Night fell, like thick ink, soaking the entire town of Funing.
In the VIP ward of the People's Hospital, the smell of disinfectant was distinct and cold.
Zhang Cheng lay on the bed, staring calmly at the pale ceiling.
That life-or-death battle in Jiaxing seems like a distant dream from another era.
Only the sharp pain emanating from his ribs reminded him that it was all real.
Police officer Liu Zhongren sat silently on the chair next to him, like an iron tower. He was too taciturn, and Zhang Cheng was too lazy to take the initiative to start a conversation.
The entire ward was so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard.
"Zhang Cheng!"
A clear, melodious voice, like a nightingale singing in a valley, broke the silence.
Liu Yihan, dressed in a spotless nurse's uniform, carried an exquisite thermos in her hand, her face beaming with a bright smile, like a ray of sunshine shining in.
When Liu Zhongren saw her, his tense, square face softened somewhat, and he tactfully stood up.
"I'm going out for a smoke."
Liu Yihan, however, took out a brand new pack of cigarettes from her pocket and handed it over naturally.
"Brother Liu, this is for you."
Liu Zhongren was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and accepted it without any hesitation.
"Then I shall accept your offer!"
He gave Liu Yihan a meaningful look, and the girl's cheeks instantly flushed red, like a ripe apple.
Liu Zhongren smiled and shook his head, then turned and walked out of the ward, closing the door behind him.
Liu Yihan walked quickly to the bedside, placed the thermos on the bedside table, and opened it layer by layer.
The rich aroma of bone broth instantly filled the air.
"Director Niu said you can drink some liquid food to nourish your body."
As she spoke, she carefully ladled soup into the bowl with a small spoon, her tone light and cheerful.
"This was cooked by my mom herself, you should try it."
Zhang Cheng looked at her flushed cheeks and bright eyes, and sighed softly in his heart.
This girl's thoughts were practically written all over her face.
He didn't take the bowl of soup, but calmly spoke.
"Yihan".
His voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable power.
"I am a married man."
Liu Yihan's hand, which was ladling soup, stiffened almost imperceptibly.
She looked up, forcing a bright smile, her two dimples appearing and disappearing.
"What misunderstanding? We're friends. You're injured, isn't it only right for friends to take care of you?"
She even extended her fair, delicate fingers and lightly tapped Zhang Cheng's forehead, pretending to be casual.
"Besides, only people with filthy minds would think about love and romance all day long."
Even so, a thin layer of mist uncontrollably rose in her beautiful eyes.
Zhang Cheng shook his head inwardly. This girl was shy, and saying anything more would only push her too far.
He was grateful for her help, but he absolutely could not give her any unrealistic fantasies.
"Okay, then I'll drink this bowl of soup."
Zhang Cheng slowly took the soup bowl.
"Thank you, and please thank your auntie for me too."
His frank gaze made it impossible for Liu Yihan to continue pretending.
That forced smile crumbled inch by inch on her face.
She turned around abruptly, her back to him.
"I...I suddenly remembered I have something to do, I have to go!"
His voice trembled slightly, a tremor he couldn't quite hide.
Before she could finish speaking, she had already run out of the ward like a frightened deer.
In the corridor, Liu Zhongren had just lit a cigarette when he saw Liu Yihan cover her mouth, lower her head, and run past him, her shoulders trembling slightly.
The cigarette in his hand paused in mid-air, eventually turning into a silent sigh.
After extinguishing his cigarette, Liu Zhongren pushed open the door and entered, where he saw Zhang Cheng calmly sipping the soup.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found that any words of comfort seemed inadequate.
"Creak—"
The door to the ward was pushed open again.
Liu Zhongren's eyes sharpened, and he looked toward the door as if facing a formidable enemy.
A middle-aged man wearing a jacket, with a thin face but sharp eyes, walked in with a warm smile on his face.
"Bai Ju?"
Upon recognizing the person who had arrived, Liu Zhongren quickly stood up.
The visitor was none other than Bai Huafeng, the head of the Funing County Power Supply Bureau.
"Old Liu is here too." Bai Huafeng smiled and patted Liu Zhongren on the shoulder, appearing very familiar with him.
"Director Bai, what brings you here?"
"Come and see our hero from Funing County." Bai Huafeng's gaze fell on Zhang Cheng, his eyes looking as if he were examining a rare treasure.
Liu Zhongren immediately introduced, "Brother Zhang, this is Director Bai from the power supply bureau."
"Director Bai, I've heard so much about you." Zhang Cheng put down his soup bowl and nodded politely.
Bai Huafeng waved his hand, smiled, and sat down in the chair that Liu Zhongren had brought over, then glanced at Liu Zhongren.
"Old Liu, Brother Zhang and I have some personal matters we'd like to discuss..."
"Understood!" Liu Zhongren understood immediately. "Director Bai, you two chat. I'm going to have another smoke."
The door was closed.
Only Zhang Cheng and Bai Huafeng remained in the ward.
Bai Huafeng's smile faded slightly, replaced by a sincere and open expression.
"Xiao Zhang, I've come here today with a favor to ask."
Zhang Cheng sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Director Bai, please speak freely, as long as it is within my power."
"Great! That's awesome!"
Bai Huafeng nodded heavily and said in a deep voice, "You must have heard about the project to bring electricity to the countryside. This is a top priority for the city, and it's a project that will enhance Secretary Liu's image."
"But now... the project is halfway through, and the city's finances are running out of money."
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