Even though Qin Chuan wasn't directly involved, standing outside the door, he could feel the immense risk within.
Political struggles were often more terrifying than real combat.
In real combat, one often only sustained superficial injuries, as people generally cherished their lives and didn't fight to the death.
But political struggles were truly life-threatening, involving extensive networks and tangled interests. One wrong step could lead to total defeat.
When they lost, a large number of people would suffer, some imprisoned, others bankrupt.
This was no longer a personal battle, but a brutal game played by multiple parties.
This was the primary reason Qin Chuan did not wish to tread into the political arena; the risks were simply too great, far less exhilarating than doing business.
Of course, doing business wasn't always smooth sailing and also carried significant risks.
In this world, wherever there was profit, there was struggle and risk, though the stakes in politics were considerably higher.
The day after Zhou Zongrong was injured, Qin Chuan visited him with a fruit basket.
At the hospital, he saw the deputy bureau chief, whose arm was already in a cast. The man looked pale, leaning back in his chair, still holding a pen and working.
Several trusted aides guarded his room, their eyes filled with vigilance towards anyone who entered.
As Qin Chuan walked in, all his entourage were stopped; only Qin Chuan was allowed inside.
"Director Zhou, are your injuries serious?"
Qin Chuan pulled up a stool and sat beside Zhou Zongrong.
"It's just an arm, even if it were completely gone, I could still live quite well."
Zhou Zongrong smiled casually. He indeed had the confidence to speak like this, as not everyone dared to directly challenge Nan Hongya. Zhou Zongrong had, in a way, broken a certain unspoken rule.
"Director Zhou is a true man!"
Qin Chuan gave him a thumbs-up and praised, "Just as Guan Erye scraped his bone to heal and calmly played chess, today Director Zhou, with a fractured arm, remains dedicated to his post. I'm impressed!"
"Stop with the flattery. Do you think I want to be like this? I'm forced into it!"
Zhou Zongrong chuckled and chided.
"There are so many matters outside, and my sudden injury and hospitalization are not good news!"
After saying this, he revealed a rare somber expression.
Hearing this, Qin Chuan sighed inwardly.
At this critical juncture, Zhou Zongrong's injury was indeed not good news.
Zhou Zongrong, the main force and top general, was suddenly injured, which had a significant impact on morale.
Especially at the police station, with Zhou Zongrong absent, only Xiao Guodong remained, unable to hold the fort alone. Nan Hongya's faction would likely seize many opportunities.
"You all wait outside."
Suddenly, Zhou Zongrong said to the men standing there.
After his subordinates left, Zhou Zongrong stared intently into Qin Chuan's eyes and said, "Qin Chuan, you surely understand the current situation better than I do!"
"We are on the same side, in the same boat. If I fail, your days will also be difficult."
Qin Chuan nodded, as this was indeed the truth; he and Zhou Zongrong shared the same enemies.
"Director Zhou, if there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Qin Chuan spoke directly.
In the current situation, there was no room for politeness or modesty. If they didn't want to lose, everyone had to contribute something tangible.
"Good, then I'll be direct!"
Zhou Zongrong began, "My injury and hospitalization have a huge impact on our side."
"At the police station, Nan Hongya has many people, and with the help of Han Shifei and others, Captain Xiao is struggling alone."
"I need you to do me a favor..."
As he said this, Zhou Zongrong showed a hint of hesitation, as if making a difficult decision, but after a few seconds, his eyes were filled with resolve.
"What favor does Director Zhou need?"
Qin Chuan asked in a low voice.
"I want you to... make Nan Hongya look like me now, to lie here in this hospital with me!"
Zhou Zongrong suddenly gritted his teeth and said.
Qin Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Even though he was prepared to help Zhou Zongrong, he had never expected the favor requested to be this.
Who was Nan Hongya?
In the entire Yongnan County, who dared to casually offend someone from the Nan family? This was akin to a fly buzzing around a tiger's head, asking to be swatted.
If they angered him, the consequences would be dire.
"My current predicament, it's obvious that Nan is one of the masterminds behind the scenes. Since he struck first, don't blame me for retaliating in kind!"
"Only when he is also lying in a hospital bed can it be considered true fair competition!"
Zhou Zongrong's expression was grim, his face filled with anger. It was clear that this injury had truly provoked him.
"Qin Chuan, I know this shouldn't be difficult for you. You have plenty of men at your disposal; you can simply give them an order, and they are not exactly saints."
After making his decision, Zhou Zongrong seemed to have let go of all pretense, no longer hiding his true intentions.
"If you help me this time, we'll be brothers who'd risk our lives for each other."
"Once I become the director, the benefits you'll receive will be immeasurable."
"Will you... help me?"
Zhou Zongrong's eyes were fixed on Qin Chuan, not blinking.
At this moment, Qin Chuan's inner turmoil could be described as a tempest; this matter was indeed too significant.
If anyone were to find out, the consequences would be terrifying.
However, the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
Having a director as a brother would bring immense convenience and numerous benefits to anything he did in the future.
Time ticked by, and the struggle on Qin Chuan's brow intensified. Finally, all his hesitation vanished, replaced by a simple: "Alright!"
Zhou Zongrong's heart, which had been in his throat, finally settled, and a brilliant smile spread across his face.
"Heh heh, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me!"
"Because, we are pretty much the same kind of people."
Zhou Zongrong smiled. "This matter can't wait. The longer we delay, the greater the danger."
"I hope to see the result I desire as soon as possible."
Qin Chuan nodded, indicating he understood the gravity of the situation, and then left the ward.
That afternoon, a particularly strange incident occurred in Yongnan County, causing a stir throughout half the town.
This was because the protagonists were unusual: a rabid dog and the director of the police bureau.
Nan Hongya was riding his motorcycle home when suddenly, a wild, mad dog sprang out from the nearby wilderness and attacked him ferociously.
It even knocked over his motorcycle. Nan Hongya couldn't evade it, was pinned to the ground by the dog, and nearly lost his life.
Fortunately, nearby residents heard the commotion and rushed out, scaring away the dog and saving Nan Hongya's life.
However, Nan Hongya was severely injured and was admitted directly to the intensive care unit...