Chapter Fifty-Four: A Person of Importance

Wang Cheng had come to the hospital precisely to learn, as soon as possible, the exact circumstances surrounding the capture of Li Chunyang. That way, he could devise the most effective plan of attack based on the actual situation. Now that he understood everything clearly, there was no reason to remain at the hospital; he could hurry back and deliver the suspects to the municipal bureau, bask in his own glory, and then gradually figure out how to maximize his own interests.

Just as he was about to leave, Wang Cheng received a phone call. The caller was Secretary Chang, assistant to Liu Xiping from the municipal bureau. The moment the call connected, Chang said, “Congratulations, Director Wang! Have you returned to the branch bureau yet?”

“Not yet,” Wang Cheng replied with a chuckle. “Secretary Chang, is there something you need?”

“It’s like this,” Chang said. “Director Liu is coming to the hospital and wants to meet you. Don’t rush back to the branch; Vice Director He is personally leading a team to escort Li Chunyang and the others to the municipal bureau. You don’t need to worry about it. Just wait at the hospital a little longer.”

Wang Cheng’s heart tightened. Director Liu was really coming to the hospital? Could it be that the person from earlier had actually called Liu Xiping?

Since Liu Xiping’s secretary had called him, Wang Cheng dared not ask too many questions. He hung up, anxiously awaiting at the hospital.

Less than half an hour later, Liu Xiping arrived from the city. As soon as he stepped through the hospital doors, Wang Cheng hurried forward and said, “Director Liu, I’m so sorry to trouble you this late.”

“Nonsense,” Liu Xiping replied cheerfully. “Wang Cheng, you’ve done me a great service! Even if it’s two or three in the morning, I’d come in person. Capturing Li Chunping is a huge boost to our reputation among the brother systems in the surrounding provinces!”

Wang Cheng felt a surge of secret delight and then, testing the waters, asked, “Director Liu, why did you come to the hospital? Wouldn’t it be easier to wait at the municipal bureau?”

“To see an old friend,” Liu Xiping said, patting Wang Cheng’s shoulder. “Old Wang, this time you’re the hero. In a few days, I’ll personally host a celebration banquet for you.”

With that, Liu Xiping took out his phone, made a gesture to Wang Cheng indicating he was making a call, and stepped aside to dial Lei Zhanzun.

“Commander Lei, I’m already at Ren’ai Hospital. Where are you?”

“Surgical Ward 12. Come straight over,” came the reply.

Liu Xiping hung up and turned to Wang Cheng. “Come, I’ll take you to meet an important figure.”

Wang Cheng felt even more uneasy, his nerves frazzled. He couldn’t help but ask, “Director Liu, who is this important figure that you’ve come all the way to meet?”

“Vice Commander Lei from the military district,” Liu Xiping answered. “Vice Commander Lei is from Beijing, comes from a powerful family, and in all of Nanjiang Province, there’s no one who can compare to him.”

Cold sweat broke out on Wang Cheng’s back. Suddenly recalling something, he blurted out, “Is it the same Commander Lei who led troops to surround the Jiangxin District branch, and even assaulted the branch director and District Chief Chen Ru?”

Liu Xiping nodded, sighing, “That fierce dragon can’t be provoked, not even by the local snakes. Chen Ru and Xing Jiaqiang were asking for trouble—after being beaten, not only did no one help them, but both received disciplinary action. Of all people, they had to provoke Lei Zhanzun.”

Wang Cheng felt his legs go weak. Could the man who claimed to be the boy’s relative earlier really be Lei Zhanzun?

Was his luck truly so rotten? Just when he glimpsed a chance at redemption, he had managed to offend such a figure. Would he not only fail to rise, but be crushed beneath Mount Five Elements?

With anxious trepidation, Wang Cheng followed Liu Xiping to the ward’s door. Liu Xiping pushed it open and entered. Sure enough, standing by the bed was the man who had spoken to Wang Cheng earlier. At that moment, Wang Cheng felt utterly drained, limp and powerless, consumed by regret—he wished he could slap himself right then and there.

“Commander Lei,” Liu Xiping greeted him with a smile, “What brings you here tonight?”

Lei Zhanzun smiled. “Old Liu, tonight’s capture of Li Chunyang was thanks to my nephew risking his life. He’s hospitalized now; as his uncle, how could I not rush over?”

Liu Xiping paused in surprise. He knew only that the high-tech district branch had caught Li Chunyang and his accomplices; he hadn’t had the chance to learn the details. Seeing the boy in the bed, barely in his teens, Liu Xiping was even more astonished. He blurted out, “Commander Lei, what exactly happened?”

Lei Zhanzun pointed to Wang Cheng. “Let your branch director explain.”

Trembling, Wang Cheng stepped forward and recounted everything he knew. The more Liu Xiping listened, the more shocked he became, and by the end, a hint of resentment crept into his heart. He’d thought Wang Cheng had accomplished something great for him, but the man turned out to be little more than a bystander.

Noticing Liu Xiping’s displeasure, Lei Zhanzun laughed and said, “Old Liu, step outside with me for a moment.”

Outside the ward, Lei Zhanzun spoke, “My nephew is still young and about to take his college entrance exams. He doesn’t want his heroic deeds tonight made public, so you’re getting a bargain. You can have the media proclaim how wise and forceful you were in capturing Li Chunyang and his gang. We don’t care about that.”

Liu Xiping couldn’t help but laugh. “Commander Lei, then I must thank you.”

“But my nephew acted bravely,” Lei Zhanzun continued. “That deserves recognition. If you’re taking the credit, you should give him something substantial in return. How much is the reward for Li Chunyang? And if this were reported, how much would the Courage Foundation, the city committee, and the provincial committee award?”

Liu Xiping understood immediately. “Commander Lei, rest assured. While I can’t apply for rewards from other branches, we’ll make it up to him here. He’ll get every bit he deserves, not a penny less.”

“That’s best,” Lei Zhanzun nodded. “This way, you get the credit, and my nephew gets the reward he risked his life to earn. Mutual benefit, fair and legal.”

“Don’t worry!” Liu Xiping patted his chest. “Within a week, I’ll make it happen.”

Lei Zhanzun smiled in satisfaction. “Then I’ll trouble you, old Liu. You’re busy tonight; go take care of your affairs.”

Liu Xiping hurried to say, “Then I’ll head off, Commander Lei.” He paused, remembering something. “By the way, I’ll have the hospital move your nephew to a deluxe ward; we’ll cover the expenses.”

Returning to the ward, Liu Xiping offered his thanks and comfort to Zhang Wenhao, though his words were mostly formalities. Zhang Wenhao replied politely, and Liu Xiping then took his leave, motioning for Wang Cheng to follow.

Wang Cheng dared not go. If Commander Lei still held a grudge for his earlier foolishness, wouldn’t he be doomed?

With this in mind, Wang Cheng hurried forward, shame-faced, and said to Lei Zhanzun, “Commander Lei, about the earlier misunderstanding—it was my own ignorance, failing to recognize greatness. Please forgive my mistake.”

Lei Zhanzun waved it off without concern. “It’s nothing, don’t mention it. Go take care of your business.”

Wang Cheng felt as if he’d been pardoned, and quickly departed.

The hospital arranged a deluxe ward for Zhang Wenhao, rivaling a four-star hotel. His parents, Su Ruoran, and Lei Zhanzun all stayed in the room, while Su Ruoran stood quietly to one side.

Lei Zhanzun glanced at Su Ruoran, surprised by her beauty, and joked, “Wenhao, aren’t you going to introduce your classmate to everyone? Or are you too shy?”

“Not at all,” Zhang Wenhao quickly replied. “Mom, Dad, Uncle Lei—this is my classmate, Su Ruoran.”

“Su Ruoran?” Lei Zhanzun frowned, quietly wondering, “That name sounds familiar, but I just can’t recall where I’ve heard it.”

Su Ruoran had felt guilty all along. Zhang Wenhao was injured because of her, and seeing his parents’ concern and fear only made her feel she didn’t even dare raise her head. Now, as Zhang Wenhao introduced her, she spoke in remorse, “Uncle, Aunt, I’m so sorry. Zhang Wenhao was hurt because of me.”

“Don’t say that,” Zhang Xingping, seeing how much the girl blamed herself, gently reassured her, “Even if you were a stranger, Wenhao would have acted bravely if he saw something like this. It’s just the kind of person he is.”

Song Huafang added, “Don’t blame yourself, dear. Neither of us holds it against you.” Then she said, “It’s late—your parents must be worried. Should I drive you home?”

“Thank you, Aunt,” Su Ruoran bowed and said softly, “I’d like to stay here tonight to keep him company.”

A subtle feeling came over Song Huafang. As a woman herself, she could see the shy affection Su Ruoran tried to hide. Yet the girl was so lovely, so well-mannered, clearly from a good family, and Song Huafang’s heart warmed to her. She instinctively said, “Then call your parents, so they don’t worry.”

She then turned to Zhang Wenhao. “You rascal, your dad and Uncle Lei have a busy morning tomorrow, picking people up. Let them get some rest soon.”

Zhang Wenhao noted his mother’s meaningful glances, realizing she was helping him and Su Ruoran find a moment alone. Evidently, his mother liked Su Ruoran very much.

Su Ruoran, clever as ice and snow, immediately understood, and her face flushed with a shy yet joyful blush.

Half an hour later, Qingwu and the elegant woman’s plane landed smoothly at Jiangcheng Airport. Waiting for them were provincial leaders—the top provincial official and the head of the provincial bureau had come in person. As soon as the elegant woman disembarked, she exchanged a few pleasantries and said, “I didn’t expect this to alarm Secretary Xu. However, this trip is for family matters, not for public attention. Once tonight’s affairs are settled, I’ll visit in person to express my thanks.”

Secretary Xu caught her meaning—she didn’t want too many people involved. He thought to himself, “Getting close to important figures isn’t easy.”

He replied, “Madam Su, since this is your family’s business, we won’t intrude. If you need anything, just contact us directly.”

The elegant woman thanked him, then turned to the head of the provincial bureau, Director Han. “Old Han, please take me to Ren’ai Hospital first, and invite the municipal bureau chief as well. I want to learn the details.”

Director Han nodded quickly. “Of course, I’ll call him now.”

The elegant woman added, “Please, do not let anyone else know about my identity or purpose here.”

–––––

Well, I’ve received six four-star ratings. I honestly don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Helplessness abounds.