Don't You like Little Dogs? Now that I'm Taking Liberties, You're Suddenly Reluctant? - Chapter 46

Inside the intensive care unit, the monitors beeped rhythmically. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air.

The lingering scent of blood and gunpowder had not yet fully dissipated, but it was being silently smothered and entwined by a new, searing emotion.

The Adjutant pushed the door open just a crack. Seeing the situation inside, he carefully closed it again and signaled for everyone to move away. “They are fine. Everyone, withdraw.”

Time inside the ICU seemed to stretch. The sunlight shifted slowly, casting gradient patches of color across the polished floor.

Pei Ye remained frozen in place, his mind a total blank. Only the brief, dry, yet incredibly vivid sensation on his lips remained. It was etched into his perception like a branding iron, scorching every nerve.

His heart hammered wildly against his ribs; the sound was so loud he feared it would disturb Jiang Si, who was resting with his eyes closed.

Master kissed him?

It was not a command, not a punishment, nor any form of contact meant as a reprimand.

It was a kiss.

Though brief and weak, its meaning in that moment was as clear as a bolt of lightning tearing through the dark of night.

Jiang Si’s eyes remained closed, appearing to have drifted back into a light sleep. His breathing was steadier than before.

However, he did not let go of Pei Ye’s hand. His fingertips even gave a subconscious, feather-light brush against the back of Pei Ye’s hand.

This tiny movement finally allowed Pei Ye’s shattered rationality to slowly return.

He took a sharp breath, feeling dizzy because he had forgotten to breathe for so long.

He did not dare move, fearing he might startle Jiang Si. He simply used his eyes, which were still brimming with shock, ecstasy, and disbelief, to stare greedily and unblinkingly at the person on the bed.

Master took the initiative to kiss him.

A massive wave of happiness hit him like a tsunami, nearly drowning him. Along with it came an even deeper, more turbulent sense of lingering fear.

If Master had not pulled through, then he—as soon as the thought surfaced, he ruthlessly crushed it.

No, Master was right here, breathing and alive. And he had kissed him.

An indeterminate amount of time passed. A very soft knock came from the door, followed by the Adjutant’s lowered voice, “Fourth Brother? Pei Ye?”

Jiang Si’s eyelashes fluttered as he slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was much clearer than before. Though he was still weak, his customary, unfathomable sense of control was gradually returning.

He glanced toward the door, his voice raspy but clearer, “Enter.”

The door pushed open and the Adjutant walked in holding an electronic tablet, followed by Cang Jun.

Seeing Jiang Si awake, both men were visibly relieved. However, when their eyes caught the two’s interlaced hands, they both averted their gaze with practiced tact.

“Fourth Brother,” the Adjutant stepped forward, his tone steady. “How are you feeling now?”

“Not dead yet,” Jiang Si said flatly. He tried to move, but it pulled at the wound on his abdomen, causing his brow to furrow almost imperceptibly.

Pei Ye immediately moved to support him in a panic, but he was stopped by a single look from Jiang Si.

“Status,” Jiang Si asked succinctly, his gaze sweeping over the two men.

The Adjutant reported immediately, “Scorpion and his known allies have been completely eradicated. The Rust Belt is currently under our control. Follow-up takeover operations are being handled by the Second and Third Squads, and progress is smooth.”

Cang Jun took over, his voice cold, “A total of fifty-two enemies at the ambush site were killed. Only the final cleanup remains.”

“Clean it up thoroughly,” Jiang Si’s voice held no ripple of emotion, as if he were discussing a trivial matter. “All those involved will receive Level 1 disposal. You are responsible for the internal screening of reserve members; I do not wish to see any more vermin.”

“Understood,” the Adjutant responded without hesitation.

“The Jiang Family,” Jiang Si spat out the two words coldly, his eyes turning sharp.

Although the evidence pointed to Scorpion, the nature of that new toxin and the sophisticated trap design made it difficult not to associate it with the handiwork of Starry Biotech, a subsidiary of the Jiang family.

Likely, this was the Jiang family’s retaliation for the previous laboratory incident.

It was truly ridiculous.

“At present, there is no direct evidence to prove the Jiang family was behind Scorpion this time,” the Adjutant answered cautiously. “But the inhibitors and toxins used in the attack do indeed bear the hallmarks of the Jiang family’s early abandoned Starry projects. Should we dig deeper?”

Jiang Si remained silent for a moment, a cold light swirling in his eyes.

Ultimately, he only said coldly, “No need for now. We will keep this debt on the books.”

What he needed now was recovery and the stabilization of the organization’s internal structure, not an immediate all-out war with the Jiang family. But this matter would certainly not end here.

Having finished their report, the Adjutant and Cang Jun prepared to leave.

“Adjutant,” Jiang Si suddenly called out.

The Adjutant turned, “Yes, Fourth Brother?”

“Handle the follow-up affairs on my behalf for now. Send important documents here,” Jiang Si said, though his gaze landed on Pei Ye. “Pei Ye stays.”

“Understood.” The Adjutant nodded and retreated with Cang Jun, gently closing the door behind them.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Pei Ye was still immersed in the ruthless execution orders he had just heard and Jiang Si’s sharp clarity. Even when gravely injured, Master remained firmly in control of everything.

It made him feel at peace, yet he felt a fresh wave of nerves because of the instruction to stay behind alone.

But it was not just nerves; more than that, it was a sense of anticipation.

“Master?” Pei Ye looked at Jiang Si instinctively.

Jiang Si was also looking at him, his gaze lingering for a moment on Pei Ye’s pale face and the bandages on his body.

“Go treat your wounds.” It was a command, yet it seemed a fraction less cold than usual.

“I am fine,” Pei Ye countered reflexively, wanting only to stay and keep watch.

“Go,” Jiang Si’s tone was brooking no argument, even carrying a hint of impatience.

“Clean yourself up before coming back. You being here is affecting my rest.”

That final sentence was like an arrow, hitting Pei Ye with precision.

He stood up immediately, looking flustered. “I am sorry, Master. I will go right now!”

Was he too dirty and pathetic-looking? Was he making Master uncomfortable?

Watching Pei Ye scramble out of the room, almost tripping over his own feet, Jiang Si closed his eyes and let out a nearly inaudible sigh.

“Idiot.” Kneeling there covered in blood and wounds with eyes like an abandoned puppy; it made him feel restless.