Chapter 116: Equivalent Exchange

Although Zeng Jia’s car accident was not a major incident, Du Bin still notified Qin Ling. The couple arrived immediately. Knowing that it would be inconvenient for them to meet Zeng Yilong, they made the necessary arrangements and left the hospital.

Watching Zeng Jia and Zhong Zhiying lying in their hospital beds, Qin Ling felt deeply worried. Conversely, Zeng Yilong appeared indifferent, acting as if the matter had nothing to do with him. This struck Qin Ling as extremely strange; was this how a father should behave? He did not seem the least bit concerned about his own son.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Du Bin opened his laptop to check the news. Reports indicated that Dr. She from the research institute had arrived in Guangzhou at noon to extract the virus. After analysis, he had reportedly developed a vaccine that could neutralize the virus's transmission and restore human sanity, and he planned to disclose the details of the antidote at a press conference.

"This Dr. She seems quite famous."

"Of course he’s famous. He is a breath of fresh air in the field of genetics. I recall he was a close friend of Shasha’s father. They made significant contributions to the nation’s scientific development back in the day." As a former reporter for Beast Press, Hu Guozheng had gathered information from all over, and he knew a thing or two about many matters. However, he looked at Dr. She—who had not been seen in years—with genuine admiration.

As someone directly involved, Du Bin was clear-headed and voiced his skepticism: "If what you say is true, he is indeed impressive. But haven't you noticed? Developing an antidote in just one day is a bit too incredible. Don't forget that the virus in the 'virus-humans' is mixed with vampire elements to some extent. If he were just an ordinary doctor, how could he possibly create an antidote?"

Prompted by Du Bin, Hu Guozheng also began to feel that the progress was too rapid, especially since the virus was not as common as the seasonal flu. "Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit strange. He and Dr. Zheng Kaiyuan were very close. When Shasha was a child, she often went to the institute to see her father, but I never heard her mention his existence."

"Do you suspect Dr. Zheng Kaiyuan’s death has something to do with him?" Du Bin posed a hypothetical question.

"Suspicion is one thing, but without evidence, nothing can be proven." Although Hu Guozheng started to suspect Dr. She and wanted to investigate, he couldn't leave because Du Bin was injured, so he had to drop the matter.

"That’s true. After all, it’s just a hypothesis with no foundation. I originally intended to make contact with him, but then an assassin suddenly appeared—though it seems the assassin was after Kagura."

"Haha, so that girl finally had a day like that!" Hu Guozheng teased.

Du Bin closed his laptop and picked up a piece of bread to eat. "Don't forget that her strength is above yours and mine. Do you really think she needs to play the damsel in distress to deal with these small-time thugs?"

"That’s true." Feeling bored, Hu Guozheng took out a cigarette and lit it.

As they spoke, Qin Ling and Zeng Yilong left the hospital. With Zeng Yilong gone, Du Bin put down his unfinished bread and hurried out of the car toward the ward; this was the perfect opportunity for contact.

When Zeng Jia woke up, he found himself lying in a hospital bed. Although the airbags had protected him, he had still suffered some minor injuries; Zhong Zhiying, however, was unharmed. She was watching a tragic romance drama, tears streaming down her face, wiping them away with a tissue.

He had always found such melodramatic shows repulsive. Being a Virgo, his natural inclination toward cleanliness and order extended to his tastes. Zhong Zhiying turned her head. "Big Brother, you're awake."

"Yingying, I'm sorry. I dragged you into this hospital visit." Even though Zeng Jia knew the target was Yingying, he suspected the incident might have stemmed from him, making him responsible.

Zhong Zhiying shook her head, her large eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she smiled. "I’m fine, Yingying is safe because Big Brother protected me."

"Excuse me, may I come in?" A young man in a police uniform carrying a briefcase walked into the ward.

Zeng Jia immediately understood; such a serious incident could not fail to attract the attention of the police. "How can I help you?"

"Hello, my name is Lei Zhixin. Our Qianshan Police Station has taken charge of your case. According to witnesses and surveillance footage, this was not a simple traffic accident; firearms were involved. This matter is not straightforward, so I must ask you, Mr. Zeng, to tell me the truth."

"No problem. Yingying, Big Brother is starving. Could you go to the canteen and get something to eat?" Zeng Jia did not want her to know that the person they were shooting at was her, so he deliberately invented an excuse to send her away. Zhong Zhiying, pretending to be oblivious, headed toward the canteen.

"I really envy young people these days, having a girlfriend who is so obedient."

Hearing this, Zeng Jia felt it was impossible; he viewed Zhong Zhiying as a younger sister. Being misunderstood like this made him feel quite awkward. "Officer Lei, you're joking."

"You were involved in a shootout on the road with this person. Do you recognize him?" Lei Zhixin sat on the adjacent bed and pulled a photo from his briefcase, his expression serious.

"I don't. I only remember that he had been tailing us ever since we left Zhao Weiqing’s birthday party. I suspect he was hired by someone at the party. I haven't offended anyone, so do you think it's possible they mistook me for someone else?"

"That possibility cannot be ruled out."

After chatting for a while, Lei Zhixin left. Zeng Jia stood on the balcony, lost in thought. According to his deductions, whoever wanted Zhong Zhiying dead was at that birthday party. There was nothing special about the relationship between Zhao Weiqing and Zhong Zhiying. Conversely, the only one who made him suspicious was Huang Ye. But why? He didn't know Zhong Zhiying, and she hadn't offended him. The only explanation might be revenge for something from her past, which left Zeng Jia completely baffled.

As he pondered, Du Bin walked into the ward and called out softly. Zeng Jia turned to look at him. "Who are you..."

Du Bin introduced himself immediately: "I am the one who brought you to the hospital earlier. My name is Du Bin."

"So that was you. I haven't properly thanked you, Mr. Du." Seeing that it was his savior, his guarded heart relaxed slightly.

"Actually, I came to see you about something, and it just so happened that you were attacked."

"What is it you wanted to see me about?" Zeng Jia was surprised that he had come specifically to find him.

"How should I put this? To be precise, I came to ask you a few things." Du Bin did not want to beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"About what?" Zeng Jia’s guard went back up. He was not sure if the man was a friend or a foe.

"It is about your father."

Hearing it was Zeng Yilong, Zeng Jia was puzzled. "Give me a reason why I should tell you."

"If you tell me what you know about him, I will tell you the unknown truths I have discovered about him in exchange. How about that? I believe you will find it very interesting." Du Bin had a rough understanding of Zeng Jia’s character; he was a calculating person who would not cooperate without profit. Therefore, he proposed a fair exchange—he would get the answers he needed, and the other party would also gain valuable information.

Du Bin’s proposal was indeed tempting, but Zeng Jia worried it might be a trap. He felt no affection for Zeng Yilong. "I need some time to consider it."

"Very well. Contact me when you have made up your mind. This is my number. I will take my leave now." Knowing that trust could not be won instantly, Du Bin handed over his business card and left of his own accord.

"I won't see you out."

After watching him leave, Zeng Jia fell back into deep thought, so much so that he didn't notice when Zhong Zhiying returned with a lunch box. Only when he smelled the food did he realize how hungry he was. Just as the two were happily sharing the meal, Zhao Weiqing arrived at the door. Seeing them feeding each other, she turned and left in a fit of rage. After they were discharged from the hospital, Zeng Jia heard from Chen Jingfeng that Huang Ye of the Fu Lian Guild had publicly confessed his feelings, finally winning the heart of the beautiful Zhao, and the two were now flaunting their relationship.