-gold box they sought. He vaguely referred to them as unknown enemies, and didn't mention that Boss Cao had sent people to test him—he simply said they were three passing robbers. Sun Qi didn't object, reviewing the statements her team had compiled. She couldn't help but ask, "Just how many enemies do you have?"

"If you count your two officers, that's a few more," Qin Yang retorted.

Sun Qi was at a loss for words, anger simmering inside her. If what Yang Yaxin and Qin Yang said was true, this was shameful beyond belief. For a police officer to run from danger—how could that be justified? Most importantly, there was the source of Yu Wei's firearm, a serious matter. In China, gun control is extremely strict and punishment is harsh. At that moment, her subordinates' report arrived: Yu Wei's fingerprints were found on the weapon used at the scene. That would be the first issue to address.

"Take care of yourself and recover. I need to investigate these matters. As for those two officers, we'll conduct a professional evaluation. If what you say is true, they will face severe consequences." Sun Qi gathered her things. "I'll come check on you tomorrow."

"Take her home," Qin Yang nodded. "It's been a long day. I want some peace and quiet."

Yang Yaxin had wanted to stay and look after him, but Qin Yang's words made her hesitate. She had to leave with Sun Qi. Soon, the ward was quiet, with only Qin Yang and the butler remaining.

"Butler, gather all the lingering souls here," Qin Yang instructed.

Having tirelessly fulfilled the wishes of the departed, Qin Yang's daily absorption limit had reached one hundred and fifty souls, and his range had expanded considerably. Though the hospital held only a handful of spirits, it was better than nothing. He handed over their wish lists to the butler to compile. Qin Yang was about to rest when he heard footsteps at the door. The ward opened, and his employer appeared, out of breath.

"You—why are you here?" Qin Yang asked, puzzled.

"Ji Lietiger called me. He said you were injured and hospitalized again," Liu Molan looked at him with thinly veiled reproach. "I came as soon as I could."

"How did he know?" Qin Yang was even more confused.

"He said he saw you being taken to the hospital." Liu Molan didn't elaborate on Ji Lietiger's involvement, but asked anxiously, "How are you feeling now? Is your injury serious?"

"It's nothing. Much less severe than last time." Qin Yang replied nonchalantly. "This is just a scratch. Doesn't even warrant bed rest, but the doctor insisted I stay for observation. Ji Lietiger really can't keep his mouth shut."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Liu Molan said, dissatisfied. "Are you saying I don't even have the right to visit you when you're hurt?"

"No," Qin Yang saw her face darken and hurried to explain. "It's just a minor injury, not worth the trouble. Besides, you're busy during the day, and if you don't rest properly at night, you'll compromise your work tomorrow."

"I'm fine." Liu Molan shook her head. "It won't affect my work. Who were the ones behind this attack? Was it those people from last time seeking revenge?"

"No." Qin Yang shook his head.

The intentions of the three groups were clear: Yu Wei wanted to teach him a lesson, one gang aimed to steal the purple-gold box, and another was the old man's men, testing him. As for Deng Qi's lot, the police's recent crackdown had them hiding underground, too panicked to seek revenge.

"What’s wrong with the world lately? Why are there so many bad people?" Liu Molan sighed, weary.

Qin Yang waved dismissively. "Who knows. Don't go home tonight. Stay here in the hospital. There are other beds—quite comfortable."

Hearing this, Liu Molan blushed and lowered her head in agreement. Qin Yang shrugged. He didn't want her to go home for fear that her immense wealth would attract those criminals. Staying here at least provided some safety. Her coming alone made him anxious; if anything happened, it would be hard to save her.

"Someday, I need to ask Han Mufeng and Han Dongxue exactly who that old man is." Qin Yang looked at his bandaged arm, his resolve settling in his heart.