Chapter Nineteen: Elder Chen Is Angry

“Mr. Chen, that impostor doctor took poison and killed himself. He had a poisoned tooth hidden among his own, and I was too careless. If I’d noticed, this wouldn’t have happened.”

A sense of guilt weighed on Chu Feng’s heart. He had hoped to extract a crucial lead from the fake doctor, but never imagined such a deadly secret would be concealed inside the man’s mouth.

Yet, not all the blame could be laid at Chu Feng’s feet. After all, it was he who discovered the medical kit on the cart contained a bomb. Chu Feng had been about to throw the device away, so whatever happened with the impostor doctor had little to do with him.

“Chu Feng, there’s no need to blame yourself,” Old Wang, who was seated on the sofa, quickly came over to comfort him. “This wasn’t your fault. None of us have ever encountered someone so cunning before. If it weren’t for you, Mr. Chen could have been in real danger.”

Wang’s words rang true. If Chu Feng hadn’t noticed something wrong with the doctor outside the ward, the bomb might have exploded not on open ground, but in Mr. Chen’s very room.

“Young man, Wang is right. Had it not been for you, these old bones of mine would have been lost,” Mr. Chen added, soothing Chu Feng. “The responsibility for what happened doesn’t rest with you.”

At that moment, several men in military uniform burst in from outside. One of them, remarkably, bore the insignia of a major general.

“Sir, are you all right?” The major general rushed to Mr. Chen’s side, his concern plain.

“I’m fine. But what are you doing here so late?” Mr. Chen’s tone was cold, his eyes never meeting the officer’s, as if he held little fondness for him.

“Wang, Jin, how did you allow someone with a bomb to slip into the hospital?” the major general barked at Old Jin and Old Wang, laying the blame squarely at their feet. “You two are responsible for this, and you’ll answer for it.”

Old Jin and Old Wang, shame-faced, lowered their heads without protest.

“And who are you?” The major general’s gaze fell on Chu Feng. “Who let you in? Outsiders aren’t permitted here. Get out at once!” He spat his words, nearly showering Chu Feng’s face.

Chu Feng frowned but said nothing. The major general clearly did not know who he was dealing with.

Suddenly, there was a sharp crack. Chu Feng looked up to see Mr. Chen standing from the sofa; his hand had just landed forcefully on the major general’s face.

“You little brat! Who do you think you are? Everyone here outranks you in seniority. What right have you to scold and berate them?” Mr. Chen’s voice thundered, though his frail body soon left him breathless after a few words.

The major general was stunned, unable to believe Mr. Chen had actually slapped him. He felt a deep sense of grievance; after all, everything he’d done was for Mr. Chen’s sake, yet he’d been struck for it.

“Now, apologize to Chu Feng. If not for him today, that bomb would have exploded in my room,” Mr. Chen said after catching his breath, gesturing for the major general to make amends.

The major general looked at Chu Feng in surprise, realizing this unremarkable young man was the very person favored by Mr. Chen.

“Mr. Chu, I apologize. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way,” he said, snapping to attention and bowing deeply.

“It’s all right. No blame for what you didn’t know,” Chu Feng replied graciously, letting the matter drop.

“Chu Feng, come sit by me. Let that rascal stand over there,” Mr. Chen said, inviting Chu Feng to his side.

This major general was Wang Dongliang, commander of the Special Operations Brigade of the Capital Military District. He had rushed here upon receiving reports of an incident in Mr. Chen’s hospital room.

“Jin, Wang, you two step outside,” Mr. Chen instructed. Now only Wang Dongliang, Mr. Chen, and Chu Feng remained.

“Chu Feng, tell him everything that happened from the airport to here. He’s in charge of keeping the capital safe,” Mr. Chen explained, introducing Wang Dongliang.

Chu Feng recounted the ambush at the airport, the sniper attack en route, and the bombing attempt at the hospital.

“If events unfolded as you describe, then there must be a traitor among us. Otherwise, no one could track your every move. The location of Mr. Chen’s ward was top secret,” Wang Dongliang concluded after careful thought.

Indeed, if there hadn’t been a traitor, how could the impostor doctor have known which ward Mr. Chen occupied?

“Chu Feng, from now on, I’ll call you Brother Chu. I hope you’ll stay in the same room as Mr. Chen for the next few days and ensure his safety,” Wang Dongliang suggested, seeking both camaraderie and protection for Mr. Chen.

Chu Feng considered it. Even if he refused, Wang Dongliang would surely assign someone else to guard Mr. Chen. Better to remain himself, where he could react immediately should Mr. Chen’s health falter.

“Very well. In fact, I’d love to hear some stories from Mr. Chen about his days on the battlefield,” Chu Feng agreed after a moment’s thought.

Wang Dongliang was pleased, and Mr. Chen’s face split into a broad grin. Though they had met only a day ago, Mr. Chen had taken a strong liking to this young man.

“Brother Chu, when things settle down, come visit me at the Special Operations Brigade. I’ll treat you to some authentic, top-grade Moutai,” Wang Dongliang said, inviting Chu Feng as he took his leave.

Chu Feng readily agreed. Though he now held the status of a member of Dragon Scale, he didn’t mind befriending more people like Wang Dongliang. As the saying goes, more friends mean more options. Should trouble arise in the capital, Wang Dongliang’s help would be invaluable.

After a few polite words, Wang Dongliang departed with his men. After all, at his rank, other matters required his attention. As for Mr. Chen, with Chu Feng by his side, there was no need for Wang Dongliang to stay, especially as he lacked any medical expertise.