The young man’s description matched everything he had found in his investigation of Wu Tong: “low status, discrimination, hardship, lack of confidence in life…”
But what did Qin Yi actually see in her?
—Just two sentences were enough to convince Ma Liu. She had replaced the child Dongdong, who had been held hostage for nearly a week like a “protective talisman,” and within less than an hour of the escape, she had single-handedly captured two fugitives.
And now, the reason he had come to Wu Tong again was because he believed she could cure Ma Liu’s illness—solve a problem even provincial hospital doctors could not handle.
She was clearly a hidden expert with extraordinary skills.
Yet she was also a native of Yunshan Village, someone who had never left that area since childhood.
He had originally assumed her abilities might come from Xing Dongyang—perhaps she borrowed books from him, or even learned some skills from him.
But now it seemed Xing Dongyang himself did not know her secret. Could she have another unseen master unknown to outsiders?
Qin Yi’s curiosity kept being stirred, and just as quickly suppressed again.
He looked at Xing Dongyang with a complicated expression. The young man was simply waiting expectantly for an answer.
Qin Yi composed himself and said firmly:
“Don’t worry. The criminals who knew Wu Tong’s identity have all been arrested. She provided assistance to the police in solving the case. Even if anything changes in the future, we will ensure her safety immediately.”
“Changes in the case? Does that mean she could still be in danger?”
Xing Dongyang caught the key point sharply.
Qin Yi was silent for a moment before replying:
“As long as this case is not fully closed, that possibility cannot be ruled out—though it is extremely unlikely.
I will coordinate with the county public security bureau and the township police station to make arrangements for her protection.”
“That’s good!”
Only then did Xing Dongyang relax. He shook Qin Yi’s hand. “Captain Qin, thank you. We won’t disturb you any further.”
Xing Dongyang and Tian Qingrong left in a hurry. Qin Yi watched their backs, but what came to his mind was Ma Liu’s bruised, swollen eyes and his terrified expression when he saw Su Tong.
A thought suddenly rose in his mind—if there really was any threat, it might not be clear who was threatening whom.
When Qin Yi entered the ward, Nurse Xiao Li had just finished changing Su Tong’s dressing.
Her wound seemed to be healing well. The large bandage on her forehead had been replaced with a smaller one fixed with medical tape, exposing much of her forehead.
The IV drip for Aunt Dong had finished, and she was in a hurry to go home. Nurse Xiao Li helped her remove the needle as well, and the two left one after the other.
After a few days in the hospital, Su Tong looked much better in both energy and complexion. But her eyes remained calm and composed, carrying a clarity and detachment that did not match her age. She hardly looked like someone who had been forced into a violent incident just days earlier.
Seeing that she was in good condition, Qin Yi felt slightly relieved.
He stood by her bed and said softly, “Is seven o’clock tonight okay?”
Su Tong gestured. “No problem.”
Qin Yi stared at her hand for a moment and suddenly asked, “Do you understand English?”
Su Tong froze, only then realizing she had subconsciously made an “OK” gesture.
She looked at her hand, then repeated it and asked, “Oh, is this English? I’ve seen educated youth in the village use it often—it means everything is fine.”
Qin Yi quietly observed her. His eyes were deep and sharp; when he focused on someone, it felt as if unseen currents were surging beneath the surface, making it difficult to meet his gaze.
Su Tong glanced at him and quickly looked away, not wanting him to notice her unease.
Qin Yi finally lowered his gaze and returned to the earlier topic.
“I told the hospital that a specialist from above is coming, with an assistant. We only need to borrow an operating room and complete Ma Liu’s surgery discreetly. The hospital agreed and will not send anyone to receive or observe.”
“Good idea. Are the silver needles ready?”
“Lin Li went to get them. They’ll be placed in the operating room.”
“Good.”
Su Tong had no further questions. She pulled a watch from under her pillow and checked the time.
“It’s still early. I’ll rest for a while. Come get me when it’s time for the operation.”
Without waiting for Qin Yi to respond, she pulled the blanket over her head as if to sleep.
Standing by the bed, Qin Yi looked at the small mound under the blanket. After a long moment, he suppressed his questions and finally said, “Alright.”
Just as he turned to leave, Su Tong poked her head out again, holding up her watch.
“Oh, I forgot to mention—this was taken from Ma Liu. If it’s not important evidence, can I use it for now?”
Qin Yi paused slightly. “Alright.”
The operating room was on the first floor of the inpatient building, separated by a glass door, occupying half a floor. Above it hung a large sign: “Operating Area—No Unauthorized Entry.”
The county hospital could only perform a limited range of surgeries. Excluding anesthesia rooms, instrument rooms, and sterilization rooms, there were only two operating rooms in total.
At 6:45 p.m., Dr. Zhang from the surgical department, following the director’s instructions, pushed Ma Liu—who had been given a small dose of sedatives—into the operating room.
Ma Liu had been tormented by illness for days and now looked completely wretched. Under the medication, he was fast asleep.
Dr. Zhang and the accompanying nurse moved him onto the operating table. He glanced at Qin Yi and Lin Li standing nearby and gave a cautious smile.
“Uh… I’m not sure if the specialist has enough assistants. If not, I can help out too.”
Qin Yi replied lightly, “No need. Thank you.”
“Then… do you need an anesthetist?”
Dr. Zhang tried again, but under Qin Yi’s expressionless gaze, his voice faded.
“Um… just asking… actually… is it possible for me to observe from a distance?”
“Sorry. I’ve already discussed this with the hospital director.”
Qin Yi understood what he wanted. Not just Dr. Zhang—the director as well wanted to observe and see how the “specialist” would solve this difficult case.
The county hospital had limited resources, no blood bank, and little experience handling major bleeding cases. Even normal surgeries became dangerous when complications arose. As a result, they rarely dared to perform high-difficulty operations.
If they could learn even a fraction from this “specialist,” it would significantly improve the hospital’s capabilities and benefit countless patients.
If it were truly a specialist from above, Qin Yi would have helped them secure observation rights.
Unfortunately, this time—it really wasn’t possible.
After Dr. Zhang and the nurse left, Lin Li leaned toward Qin Yi and asked:
“Boss, why is this specialist so mysterious? Where did you even find them? I haven’t heard anything about it at all.”