When he opened his eyes, a spotless white ceiling filled his vision. Cobblepot tilted his head and found his bodyguard standing nearby with a grim expression. Looking a little farther over, he saw Li Jie sitting beside the bed, peeling an orange.
"Hi, Jay. You're here? I'm so sorry. I should have woken up sooner."
The bruises still hadn't faded from Cobblepot's face. He managed a smile and said weakly, "I heard it was thanks to you that I escaped Mr. Falcone's misunderstanding..."
"It was nothing." Li Jie waved him off and rose from his chair, looking down at him. "Last time, I was the one in the hospital bed. Now... the tables have turned?"
Cobblepot looked bewildered. Li Jie paced around the ward twice, then turned to ask, "Oz, I need to talk to you... about the theft from Mr. Falcone's vault."
"Cough... cough, cough..."
Pressing his right hand to his throat, Cobblepot suddenly began coughing violently. He kept it up for two minutes, then noticed that Li Jie was watching him without reacting. He stopped sheepishly and waved the bodyguard out of the room.
"All right, Jay. I'll never forget how you saved my life by getting me out of Falcone Manor. I'll always be loyal to you. Whatever you ask, I won't refuse."
"Oz..."
Li Jie slowly walked to the bedside, his shadow falling over Cobblepot. "Swear that you weren't the one who stole that money."
"I swear, Jay. Mr. Falcone's money was stolen by Black Mask."
"I mean the second time. The second robbery of the Roman's vault."
"I swear I wasn't responsible for the second robbery of Mr. Falcone's vault either."
"Swear on your mother, Oz."
"You shouldn't do this, Jay. I consider you my best friend, yet you keep doubting me, extorting me again