"Um... Is my friend in the hospital?"

"He went to the cafeteria to eat and will be back soon." Saying this, the nurse picked up the medicine bottle by the bedside and started the infusion for Ling Chen.

After the nurse was done, Ling Chen lay on the bed for a few minutes before seeing Tang Guolun walk in from outside.

"Ling, the nurse just told me you woke up, so I rushed over without even eating." Tang Guolun smiled as he pulled up a chair and placed it by the bedside, asking with a concerned face, "How are you, okay? If there’s anything uncomfortable, be sure to tell me."

"It’s nothing. I’ve been through a lot, so this injury is nothing and will heal with some rest. By the way! Boss Tang, how long have I been unconscious?"

"A week. Those mercenaries handed you over to us while you were still in a coma. Fortunately, they treated your wounds in time, otherwise, you wouldn’t have woken up so quickly."

Mentioning those mercenaries, Ling Chen couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Boss Tang, who hired those mercenaries?"

"I did."

Just as Ling Chen finished speaking, he heard a familiar voice from the door. He turned to see Hu Fei slowly sliding in, seated in a wheelchair.

"Fatty!" Ling Chen exclaimed with joy, "How’s your injury?"

Before Hu Fei could speak, Tang Guolun chimed in, "This guy’s injuries have long been fine, but he’s staying because he thinks the nurses here are pretty and refuses to leave."

"Come on, don’t talk nonsense, I’m staying to keep Ling Chen company, it’s not as sleazy as you think."

Ling Chen teased with a laugh, "Fatty, don’t make excuses, I know you too well; you can’t move when you spot a pretty girl."

"Keep it down." Hu Fei hurriedly said. "If the nurse hears, it won’t be good. I want to stay a bit longer."

"Hey, seriously, when did you hire those mercenaries? Why didn’t I know?"

"Didn’t I mention it before? Fatty here doesn’t mess around. So what if Yingtai Group has money? I’m not broke either. After getting injured that day, I kept pulling strings to find help. However, many mercenary groups backed off once they found out the opponent was Yingtai Group, until I found a bold group later on, but they charged high prices. Once they came and joined me, I immediately sent them back to rescue you. How does it feel? Grateful?"

"Thanks to your backup plan, otherwise, I’d have been doomed." Reflecting on the ordeal, Ling Chen felt a bit guilty. So much time and effort wasted, not only failing to deal with Zhu Hong but also leaving everyone battered.

Tang Guolun seemed to sense Ling Chen’s thoughts and comforted him, "Don’t overthink it; everyone wants things to go smoothly. But sometimes things don’t work out as planned, and failure is inevitable. Honestly, you should be grateful. This operation was extremely dangerous, and the fact that everyone made it out is already something."

"Boss Tang, any news on Zhu Hong?"

"Not yet, but after this incident, he won’t have a place abroad. Just a few days ago, the new president of Yingtai Group made an internal announcement, fully searching for Zhu Hong’s whereabouts. In their eyes, Seland was killed by Zhu Hong, and they want revenge. Yingtai Group is also warning other military enterprises, saying anyone daring to cooperate with Zhu Hong is an enemy. So, Zhu Hong’s situation is certainly difficult."

"As long as he can’t find channels to expand, this operation wasn’t in vain." Ling Chen shifted the conversation, "Boss Tang, how’s my arm?"

"The doctor said, although your injury is serious, recovery is possible with proper rest, and there shouldn’t be major issues. However, it’s best not to use that arm for heavy work."

Ling Chen nodded, "I’ve noted."

In a flash, it’s been over half a month since returning to East Sea City. During this time, Ling Chen has been hospitalized, spending his days eating and sleeping, gaining five pounds in just over half a month. A week ago, under everyone’s ’pressuring,’ Hu Fei reluctantly left the hospital. There was no choice; the base had many matters requiring his attention, he couldn’t keep slacking off at the hospital.

"Ling Chen, your discharge papers are done; you can leave."

Ling Chen stood by the window, looking out at the bright sun, stretched, and smiled, "Stuck inside for so many days, finally can go home."

"Let’s go, the car’s waiting outside." Tang Guolun helped carry the luggage.

Leaving the hospital, Tang Guolun drove Ling Chen straight home, reminded him to rest well, and then returned to the base.

Lying on the soft sofa, Ling Chen pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. After being alone for so long, a little adjustment is necessary. Besides fine dining, life’s spice includes lovely ladies.

Shiyun... Suddenly, Ling Chen’s gaze paused on Tang Shiyun’s number. Thinking back, they had little contact since they were together. It’s not that Ling Chen didn’t want to contact her, just unsure how to face her.

After hesitating, Ling Chen dialed Tang Shiyun’s number. It’s been so long; wonder how that girl has been.

After a while, the call connected. A familiar voice came from the other end, but it wasn’t Tang Shiyun.

"Hey! Hong, is it you?"

"It’s me, Mr. Ling, hello." The voice belonged to Tang Shiyun’s agent, Xu Hong.

"Hong, where’s Shiyun?"

"She’s rehearsing and can’t take calls right now. Is there anything urgent? I can pass the message."

"It’s nothing. Since Shiyun is busy, I won’t disturb her." Hanging up, Ling Chen continued looking through his contacts.

Right! Xiaozhu seems to be in East Sea City too. Ling Chen found Zhu Xiaozhu’s number and was about to call. But recalling something, he hesitated, ultimately deciding against it. Zhu Xiaozhu is likely still worried about her parents, a meeting might not be too joyful.

While pondering, his phone suddenly rang.

Shiyun?

Ling Chen answered, hearing Tang Shiyun’s sweet voice: "Ling, it’s me, Shiyun, you called earlier?"

"I heard from Hong you were rehearsing; didn’t want to disturb..."

"It’s fine, just finished rehearsal, it’s break time now. Ling, you’ve been out of touch for so long." Tang Shiyun’s tone carried a slight complaint.

Ling Chen awkwardly chuckled, "Been busy lately, um... I’m in East Sea City, do you have time today? Want to have dinner together?"

"Sure." Tang Shiyun readily agreed, "I finish rehearsal at five, shall we meet at six-thirty?"

"Okay, I’ll wait for you."