Ch. 21A night of murder in the pouring rain
Key plot points and events
- After Yang Ming rescues Selene and her sister Maggie from the Rat Gang, their leader, Fiss, executes one of his injured men and learns that the women escaped with an “Asian back-alley doctor.”
- Fiss fears the consequences of failing to deliver the sisters to the organ market. He arms more than twenty gang members with submachine guns and shotguns and orders an attack on Yang Ming’s clinic at 22 Lake Street.
- In Hell’s Kitchen, Yang Ming makes Jessica Jones practice suturing on a piece of pork, sternly correcting her technique and threatening to dock her pay if she breaks another needle.
- Yang Ming travels through a portal to his underground Gotham clinic and checks Maggie, who is recovering in a hyperbaric chamber. She thanks him, and he silently directs her to sleep.
- Selene arrives soaked and exhausted, warning that the Rat Gang will surround the clinic within minutes. She offers to draw the gang away so Yang Ming can escape with Maggie.
- Yang Ming refuses to flee. He equips himself with specialized scalpels and his umbrella, orders Selene to secure the clinic and keep Maggie undisturbed, then walks alone into the rain to confront the gang.
Character developments
- Yang Ming remains controlled and clinical, even under imminent threat. His insistence that he is “the boss” reveals a firm sense of authority and responsibility for those under his protection.
- Selene shows courage and loyalty by volunteering to serve as a decoy, despite her injured leg. Her concern for Yang Ming and Maggie is clear.
- Maggie is visibly improving and expresses gratitude, though Yang Ming maintains emotional distance and prioritizes her rest.
- Jessica Jones struggles with delicate surgical work despite her physical strength, highlighting a weakness she must overcome.
- Fiss responds to humiliation and pressure with escalating brutality, turning the gang’s pursuit into a heavily armed assault.
Significant themes
- Protection and responsibility: Yang Ming and Selene risk themselves to shield Maggie.
- Power versus precision: The gang relies on overwhelming firepower, while Yang Ming trusts his specialized medical tools and skill.
- Control and discipline: Yang Ming’s clinical manner contrasts with the fear and anger surrounding him.
- Care expressed through action: Yang Ming is emotionally restrained, but his treatment of Maggie and his refusal to abandon the clinic show his concern.
Character interactions
- Fiss intimidates and punishes his subordinates while directing their anger toward Yang Ming.
- Yang Ming disciplines Jessica as a demanding mentor, insisting she develop careful technique.
- Maggie offers Yang Ming a quiet expression of thanks; he responds with practical instructions rather than warmth.
- Selene urges Yang Ming to escape and offers herself as a diversion. He overrides her plan, establishes his authority, and leaves her inside to protect Maggie.