"Senior," he said, "Zhou Yingying and Xie Nana are on the same floor, just separated by one room. I've had a few Taoist brothers guard them, so rest assured, it's very safe. Wen Siqiang and Qian Fugui, along with two other brothers, are still in Tengchong, waiting for news from our side. General Hui and Master Kang haven't made any moves these past two days; they're likely resting and looking for an opportunity to strike us. Both their families suffered heavy losses this time, so if they come looking for trouble, it might take some time."
"Do you have any news from the General?" I asked. "How is his progress?"
"I almost forgot," the senior replied. "The day after you fell unconscious, Young Master Wu called. On behalf of his father, he formally invited us to participate in the ceremony in the capital for the uprising forces to officially join the government army. However, your condition was critical, so I couldn't give him an answer. The ceremony was held yesterday, and it was reportedly very smooth. The General has been appointed Vice Chairman, a position at the deputy national level, and will reside in the capital. His army has been integrated into the government forces and redeployed to the southern border, with government officials taking over. His entire family will no longer hold military power."
"That's wonderful," I said. "It's finally realized the General's dream of a peaceful retirement. As for Young Master Wu, not being allowed to hold military power is a loss for him."
"Indeed," the senior responded. "He is now the Vice Chairman's liaison officer and the head of internal security, responsible for all of General Wu's external communications and safety. It's quite a weighty responsibility."
At that moment, the doctor entered and informed them that the patient needed rest and asked them to leave the room.
The doctor then examined my handgrip, asked me to lift my legs, and had me count aloud to assess my brain's responsiveness. He then told me, "Based on your current condition, you must avoid any severe impact to your head in the future, as there is a possibility of recurrence. You were fortunate to have regained consciousness this time; you might not be so lucky next time."
The doctor further explained that there was an old injury in my brain from a previous blow. When subjected to external force, it could easily cause localized bleeding, which could press on the nerves and lead to speech and limb impairments, or even be life-threatening in severe cases.
Although there was no bleeding this time, the concussion had caused me to remain unconscious for a prolonged period, without spontaneous breathing, and nearly cost me my life.
I nodded and then shook my head. I completely agreed with the doctor's advice, but I couldn't comply. I had no control over my opponents; I couldn't manipulate them into striking where I wouldn't be hit. Moreover, the head was the primary target, and it was impossible to dodge.
The doctor gave a few more instructions, telling me to rest assured and remain strictly in bed for a week.
This was likely to allow my head to recover, preventing me from getting out of bed.
Only Jing Lei remained by my bedside. Senior and Da Kui were outside. Lan Ya had left to attend to matters at the Grand World.
Jing Lei tucked me in, concerned that the strong air conditioning might make me catch a cold.
I turned to look at her and said, "I'm sorry, I'm always causing you to worry."
Jing Lei replied, "No matter how much we worry, you're the one suffering. The doctor's words are sensible; you shouldn't push yourself so hard."
I grunted. I didn't want to be embroiled in one struggle after another, but would our rivals allow us to live peacefully? Would Senior Hui and Master Kang?
I suspected they spent their days devising ways for me to die rather than letting me live comfortably.
Jing Lei asked, "Do you want Xie Nana to come and see you? You kept calling her name while you were unconscious. It's been several days, and she hasn't seen you; isn't she going crazy with worry?"
I looked at her again. She continued, "Don't look at me like that. I'm not so petty. Whoever you choose to be with in the end, I'll respect your decision. The important thing is that we loved each other; that's enough."
I held Jing Lei's hand. Her hand was soft, as if it had no bones. I caressed her palm, feeling fortunate to have met such an understanding woman in this lifetime, a blessing accumulated over countless lives.
Jing Lei gently withdrew her hand and stood up to go outside. She must have asked the Senior to notify Xie Nana.
The dream I had just experienced still lingered in my mind. Xie Nana taking that sword for me felt too real; the pain of it piercing her body was felt in my heart.
Even now, I believed that scene had actually happened.
Jing Lei returned to the room, carrying the warmed milk. She took a small sip to test the temperature before placing it on the bedside table. She then helped me sit up to feed me.
I tried to take the cup myself, but she pressed my hand down, not letting me move, and insisted on feeding me.
I had no choice but to let her.
It was the same last time; I had been lying there for so many days, and she stayed by my side without leaving. Even when Lan Ya came to relieve her, she wouldn't go, instead setting up a small bed beside me to sleep.
Honestly, Jing Lei was more like my elder sister. She doted on me, loved me, and cared for me, making me feel boundless affection.
Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. Jing Lei put down the milk mug and went to open it.
Xie Nana stood at the doorway, her eyes red and tearful, looking at me.
Jing Lei said, "You must be Nana; please come in."
Xie Nana gave Jing Lei a slight nod as a greeting before moving towards me. Tears still streamed down her face, and she remained silent.
"I'm alright, aren't I?" I said. "Don't cry. If you keep crying, it will affect me. Be good."
She ignored the tears that continued to fall and choked out, "Why didn't you tell me? In the days you were gone, I couldn't bear to close my eyes, afraid I'd miss your news, miss your calls. But even holding my phone, it never made a sound, and I didn't hear from Senior or Wen Siqiang. I couldn't go asking around; I was going mad!"
I could imagine her emotional state these past few days. Even without her saying it, I could feel it.
Jing Lei got a warm towel for Xie Nana to wipe her face and gently stroked her back, whispering, "Nana, don't cry. It's all over now; you're fine."
Unexpectedly, Jing Lei's words made Xie Nana embrace her tightly and burst into loud sobs.
Having grown up abroad, Xie Nana didn't hide her emotions; she loved and hated openly. Her dislikes, even towards her own parents, were clearly defined.
Jing Lei continued to stroke her back until Xie Nana gradually calmed down.
Jing Lei then led her to the bedside and handed her the milk mug, gesturing for her to feed me the rest.
Xie Nana quickly took the mug and held it carefully, feeding me with a small spoon.
I wanted to say I could feed myself, but Jing Lei glared at me. I understood her intention: she wanted Nana to do something for me, which would make her feel better.
I had no choice but to cooperate, drinking the last mouthful and thanking Xie Nana.
Only then did a smile appear on Xie Nana's face, and she took a tissue to wipe my mouth.
I asked Jing Lei if our construction site had started. She replied that they were mainly clearing brush, which would likely take a month, after which they would begin excavating trenches and mobilizing construction teams and equipment.
I grunted. Fortunately, the guests and attendees hadn't been injured that day, or it would have been a much bigger problem.