Chapter 149: Everyone is Committing Fouls
In Vice President Lao Jin’s office, the atmosphere was serious, but the facial expressions of a few people varied.
Lao Jin was feigning maturity, sitting at his desk, while Dr. Lu kept his head down, seemingly lost in thought. On the other side, Su Xiaomeng was quite relaxed, wrapping her arms around Jiang Yan, smiling with mischievous intent.
Jiang Yan stood stiffly in front of Lao Jin’s office, much like a nurse awaiting reprimand from a hospital leader, her entire body feeling numb and her eyes dull.
She felt that in the past ten minutes, she had sweated as if she were in a steamer, her body burning with heat. If it weren’t for the mask covering most of her face, she would have almost wanted to wrap her entire head in cloth, leaving only her eyes exposed.
“The recovery should be fine; the hormone levels inside and outside are basically stable, but the issue of confusion remains unsolvable. I even suspect he hasn’t truly woken up at all.”
Lao Jin flipped through the medical records in front of him, not looking at Jiang Yan’s face, but the smile at the corner of his mouth never faded. “To be completely awake is just a matter of time. I just don’t know if the mental state will return to normal.”
“Thank you, Grandpa Jin…”
Jiang Yan dared not look into his eyes, only lowered her head and slightly bowed.
The unknown drug sample you sent last time has already undergone preliminary analysis at the experimental center back home.
Lao Jin pulled out a box without any labeling from his pocket, held it up, and then gently placed it on the desk, somewhat nostalgically saying, “It can basically be confirmed that this is the new growth agent of the James family from North America, Sodorcaine. The other one’s specific effects are still unknown, but the side effects are quite obvious; it will reduce the stability of bloodlines.”
“Sodorcaine?”
Su Xiaomeng was the first to speak, her face showing a trace of shock and a hint of disdain. “The Black Dragon Society is deeper than we thought; they actually managed to get hold of something like Sodorcaine.”
Turning her head, she noticed Jiang Yan’s eyes were flashing with evident tension and confusion, so she quickly lowered her voice, “Sodorcaine is not a good thing; although its growth effects are stronger than the Great Golden Elixir, the side effects are significant. Get it wrong, and you could end up brain-dead.”
Hearing Su Xiaomeng’s explanation, Jiang Yan felt her heart sink into the sea at that moment, even her palms were sweating.
“The unknown drug is the same; regardless of the effects, sacrificing boiling blood stability is not worth it.”
Dr. Lu sighed from the side, his expression somewhat emotional. “These prominent European and American families are always eager for success. Often, they release things for use before thorough development is completed. Especially in Southeast Asia, it’s practically become their clinical trial ground.”
“The Black Blood Clan is the best experimental subject in the world. Some new secret medicines for the blood clan do appear to be very tempting, so it’s no surprise that some take risks for it.”
Lao Jin shook his head with a smile and looked up at Jiang Yan. “Wanyue and you have found very important finished product samples for the Wang family this time, allowing us to learn about the current research achievements in Europe and America. It’s very enlightening.”
“Fortunately, he hasn’t taken it for long. As for the side effects, we can use the jade balance pill from the Hermit Alliance and the Wang family’s medicines to slowly adjust, but it will take some time.”
“Then… Grandpa Jin, after Meng… Li Huai recovers, can he stay in the Wang family?” Hearing that there was a chance for recovery, Jiang Yan breathed a sigh of relief, then raised her head, revealing a hint of hope. “His current identity is sensitive; I estimate Wan Jie won’t take him in…”
No, he used to be with the Dark Arrow organization; the Wang family would absolutely avoid any direct connection with someone who escaped from a blood invasion.
Lao Jin showed no hesitation this time and directly refused, then took out a thick envelope from the drawer and brought it to Jiang Yan’s front. “His new identity has all been settled. At least it won’t affect his future life.”
Su Xiaomeng and Dr. Lu did not interject during this exchange, as these were the ironclad rules of the Wang family.
“Thank you…”
Slapping the envelope against her chest and bowing again, Jiang Yan exited the office with some disappointment.
Before long, only Lao Jin remained in the office.
After flipping through Meng Huai’s medical records, Lao Jin took out his phone.
“Xiaoyue, the matter you wanted me to handle, this is all I can do. In a couple of days, I’ll arrange for him to transfer hospitals…”
“Yes, Meng Huai has too many doubts. After all, it has only been a month and a half since the blood invasion. I had people back home check; he has a complete set of forged identities in Myanmar…”
“Okay, you figure it out next…”
Lao Jin and Wanyue’s conversation avoided mentioning certain matters that occurred in the South or some discovered things. Or rather, these matters or things were simply not something people of their status should discuss.
When the sky falls, there will naturally be someone tall enough to bear it.
…
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the real reunion and visiting season during the Spring Festival began.
In the afternoon, Zhen Guangquan drove alone to a quadrangle courtyard, carrying a load of gifts, and knocked on Han Zhongliang’s courtyard door.
“Ah? Director Zhen?”
Opening the door was Han You, who froze upon seeing her familiar superior, Han You in plain clothes still taken aback, unable to process what was happening.
“Haha, surprised? I arrived in the capital early this morning, first went to visit a few old leaders, and then came here to sponge off your grandpa… I figured you’d all be here, um, is Vice Commander Han also here?”
Zhen Guangquan laughed heartily and, not bothering with pleasantries, directly stepped into the courtyard with his gifts.
“My dad went to Commander Liao’s house in the Central Inspection Zone… By the way, why isn’t Aunt Qiu here?”
Han You quickly followed a few steps, took the heavy gift box from Zhen Guangquan’s hands, still a bit confused.
“Like your mom, during the Spring Festival, she went to the grassroots medical unit for duty.” Zhen Guangquan, familiar with the surroundings, walked in the courtyard, his face filled with joy. “I’ll be staying in the capital for just one day; it’s my turn to visit the stationed units across various places.”
As he spoke, Zhen Guangquan’s steps slowed down again, as he had spotted another familiar young man.
Han Jieqian, in military uniform, was standing outside the main hall with a wide grin, staring at Zhen Guangquan and the large bags he was carrying, silently smiling.
…
Old Master Han was in a good mood today, his face aglow as he spoke loudly.
Unsurprisingly, Zhen Guangquan, being a younger colleague favored by Han Zhongliang, had the opportunity to chat privately with the elder in his study, while the other members of the Han family were scattered in pairs, chatting in the front and back courtyards, or busily preparing the Spring Festival reunion dinner in the kitchen.
“Xiao Ge, you and Dad both suspect Director Zhen?”
In the corner of the back courtyard, under a wintersweet tree, Han You stepped closer to Han Jieqian, lowering her voice: “He is an outstanding cadre personally promoted by grandpa back then, and has quite the background as a Dark Arrow operative, still a veteran captain of the Xuanwu Brigade…”
“Why not suspect it? Where could he have obtained the exemption gold medal?”
Han Jieqian spoke blandly, moving his mouth while reaching up to touch the branches of the wintersweet.
“Any results?”
Han Xiaoxiao’s eyes brightened, leaning in closer, almost pressing her chest against her cousin’s as a look of excitement adorned her face. “Did you find any key evidence?”
“Sister Xiao, don’t get so close…” Han Jieqian stepped back a little, looking somewhat awkward. “There are some minor gains, but it’s not certain yet; I have to check them one by one.”
“Tch… little brat… I hope you don’t get it wrong; otherwise, the Western Inspection Zone will be in a bigger mess.”
Han Xiaoxiao’s face flushed slightly, quickly backing up a step.
Han Jieqian smiled, noncommittal.
“Jieqian, today you’ll represent me and drink with the elders and uncles!”
Uncertain how much time had passed, with Han Ying’s assistance, Han Zhongliang led Zhen Guangquan and several middle-aged to older individuals out to the back courtyard. The old master Han beamed at Han Jieqian, nodding toward him, and those around began to chuckle amiably.
At this moment, Han Jieqian, as the last male descendant of the Han family, naturally had to uphold the family’s honor.
Watching the backs of Zhen Guangquan and his grandfather as they turned to leave, Han Jieqian felt a deep confusion welling in his eyes.
Gazing back at his mother Han Ying standing at the entrance of the back courtyard, he saw her slightly shake her head, indicating that today they were once again empty-handed. Han Jieqian could only smile helplessly.
…
What happened? Haven’t been able to reach Jiang Yan?
As dusk approached, it suddenly started to drizzle lightly in the ancient town, causing the visitors at the temple fair to lose their bearings. On the small street, Zhong Jing held an umbrella over Jiang Yao, who was still dialing her phone.
“Strange, my sister’s phone has been turned off, and no one is picking up at home… Where could she have gone?”
Jiang Yao bit her lip, as if she finally made a decision, her face slightly flushed, her voice softened significantly, “Anyway, it’s not that I haven’t reported, it’s just that she’s unreachable, so let’s stay outside for the night and continue skiing in the West Ling Snow Mountain tomorrow…”
This was a temporary decision Jiang Yao made; she planned not to return to C City today, but to stay at a hotel with Zhong Jing and enjoy the surrounding sights the next day.
However, out of habit to inform Jiang Yan of everything, Jiang Yao had been continuously dialing Jiang Yan’s number for the past half hour, only to be met with the prompt that the line was disconnected.
“She’s off duty today and not at home; could she have gone out with Sister Xiaobei and the others?”
Zhong Jing also found it somewhat odd because, in his impression, Jiang Yan was a person with very few entertainment activities. Although not as extreme as someone who was a hermit in an anime subculture, she was indeed a homebody, living a rather dull life.
“I called Sister Xiaobei and the others; they said they weren’t with my sister… Well, anyway, we’ll be back tomorrow evening.”
On Jiang Yao’s somewhat stiff face appeared a feigned calm smile, while she unconsciously touched her face, which felt inexplicably warm. “Have you picked a place to stay tonight?”
“Um… we need two rooms; it’s best if they’re on different floors!”
Jiang Yao turned around, staring intently at Zhong Jing’s face, her expression quite serious.
“An inn? Come on, how could we possibly find one at this time? Should we rob one?”
Zhong Jing was engrossed in his phone, busily figuring out the plans for the night’s accommodation, not looking at Jiang Yao. “Hehe, found one! A business friend of my dad has a villa near the West Ling Snow Mountain which is unused right now since they’ve gone to the southern H Province for winter. The key’s with the property management.”
“No one’s at the villa… just the two of us staying there?”
Jiang Yao suddenly felt nervous and even somewhat regretted her decision, taking a small step back.
“You’re catching a cold; why is your face so red?”
Zhong Jing noticed that Jiang Yao’s tone was somewhat off and raised his head to look. After a few seconds, he directly took off his scarf and wrapped it around her neck.
After a moment, Zhong Jing held Jiang Yao’s hand tightly, squeezing for about ten seconds before revealing a puzzled expression. “Red face, warm palms, your speech is a bit absent-minded, and your pulse is at least a hundred. Do blood clans also catch colds and fevers?”
Jiang Yao was embarrassed and immediately shook off his hand. “I’m not sick! I’m just a bit nervous! Who told you to have such a bad reputation! If my sister finds out I’m spending the night with you outside… she might just be blood-invaded with her worries!”
“You’re implying a script for a lonely man and woman?”
Zhong Jing finally snapped back to reality and then burst out laughing. “I knew you were being dirty-minded, but you won’t admit it… You can feel your own heartbeat; others have hearts racing like deer, and you’re like a wild boar going rampaging!”
Wild boar… Jiang Yao froze for a moment, then quickly changed her expression, directly snatching the scarf Zhong Jing had just wrapped around her and began playfully hitting his body with it.
One ran off covering their head while the other swung the scarf, both of them creating a stunning scene on the crowded ancient town street, envying passersby.
…
At 8 PM, Saint Compassion Hospital.
Half asleep, half awake, that was probably Meng Huai’s current state.
In a daze, Meng Huai felt he was lying in an expansive and brightly lit room, free and refreshing, without the cramped darkness or the nauseating stench of decay.
Occasionally, he sensed someone touching his body, gently and comfortably, unlike the brutality of a hammer smashing bones and joints, or the rudeness of being force-fed flesh and blood.
But why was there such a strong sense of contrast? In his haze, Meng Huai often had chaotic, fleeting thoughts, yet the muddled memories didn’t provide any clear answers.
That familiar scent approached again, and Meng Huai felt his body and mind relax anew, even bringing a strong sense of safety that was somewhat unbelievable.
He tried to open his eyes, but the world before him was blurred, and everything could not be focused into specific outlines, leaving only the sounds in his ears and the comforting sensations.
The scent next to him grew stronger, sweet and fragrant, and Meng Huai didn’t open his eyes. Because he feared that all of this was fake and could vanish with a crude shout at any moment.
But it smelled so good, and he truly wanted to experience it once more, just one more time… Meng Huai couldn’t help but swallow, slowly extending his arm, wanting to claim that irresistible temptation for himself.
By the bedside, the Wang family nurse was performing routine care checks while Jiang Yan, still dressed as a nurse, was using a warm towel to wipe Meng Huai’s arms.
Jiang Yan’s care for Meng Huai might not be considered expert or compliant, but it was more attentive than any medical personnel at Saint Compassion Hospital.
“Miss Jiang, I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon… Whenever you’re by his side, his condition is particularly good.”
Perhaps due to becoming somewhat familiar, the Wang family nurse was more relaxed. She remarked half in praise and half in jest, “If my guess is correct, you two must have known each other before.”
Jiang Yan instinctively touched her mask, confirming that the youth on the bed could not see her face clearly, then smiled and lightly nodded. “We’ve interacted a bit before; he should be able to hear our voices.”
In fact, Jiang Yan had already experimented; Meng Huai was currently unable to respond to her voice. But he had a notable emotional response to her scent.
Seeing Meng Huai frown again, likely having a nightmare with rare expressions of fear and anxiety, Jiang Yan quickly held onto his hand and relaxed her scent control, letting out a whisper of sweet fragrance just like Wan Yue.
Sure enough, Meng Huai’s tension eased rapidly, and the effect was remarkable.
Faced with the half-step baron who was much stronger than herself, the Wang family nurse felt a twinge of envy. Looking at the comfortably sleeping patient, she smiled gently before quietly exiting the room.
From his forehead to his cheekbones, then cheek and chin, Jiang Yan carefully cleaned Meng Huai’s somewhat emaciated face with a warm towel, and the constantly released scent acted like a magical sedative, soothing his tense body and mind.
“I want to drink…”
Meng Huai murmured, and Jiang Yan was taken aback, as if she hadn’t heard clearly. She set down the warm towel, hesitated for a few seconds, then slowly leaned her ear closer to his mouth.
Sure enough, Meng Huai’s “surprise attack” came again, but Jiang Yan reacted quickly, at least not giving him another chance to cover her body and arms simultaneously, instead skillfully opening her arms to embrace him.
Again, it was an action reminiscent of a basement; Meng Huai, with a dazed expression, naturally bit down on the girl’s fair neck, producing a low, contented swallowing sound.
However, after just a few gentle bites, Meng Huai’s movements halted, sinking into a deep sleep like a baby, his face radiating visible happiness.
“Hmph, are you two addicted to playing, coming back for more?”
Su Xiaomeng appeared at an inopportune moment, standing at the door, arms crossed, humorously observing the scene inside the room.
“Miss Su, could you help again, please…”
Jiang Yan carefully supported Meng Huai’s head with one hand while patting his back with the other, awkwardly turning to glance at the door.
“Has he memorized your scent and feels entitled to take whatever he wants?”
Su Xiaomeng smiled helplessly, pulled out a syringe from her pocket, approached the bed, and injected it into Meng Huai’s neck.
The youth’s body relaxed again, finally falling back onto the bed, sleeping very soundly.
At this moment, far away in G City, the capital of G Province, Wan Yue concluded her week-long personal trip and walked into the boarding passage for her flight.
As the flight was about to take off, the cabin announcements reminded passengers to switch their phones to flight mode. Wan Yue took out her phone and discovered a new text message.
The text was from Lao Jin, a long-awaited piece of good news.
Lao Jin: The time is set; on the sixth day of the lunar month, the ancestor wants to meet you and Jiang Yan.
