Chapter Sixty-Six: The Eastern Family

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“What? When did this happen? Secure the scene, I’ll be there right away…” Lan Zhenghao put down the phone, looking somewhat weary. The call had come from the Chief of Public Security, Chen Longming. Just twenty minutes ago, a vicious shooting had occurred on Hongjing Road in the industrial park—three dead, two wounded. Among the dead, two had already been identified: they were a driver and a bodyguard from the Dongfang family in the capital. Speaking of the Dongfang family, although their name wasn’t as resounding these past years, one must never underestimate their influence in the nation. It wasn’t about how big their business was or how much money they had—that was all nonsense. The Dongfang family’s true significance lay in their immense contributions to the country. The patriarch two generations back, Dongfang Shuqing, had donated the entire family fortune for military expenses to support the old generation of national leaders in battle, and he himself forsook business for the military. After the war ended, Dongfang Shuqing naturally became one of the founding heroes, and the Dongfang family rose with the tide, reaping many benefits. Even during the years of turmoil, they remained untouched.

Faced with a situation involving the Dongfang family, all Lan Zhenghao could do was control the scene, seal off any news, and hand matters over to his superiors. What was involved here was far beyond what a single Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission could handle.

At the crime scene, the police had set up barricades, armed police forces guarded the perimeter, and the criminal investigation team was busy gathering evidence. When Lan Zhenghao arrived, Chief Chen Longming immediately came forward. “Secretary Lan, here’s what we know about the case…”

Lan Zhenghao waved his hand, “Let’s talk back at the station… How are the wounded?”

Sensing Lan Zhenghao’s attitude, Chen Longming understood the situation and shifted topics to report on the wounded. “Secretary Lan, there are two wounded at the scene. One is a man in his thirties—his eyeballs were gouged out. We’re certain he’s one of the assailants, but his identity hasn’t been confirmed. The other is named Zhuo Nan, fifteen years old, shot in the chest. He’s been rushed to hospital, and we’re trying to contact his family. There’s also a young girl who wasn’t injured but was badly frightened; she’s been taken to the hospital for observation as well.”

Lan Zhenghao felt utterly helpless—a case of this magnitude happening on his own turf: three dead, two wounded, and one of the wounded was just a child. Yet what more could he do? Just then, several black Grand Cherokees pulled up. Out stepped a group of men in black suits, their leader with a cold, stern face. He strode over to Lan Zhenghao, saluted, displayed his credentials, and said, “Secretary Lan, we’re with the National Security Bureau. We are now taking over this case. We hope the local news media won’t publish any reports about it.”

Lan Zhenghao knew all too well who these people were—men who held licenses to kill. There was nothing he could do before them, so he replied politely, “Very well, no problem.”

The man was courteous enough. “Thank you, Secretary Lan.” With a wave, his team began to take over the scene, leaving the local police with no choice but to withdraw.

At that moment, a Santana with flashing lights pulled up, and out stepped a valiant female officer—Lan Qian herself. She had only just received her orders to come; although the case wasn’t in her jurisdiction, she wanted to see such a major incident firsthand. As she got out of the car, she spotted Lan Zhenghao. Father and daughter exchanged glances; Lan Qian was the first to nod and smile. Their relationship had only improved thanks to Zhuo Nan; the words he’d spoken to her that night had deeply moved her, prompting her to lower her guard and reach out to her father.

Chen Longming, an old subordinate of Lan Zhenghao, was well aware of the father-daughter dynamic. Seizing the chance to play the good guy, he called out with official authority, “Comrade Xiao Lan, come over here!”

When the chief calls, you go—especially to a crime scene, where business must be discussed. Lan Zhenghao gave Chen Longming a look of subtle approval.

“Good evening, Secretary Lan, Chief,” Lan Qian greeted them formally as she hurried over.

Lan Zhenghao nodded slightly. Chen Longming smiled, “Xiao Lan, no need to be so formal.”

“Yes, Chief.” Though she said so, Lan Qian still kept her composure.

Lan Zhenghao remained expressionless, while Chen Longming shook his head—like father, like daughter. “Chief, who are all these people?” Lan Qian asked curiously, noticing the group in black suits at the scene.

Chen Longming replied helplessly, “The National Security Bureau has taken over. We’re just providing assistance now.”

Lan Qian’s heart skipped a beat. “If the National Security Bureau is involved, the case must be incredibly serious.” She was always passionate about solving crimes, always eager to dig deeper. Knowing his daughter well, Lan Zhenghao spoke up, “Don’t get involved. The National Security Bureau isn’t like other departments; meddling in their work could turn into a political issue…”

Lan Qian snorted softly, unconvinced by her father’s warning. “So what if it’s National Security—big deal,” she thought.

Just then, an officer hurried over. “Chief, we’ve reached the wounded boy’s family.”

Chen Longming brightened. “Where are they?”

“They work at the city steel plant. The boy’s father is Zhuo Wengang, mother is Wang Liru…” the officer replied dutifully.

Hearing “steel plant,” Lan Qian’s heart jolted—she immediately thought of Zhuo Nan. But when she heard the rest, her legs nearly buckled. Lan Zhenghao, quick to react, caught her just in time and asked with concern, “Qianqian, what’s wrong?”

Lan Qian felt her breath quicken, an uneasy premonition surging within her. Lan Zhenghao had never seen his daughter like this and broke into a sweat from worry. “Qianqian, what’s wrong? Don’t scare your father…”

Chen Longming, alarmed by Lan Qian’s state, quickly called for medical personnel. Lan Qian grabbed Chen Longming’s arm, gasping, “Uncle Chen, tell me—the wounded boy, is his name Zhuo Nan?”

Chen Longming’s heart skipped a beat—did she know him? “Qianqian, yes, the boy’s name is Zhuo Nan. He’s fifteen…”

Hearing this confirmed, Lan Qian’s vision went black and she fainted.

Lan Zhenghao could no longer care about appearances; he scooped up his daughter and rushed for an ambulance. With Secretary Lan losing control, the scene was thrown into chaos. Thankfully, medics quickly got her onto a stretcher and into the ambulance for the hospital. At this point, Lan Zhenghao was concerned only for his daughter’s safety, leaving Chen Longming in charge as he followed the ambulance in his own car.

Outside the operating room, Zhuo Wengang sat on a bench, sighing heavily. Wang Liru and Zhuo Lanlan, mother and daughter, clung to each other, weeping. They had cried all the way from the factory to the hospital. When the police found her, Wang Liru thought Zhuo Nan had gotten into trouble again. She thought, “He’s turned over a new leaf—how could he be arrested again?” But when the police explained what had happened, her legs gave out and she collapsed on the spot. It took several female officers to carry her to the hospital.

Just then, a group entered from the other end of the corridor, led by a stunning young woman of about seventeen or eighteen, her skin pale as snow, a cascade of long hair down her back, and a faint sorrow between her brows. This was Dongfang Zhiyi, whom Zhuo Nan had risked his life to save. If not for Zhuo Nan’s intervention, she would have met a tragic fate; now, her family accompanied her to visit him.

Beside Dongfang Zhiyi stood a woman in her early forties, wearing black-rimmed glasses, a tailored black suit, and a silver brooch at her chest—her demeanor efficient and self-assured.

The woman approached Wang Liru and asked softly, “Hello, are you Zhuo Nan’s mother?” Wang Liru raised her head weakly, but said nothing. Zhuo Wengang, seated beside her, spoke up, “Sorry, she’s just worried sick. I’m Zhuo Nan’s father. May I ask what you need?”

With utmost respect, the woman bowed deeply. “Mr. Zhuo, on behalf of Mr. Dongfang, I want to thank you. Mr. Dongfang is currently on a flight, but he will thank you in person when possible.”

Her words left Zhuo Wengang puzzled. “No, no, I don’t know what you mean.”

The woman, gracious as ever, explained, “Forgive me for being abrupt. It was your son who saved our young lady—she’s right here.” She gestured to Dongfang Zhiyi.

Zhuo Wengang had no energy for formalities and shook his head. “And you are?”

With a gentle smile, the woman replied, “I’m Miss Dongfang’s nursemaid—my name is Dongfang Yuyan.” She said this without the slightest awkwardness.

Zhuo Wengang nodded. “Ms. Dongfang, I’m sorry. My wife and I aren’t in the best state right now. Please forgive us if we don’t show proper hospitality.”

Dongfang Yuyan understood their feelings and her tone became somber. “Mr. Zhuo, I understand. If you need anything, please call me at once.” She handed him her card.

Taking the card, Zhuo Wengang tucked it away and nodded in reply. Dongfang Yuyan sighed, then returned to Dongfang Zhiyi’s side, quietly saying, “Miss, let’s go. If anything happens, the police will let us know immediately.”

But Dongfang Zhiyi shook her head resolutely. “No, I won’t leave. I’ll wait here until he wakes up—otherwise, I’ll never have peace of mind.”

“But Miss…” Dongfang Yuyan tried to persuade her, but Dongfang Zhiyi raised a hand to stop her. “Nursemaid, please don’t worry. With all of you here, I’ll be safe.”

Seeing Dongfang Zhiyi’s determination, Dongfang Yuyan turned to the bodyguards. “Stay alert. If anything happens to Miss, none of you will be able to explain yourselves.”

“Yes, Miss, please rest assured.” The bodyguards took up their positions.

Dongfang Zhiyi found a seat in the corridor, her gaze fixed on the glowing sign over the operating room door. If not for that boy, the consequences today would have been unthinkable. At this moment, the memory of that final gunshot replayed in her mind…