36. The Fierce Protector of His Brother

Half an hour after the shooting incident at the Paramount Club, Zhou Hongyi was already sitting in the hospital, his arm wrapped in bandages, his bloodstained clothes discarded nearby.

His immediate superior, Director Feng, was by his bedside, wearing a deeply concerned expression. Ding Mucun, the official representative of Unit 76, had also arrived upon hearing the news.

“Zhongliang, what exactly happened?” Ding Mucun asked anxiously as he sat beside Zhou Hongyi, who looked somewhat weak. Leaning against the headboard, Zhou licked his lips and said, “Brother-in-law... I was just dancing when I saw an assassin trying to attack my teacher. Without thinking, I rushed forward... I chased the attacker, and during the struggle, I was shot in the arm. But I managed to kill the assassin.”

Ding frowned, “That was too dangerous. How could you charge ahead like that? You should have stayed close to Captain Shimazu and waited for backup. Chasing the assassin recklessly is not your duty. If something worse had happened to you today, how would I explain it to your sister?”

Zhou Hongyi forced a smile that was worse than crying. “Brother-in-law, please don’t tell my sister about this. If she knows, we both might suffer the consequences.”

Ding instinctively touched his waist, thinking that if only their ears suffered, his waist might be in trouble too. It was better not to tell that woman anything; it wouldn’t help anyway.

As the two discussed the details of the shooting, a loud shout suddenly echoed from the hospital corridor.

“Zhongliang! My brother! Where is my brother?”

Zhou’s expression froze, and Ding’s mind buzzed. “Who let her in here?”

Soon, hurried footsteps approached, and Zhou Pan’er appeared at the door.

Upon seeing Zhou Hongyi’s condition, tears streamed down her face.

“Zhongliang! What happened to you? Why are you like this? Are you badly hurt? Will it affect the continuation of our Zhou family lineage?”

She threw herself beside her brother, poking and feeling him all over. Only when she learned he was injured in the arm did she stop.

But then her face turned cold as she glared at Ding Mucun. “Ding Mucun, how can you call yourself a brother-in-law? You couldn’t even protect your own sister’s brother, and now he’s hurt like this! Today he was lucky it was just his arm; what if it had been his chest? He is the only heir of the Zhou family! We’re counting on him to carry on the family line! If anything happens to my brother, Ding Mucun, mark my words... I won’t let you off!”

With that, she began pounding on Ding like a rainstorm. The other Unit 76 agents chose to look away, deliberately ignoring the scene. Director Feng was stuck between leaving and staying, feeling utterly embarrassed and wishing he could disappear.

“All right, all right, stop it! There are so many people here—this is inappropriate!” Ding lowered his voice to maintain some dignity.

Zhou Hongyi tried to calm the situation beside them. “Sister, how can you blame brother-in-law? He wasn’t even there. Besides, I’m fine. More than that, I protected my teacher and killed the attacker—this is a great achievement.”

Zhou Pan’er glared at him and grabbed his ear, twisting it hard.

“What great achievement? I don’t care about achievements. I just want you whole and healthy, do you understand?”

“Ouch! Sister, that hurts! You’re pulling on my wound!”

Zhou Hongyi cried out in pain. Seeing him hurt, his sister quickly released his ear and anxiously asked, “You pulled on the wound? Where’s the wound? Let me see.”

“No, sister, it’s just the arm. The bullet passed through the muscle, didn’t stay inside, and didn’t hit any bones or tendons. It’s a stroke of luck. Besides, this is a hospital; we need to keep our voices down for other patients. Also, Director Feng is still here. Sorry to disturb you so late.”

Director Feng forced a dry chuckle. “No, no, it’s no disturbance at all. Zhongliang, you did well. But your sister is right—next time, don’t rush in blindly. Your safety comes first. I’ve noted your contribution today. Rest assured, this wound won’t be without reward.”

Having vented, Zhou Pan’er noticed the number of people around and remembered Ding’s pride. She grunted and sat beside Zhou Hongyi. “Enough. This is a hospital. Why are you all crowding here? Whatever needs to be said can wait until tomorrow. Let Zhongliang rest.”

Ding awkwardly adjusted his clothes and said, “Then, Zhongliang, get some rest. I have other matters to attend to. Recover well before you’re discharged. The police station isn’t in a hurry.”

Director Feng quickly agreed, “Yes, yes, no rush. Get well first.”

“Don’t worry, brother-in-law, Director Feng. This injury isn’t serious. You all don’t have to stay here with me; my sister’s company is enough.”

After sending everyone out, Zhou Hongyi shifted his position and exhaled deeply. Zhou Pan’er poured a cup of water from the kettle and brought it to his lips.

“Look at you, in such a state. You really don’t know how to take care of yourself. Our parents aren’t here anymore, and now you’re hurt. That means as your sister, I’ve failed to look after you. What if something else happens to you... how would I live?”

Her tears fell like broken pearls onto her clothes, leaving Zhou Hongyi overwhelmed.

“Sis, I’m sorry. Don’t cry anymore. Ouch... now my head hurts too. Sister, please help me lie down so I can rest a bit.”

Feigning a headache, Zhou Hongyi’s plea finally stopped her tears. She wiped her eyes, adjusted his position, and tucked the covers neatly.

“How do you feel now, Zhongliang? Better?”

“Somewhat better. Just a bit tired. I want to sleep a little…”

“Then sleep. Sister’s here. No one will hurt my brother. Rest easy.”

Zhou Pan’er pulled up a stool and sat beside him. She bent down and gently kissed his forehead, then positioned herself like a protective hen at the door, ready to confront anyone who dared enter.

But Zhou Hongyi still had to visit his jewelry shop to see Bodhi; he could not be blocked in the hospital room by his sister forever.

Just then, a gentle fragrance wafted through the door. Man Yu entered, dressed in a well-tailored cheongsam and a shawl.

“Is Mr. Zhou staying here?” Man Yu asked.

Seeing Zhou Pan’er sitting at the door, Man Yu put aside her usual flamboyance from the dance hall, smiling demurely with a slight bow, embodying the grace of a refined lady.

“Who are you?” Pan’er asked.

“My name is Man Yu. Mr. Zhou saved my life. I heard he was injured and came specifically to visit.”

Zhou Hongyi, having an idea, told Pan’er, “Sister, she’s a friend of mine. Let her in.”

Pan’er sized Man Yu up from head to toe and invited her into the room. Man Yu carried a bag of fruit and a delicately packaged box of pastries.

Pan’er examined Man Yu with the scrutinizing gaze of a mother-in-law evaluating a daughter-in-law.

But Man Yu, no stranger to such scenes, remained poised and gracious, showing neither avoidance nor impatience.

Seeing this, Zhou Hongyi said, “Sister, it’s getting late. I want to talk with my friend for a bit. You can leave now. Don’t worry about me; this injury is nothing.”

Pan’er looked at her brother, seeming to realize something. She forced down a smile, cleared her throat, and said, “Since Zhongliang’s friend is here, I’ll take my leave. Miss Man Yu, please take good care of my brother.”

Man Yu smiled gently, “Madam, rest assured, I will.”