Chapter 64: Zhang Ze's Concern for His Beloved General

Nanye City.

"Doctor, how is the patient?"

As soon as the doors to the operating room opened, Ma Cheng hurried forward to inquire.

The doctor in a white coat frowned deeply and said in a low voice, "The man was already dead for several hours when he was brought in. The woman's life has been saved."

"Has been?"

"Is there any other issue?"

Ma Cheng soothed Qin Yao and quickly pressed the doctor for more information.

This time, the doctor did not hesitate and answered calmly, "The woman's injuries still require observation in the intensive care unit. Additionally, it's almost certain that she has suffered a mental breakdown."

After delivering the facts, the doctor led the team of nurses away.

Hearing this, Ma Cheng felt a surge of anger. But with Qin Yao at his side, who had witnessed the tragedy herself and needed careful attention, he could not let his emotions get the better of him.

"Sister... brother-in-law..."

Qin Yao's delicate face was exhausted, the events of the day replaying endlessly in her mind.

It took a long time to comfort Qin Yao before Ma Cheng retreated to a corner to make a call.

"What did the doctor say about the woman's injuries?"

On the other end, a man spoke in a grave tone.

After a brief pause, Ma Cheng relayed the doctor's words and explained, "My sister's mental state is also very poor. Please contact the injured woman's family first."

"Once my sister's condition stabilizes, you can summon her for details."

"......"

"Alright."

...

Heyue City.

The martial arts academy dormitory.

"Whoa—"

"Qian Qian, who beat you up like this?"

"Come on, say something. What's the point of sulking?"

"Tell us, we'll help you get even!"

Peng Fei's voice rang out among the crowd, urgent and concerned.

Everyone stared at the battered Qian Qian, stunned for a long while.

It wasn't until Leng Bingbing mentioned that Qian Qian had been beaten that Peng Fei spoke up first.

Perhaps filled with grievance, or simply dazed by the beating, Qian Qian ignored Peng Fei, and, supported by Leng Bingbing, sat next to Zhang Ze and suddenly burst into loud sobs.

"Ugh ugh—"

Zhang Ze had known Qian Qian for about a month, but had never seen him like this.

"Damn—"

"What happened?"

Even Peng Fei was dumbfounded.

Leng Bingbing, unaware of the details, saw Peng Fei fussing around Qian Qian and snapped angrily, "Are you stupid? Can't you see he was beaten up?"

Just as she was about to continue, Peng Fei saw Zhang Ze raise his hand.

Zhang Ze turned to Leng Bingbing and asked, "You didn't leave the training ground with Qian Qian, did you? Did you see who did it?"

Leng Bingbing looked ashamed, her voice low. "I didn't recognize those people."

"But I heard them beating Liu Qianqian, shouting..."

"What were they shouting?"

Peng Fei pressed her urgently.

"They kept shouting, 'Are you Peng Fei?' 'You still say you're not Peng Fei?' 'Are you Peng Fei?'"

After saying this, Leng Bingbing glared at Peng Fei, the implication clear: "He took the beating for you!"

Zhang Ze, listening to Leng Bingbing's account, twitched at the corner of his eye, about to confirm further.

But Qian Qian, sobbing, cursed, "Damn it, I told them I wasn't Peng Fei, but... but they beat me even harder!"

Peng Fei's face turned green beside him.

There was no time to feel sorry for Qian Qian; his mind was filled with gratitude for Zhang Qingping.

He thought, "Being cornered in the bathroom is still better than being beaten to a pulp!"

Thud—

Zhang Ze kicked Qian Qian's chair, thoroughly irritated.

He scolded, "You're a grown man, what's the point of crying? Do you recognize the people who beat you?"

Zhang Ze was truly angry!

Qian Qian, though often cheeky, was a stalwart in their group, always paired with Peng Fei—the two inseparable troublemakers.

Seeing his trusted companion battered, Zhang Ze instantly adopted the bold demeanor of a detective.

Qian Qian stopped crying, his swollen face looking straight at Peng Fei.

Being stared at like that, Peng Fei felt guilty.

"Don't be scared, brother!"

He declared righteously, "You took this blow for me. I'll take you lottery shopping next time!"

"Really?"

"Really!"

The two started bickering again, leaving Zhang Ze exasperated.

Cai Hu, nearby, spoke up in a deep voice, "Leng Bingbing, wasn't the attacker after you?"

"If the culprit was Peng Fei's enemy, there's no way they wouldn't recognize him."

"My guess is, they targeted Qian Qian because Peng Fei has been spending too much time with you lately."

Hearing Cai Hu's explanation, Zhang Ze realized, "That explains why Qian Qian took the beating meant for Peng Fei."

"So you mean, Qian Qian got beaten up because of me?"

Leng Bingbing hadn't considered this. Cai Hu's analysis left her indignant.

"How many of your admirers are attending this martial arts exchange?"

Zhang Ze didn't care about Leng Bingbing's feelings. With his friend beaten, he had to retaliate!

Still a bit aggrieved, Leng Bingbing replied softly, "I only know about Li Zixing."

"I see—"

"You guys wait here, I'll go question him!"

As soon as she spoke, Zhang Ze saw her as a pretty face without substance.

So what?

No matter how much he liked her, he wouldn't take her side.

Ignoring Leng Bingbing, Zhang Ze glanced at Cai Hu and Peng Fei, his voice stern, "You two come with me; let's teach him a lesson and see if he's the one."

"Alright!"

"I've been annoyed by that guy for a while anyway."

Peng Fei rubbed his fists, eager for action.

"You can't do that! Do you know who Li Zixing is? Do you know who his father is?"

Leng Bingbing was furious at the trio's recklessness.

Peng Fei retorted, "So what? His dad's Li Gang?"

Ignoring her protests, the three stepped outside.

Zhang Ze called back, "Qian Qian, stay here and think carefully. How will you explain this to Qingxue?"

"Beaten up for flirting with girls?"

"Should I tell her so she can come take care of you?"

Without waiting for Qian Qian's reply, Zhang Ze led the group out.

Leng Bingbing watched them disappear, angered by Zhang Ze's last words.

Just then, Peng Fei scurried back, grinning mischievously.

"Hey—"

His face wore a cheeky smile. "Hey, which building and room does Li Zixing live in?"

...

As Zhang Ze and his friends vented their anger, the highest ranks of Heyue City's Bureau of Investigation were also stirred.

Lin Feng returned wounded!

For two days, no one knew the extent of Lin Feng's injuries.

Until midday today, when Deputy Director Xu Ziqiang was summoned into Lin Feng's cultivation chamber.

"Director Lin—"

Upon entering, Xu Ziqiang was struck by the heavy scent of blood.

"My injuries are serious this time. It'll take over a month to recover. You'll need to manage the bureau."

The voice, though light, was calm.

Even so, Xu Ziqiang was deeply shocked.

Suppressing his alarm, he quickly replied, "I understand."

"Also, South River Province and North River Province will coordinate with our Anqing Province for a joint sweep."

"Keep the operation plan confidential. We must eliminate all cult forces across the three provinces!"

"Yes, sir!"