Next day.
Night. After 10 pm.
It was a beautiful night, with the moon shining over Nan Shan District.
A roadside stall was filled with people having supper.
Dong Xuebing had been busy these two days. He gave his blood, treated Geng Yuehua’s cancer, supervised the District Public Security Bureau’s investigation of Zhang Biao, and looked for evidence of Zhang Huo and Zhang Biao’s corruption case. He was exhausted and went to bed, skipping dinner. He woke up at night and went for supper at this roadside stall. He sat on a stool by the roadside to eat a bowl of Malatang. Spicy and hot food filled his stomach, making him feel better.
Dong Xuebing shouted. “Boss, give me five sticks of vegetarian meatballs.”
“Sure!” The boss smiled. “Do you want it to be spicy?”
“Yes. Oh, give me a few sticks of mushrooms too.”
“Hello?”
“Director Dong. I am Wen Wei.”
“Chief Wen. Is there any progress with the case?”
“Yes. Zhang Biao and the driver were arrested. We interrogated them, and the driver admitted that Zhang Biao ordered him. He gave him ten thousand RMB. But the driver did not know the other party was the District Party Secretary. Or else, he will never do it.”
“Oh, they are arrested?! Terrific.”
“We are still interrogating them and can’t get information about the two million RMB deposit. Should you….”
“Alright. It’s late now. I will send my men over tomorrow morning.”
“Ok.” Wen Wei and Dong Xuebing were not close in the past. They could be considered enemies, but they worked together well in this case.
After hanging up, the Malatang was ready.
Dong Xuebing started eating in a good mood. Zhang Biao was arrested, and he was relieved. Murdering and framing a government leader were serious crimes. Zhang Biao and Zhang Huo should be spending the rest of their lives in jail. These two bastards deserved it.
After eating, Dong Xuebing called Nan Shan District Public Security Bureau Deputy Chief Chu, instead of the City Commission for Discipline Inspection Leaders, to report the case’s progress. They had met during the earthquake, and they were pretty close.
“Old Chu. It’s me.”
“Haha…. Director Dong.”
“I need a favor. Do you know Zhang Biao was arrested? This case is under your Public Security Bureau as it is a criminal case. But the City Party Committee is very concerned with this case. Please help me monitor the progress.” Dong Xuebing was hinting to Deputy Director Chu to give Zhang Biao a hard time. His anger was still burning, and Geng Yuehua had almost died.
Deputy Director Chu laughed. “Xuebing, you don’t need to be so formal. I know what to do. I won’t let that bastard have a good time.”
“Thanks.”
“I heard you almost died when you donated your blood to save Secretary Geng.”
“Sigh…. It’s not that exaggerated. I know my limits.”
“You ah…. You are still the same. But I am impressed with your guts. The case is almost over, and you will be returning to the City soon. Let’s have dinner before you go back.”
“I am eating at a roadside stall now. Do you want to join me?”
“It’s late, and I was about to sleep.”
“Ok. Let’s meet up another day. I am leaving Zhang Biao’s case to you.”
“Don’t worry. We would ensure he suffers even if you did not mention it.”
After eating and paying for his supper, Dong Xuebing was free. The investigation is tomorrow, and he had slept for a while in the evenings.
Where should I go?
Hmmm…. Maybe I will visit Yuehua.
Night. 11 pm.
Nan Shan District Second Hospital.
Dong Xuebing entered the hospital and went straight to Geng Yuehua’s ward.
Words would spread if someone saw him entering Geng Yuehua’s ward late at night. Dong Xuebing had wanted to sneak into the ward secretly. But when he reached the corridor, he saw Lin Pingping and Geng Xinke in the resting area outside of the ward. They were worried about Geng Yuehua’s condition and stayed around to look after her.
Lin Pingping and Geng Xinke were not sleeping. One of them was reading, and the other was staring into space.
Lin Pingping heard Dong Xuebing’s footsteps and was surprised to see him.
Dong Xuebing, who was discovered, did not know what to say.
Lin Pingping blushed and turned to Geng Xinke. “Can you accompany me to the toilet?”
Geng Xinke did not look up from his book. “Go yourself.”
“It’s dark, and I am scared.”
“Sigh…. Fine, let’s go.”
Geng Xinke put down his book and walked to the toilet at the end of the corridor with Lin Pingping.
Dong Xuebing knew Lin Pingping was helping him, and he smiled to himself. He quickly sneaked into Geng Yuehua’s ward after they left.
Inside the ward.
“Who is it?” Geng Yuehua looked towards the door.
Dong Xuebing closed and locked the door behind him. “It’s me. How are you feeling today?”
Geng Yuehua turned away from Dong Xuebing. “Much better.”
Dong Xuebing smiled. “Why are you mad? I said I money was lent to you, and you can repay me in the future.”
“I don’t need your money.” Geng Yuehua replied. “I had asked Xinke not to touch it. Take it back.”
“Don’t say that. The money is for your treatment.”
“I don’t need it. I have money.”
“How much do you have? Your miserable salary cannot even buy a piece of wild ginseng. I have given you the money and will not take it back. It’s up to you whether you want to use it.” Dong Xuebing suddenly turned towards the door. “Oh, we must speak softly. Your brother and Pingping are outside.”
“What would my parents think if I accepted your money?”
“Ah…. Look at you. I am concerned about you. Why can’t you talk to me nicely like yesterday? Are you uncomfortable after not getting angry with me for one day?”
Geng Yuehua did not say anything.
Dong Xuebing changed the subject. “Let’s stop talking about this. I am here to tell you something else. Zhang Biao and the driver, who knocked you down, were arrested.”
“I know.”
That’s right. Wen Wei must have reported to Secretary Geng before he told Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing noticed Geng Yuehua’s tone change and moved closer. He held her hand. “Don’t be angry. I was not considerate, and it was my fault. But I did everything for you. You must eat wild ginseng and other herbs. As for your parents…. Errr…. It doesn’t matter. I had devoted my life to helping others, and they will not suspect anything.” He used his actions during the earthquake to show others he would sacrifice himself to save others. That’s why no one should say anything when he helped Geng Yuehua.
Geng Yuehua kept quiet for a few seconds and said. “Consider it as I borrowed the money from you.”
Dong Xuebing was amused. “Ok. You can return the money slowly. You don’t need to rush.”
Geng Yuehua nodded. “Bring me a glass of water.”
“Sure.” Dong Xuebing quickly poured a glass of water and gave it to her.
Geng Yuehua frowned. “Help me sit up.”
“Ok.” Dong Xuebing went over to help her up carefully. “I realized that I am born to serve others.”
Geng Yuehua stared at Dong Xuebing coldly. “Did your wife order you around too?”
Dong Xuebing looked uneasy as he boasted. “Of course not. I am the one ordering her around.”
Dong Xuebing did not know if Geng Yuehua believed him or now, as she did not say anything.
Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. “I am worried about your wound. The doctor said you are recovering well, and your stitches can be removed in a few days. But there’s still a possibility of infection. It will be troublesome if your wound is infected.”
Geng Yuehua tugged her hair behind her ears and leaned against the bedboard. “I felt better after you treated me, and I can walk around without problems now.”
“You still have to be careful.”
“Yes.”
“You must take note of your wound and the food you take.”
“Yes.”
After chatting for a while, Dong Xuebing looked at the time. He was wary of Geng Xinke outside. “It’s almost midnight. I…. I will go back first.”
Geng Yuehua closed her eyes and did not reply to him.
“Yuehua?” Dong Xuebing asked. “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Geng Yuehua continued to ignore him.
Dong Xuebing got anxious. “Do you want me to call the nurses?”
“I am fine.”
“Then…. I will leave now.”
“……” Geng Yuehua kept quiet again.
“Say something.”
Geng Yuehua looked at Dong Xuebing. “You are the one who asked me to be careful. How can I go to the toilet at night if I can’t walk?”
“Huh? You can ask the nurses to assist you. You can’t be expecting me to sleep here, right?”
Geng Yuehua hesitated for a second. “You can stay if you want.”
Dong Xuebing was shocked. “Huh?”
Geng Yuehua’s face changed. “If you are unwilling, get out!” She turned to her side, refusing to look at Dong Xuebing.
“No… no… no….” Dong Xuebing was speechless. “I will stay and accompany you. Hehe…. You can tell me you want me to stay here with you.”
“When did I say I want you to stay? You can leave anytime. No one is stopping you.”
Dong Xuebing smiled. “Fine… I wanted to stay here and accompany you. I will care for you tonight. Are you satisfied?”
“Yes.”
Sigh…. It’s hard to be a man.
Translator’s notes:
Malatang
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malatang
