Chapter 24

The ambulance arrived, and the medical staff in their white coats hurried to attend to the injured. Xie Qiu, looking as if his bones had been drained from his body, slumped on the ground and glanced at Song Shuling.

“Don’t worry,”

Song Shuling lounged lazily on the sofa, “It’s not fatal. He won’t die.”

Apart from the medical personnel, more people began to arrive at the scene, dressed inconspicuously and meticulously securing the area. Ruan Zhen understood that these were Song Shuling’s people, and the sound of police sirens could be heard in the distance.

He turned his head, just as his cigarette burned out.

“Hmm?”

“I’m just curious,” Ruan Zhen’s expression was serious, “Do you have no subordinates, or what? You had to get into the fight yourself?”

He paused for a moment, then continued, “But I noticed you… seemed to enjoy it.”

In his mind, someone of Song Shuling’s status and position should be behind the scenes, manipulating events and pawns. Why would he need to get personally involved? However, from the way he had saved him and the state of the injured on the ground, it was clear that this man was quite formidable.

Song Shuling sat up straight. “No.”

He turned to look at Ruan Zhen, intending to explain that he hadn’t deliberately placed himself in danger or taken pleasure in it. But as their eyes met, Ruan Zhen stood up and nodded to the approaching police officer.

Song Shuling crushed his cigarette butt.

After spending the entire night giving statements and detailing everything about Song Chunfeng, Ruan Zhen had an unexpected discovery: the police had already begun investigating the incident where Song Qiuguang had attacked him a few days ago.

As he walked out of the police station, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

He felt a moment of dizziness.

Could he really escape this predicament so easily?

The temperature difference between day and night was significant, and a chilly wind was blowing in the morning. Ruan Zhen couldn’t help but sneeze.

It was really cold.

He looked down and noticed the marks on his wrist had not yet faded.

Ruan Zhen walked along the wall, heading towards a breakfast shop to get something to eat. He hadn’t eaten much the previous night and hadn’t slept at all, and he was feeling quite weak.

His health was generally not robust; he wasn’t the type who could easily recover from minor illnesses. He usually took a few days to get better from a headache or a cold.

Fortunately, there was a shop selling wontons nearby. Ruan Zhen went in, ordered a bowl of wontons, and added a steamer of small buns. As he picked up his chopsticks, he pondered where he should go after he finished eating.

The eldest and second eldest were seriously injured and in the hospital. The third and fourth had not yet taken a clear stance. As for the three minors, they could be temporarily set aside and not considered for now.

He was lost in thought when a steaming bowl of wontons appeared in front of him, along with a familiar figure.

Song Shuling sat down without any expression. “Joining you?”

Ruan Zhen: “…”

He glanced around the shop. It was still early, and there were few customers, with most tables empty. This man had chosen to sit right in front of him, sharing the same table.

Song Shuling had left earlier, changed his clothes, and taken a shower. Now, he looked well-groomed and composed, showing no signs of having been up all night.

His energy and vigor suggested he hadn’t been injured in last night’s fight.

Ruan Zhen looked down at his own unchanged clothes.

He felt a bit frustrated.

The shop owner placed a steamer of buns on the table and asked Song Shuling, “What would you like?”

“Same as him, thank you.”

Ruan Zhen ignored him, poured some vinegar and chili oil into a small dish, and began eating the buns.

He liked it this way; it added more flavor.

The bun’s dough was soft and fluffy, and the corn and meat filling had seeped through, making the skin slightly glossy. A bite revealed a deliciously sweet and savory taste.

Song Shuling watched him. “Is it good?”

Ruan Zhen handed him a pair of chopsticks. “Why don’t you try?”

“Sure, I’ll return the favor when mine comes.”

Ruan Zhen’s cheeks puffed out a bit. “No need to be so formal, we’re family.”

Song Shuling picked up a bun and chuckled softly. “Still putting on an act?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Acting.”

Ruan Zhen took a sip of the soup, slowly. “Didn’t you already know I was acting?”

“Sure, you can keep it up.”

“I don’t have the energy anymore.”

“That’s a shame.”

A steamer of buns was placed on the table, and the shop owner wiped her hands on her apron, smiling. “You two are like a comedy duo, such good chemistry.”

As she turned to greet a new customer, they both paused, then resumed eating as if nothing had happened.

Now, they ate quietly.

After finishing a bowl of small wontons, Ruan Zhen felt thoroughly comfortable. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked up to see Song Shuling staring at him.

He blinked, confused, and after a moment’s hesitation, handed him another napkin.

“Thanks.”

Song Shuling took it and casually asked, “What are your plans next?”

In such a short time, Ruan Zhen had faced two life-threatening situations. He didn’t dare return to the Song family, especially after last night’s incident, which had caused a great stir. Song Shuling hadn’t tried to cover anything up—how his nephew had been stuffed into a fire, the hidden firearms, and the collusion with the hired bodyguards. Everything was clear and detailed—

Except for Ruan Zhen.

He was the only one Song Shuling had ordered to be kept quiet.

“Maybe I’ll just sleep for a while,” Ruan Zhen thought for a moment, “Aren’t you tired?”

As he spoke, he supported his head with his hand, the red marks on his wrist clearly visible against his pale skin.

Song Shuling looked away and said casually, “I’m fine.”

“Have you evolved to the point where you don’t need sleep?”

Feeling hungry and dazed, and now sleepy after eating, Ruan Zhen yawned and gave a thumbs-up. “You’re truly a boss.”

He suddenly imagined the protagonists in those domineering CEO novels, who would party all night, exhaust their partners, and still be energetic the next day. Ruan Zhen sometimes wondered if they wouldn’t die of sudden death.

“I’m tired too,”

Song Shuling glanced at his watch, “What should we do? Want to rest at my place?”

As he spoke, he stood up, elegantly twirled his right hand in front of his chest, and slightly bowed, making a “please” gesture.

Ruan Zhen paused, then smiled and shook his head.

He stood up and, as he passed Song Shuling, teased, “That gesture… it’s like bowing to a princess in an anime.”

It was too exaggerated.

Song Shuling reached out and pulled open the door for him, responding calmly.

“Yes, I know.”