Chapter 12: The Big Dog Felt Wronged

Shen Yi arrived at the phone booth, his fingers pausing over the keypad for a few seconds before finally dialing. The line rang for a moment before someone answered.

“*Cough, cough,* who is this?”

Shen Yi remained silent.

“Is that you, Shen Yi?” The voice on the other end stopped coughing but still sounded hoarse.

“Speak.”

“If you don’t say something, I’m hanging up.” The voice threatened.

“Then hang up.” Shen Yi’s face darkened.

“Tell me, what’s going on?” The other person was momentarily taken aback by Shen Yi’s silence but didn’t hang up. There was a trace of anxious warmth and concern in the tone.

“I have a friend who’s ill and needs a special medicine. Can you help me get it approved?” Shen Yi sounded awkward, his words stiff.

“Who? Are you sure it’s a friend?” The voice tightened instantly, worried Shen Yi was hiding something, then asked anxiously.

“Yeah.”

“Heh, you little brat. Alright, getting it approved is easy, but I have a condition.” The tone relaxed a bit, tinged with a hint of probing.

“Come back to Jing City or join the army.”

“I choose the latter.” Shen Yi snapped the phone down.

“Haha, this kid.” The voice leaned back in his chair, laughing heartily.

“Xiao Fang, check what’s really going on with that kid.”

“Yes, Commander.” Guard Xiao Fang glanced at the laughing superior and hurried off. After all, once those guys left, they’d disappear for years without a word—this was a first.

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, each second seeming to steal a little more life from Ji Qing in the intensive care unit. Ji Ling’s eyes were hollow; Ji’s mother sobbed uncontrollably, leaning on Ji’s father’s chest.

At that moment, Ji Ling deeply felt how fragile, insignificant, and powerless all things are in the face of life.

“Clack, clack, clack,” the crisp sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor, growing nearer.

Ji Ling looked up. The visitor was tall and upright, with a refined face and deep, bright eyes, exuding an uplifting presence with every gesture.

Yet, she felt as if she had seen him somewhere before.

The man stopped before Ji Ling, his voice gentle. “Hello, I’m Ji Jingyuan. I’ve come to deliver the special medicine.”

Ji’s mother’s crying stopped abruptly. She lifted her head, tears and mucus still on her face, voice trembling. “You… you say what? You have the special medicine?” As she looked at Ji Jingyuan’s face, her breath caught instantly.

Her emotions shifted too quickly, and she hiccupped involuntarily.

“Yes. I was entrusted to bring it—please give it to the doctor.” Ji Jingyuan pushed the medicine into Ji Ling’s hand and stepped back slightly. Looking at Ji Ling, he inexplicably felt a surge of goodwill.

With the special medicine, Ji Qing’s condition quickly stabilized. Ji Ling and her parents finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as Ji’s parents were about to thank Ji Jingyuan, he had already left.

“I don’t even know who was so kind to help us. If I find out, I’ll be sure to thank him properly.” Ji’s father’s eyes glistened with tears; the man who had held himself together finally broke down, weeping.

Ji’s mother glanced oddly at Ji Ling before quickly lowering her head.

Ji Ling, meanwhile, saw Shen Yi standing at the end of the corridor. He hadn’t been around since the doctor mentioned the special medicine. Doubt stirred in her heart.

“Why are you standing here?” Ji Ling approached Shen Yi cautiously, taking his hand. “Was that you just now?”

Shen Yi’s tense expression softened. He reached out to rub Ji Ling’s hair, voice tinged with grievance. “Ji Ling, I practically sold myself out for you. You have to take responsibility.”

Ji Ling’s ears flushed at Shen Yi’s first act of closeness. She squeezed his palm, holding back tears swirling in her eyes. “I will. I’ll definitely take responsibility.”