The phone call
The black convoy, like a silent school of fish, quietly drove away from the rain-soaked cemetery, a place that bears witness to life, death, and farewells.
The world outside the car window was still a gray, misty rain curtain, blurring the distant mountains and fields, as if trying to wash away the strong aroma of wine and complex emotions that had just been poured at the grave into the depths of memory.
Lin Feng leaned back in the spacious, comfortable back seat, his body swaying slightly with the vehicle. He closed his eyes, but what came to mind wasn't the cemetery, but K's emotionless report and the cold, hard words on that document.
"Fraudulently obtaining medical insurance funds... Improper medical record management... Charging extra fees during surgery... Over-treatment... False advertising..."
These words, like cold needles, pierced his mind. Especially "adding a charge on the procedure"—raising the butcher's knife at the Patient's most helpless and powerless moment. This is not just simple unscrupulousness, but evil that has penetrated to the bone.
"... has connections with an organization on the dark web that deals in human organs."
K's last words cast a chilling, bloody shadow over the hospital named "Ankang." If this is true, then it is no longer a place for saving lives, but a den of iniquity cloaked in white, devouring life and dignity.
The image of Monkey Sister's pale, yet fiercely brave and endearingly docile face kept flashing before my eyes. She was currently staying in that hospital, living every day, every moment, in the midst of that potential, invisible danger.
We can't wait any longer.
Lin Feng had met the Monkey's sister once before; she was a very sensible and well-behaved little girl.
He suddenly opened his eyes, a cold resolve deep within them. He couldn't let that girl who called him "Brother Feng," so understanding it was heartbreaking, stay in that environment for even a day longer.
He took a deep breath, tried to adjust his facial muscles and breathing rhythm, then took out his phone from his pocket, found the Monkey's number, and dialed it.
The call was answered quickly, with the ringing tone lasting only twice, as if the person on the other end was waiting for something, or perhaps simply had no time for anything else.
"Hey, Monkey," Lin Feng said, his voice deliberately light and even carrying a hint of barely perceptible "good news," "Where are you now?"
He didn't give the Monkey much time to react, and continued speaking at a moderate but fluent pace:
"Well, I just got in touch with a friend who happens to know a very famous cancer expert in our province, specializing in lymphoma. I briefly explained your sister's situation to him."
"Yes, yes, I didn't expect them to be so accommodating, agreeing to take some time to look at the scans and assess the situation. And the key point is, their hospital, in terms of both equipment and technology, is far more advanced and has much better facilities than ours!"
His tone carried a self-satisfied air, as if he were someone with wide connections and who was reliable.
"So you see, hurry up and get your sister transferred to another hospital as quickly as possible. Yes, to the provincial capital... Oh, why are you being so polite? It's no trouble at all! We're brothers, no need for formalities."
"You don't need to worry about money at all. Don't worry, I can't guarantee anything else, but I'll cover all of your sister's subsequent medical expenses!"
He anticipated the rejection and agitation he would receive on the other end of the phone, and immediately countered with a tone that was half-joking and half-serious:
"Of course it's not free! You wish! Let me tell you, Hou Jun, this money is a loan. You'll have to work like a slave for me to pay it back! You hear me?... Alright, alright, stop with the nonsense. Be a man and be straightforward! What's most important right now? Getting your sister the best treatment possible! Stop talking nonsense and get to the paperwork done. I'll coordinate with the hospital and specialists here."
He ended the call without giving any room for argument, and decisively pressed the hang-up button.
The phone screen went dark.
The car instantly fell silent, with only the rhythmic noise of tires rolling over the wet road and the incessant sound of rain outside the window.
The deliberately feigned expression of joy and ease on Lin Feng's face vanished as quickly as the tide receded, returning to his usual calm, even appearing colder and harder than usual. He unconsciously tapped the metal back of his phone lightly with the knuckle of his index finger, producing a soft "tap-tap" sound, while his gaze remained deep as he watched the flowing rain outside the window.
His decision to conceal the truth and "trick" the Monkey into transferring to another hospital was a well-thought-out one.
First and foremost, although Ankang Hospital has a history of misconduct, this does not directly prove that Monkey Sister's condition is false, or that the current diagnosis and treatment plan are completely wrong.
This is like that slightly sarcastic yet truthful saying in society, "Even though she drinks, smokes, and has tattoos, it doesn't mean she's not a good girl."
The systemic wrongdoing of a hospital cannot be logically equated with the authenticity of a specific case.
He cannot dismiss the seriousness of his sister's condition and the urgency of treatment simply because he doubts the hospital. Transferring to another hospital is primarily to seek a more authoritative diagnosis and a better treatment plan; this is fundamental.
Secondly, he worried that the Monkey would lose control of its emotions after learning the truth.
Given the Monkey's love for his sister and his straightforward and impulsive personality, if he knew that his sister might be trapped in such a terrible hospital, he would most likely confront the hospital and cause trouble on the spot.
On the other side's territory, and where the other side is likely a well-organized and despicable interest group, the Monkey's rash action would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. Not only would it fail to solve the problem, it might also alert the enemy and even bring unpredictable dangers to his sister and himself.
Finally, and also based on practical considerations—with Monkey Sister currently in Ankang Hospital, she's at the mercy of the other side. Under these circumstances, directly confronting them would be the most unwise choice. They must first safely and smoothly relocate her out of the other side's control before discussing investigation and repercussions.
As for the "cancer expert in the province" he mentioned on the phone, it wasn't entirely a pretext. He is indeed a real person, a highly respected professor in the field.
Although not one of Lin Feng's henchmen, this expert was merely a distant relative of one of Lin Feng's henchmen. Lin Feng believed that with a generous "treatment fee" and "favor" paving the way, it wouldn't be difficult to get the expert to pay special attention to the Monkey's sister, or even personally devise a treatment plan for her.
Moreover, the top-tier hospital in the provincial capital where the other party is located has comprehensive medical conditions and resources that far surpass those of a local private hospital like Ankang Hospital. This is a good thing in itself for my sister's treatment.
Just as his thoughts were racing, repeatedly scrutinizing the entire plan and its key details, K, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around again. He adjusted his Glasses and reported on another matter in a calm tone, as if the heavy topic concerning human lives had never happened.
"Master, there's one more thing. Regarding the follow-up information on Feng Jianguo's daughter, she might be getting married soon. According to the records, she and her boyfriend obtained their marriage certificate earlier this year. It seems that because of a long-standing strained relationship with Feng Jianguo, she hasn't told Feng Jianguo about it."
After listening, Lin Feng stopped tapping on the back of his phone.
He remained silent for a few seconds, his gaze still fixed on the view outside the window, then nodded slightly.
"Okay, I understand."
His voice was calm, revealing no emotion, but what he said next carried an unquestionable, almost patriarchal sense of responsibility:
"When the time comes, be prepared in advance. We, her 'family,' will go and support her."
The convoy moved steadily through the rain, carrying unfinished stories and new promises, heading towards the unknown future.