Chapter 21: Chen San

Early the next morning, Wan Shun took Yu Yan to the hospital to line up for examinations. The hospital was crowded, lines everywhere, and Wan Shun led Yu Yan from one station to the next, trying to complete every test possible.

By the time all the check-ups were finished, it was nearly noon. Some reports would be ready in the afternoon, others would take three days. Afterward, they went through the procedures for admission and settled Yu Yan in the ward.

Yu Yan watched Wan Shun pay the fees, her heart aching with every banknote. She wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but feared Wan Shun's sharp words.

"Shun, about the money..."

Carrying the hospital-issued necessities, Wan Shun accompanied Yu Yan to her room.

"You don't need to worry about the money, godmother. Just focus on getting well. If you really care about the money, then take care of yourself and recover. As long as it isn't wasted, it's worth it."

Yu Yan opened her mouth, but no words came out—she could only sigh in secret.

The ward was small and cramped, with six beds lined up, noisy and crowded. Yu Yan was the last one assigned, given the bed by the door—a spot where people constantly bumped in and out, hardly ideal.

"Godmother, we've been busy all morning. Get some rest while I go buy us food. I'll be back soon."

After running around the hospital all morning, Yu Yan was indeed exhausted and didn't want to be a burden: "Alright, take care of yourself. You don't know anyone here—don't get into trouble."

Remembering what happened on the road, Yu Yan couldn't help but worry—Wan Shun was too impulsive and didn't know her own strength. But seeing how fierce she was brought some comfort; at least she wouldn't be bullied.

Wan Shun agreed to everything and left the noisy ward.

On the way, she counted her remaining money: just over a hundred left from the four hundred she started with, and who knew how much more would be needed. Earning money was now urgent.

Outside the hospital, many small restaurants bustled with business, all packed thanks to the hospital crowd. Wan Shun didn't want to squeeze in or wait in line, so she looked for a quieter spot. After walking a ways, she realized someone was following her.

Her eyebrows arched; she changed direction, heading for a deserted alley.

The tail sped up, and once the alley was empty, a group closed in around her.

Wan Shun looked blankly at the dozen or so strangers.

"You're the one who sent my brothers to the police, aren't you?"

Wan Shun shook her head. "It wasn't me."

The leader instantly flew into a rage. "Don't lie! My men saw you beat my brothers bloody and drag them to the police. You can't deny it."

Wan Shun hesitated. "…It was me."

The group—

"You little brat, you think this is a joke?"

Wan Shun shook her head sincerely. "No."

Her demeanor only made the group angrier.

"To hell with this, let's beat her up first!"

Wan Shun silently pulled out a brick.

Ten minutes later, Wan Shun dashed out of the alley, feigning panic. "Help! Somebody call the police! There's a mob war, people are dead! Hurry!"

Her shout drew everyone within a mile.

In the alley, a dozen injured men lay groaning, helpless, both furious and terrified. Damn it, this was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

At the police station, the officers sat stern-faced, regarding the silent Wan Shun.

Next door, wails echoed: "It was that little witch! She did it! We're not mobsters, there was no gang fight—it was her!" The voices cracked with bitterness.

The officer frowned. "You hear that? Anything you want to say?"

Wan Shun sat upright. "They're framing me. They're blaming me for calling the police and trying to pin this on me. Officer, look at me—I'm just a skinny girl, hardly a fighter. They're all big, burly men from the street. How could I possibly win?"

The officer scrutinized her—a slight, frail girl of thirteen or fourteen, not at all intimidating. Yet both the men from yesterday and today's group insisted it was her. It was hard not to believe them.

But if he did believe her, it still seemed unlikely. After all, these men all had records.

"You're sure you've never met these people before? No previous disputes?"

Wan Shun nodded firmly. "No. I'm a law-abiding citizen. I don't associate with thugs."

"Alright, for now that's all. You can go home. If we need you, we'll contact you. Also, in the future, if something like this happens..."

Wan Shun straightened. "If it happens again, I'll still cooperate fully with the police. I'm an exemplary, law-abiding citizen."

The officer, who had wanted to tell her not to use her fists so freely, could only sigh—

"Yes, cooperate with the police. Calling us is the right thing to do. You can go now."

Once outside, Wan Shun licked her lips. "Chen San..."

Chen San owned several KTVs and bars—nearly ten branches in the county and township, all thriving. On the surface, everything was legitimate; what went on behind closed doors, only he knew.

In a smoky KTV private room, his subordinate hesitated.

"Boss, I..."

Chen San glanced at him, mild yet intimidating, and the subordinate shivered, no longer daring to stammer.

"A few of my men got thrown in jail by some little brat. I thought, whatever happens, I should get them out first. Otherwise, the others will think we're cold and lose faith."

Chen San set his glass down on the coffee table with a crisp sound, making his subordinate's heart leap.

"Thrown in by a brat, you say?"

Embarrassed, the man nodded. It was humiliating to admit.

"Hah!" Chen San actually laughed. "So it's my fault for letting my men get soft, is it?"

His subordinate's legs almost gave out. "No, no, it's my fault. Don't worry, boss, I'll keep a closer eye on them and make sure nothing like this happens again."

Chen San didn't answer. He had no patience for such trivial matters.

"Handle it yourself. Things are tight right now—don't cause me trouble."

The subordinate quickly agreed, then brought up another issue. "Boss, the Wan family is pressing for a reply. What do you think?"

Chen San's expression darkened. The Wan family—useless, couldn't even handle this.

"Find a way to get them out."

"Yes." The subordinate left.

Within the hour, Wan Yu appeared in the private room.

Seeing the luxurious decor and the well-dressed people, she was so excited her hands trembled.

This was city life!

"Boss, she's here."

Chen San lifted his gaze to Wan Yu. So this was the offspring of those two useless Wans? She looked ordinary, but her fair skin and good figure were assets.

"You're Xiao Yu, right? I remember holding you when you were little. You've grown prettier with age. Given my relationship with your parents, you should call me uncle."

Wan Yu's eyes fell on the man before her. Though only a few years younger than her own father, he seemed from a different generation—so sophisticated, so imposing.

If Wang Zheng was the image of the cultured urbanite she had imagined, Chen San was the real thing—urban, powerful, and noble.

With such a distinguished relative, she felt instantly elevated.

"Hello, Uncle Chen. My parents speak of you often, saying you're generous, loyal, and approachable. Meeting you today, I see it's all true. Thank you for helping me—otherwise, I don't know how much I would have suffered."

Chen San's eyes glinted. Those two greedy, useless fools praised him? But the Wan girl was interesting—her ambition and desire nearly overflowed. He liked that.

"No need for thanks. We're friends and family; it's only right to support each other. Come, sit and tell me about your family. It's been years since I've been to your house—I've missed you all."

His rough hand patted the seat beside him, expression unreadable.

Wan Yu hesitated a moment, then sat down, brushing his shoulder in passing.

Chen San smiled and poured her wine. One thing led to another...