While the words were spoken, a detailed plan was still needed for a proactive move against Brother Hui.
I told the senior that since the people from earlier didn't finish us off, Brother Hui must have been alerted. Unsure of his next move, I requested to be discharged from the hospital so we could relocate.
The senior looked at me hesitantly, knowing my physical condition. I smiled and assured him that I felt fine, my energy levels mostly recovered after dealing with that kid earlier. I knew my own body and wasn't at my limit yet.
The senior then instructed his subordinate to handle my discharge.
We dragged the fallen black-clad men outside.
I called Wen Siqiang, asking him to bring Zhou Yingying to the hospital, without specifying the reason.
Bringing them over so late at night clearly indicated an operation was underway.
As we were finishing up, Wen Siqiang's car arrived.
We got into the car, and I addressed Zhou Yingying sternly: "Zhou Yingying, no matter how much of a grudge we had between us, I've mostly let it go. Even if you're not with us now, I won't hold it against you, nor will I bring it up again. The most important thing right now is that Brother Hui is targeting me. I can't just wait to die. I believe you weren't willing to be involved with him. I need your help now. Speak your heart to me, will you help me?"
I wanted a clear answer from her. If she found it difficult, I wouldn't force her.
Zhou Yingying looked at me, seemingly contemplating my words. This was the first time I had declared my intentions to her, and she likely hadn't processed it yet.
She was the one who had ruined my father. She knew how much I used to hate her. My sudden change of heart might have made her unsure of my sincerity.
Wen Siqiang stood by with his head down, his expression unreadable.
Xie Nana, sitting beside me, looked at me, a little stunned. She knew nothing about what was happening.
If Jing Lei or Lan Ya were here, they would have been greatly surprised.
After all, she was one of the people I had hated the most.
The senior also frowned. He looked at Ms. Zhou and said, "Miss Zhou, I believe Li Hua. If he says your past issues are settled, then they are settled. I understand you were coerced by Mr. Sun in that matter; you were also a victim. However, you are not entirely blameless. If you still have a conscience, we must join forces to confront Brother Hui. It can be considered compensation for your past actions. As long as Brother Hui is alive, it will be detrimental to everyone, including yourself. What do you think?"
Zhou Yingying remained silent. We waited.
After a while, Zhou Yingying finally spoke, "Senior, Li Hua, to be honest, I've wanted to break away from Principal Sun and Brother Hui for a long time. But I was too deeply involved to extricate myself. Now that Principal Sun is incarcerated and Brother Hui is on the run, I have no connection to them anymore. As long as you trust me and believe I can still be useful, I will follow you without reservation!"
"Good, that's what I wanted to hear. But let me be clear: since I intend to go on the offensive, there will be many dangers ahead. If you fear for your life, you can withdraw at any time. I won't force you."
Zhou Yingying retorted, "Saying that is looking down on me. I, Zhou Yingying, was once a leader. When have I ever feared death?"
With her words, I had nothing more to say. I told Wen Siqiang to drive so we could find a place to stay and then plan our next move.
Young Master Wu had arranged for twenty men to join us, and the senior had another seven or eight. Brother Kui's men would remain to secure our current location.
My plan was to go across the river to confront Brother Hui.
We found an inconspicuous small hotel and settled in. I asked Zhou Yingying to call Brother Huo.
It was three in the morning.
The phone rang for a long time before a breathless voice answered.
Brother Huo was likely engaged in an "unspeakable activity," and the call had interrupted him.
"What can't wait until tomorrow?" Brother Huo's impatient voice came through.
"Brother Huo, I wouldn't call you this late if it wasn't an emergency. It seems Brother Hui's plan didn't go well, and Li Hua's people are onto me. If they catch me, I'm finished!"
"Where are you?"
"I'm in a small hotel. The security here has already been alerted and chased them away. I'm scared; you have to help me get to Brother Hui."
"Alright, I understand. Change locations after dawn. Don't call me again from now on. I'll contact you after reporting this to Brother Hui."
After hanging up, Zhou Yingying glanced at me. I nodded, telling her to return to her room to rest.
Watching Zhou Yingying leave, I told the senior and Wen Siqiang that we should have a small meeting.
Xie Nana stood up to see Zhou Yingying out, carefully glancing outside before closing the door.
"Senior, we currently know nothing about Brother Hui's situation. The situation across the river is far more complex than in the mainland. Not to mention how many armed forces he can still command, the treacherous terrain alone is enough to trouble us. Our chances of winning through brute force are slim; we need to devise more strategies."
"I never expected the fearless Li Hua to say such things. This is unlike you!" the senior remarked with a smile.
Indeed, when I went across the river before, I never thought about what might happen. I went in without hesitation. Facing so many life-and-death situations, I had never been so cautious as I was now.
I glanced back at Xie Nana, who blushed and nestled beside me. The senior nodded, "Li Hua, you've grown. You're thinking about the people around you now."
"Yes, Senior, Qiangzi, and Lan Ya, Jing Lei, and Da Kui. You've followed me through life and death. I'm ashamed that I only focused on fighting before, without considering my own safety, and put you all through so much danger. We can't do that anymore. Defeating the enemy is important, but ensuring our own safety is even more crucial. You are all my family, my loved ones. I don't want to wake up tomorrow to find a family member left behind!"
"Li Hua, it's right for you to think this way. We fight for a better life. The enemy deserves to die, but first, we must be alive to fight them!"
"Let's leave it at that for today. We'll wait for Zhou Yingying's news before formulating our action plan. Everyone, get some rest."
They retired to their respective rooms. I embraced Xie Nana and told her she must be tired and should sleep.
She held me without moving and whispered, "You're going to be a father!"
I blinked, initially not processing what she said: "What did you say?"
She whispered it again, and only then did I exclaim, "Ah!" She quickly covered my mouth, as if afraid our neighbors would hear!