Upon learning that Sun Zhidong could also gain some merit, Li Xiang decided to let it go. However, it was not quite suitable to return to Jinghai at this moment, given that Sun Zhidong was still lying in the hospital. It was better to go share this good news with him first.
After leaving Team Yu’s place, Li Xiang planned to visit Sun Zhidong in the hospital. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Chen Long calling.
"Li bro, I saw the news. Please accept my condolences."
Yesterday’s incident was huge with a frightening number of police officers on site. Chen Long and his bunch were just some small-time gangsters, and they had already hidden far away, not daring to come near such a scene.
It was not until the next day, upon seeing the news, that Chen Long realized a murder had occurred there. He thought the deceased was someone related to Li Xiang, so he offered his condolences.
Condolences?
Three vertical lines immediately appeared in Li Xiang’s mind. He had just received a first-class merit, why would he need condolences?
However, this time his ability to solve the case fully demonstrated that sometimes, small characters and local ruffians, if used well, can play a significant role.
"I’m alright. You guys found the right place this time, and you truly deserve credit. I keep my word, I’ll accept you as my little brother. But there’s a rule we need to establish: being my little brother means no more illegal activities. Agree, or we’ll part ways immediately."
Li Xiang had made up his mind that if they ceased those illegal activities, it would be considered as helping them turn over a new leaf. But if they continued with cons and other illegal deeds, he would feel embarrassed to call them his little brothers.
"No problem. As long as I can be your little brother, I’ll find a job from now on."
Chen Long was delighted and promised repeatedly. He then suggested, "How about inviting you, big brother, for a meal at noon to meet the brothers, Li bro, do you have time?"
Having just accepted him as a little brother, Li Xiang felt it inconvenient to refuse, so he nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I’ll wait for your call in a while."
After hanging up, Li Xiang took a cab to Jinling City People’s Hospital.
As soon as he reached the ward, he heard Sun Zhidong’s exaggerated shouting from inside: "Take it easy, take it easy, what kind of injection is this, sticking it in the butt?"
"Whoo ah~"
"Seriously? You’re a grown man and afraid of injections?"
Entering, Li Xiang saw a nurse briskly tidying up, not forgetting to chide a bit as she moved.
"I used to give injections to others, so what’s the problem now?"
"Puh, rascal!"
The nurse spat lightly, turned around, saw Li Xiang, and, realizing what had just transpired, knowing he probably overheard, fled with blushing cheeks.
"Looks like you’re recovering well, even capable of giving injections to others."
Suppressing laughter, Li Xiang remarked. It was the first time he had seen Sun Zhidong embarrassed like this; he never imagined this big guy was afraid of needles.
"Damn, Li Xiang, when did you come in?"
Hearing noises, Sun Zhidong flipped over, asking in embarrassment.
"Haha, just got here, just got here. Seems like you’re feeling fine, have spare energy to flirt with the nurse."
"Darn, you call that flirting? I’ve got a splitting headache. What do you think they just injected me with? Painkiller, right? The nurse had such a heavy hand, it feels like there’s a big bump on the back of my head now."
Sun Zhidong defensively replied and quickly shifted the topic: "Li Xiang, I made a huge sacrifice this time, how’s the station going to reward me?"
"The station’s not giving any reward."
"Huh? No reward? I’ve never risked my neck for anyone before! I almost got skinned and dismembered this time, and there’s no reward? Damn, those TV shows weren’t lying, risking life on two thousand eight a month, what’s the point?"
Hearing that despite his significant achievement, there was no mention of reward, Sun Zhidong was dumbfounded.
"But..."
Upon hearing these words, Sun Zhidong immediately stopped his lament, his ears perked up, awaiting Li Xiang’s continuation.
"I heard from Team Yu that considering your duty-related injury and meritorious conduct, the bureau is proposing you for a second-class merit award."
"Sec... second-class merit? I can get a second-class merit?"
Sun Zhidong could hardly believe it; he initially thought getting a third-class merit this time would already make him laugh secretly.
Just an auxiliary police status; what more could one ask for?
Unexpectedly, it was a second-class merit; happiness arrived so suddenly.
This time, he could finally stand proud in front of the old man at home.
Back home, his old man always remarked on his idleness and dereliction. This time, presenting the second-class merit would shut him up for sure.
Imagining that scenario, Sun Zhidong broke into a silly grin, his mouth unconsciously curling up in a smile.
"Hey, wipe your drool."
"Oh."
Instinctively, Sun Zhidong raised his sleeve to wipe the corner of his mouth, then found there was no drool, realizing he’d been tricked again, yet feeling no ire whatsoever.
The person before him was his god of wealth, after all. Despite the injury, getting a second-class merit was rewarding enough. No anger, no anger, he would take it and smile in front of his financial backer.
"By the way, Li Xiang, now that we’ve both got second-class merits, when we go back, they’re going to be envious to death, right?"
"Yeah, you got half of that right. They certainly will envy us, but I didn’t receive a second-class merit this time."
"No way? Director Song is so stingy? Didn’t give you a second-class merit?"
Hearing Li Xiang’s words, Sun Zhidong thought Li had only secured a third-class merit, suddenly feeling guilty.
The second-class merit was awarded to him, probably because being the only injured one, he got some preferential treatment, receiving the major credit.
"Director Song isn’t that stingy; he granted a first-class merit."
"That’s not stingy? Wait, what did you say? First-class merit?"
Sun Zhidong’s expression shifted from one of initial dismay to sheer astonishment.
This was a first-class merit?
Suddenly, his second-class merit did not feel as appealing as before.
"Alright, take good care of your recovery. I might need to head back to Jinghai first. You should only return once you’re healed. Besides, the medical costs are covered by Jinling’s police bureau."
"Not fair! I’ve gotten so beat up and only got a second-class merit. You come away scot-free with a first-class merit. Totally unfair."
Sun Zhidong whined theatrically, mostly putting on an act. In truth, he was quite satisfied with the reward.
As noon approached, Chen Long called again. They had already reserved a table at Jinyue Hotel, inviting Li Xiang and Sun Zhidong to join.
"That little Long called, inviting us for lunch. Are you going?"
"With the way I look? It’d tarnish my heroic image. Better you go alone."
Pointing to the bandages on his head, Sun Zhidong decided to pass.
"Alright then, I’ll head over; have the nurse lady bring your lunch."
Li Xiang exited the hospital, flagged down a taxi casually on the street, and hopped in: "Driver, to Jinyue Hotel."