58: Chapter 58 Sleepless Night

This night, there were many, many people who were unable to sleep.

In scientific, military, and political circles around the world, lights burned throughout the night, and pizza shops did a roaring trade, all witnessing one high-level meeting after another.

The Capital headquarters of the State Security, which should have been resting on its laurels, was also brightly lit at this moment.

Sitting at the head of the table was an elder with a sturdy build but a refined temperament. After hearing the report on the situation, he said in a deep voice, "The action summary and reflection report are internal matters for you to handle. I know this is the root of your continuous progress, and you can maintain this attitude. But victory is victory! I will request commendations for you!"

"Also!" The elder's eagle-like eyes scanned the surroundings. He paused for a moment, then said calmly and coldly, "We are peace-loving, not weak and incompetent! It is impolite not to reciprocate. I look forward to seeing our return gift delivered to the other party as soon as possible!"

The people in the conference room were energized, some already showing excitement, and they replied in unison, "Yes!!!"

...

Lin Ning also did not sleep well, struggling repeatedly between sleep and wakefulness.

In the darkness, whenever he closed his eyes, he saw only Liu Zhao's tightly shut eyes, Ou Jiarui's speech on stage, the flash of gunfire, and the sharp whistle of metal shards tearing through the air.

Finally, Lin Ning simply sat up.

Gazing at the ink-colored sky outside the window, he suddenly let out a low, wheezing laugh.

He thought he should be afraid of the spies' cruelty, afraid of the violent conflict, and afraid of the world of murderous conspiracies he had been suddenly dragged into.

But no! When those images appeared in his mind, he felt nothing but anger and excitement?!

What disturbed his mind, and even made him afraid, was actually Liu Zhao's self-sacrifice and Ou Jiarui's fearless advance!

He admired and even revered such people, and would even cry for them when watching movies or documentaries.

But he had never thought of becoming such a person himself!

Whether it was transmigrating or possessing a Golden Finger, his intention was to make money by reporting crimes. Even if there were some thoughts of "patriotism" or "justice" involved, his original intention was more about his own selfish desires—to live a good life and satisfy his own moral sense!

But when they appeared in the flesh by his side and he went through these events with them, Lin Ning was afraid.

Because he felt his own heart stirring.

Yet he had too many secrets, many bad habits, and many desires; he knew he could not become that kind of warrior.

As the darkness faded from the sky, slowly turning gray-white, the moment the golden sun finally appeared, Lin Ning closed his eyes.

That light was so blinding, it even stung him to tears...

Chen Zhi knew that Lin Ning was very worried about Liu Zhao's condition, so the moment he received news that Liu Zhao was out of danger and had woken up, he notified Lin Ning.

"If you're worried, you can go and take a look. Haha, you didn't sleep well yesterday after experiencing such a thing for the first time, did you?"

"Come to the small building once you've seen him; there are some things I need to tell you."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Ning simply washed his face, grabbed his jacket, and rushed to the hospital.

In the hospital room, Liu Zhao was lying on his stomach facing the door, his back wrapped in thick gauze, eyes closed as he endured the pain after the anesthesia wore off.

Hearing footsteps entering, he looked over instantly with vigilance.

Seeing it was Lin Ning, Liu Zhao smiled, "Hey, you're here!"

Lin Ning was usually a bit chatty and especially liked to tease, but at this moment, he could only stammer after a long while, "I came to see you..."

Seeing Lin Ning's discomfort, Liu Zhao laughed out loud, then immediately let out a painful cry, "Damn, that really hurts."

Lin Ning was at a loss and wanted to call a doctor, but Liu Zhao quickly stopped him, "Hey, hey, where are you going? I'm fine, I just pulled the wound."

"Why do you look so awkward? Where's that feisty energy you have when you annoy Division Chief Chen? Because I'm injured? Share your feelings, why don't you? When my colleagues were injured before, my feelings were also very complicated. Tell me about it and see if we're the same."

Lin Ning's mouth twitched. Was this guy from the Northeast actually a real couch potato when not on a mission?!

Lin Ning said with a completely serious expression, "I just felt like dedicating my life to you."

Liu Zhao was shocked by Lin Ning's serious expression, "Stay away from me! Is this repayment? Or is it revenge?!"

Lin Ning laughed, "Hahaha, I won't tease you anymore. What did the doctor say? Nobody paid any attention to me when I asked outside."

Liu Zhao curled his lip, "You haven't been seen by military doctors! They only have two messages for you: 'It's hopeless' or 'You won't die.'"

Lin Ning: "..."

Lin Ning: "I stayed in X01 before, that's not true!"

Liu Zhao: "With that accent, are you from the Northeast too?"

Lin Ning: "..." Why is your focus so strange, and isn't it because you influenced me?

After chatting for a while, seeing that Liu Zhao was a bit tired, Lin Ning left.

On his way out, he ran to the hospital's convenience store, bought a bunch of things, and delivered them to the nurses' station on Liu Zhao's floor, "A small token of appreciation for you to have a snack when you're tired. Please take care of Liu Zhao in 201. Thank you, thank you!"

Nowadays, hospitals—especially military hospitals—definitely cannot accept red envelopes, but giving doctors and nurses some food is generally not a problem.

Watching the nurses decline a few times before accepting, Lin Ning smiled and said goodbye.

Liu Zhao was sent by the authorities, so the doctors would certainly treat him with care, but there is still a difference between providing standard care and going above and beyond. If the nurses were in a good mood, Liu Zhao would suffer a little less; after all, the legend of military doctors and nurses is the same all over the world.

At the small building.

In the operations room, the group, who hadn't slept all night, had red eyes but remained spirited and mentally excited.

Last night, the case summary report had already been submitted, but more detailed information was still being organized.

The work of capturing the people who were caught, interrogating them to catch others, and tracking suspicious individuals who could only be monitored for now, had all been completed.

What was being fiercely discussed now was the reconstruction of the scene where Lin Ning killed his attacker in the restroom.

Zhang Ming from the forensic department was pointing at the 3D dynamic simulation on the big screen, which was reconstructed based on laser projection points, and explaining with great enthusiasm.

"The situation recorded by the camera at the washbasin shows that the interval from the sound of 'Get down' to the metal blast was 1.2 seconds."

"According to the inspection results of the traps we dismantled, there was a 0.3-second delay from the machine's activation sound to the blast."

"Therefore, the person who shouted knew about the danger 0.9 seconds before the machine started, and judged the source and urgency of the danger! That's why he shouted 'Get down' instead of 'Run fast'!"

"Also!" Zhang Ming's excited voice rose another decibel, "We analyzed the surveillance and found that from the moment 'Blood Hand' William appeared after the trap finished firing, to the moment he rushed around the corner to shoot, the entire process did not exceed 12 seconds. But Lin Ning had already completed his defensive preparations, proving that he already knew the moment William arrived at the restroom door and had started acting."