Chapter 99: True Colors of a Hero

Within three days, the Heng Tang territory had shrunk to a mere third of its original size. Faced with the fierce counterattack from the Yi Sect and having lost several key lieutenants along with the high-level experts they had hired, they were unable to mount any effective resistance. The momentum of the Yi Sect grew stronger by the day; recruits flocked to them constantly, and many remnants of smaller gangs previously wiped out by the Heavenly Alliance arrived almost in their entirety, eager for revenge.

Over these three days, Chen Erpao’s injuries had improved significantly. The lingering heat and icy energy left in his body from the Blazing Fire and Frozen Ice Palm had been mostly purged, and he would be able to leave the hospital fully recovered in a few more days.

During this time, Principal Chen of Lingnan University had even come to visit him with a few teachers. Chen Erpao felt a slight sense of gratitude; without realizing it, Lingnan University had become another emotional anchor for him.

Today, having been confined to his hospital bed for several days, Chen Erpao could no longer stand the boredom and insisted on going out for some fresh air. After much coaxing, he finally convinced the young nurse to take him for a stroll. Through their interactions over the past few days, he had learned her name was Lu Yunqing—a name that suited her well, though her occasionally bold personality was truly something to behold.

The weather was pleasant, with white clouds stretching across the sky and rays of sunlight warming the earth. Autumn had arrived, and the trees had donned new, pale yellow attire. The two walked along, eventually stopping at a pavilion to rest.

Chen Erpao stretched comfortably. Though the days in the hospital had been stifling, they were also the most peaceful he had known, free from the involvement of bloody slaughter.

"Oh? Why is he here?" Lu Yunqing murmured, watching several figures approaching in the distance.

Chen Erpao followed her gaze and saw Officer Lu, a senior inspector from the Tuen Mun Anti-Triad Unit whom he hadn't seen in a while, walking toward them with two subordinates.

Lu Yunqing looked surprised but affectionate. "Big brother, what are you doing here?"

Chen Erpao offered a wry smile. It was amusing to think that the senior inspector tasked with investigating him and the beautiful nurse caring for him during his hospital stay were siblings. Life, at times, was truly mysterious.

Officer Lu seemed taken aback as well. "Little sister, why are you with him?"

Lu Yunqing pouted, showing a rare, feminine side in front of her brother. "Brother, he’s my patient right now. It’s perfectly normal for me to be with him!"

Officer Lu nodded slightly, a look of realization dawning on him. He hadn't expected his sister, a nurse, to be tending to the very man he was investigating. He glanced coldly at Chen Erpao. "Chen Erpao, I hope you and your Yi Sect keep things quiet for a while. Even though we lack evidence linking you to the two homicides from a few days ago, the chaos between the Yi Sect and Heng Tang has been too extreme. We’ve already arrested many people; you might be next."

Chen Erpao put on an innocent expression. "Officer, as you can see, I’ve been bedridden in the hospital for days, and your sister has been by my side the whole time. How could you possibly pin the recent events involving the Yi Sect and Heng Tang on me? Yunqing can vouch for me."

Chen Erpao intentionally used her first name, looking at the young nurse with feigned gratitude and warmth just to provoke her brother. Officer Lu, seemingly sensing the deliberate intimacy, looked at his sister with concern.

"Don't get cocky, Chen Erpao. You’ve been listed as a high-risk individual in Tuen Mun and are a primary target of our investigation. We’ll be placing you under surveillance. These two are my colleagues. Once I find evidence, I will personally see you sent to prison," Officer Lu declared indignantly.

Chen Erpao didn't take the threat to heart. Having watched enough Hong Kong police films, he could recite these lines by heart. He only found it strange that after all these years, the Hong Kong police remained the same—not even bothering to innovate their dialogue.

Lu Yunqing stared at Chen Erpao, looking unexpectedly excited. "I never imagined you were a gangster, and a high-ranking one at that! I love Mark from *A Better Tomorrow*, though he’s much more handsome than you. If you wore a trench coat with dozens of followers behind you, I might look at you differently—maybe even fall for you."

Both Chen Erpao and her brother were left speechless. Despite knowing his sister's personality, her brother was still stunned.

"Alright, I'll make sure to show you next time. Who knows, you might really fall for me," Chen Erpao said loudly, causing Officer Lu, who had already begun to walk away, to turn back, teeth gritted in frustration.

Lu Yunqing gave a playful smile. With her stunning, youthful appearance, she was a "super killer" to men of all ages; few could escape such a lethal charm. "But you’re still not as handsome as Mark. If you ever get caught by my brother, I’ll pray for you and say, 'Actually, you’re quite handsome, but still not as handsome as Mark.'"

Chen Erpao wore a bitter expression. She truly was an unpredictable, multifaceted beauty. Even the two policemen monitoring them couldn't help but snicker.

Back in his room, Chen Erpao pondered the situation. While he didn't fear the Anti-Triad Unit, being constantly watched was a nuisance. Finally, he called Zeng Fan. As soon as the call connected, a burst of laughter came from the other end.

"You lucky bastard! You survived being hunted by mercenaries in the forest, and not long after returning, you’re tangling with top-tier assassins, only to end up in a hospital bed for a few days?"

Chen Erpao smiled calmly. "Brother Fan, don't you know? Heaven has taken me as its godson, so naturally, I get special treatment."

"Enough talk, what is it? I’m busy in Japan. Do you know who’s lying next to me? It’s Maria Ozawa—or at least a top-tier girl who looks just like her."

Chen Erpao nearly spat out the water he had just sipped. He mused that some people never change; back in the military camp, Zeng Fan used to scold them mercilessly during training, only to spend his free time talking about Japanese girls.

"Maria Ozawa? That’s nothing. Yui Hatano is coming to Hong Kong for a promotion in a few days, and I’ve already booked tea with her. If you’re interested, hurry back! Forget about your Maria look-alikes."