Chapter 7: This Golden Thigh Is Too Dazzling

When Chen Teng and his secretary arrived at the Pu County Hospital with the speed of a gale, Tang Hu had already led a squad of officers to stand like an iron wall outside Li Mo’s ward.

However, only Tang Hu and Zheng Tao entered the room. Seeing the officers standing guard like statues, Chen Teng gave a slight nod and stepped inside.

"So, you realized something was wrong because you saw a tattoo on his wrist—a pyramid with an eye at the top?" Beside Tang Hu, Zheng Tao was scribbling furiously, recording the conversation.

"Exactly. The syringe the assassin didn't have time to take with him is over there, though it’s highly unlikely we’ll be able to recover any fingerprints from it," Li Mo said, struggling to recall the harrowing encounter. "He was wearing rubber gloves, the kind doctors use for surgery."

"Understood. I will have someone take the syringe back for analysis to determine what was inside."

At this moment, Chen Teng stepped into the room. His gaze swept across the ward like a hawk, and only after confirming that Chen Xi and Mu Jinyi were safe did he let out a sigh of relief.

"Governor Chen!" "Governor Chen!" Tang Hu and Zheng Tao rose hurriedly, calling out with deep respect.

"Dad." "Old Chen." Chen Xi and Mu Jinyi spoke in unison.

Chen Teng nodded in acknowledgment and walked straight to the bedside. Li Mo spoke softly, "Uncle Chen."

Hearing Li Mo address Chen Teng as 'Uncle Chen,' Tang Hu and Zheng Tao were visibly stunned, their eyes filled with suspicion and shock. Chen Teng, however, merely nodded at the greeting and said slowly, "Xiao Mo, I have to return to the provincial capital shortly. To prevent you from facing further danger, how about I arrange for you to be transferred to a hospital there?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Hu and Zheng Tao’s expressions turned grave. It was clear that Chen Teng had accepted Li Mo’s address, which meant that Li Mo now had a powerful provincial official—a regional titan—as his solid backing.

"No need, Uncle Chen." Li Mo shook his head directly at the suggestion. "I feel that my body is fine, and I’ve already told the doctor I’m preparing to be discharged."

"Since those assassins won't let me go, I might as well see what gives them the audacity to act so brazenly!" Li Mo’s eyes were firm, his face filled with righteous conviction.

Chen Teng looked toward Mu Jinyi.

"The doctor checked on Xiao Mo just now; the wound is healing well, though he isn't suited for strenuous activity," Mu Jinyi said, understanding what he was looking for.

"Xiao Mo, are you sure you don't want to reconsider the discharge?" Chen Teng looked at him, weighing his words. "You are a police officer. Your health is the foundation of your service. Don’t make a wrong decision out of momentary impulse."

"Uncle Chen, I know exactly what I am doing!" Li Mo replied solemnly. "This isn't an impulse. Since they dared to infiltrate the hospital disguised as doctors to poison me, their methods are ruthless. Based on current intelligence, there are at least two of them. If we don't apprehend them quickly, there is no telling what havoc they might wreak."

Chen Xi stared at Li Mo without blinking as he spoke with such resonance. For a moment, she felt as if she were seeing that heaven-sent warrior, bathed in golden light, once again.

After a long pause, Chen Teng stared at Li Mo and suddenly smiled. "Very well. This choice is worthy of a people's police officer who could save hostages from armed criminals and choose to take a bullet himself to protect them!"

"Since you’ve made your decision, I won’t interfere further. I have only one request: protect yourself."

"After this case is closed, come to the provincial capital. Your aunt and I will treat you to a meal."

With that, Chen Teng turned to Mu Jinyi and Chen Xi. "Jinyi, Xiao Xi, you will return to the provincial capital with me."

Mu Jinyi hesitated but finally nodded. Chen Xi, however, looked reluctant. Just as she was about to speak, Li Mo intervened: "Xiao Xi, go with Uncle Chen first. Once things in Pu County are settled, I will come to the provincial capital to see you."

After speaking to her, Li Mo turned back to Chen Teng. "Uncle Chen, there are a few things I would like to tell you and Aunt Mu in private. Would that be convenient?"

Chen Teng nodded. Seeing this, Tang Hu and Zheng Tao discreetly retreated from the ward.

"Why, can't I hear it too?" Chen Xi asked, clearly annoyed.

Li Mo glanced at the frustration radiating from her face and gave a wry smile. "Xiao Xi can stay as well."

Chen Xi hummed softly. "That’s more like it!"

Mu Jinyi looked at him curiously. "What is it you need to tell us in private, Xiao Mo?"

Li Mo didn't delay. "Uncle Chen, Aunt Mu, you must be careful on the way back to the provincial capital. I suspect that from the very beginning, Wang Ze’s target was Xiao Xi!"

"What?" Chen Teng’s expression shifted instantly. "Do you have any evidence?"

Seeing his anxiety, Li Mo explained, "After Wang Ze was killed, the assassin’s primary target was Xiao Xi. And this time, even though the assassin’s first priority upon entering the room was to inject me with an unknown substance, their gaze swept over Xiao Xi several times."

Chen Teng tapped his fingers against the edge of the bed. "I understand. On the way back, I will have the Nanshi authorities arrange for an escort."

Li Mo nodded; that was the purpose of telling him. Although he had no concrete leads in this life, based on his memories from his previous one, the target of that mysterious organization was indeed Chen Xi. He couldn't be certain that they wouldn't be attacked on the road.

"All right, Uncle Chen. You, Aunt Mu, and Xiao Xi should head back as soon as possible." Li Mo rose from the bed. "As for me, I have a duty to fulfill!"

Chen Teng looked at him meaningfully and nodded. "Remember our agreement."

"I will."

Chen Teng left with Mu Jinyi and Chen Xi. Once they were gone, Zheng Tao walked back in alone.

"Director Tang went to see off the Governor. You rascal, you’ve really latched onto a golden opportunity!" Zheng Tao patted Li Mo’s shoulder, his tone filled with envy.

"Master, if I’ve latched onto a golden opportunity, doesn't that mean you have too?" Li Mo laughed, catching the nuance in his mentor's voice.

"Don't, don't, don't. That leg is too golden; I wouldn't dare grab it." Zheng Tao laughed, then turned serious. "I heard the doctor say you’re discharging yourself?"

"Yes." Li Mo began to change his clothes. "Master, does the bureau have any leads on these assassins yet?"