That night.
First Hospital of Nanshan District.
The bleak autumn wind swept slowly across this scarred land, howling through streets scattered with ruins as if it were crying.
Orthopedics Department.
Inside a Single Hospital Room.
Everyone else had left, leaving only Dong Xuebin behind. Wearing his hospital gown, he struggled to sit up from the bed and stood by the window, looking out at the devastation and the rescue workers rushing about. He could barely stay still. He wished he could rip off his bandages and return to Guangming Street Office to join the rescue efforts. Dong Xuebin had never been someone who could sit idle, especially now, when the city faced an unprecedented crisis. More than half his heart was hanging there, worried about the people in his office.
Suddenly, the ward door opened.
"Director Dong? Why aren't you resting?" A young nurse walked in.
"I can't sleep." Dong Xuebin did not turn around, his expression grave as he stared outside.
"You can't do that." The nurse glared at him. "The doctor said you have to rest properly. Hurry up and lie down, or the director will scold me."
"He wouldn't dare. If he gives you a hard time, come find me."
"Director! Dong!" The nurse was extremely dedicated. "Lie down now! District Governor Geng specifically told me to keep a close eye on you before she left."
Keep an eye on me?
Am I a prisoner now?
Dong Xuebin felt rather depressed and could only walk back. "Fine, fine. Give me a hand."
"That's more like it." The nurse giggled and helped him lean back against the bed.
"Oh, right." Dong Xuebin's chest itched for a cigarette. He whispered to her, "Do you have any cigarettes? Get me one."
The nurse's eyes widened like saucers. "You're in this