Chapter 109 An Indomitable Excuse
November 27, 3 a.m., St. Charity Hospital, top floor special ward.
“Uh… it hurts… oh… Sister Meng, can you be gentler…”
In a treatment room, Jiang Yao’s limbs were restrained to the surgical bed, looking terrified and weak at the beautiful butcher, Su Xiaomeng, in front of her.
“小瑶, there’s no choice. You have to endure it. The bullet has shattered, and we must remove all the fragments. Here, bite this!”
Su Xiaomeng’s scalpel cut into Jiang Yao’s already charred and solidified wound, and with the assistance of the electronic surgical microscope, she carefully extracted fragments of the silver bullet from the wound with surgical forceps.
Every now and then, the sound of metal particles dropping echoed from the white tray.
Jiang Yao’s astonishing wound healing ability became the source of her doubled pain during this surgery, as many bullet fragments and debris were wrapped in charred flesh.
From time to time, the shining silver shards unearthed by the scalpel and forceps would burn the freshly exposed wounds, releasing wisps of acrid black smoke, causing Jiang Yao to shudder and wail.
For a blood clan, being shot is indeed unfortunate, but removing bullets already encased in charred tissue is the true pain. Ordinary anesthetics are almost ineffective on blood clan bodies, and increasing the dosage only leads to other worse toxic side effects.
For over an hour, bullets were extracted from her shoulders and abdomen. Jiang Yao was in excruciating pain, even showing signs of shock, prompting Su Xiaomeng to stop multiple times to inject her with several unknown medications.
Of course, the arm of Zhong Jing, who was tightly gripped by her, had also suffered bad luck for over an hour, and at this moment, his face was green from Jiang Yao’s terrifying grip…
“Alas, Zhong Jing, I estimate that by dawn, Uncle Zhong will be wandering around C city with a stick looking for you. Doesn’t this count as embezzlement from your own family, a thief at home… Just hang in there; Xiao Yao’s pain right now is several times heavier than yours.”
Looking at Zhong Jing, whose hand was being gripped by Jiang Yao, his mouth twitching with pain, Su Xiaomeng smiled exaggeratedly, also secretly admiring the audacity and incredible action of these two, managing to acquire the RMC E formulation, which even the Wang family might not have.
“Ah… I can’t worry about that now; Brother Zheng’s life is the priority… Hiss, Xiao Yao, don’t crush my bones, or they’ll break!”
With Zhong Jing gritting his teeth, trying to endure while keeping his body as still as possible, Jiang Yao could at least have a sense of ritual for her pain transfer, while his other hand wiped her sweat.
“Zhong Jing, Xiao Meng, I’m in so much pain… I can’t take it anymore…”
Jiang Yao was already weak, releasing the object her mouth had been biting onto, her whole body trembling, cold sweat soaking her forehead.
“Just hang in there a bit longer; the abdominal wound is a bit deep, and I must ensure all the charred tissue is removed completely. Otherwise, if any remaining silver fragments enter your bloodstream, your organs will burn up.”
Su Xiaomeng was also drenched in sweat as she continued to adjust the electronic surgical lens, meticulously cleaning Jiang Yao’s gunshot wound in her abdomen.
Finally, Jiang Yao fainted from the pain, and Zhong Jing’s hand also went limp.
Su Xiaomeng and Zhong Jing exchanged glances, the former shaking her head helplessly while the latter cautiously touched Jiang Yao’s forehead, wiping away the beads of sweat.
“Actually, you shouldn’t have listened to my grandfather… If Auntie were here, she would rather give up on treating Brother Zheng than let you guys take risks. There’s no need to say about Xiao Yao; your identity is also an important asset to Hyacinth.”
After removing the last bits of silver fragments and charred tissue she could find, Su Xiaomeng, wiping her sweat, raised her head, revealing a serious expression.
“I don’t believe Master is that kind of person; in Hyacinth, everyone’s life is equally valuable… By the way, Sister Meng, really, isn’t there any anesthetic or painkiller that blood clans can use?”
Zhong Jing stepped aside, covering his already numb right arm, his expression very serious.
“There are, but they are very expensive and monopolized by several European and American families… The Wang family can get some overseas, but based on where Grandpa’s residence is, he doesn’t have the qualifications to apply for too much for outsiders unless he himself gets injured and needs surgery. Shengfeng Hospital does have some emergency stock, but Brother Zheng’s and Sister Xiaoping’s previous surgeries have exhausted it, so…”
Su Xiaomeng sighed and began to bandage Jiang Yao’s wounds, while also injecting her with a dose of the Wang family’s unique sedative.
“How can I evaluate your Wang family? After all, you’re a thousand-year-old duke family; could you provide a little support? Why is it that all the good stuff is over there in foreign countries? In the normal world, I admit we’re lagging behind, but why is Huaguo still like this in the blood clan world?”
Zhong Jing coldly grunted several times, looking at the girl on the surgical bed who had passed out from the pain, his heart inexplicably filled with rage.
It’s easy to say, but those European and American families have almost been in collusion with some university research labs and pharmaceutical companies since a century ago. What’s our situation domestically! Are you really just standing there talking without a sense of pain?
The different golden pills from the Wang family have no side effects at all—don’t you understand that’s unique globally! Just you, the angry youth…
Su Xiaomeng rolled her eyes, tearing off her rubber gloves and throwing them angrily into the trash can, her lips curling in a hint of glee: You worry about that? You should be more concerned about yourself. Your father and Aunt Wan will take care of you!
Hehe, if it’s exposed, then so be it; it doesn’t matter.
Zhong Jing stood up disinterestedly, rubbing one arm, slowly walking to the surgical bed, and touched the girl’s light golden hair, casually asking: Is there anything else to report about her injuries?
Let’s observe here for an hour first, see if there is any severe poisoning phenomena, then transfer her to the single-patient ward next door to rest… Try to avoid bleeding over the next couple of days, or your woman might just become one less… It’s becoming a spectacle now; people from Hyacinth are almost filling the special ward rooms.
After saying that, Su Xiaomeng left the treatment room without looking back, and as she stepped out, a happy smile appeared on the girl’s face.
Untying Jiang Yao’s restraints gently, Zhong Jing held her little hand, and his expression gradually calmed down, seeming to even forget about the discomfort in his arm.
Morning arrived, and Jiang Yao had not yet woken up, but after Su Xiaomeng’s examination confirmed she was fine, Zhong Jing finally relaxed completely.
This time, teaming up with Jiang Yao to steal medicine, she had sustained some injuries. Whether for merit or mistake, Zhong Jing didn’t care anymore.
After dealing with Peng’s handover, Zhong Jing drove directly back home, as he had missed several frantic calls from his father due to his phone being on silent.
The Zhong family was very quiet in the early morning; the housekeeper was busy preparing breakfast, and his mom was clearly still asleep, while his father’s study still had the lights on.
It looked like someone had been guarding for almost the whole night.
Walking straight into Zhong Hai’s study, Zhong Jing threw off his suit jacket, sat on the sofa, and lit a cigarette.
What have you done!? Don’t think I don’t know it was you; who’s that woman in the surveillance video!?
In Zhong Hai’s eyes, filled with bloodshot signs of sleeplessness, exhaustion, anxiety, and a hint of pain showed.
Who else could it be? The blood clan, Dad, you shouldn’t be unfamiliar with them. Actually, the night before last, our conversation was nearly going to reveal this…
In my opinion, anyway, it’s something that’s going to be sold off, and now someone needs it while we have stock and offer a handsome price, we’re merchants; it’s fair trade.
Zhong Jing puffed out smoke rings, his expression calm.
You’re not a fool; when did you start getting involved with these things? Fair trade? That’s controlled goods under government scrutiny!
Zhong Hai trembled with anger, his cultivated elegant demeanor for nearly twenty years lost completely, with a visibly resentful sneer: “I would rather give up the entire group than let you touch these!”
Would you be willing? The Fujiwara family won’t let Zhong family off easily, and I’m afraid the government also hopes the Zhong family can shine for generations… Dad, setting up a platform that satisfies multiple parties isn’t easy; no one would easily tear down the stage over trivial matters.
“If you really don’t want to get involved, why let Hejian Shinya appear in our family? A sixty- or seventy-year-old Japanese woman is almost becoming a daughter-in-law of the Zhong family; you should be proud! If another spiritual grandson pops out, tsk, they would definitely stir up a storm in both worlds.”
“Actually, I’m just adapting to your work in advance. We are brokers; as long as they all need us and don’t cross the clients’ bottom lines, we have enough room to negotiate.”
Zhong Jing traced his cigarette, his face unwavering, devoid of victorious joy, only a helpless mockery.
“Haha, I never expected both my sons would get involved… Is this the destiny of the Zhong family?”
Like being struck by a thunderbolt, Zhong Hai fell back into his chair, covering his face with his hands, his expression unreadable at that moment.
“The older brother’s blood type is right there; he is still a soldier. He should be from the dark arrow unit. Your luck has been unrealistic from the beginning… Very good, our Zhong family has completely occupied both the light and dark sides of this world, making a name for ourselves.”
Zhong Jing moved in front of his father, slowly crouched down, touching his knee, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
“Dad, the Wang family should also be hiding a share in the Zhong Corporation’s stock structure, right? If there’s anything, feel free to push it onto them. Those old tortoises are smarter than anyone and know how to endure more than anyone else. This is called a shareholder obligation; you can’t just take dividends without taking responsibility…”
“Moreover, you know clear waters have no fish; the store our Zhong family runs has been a longstanding business for hundreds of years. It’s normal to take a small loss every now and then or gain small advantages; this reassures all the customers…”
As he spoke, Zhong Jing suddenly laughed, the color in his eyes inexplicably sharp.
Staring blankly at his son’s tall figure bathed in the morning light pouring in from outside the window, Zhong Hai suddenly felt himself aging.
This son is truly pursuing wealth in peril, a born broker. His brilliance and understanding of this broker identity evidently far exceeded his own back then.
“Dad, this world is fascinating and realistic. Regardless of success or failure, whether it’s you, eldest brother, or me, the Zhong family has not made this trip in vain.”
After speaking, Zhong Jing stood to extinguish his cigarette butt, striding out of the study.
After being dazed for almost an hour, Zhong Hai only came back to his senses when he heard his wife’s voice coming from the second floor.
China Pharmaceuticals and its backers in state-owned assets, the Fujiwara family in Japan, the Zhong family, and the Wang family, are actually all in a tacit mutual benefit community under the Zhong Pharmaceutical umbrella.
The explanations that his son could provide sounded absurd, yet were intricately logical, because this was a very hard-to-verify issue, and no one was willing to genuinely verify it.
The import qualification of RMCE is monopolized by China Pharmaceutical Group. The three units lost this time are a drop in the bucket compared to the annual consumption. Even if it could prove to be the Zhong family committing self-theft, it’s still just carcass in the pot.
Surveying the luxuriously decorated study, his gaze fell on a row of family photos spanning from youth to old age, and Zhong Hai sighed deeply, first taking out his phone.
“I, Zhong Hai, instruct the security center of the production base to delete all surveillance videos from midnight… Yes, just do it. Also, the lost RMCE should be re-recorded according to production loss in the inventory… You don’t need to worry about this; I will explain the matter to China Pharmaceutical Group!”
After hanging up the phone, Zhong Hai helplessly shook his head, shifting his gaze to the desk’s landline.
A few minutes later, Zhong Hai called China Pharmaceutical Group’s operator.
“Hello, this is China Pharmaceutical Group. Who would you like to contact?”
“I am Zhong Hai from Zhong Pharmaceutical. Could you please connect me to the office of Vice President Ping Han from Korea?”
In the rapidly developing communication technology, China Pharmaceutical Group still maintains a very old yet distinctive external contact method, adding a particular sense of ceremony.
Zhong Hai mustered his courage, lowered his voice, and began explaining.
When the call ended, Han Ping’s brow furrowed, looking somewhat surprised.
Is the Wang family so desperate that they resorted to stealing RMCE… Or is Zhong Hai planning something that leads to preemptive strikes?
Han Ping stroked his chin, pacing around the room. Minutes later, he swiftly returned to his desk, grabbed the phone, and dialed a special number.
“This is Han Ping. Connect me to Director Ye from the Headquarters Intelligence Bureau. Yes, immediately!”
In less than ten seconds, the call was successfully transferred.
“Old Han, so early, what’s going on?”
On the other end of the line was a steady male voice.
“Old Ye, help me verify the situation with Zhong Corporation. Here’s the thing, a blood clan appeared at Zhong Corporation’s production base early this morning, and Zhong Hai mentioned the Wang family… Yes, it’s regarding the controlled substance RMCE… Okay, just directly send me the results by fax.”
Minutes later, a confidential fax appeared in front of Han Ping.
“Interesting, someone stole three units of RMCE from the warehouse early this morning and had a conflict with the undercover members of the Blood Dragon team on duty…”
“Haha, does the Wang family plan to take their dividends this year in a different way… Or did Zhong Hai directly kick the ball to the Wang family, intending to create a situation with no witness?”
Looking at the results, it wasn’t too outrageous, just a bit unexpected; it didn’t seem like something that Zhong Hai’s stable personality would do.
RMCE is very valuable, but it is just an important imported material; it’s definitely not the most sensitive item you can find in foreign markets. Pondering over the information in the confidential fax, Han Ping couldn’t help but chuckle, directly igniting the fax with a lighter.
After thinking for a few minutes, Han Ping still called Zhong Hai.
“Haha, Zhong Hai, you’ve presented me with quite a dilemma… Yes, it’s a serious problem, but don’t worry; the investigation will proceed thoroughly, as this involves the production safety issue of Easy Wind…”
“Also, please inform those old tortoises that I need a batch of large golden pills here. The price is negotiable, but delivery must be before the end of the year, and there’s no room for negotiation!”
Han Ping spoke righteously and aggressively, while Zhong Hai appeared anxious or rather relieved.
After hanging up the phone, Han Ping looked at the dead air on the line and laughed: “Hehe, they’re all old foxes—who’s fooling whom? There’s no free lunch; such easy deals are hard to come by.”
……
Golden clouds surged, curling and pushing against each other, vying for space, densely filling the sky.
Jiang Yao leaned against the head of the bed, eating heartily, while allowing Su Xiaomeng to check her wound. With her body’s injury recovering, Jiang Yao’s appetite had increased more than usual, and her face and mouth were smeared with rice grains.
Wound… Are you a monster?
When Su Xiaomeng removed the bandage from Jiang Yao’s wound, her eyes widened; it had almost healed after just a dozen hours?
“Is it okay?… But your method of removing bullets is too barbaric; you took away half of her life! Who cuts while the person is still alive, are you butchering?”
Jiang Yao huffed, putting down her lunch box and touching the position of her forehead wound; aside from a patch of itchy new scab, she could hardly feel any pain.
Recollecting the agonizing gunshot treatment before dawn, Jiang Yao felt apprehensive.
“I am a fully qualified physician, with dual master’s degrees in surgery and forensic medicine! If I hadn’t held you, while removing the bullets, you’d probably have turned the treatment room upside down.”
Su Xiaomeng rolled her eyes, deliberately poking around the edges of Jiang Yao’s abdominal wound provocatively: “I’ve performed surgeries on blood clans many times; you’re just a monster. Blood clans have strong recovery power, but how can anyone turn out like this in just a dozen hours!”
Alas, stop touching! Are you checking the wound or taking advantage of me? Feeling that her hand on her lower abdomen was a bit unruly, Jiang Yao hurriedly slapped her away, her face growing more awkward.
“Then you reply to my question!”
Su Xiaomeng relentlessly pressed, her mischievous smile growing.
“Zhong Jing… isn’t he a scumbag? Sister Xiaoling and the others say so… I only treat him as a companion in Hyacinth; I can still distinguish some things.”
Jiang Yao thought for a moment, her face slightly flushed as she spoke softly.
“Perhaps many don’t understand him. I’ve known Zhong Jing since we were young. I actually think he doesn’t resemble the kind of person you all say he is… He likes to create a sense of mystery and is too good at pretending and playing tricks, somewhat like my grandfather back in the day.”
Su Xiaomeng returned to her usual demeanor, her face bearing a wicked smile.
“And who goes pretending to be a scumbag, just a waste of time. A few months ago, I met the women he played around with! He still has a seventy or eighty-year-old Japanese wife living at home.”
The scene of Zhong Jing accompanying her to shop for clothes flashed through Jiang Yao’s mind, that unfamiliar beautiful woman who sarcastically mocked Zhong Jing still fresh in her memory.
Even now, that Hejian Haruka had an obviously ambiguous relationship with Zhong Jing, making Jiang Yao feel inexplicably uncomfortable, a twitching sensation in her jaw.
“Tsk, tsk, big-chested but brainless; one cannot judge by appearances… From what I know, the women he has dated, both publicly and privately, over the years probably number over a dozen, yet not a single woman has entangled him. Don’t you think this is illogical?”
“I’ve never seen a playboy who can really flirt around and then just wave his sleeves as if nothing happened, do you believe that?”
Speaking of my grandfather, a recognized scumbag in the Wang family, he was once secretly involved with several blood clan women attached to the Wang family, causing quite a stir! He spent a lot of energy to settle those issues, no wonder Aunt Wan couldn’t stand my grandfather; tsk, I wouldn’t be able to stand it either…
Perhaps it was off-topic, Su Xiaomeng cleared her throat twice, lowering her voice further, looking even more mysterious:
“If I have to offer another explanation… Then, it’s likely there’s something wrong with Zhong Jing’s body, he can only brush but not penetrate… So for men, whether they have genuine material or the ability to flirt, is not determined by appearance.”
Only brush, cannot penetrate… What the hell! Are you still a girl?
Facing Su Xiaomeng’s wolf-like words, Jiang Yao felt struck by lightning, her entire being stunned.
Seeing her prank succeed, Su Xiaomeng laughed on the bed, vigorously clapping the comforter with her hands.
At that moment, Zhong Jing, driving down a certain street, sneezed several times in a row for no apparent reason.
