Chapter 12: Shadows of Truth

The sterile corridors of the hospital seemed to close in on Zhao Jingshen as he paced outside the operating room. The rhythmic beeping of nearby machines did nothing to calm his frayed nerves. For the first time in as long as he can remember, the usually composed Zhao Jingshen found himself battling a storm of emotions he couldn't control.

Hours ticked by, each minute stretching into an eternity. Jingshen's mind raced, replaying the events of the night. Meilin's unexpected fighting skills, the gunshot, the blood seeping through his fingers as he tried desperately to stem the flow. He clenched his fists, anger and fear warring within him.

A hand on his shoulder startled him from his thoughts. Chen Li, his ever-reliable assistant, stood beside him, his face grim.

"Sir," Chen Li began, his voice low, "I have the information you requested."

Jingshen's eyes narrowed, a cold fury settling over his features. "Speak," he commanded.

Chen Li swallowed hard, visibly uncomfortable. "It... it was Miss Lian Fei, sir. She hired the men who attacked you and Miss Jiang."

The temperature in the corridor seemed to drop several degrees as Zhao Jingshen processed this information. His fiancée. The woman he was supposed to marry in a matter of months. Who happened to be his grandfather's perfect choice for a wife.The silence stretched, becoming oppressive.

When Jingshen finally spoke, his voice was devoid of emotion. "Go on."

"It appears Miss Lian Fei learned about your... activities with Miss Jiang this past week. She viewed her as a threat and acted out of jealousy."

A muscle twitched in Jingshen's jaw, the only outward sign of the rage boiling beneath the surface. Chen Li found himself taking an involuntary step back, genuinely afraid for Lian Fei's safety. He had never seen his boss like this before. He knew Lian Fei was ruthless but he never thought she would even think to cross his boss.

"Chen Li," Jingshen said, his tone icy, "ensure that Miss Jiang remains unaware of this information. And as for Lian Fei..." His eyes glittered dangerously. "I'll deal with her personally."

Chen Li nodded, a shiver running down his spine. He had no doubt that Lian Fei's world was about to implode. She had crossed a line, touching Zhao Jingshen's newfound weakness – Jiang Meilin.

As Chen Li hurried away to carry out his orders, neither man noticed the shadow that detached itself from a nearby corner. One of Meilin's guards melted back into the darkness, armed with the knowledge of who had dared to attack their young miss.

The doors to the operating room swung open, and Jingshen whirled around, his heart leaping into his throat. A tired-looking doctor emerged, pulling off his surgical cap.

"Mr. Zhao?" the doctor inquired, his eyes finding Jingshen's anxious face.

"Yes," Jingshen replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. "How is she?"

The doctor sighed, fatigue evident in every line of his face. "Miss Jiang made it through the surgery. The bullet missed her vital organs, but she lost a significant amount of blood. We had to perform a transfusion during the operation."

Jingshen felt his knees weaken with relief, but he forced himself to remain standing. "Will she... will she be alright?"

"Without any complications, yes. However, the next 24 hours will be critical. We're keeping her sedated for now to allow her body to begin healing."

Jingshen nodded, processing the information. "When can I see her?"

"She's being moved to the ICU now. You can see her briefly in about an hour, but remember, she won't be conscious."

As the doctor turned to leave, Jingshen called out, "Thank you. For saving her." He was truly grateful.

The doctor offered a tired smile before disappearing down the corridor.

Alone once more, Jingshen leaned against the wall, closing his eyes. The events of the past week flashed through his mind – meeting Meilin, their adventures together, the laughter and connection he had never experienced before. And now, this.

He had never been one to believe in fate or destiny, but something about Meilin had changed him. Opened up a part of himself he didn't know existed. And someone had tried to take that away from him.

His eyes snapped open, cold determination settling over him like a cloak. Lian Fei would pay for what she had done. But first, he needed to ensure Meilin's safety and recovery.

As he made his way to the ICU, Jingshen's mind was already formulating plans. He would increase security around Meilin, investigate her background more thoroughly, and deal with Lian Fei in a way that would ensure she never dared cross him again.

But beneath the calculations and strategies, a small voice whispered in the back of his mind. A voice that wondered about Meilin's hidden skills which were definitely not learned from the streets, her secrets. Was she really just a struggling artist? And why did he feel so drawn to her, despite the mysteries surrounding her? He remembered what Chen Li had told him earlier. The Jiang Meilin they found out from all her details was already dead from three years ago.

Jingshen pushed these thoughts aside as he entered Meilin's room. The sight of her pale form, connected to various machines, sent a jolt through him. Gently, he took her hand in his, marveling at how small and fragile it felt. Whoever she was, he was going to protect her, even at the expense of his life.

"I'm here, Meilin," he whispered, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. "And I promise, nothing like this will ever happen to you again."

As he settled into the chair beside her bed, prepared to wait as long as necessary for her to wake up, Jingshen didn't notice the shadow that briefly darkened the doorway. Meilin's guard observed the scene silently before disappearing once more. He knew he had to report back to the family.