Yicheng People's Hospital.
Half an hour later, the red light outside the emergency operating room quietly went out.
A nurse wheeled Chen Lin out.
His left arm was secured against his chest in a sling. His face was a little pale from blood loss, but his eyes remained sharp, and he seemed... remarkably full of energy.
"Chen Lin!"
"Chen Lin!"
"Big brother!"
Song Qiuya, Chen Qianqian, and Zhang Ruoxi, who had been waiting outside, immediately gathered around him, relief written all over their faces.
Before they could speak, a composed figure strode over.
It was Xia Xuejun, chief of the Public Security Bureau.
Behind him came Li Xiang, captain of the criminal investigation team, his expression grave.
Xia Xuejun walked straight up to Chen Lin. His gaze settled on Chen Lin's bandaged shoulder before he looked up and met his eyes.
"Young Chen, we meet again."
Xia Xuejun's expression was calm, but his worldly eyes held a probing scrutiny that could not be evaded.
"You've done Yicheng another great service."
"However..."
He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "You certainly gave this old man quite a scare."
Chen Lin managed an innocent expression tinged with lingering fear.
"Chief Xia, don't say that. I'm the one who was scared half to death."
He began playing dumb.
"I never imagined I'd run into criminals like that just taking my sister and... my girlfriend camping! They tried to kill us right from the start. They were vicious!"
Xia Xuejun studied him for several seconds but found no cracks in his expression.
This young man's composure was astonishing.
"Normally, we can't disclose details of an investigation."
"But the ten-man gang has now been taken down, and the news will be released in a few days. Besides, Chen Lin, you deserve the most credit.