Chapter 61 If I Don’t Shoot, I’m No Better Than a Coward

The East of China has produced saints, but it has also birthed outlaws.

A man without parents, raised in a dilapidated orphanage, scorned by society, barely educated, and forced to grow up fighting alongside street thugs—a man bold enough to single-handedly hunt down and kill fourteen people—is far removed from sainthood. He is more akin to a legendary outlaw.

And what is an outlaw? An outlaw is a madman unafraid to roam the world barefoot, willing to risk his life to drag an emperor off his throne.

Chen Yi may not compare to the likes of Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Song Jiang, or Wu Song—those legendary leaders who rose in rebellion and gathered armies in the mountains. But provoke him enough, and he would undoubtedly become a reckless madman, killing without hesitation, leaving no trace as he vanished into the distance.

With a gunshot wound in his thigh being pressed mercilessly by Ning Fangming, his mouth gagged, and his body wracked with searing pain, Chen Yi was consumed by rage and humiliation. To endure further would be to disgrace the very land that had birthed countless fearless outlaws before him.

Injured? Yes. Writhing in agonizing pain? Certainly. But had he not carried these very wounds when he killed those fourteen men?

With a swift and brutal kick, Chen Yi sent Ning Fangming flying three or four meters, crashing into the wall. The man who had gagged him was seized by the back of the neck and slammed with a ferocious headbutt, leaving his brow split open and blood streaming down his face as he collapsed unconscious.

Chen Yi ripped out the IV drip, stood barefoot on the cold floor, his face twisted in fury. The pristine white bandages wrapped around his body were now soaked with crimson, his aura menacing and unyielding.

"You… you dare assault a police officer?"

Ning Fangming's voice trembled with fear. He had seen the photos of the dead and knew all too well the kind of demon standing before him. The only reason he had dared to use extrajudicial measures against Chen Yi was because he had assumed the man, gravely injured and comatose for three days, would be half-dead and utterly defenseless.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Chen Yi, bound like a mummy, to possess such terrifying strength. Even less could he have imagined that, despite armed guards stationed outside the room, Chen Yi would have the audacity to attack a police officer.

Ning Fangming's hands shook as he fumbled for his gun. Summoning what little courage he had left, he pointed it at Chen Yi, his voice wavering but laced with false bravado. "Kneel! Put your hands on your head and kneel before me!"

"Kneel? You think you're worthy of making me kneel?"

Chen Yi's expression was one of utter disdain, his tone dripping with scorn. It was as if Ning Fangming's gun was nothing more than a child's toy, not even worthy of acknowledgment.

Perhaps emboldened by the weapon in his hand, or perhaps provoked by Chen Yi's contempt, Ning Fangming climbed to his feet, took two steps forward, and pressed the barrel of the gun against Chen Yi's forehead. "I said kneel! If you don't, I'll shoot!"

"If you don't pull the trigger, you're no better than my servant," Chen Yi sneered, his contempt deepening.

Chen Yi didn't fear the gun. In the time it would take for a bullet to travel ten meters or even one, human reflexes wouldn't stand a chance. But Chen Yi was confident that he could break Ning Fangming's arm before he had the chance to fire.

If even that venomous serpent had failed to kill him, what chance did Ning Fangming have?

"Don't push me!" Ning Fangming's face turned a sickly shade of green, then purple. His finger tightened on the trigger several times, but he couldn't bring himself to fire.

He didn't dare kill Chen Yi here. This case was under the scrutiny of the entire province, and Chen Yi was at the very center of it. If Chen Yi were to die on the very day he woke up, shot by Ning Fangming's gun, it wouldn't just cost him the deputy director promotion—he'd lose his badge altogether.

Yet Chen Yi's naked mockery and disdain felt like daggers to his pride. To swallow this humiliation and willingly "admit defeat" was a bitter pill he couldn't bring himself to swallow.

As the standoff continued, a commotion erupted outside the room, and the door to the intensive care ward was pushed open.

"Deputy Ning, Deputy Ning…"

The officer stationed at the door hesitated, caught off guard by the tense scene inside.

"Who let you in? Didn't I make it clear that no one is to enter without my orders?" Ning Fangming barked, his fury boiling over. He was already humiliated enough, having to draw a gun against an injured man.

"Sir, I—"

"Get out! And remember, even if the king of heaven himself shows up, no one enters without my permission!" Ning Fangming cut him off, his tone domineering and unyielding.

"Oh?"

A deep, authoritative voice resonated through the room. "I wasn't aware you wielded such power."

Eight or nine people entered the ward, led by a man in his fifties. Despite his age, his posture was upright, his gaze sharp, and his presence exuded an air of unquestionable authority.

"Deputy Ning, what are you doing? Put that gun away immediately!"

Liu Siming, who had followed closely behind, rushed forward in a panic. With a swift motion, he pushed Ning Fangming's gun aside and confiscated it.

The older man surveyed the scene, quickly piecing together what had transpired. Turning to Liu Siming, he demanded in a stern voice, "Director Liu, care to explain? Is this your idea of 'proper handling'? Extrajudicial punishment and coercion have long been prohibited. Is this the kind of officer you've trained? If I hadn't come today, were your men planning to execute him?"

His voice grew louder and more severe with each word, cutting through the room like a blade.

Cold sweat dripped from Liu Siming's forehead as he forced a bitter smile. Struggling to find the right words, he finally stammered, "Deputy Minister Xing, this is entirely my failure in supervision. I will conduct a thorough review of my actions."

Both Liu Siming and Ning Fangming had been poised for promotions. Luo Yan's recent success in solving major cases had drawn significant attention from provincial leaders, and this high-profile case had even reached the central government. As the bureau chief, Liu Siming had been basking in the spotlight, his reputation soaring.

But events often take unexpected turns. Just before arriving, Liu Siming had received word that Deputy Minister Xing would personally visit Chen Yi. Though puzzled, he had rushed over immediately.

He had considered calling Luo Yan and Ning Fangming beforehand but dismissed the idea, assuming Luo Yan's relationship with Chen Yi would prevent any mishaps. Yet the scene he walked into left him utterly humiliated.

Liu Siming had only intended for them to record a statement. Worried about potential gossip due to Luo Yan's connection with Chen Yi, he had sent Ning Fangming along to assist.

But who could have predicted that Ning Fangming would abuse his authority and draw a gun on an injured man?

"There's no need for a review," Deputy Minister Xing said, his tone softening slightly as he nodded in acknowledgment of Liu Siming's attitude. "But those who violate protocol must be held accountable. We must ensure the integrity and fairness of our police force."

Relieved that the minister wasn't pursuing his own responsibility, Liu Siming quickly assured him, "Rest assured, Deputy Minister Xing. I will handle this matter strictly, ensuring no one is wronged and no one escapes justice."

Panic set in for Ning Fangming. He hadn't anticipated the sudden arrival of a provincial leader, nor had he expected Liu Siming to abandon him so quickly. Deputy Minister Xing's words were effectively a death sentence for his career. Forget about the promotion—he'd be lucky to keep even a token position in the bureau.

"Deputy Minister Xing, please listen to me," Ning Fangming pleaded desperately. "It was Chen Yi who resisted! He injured an officer, and I only drew my weapon to protect myself!"

"Resisted?" Deputy Minister Xing sneered. "Do you expect cooperation at gunpoint? And his injuries—did he inflict them on himself? Is this your idea of proper law enforcement?"

Chen Yi's reopened wounds were evident, blood seeping through the bandages. While most were due to his own excessive movements, the injury on his leg was undoubtedly Ning Fangming's doing.

Reaching his position as deputy minister was no stroke of luck. Whether through connections, talent, or sheer determination, he had proven himself to be a shrewd and capable leader. It took no effort for him to discern the truth.

"This… this…" Ning Fangming was at a loss for words. He cast a desperate look toward his colleagues at the door, but they quickly averted their gazes, unwilling to get involved.

It's easy to add flowers to a brocade, but rare to offer help in the snow.

Finding no support, Ning Fangming's face turned ashen. Suddenly, he erupted into a tirade. "You ungrateful dogs! When have I ever treated you poorly? And now, when I need help, not one of you steps forward—"

"Take him away!" Liu Siming barked.

Two officers stepped forward and dragged the still-cursing Ning Fangming out of the room.

Shortly after, doctors arrived to examine Chen Yi. Fortunately, there were no secondary fractures, though some of the stitches had torn and required re-sewing.

The elderly doctor, furious at Chen Yi's recklessness, grumbled as he worked, his hands perhaps deliberately heavy, causing Chen Yi to cry out in pain.

By the time Chen Yi returned to the ward, Deputy Minister Xing was still there, waiting.

Seeing Chen Yi, he offered apologies and reassurances. "This was a failure of our leadership. Rest assured, you will receive justice."

Chen Yi was baffled. He couldn't recall ever having dealt with someone of Deputy Minister Xing's rank. Why would such an important figure take such an interest in him, a mere fortune-teller?

"Comrade Chen, how do you know Zhao Xuetan? He seems to care about you greatly," Deputy Minister Xing finally asked after some pleasantries.

Zhao Xuetan? That square-faced, bearded man?

Chen Yi was momentarily stunned. From the minister's tone, it seemed his presence here was entirely due to that man. But Chen Yi barely knew him, having only used him to deal a blow to the Monkey Trio.

Still, Zhao Xuetan had helped him significantly. Without hesitation, Chen Yi recounted the events as they had occurred.

Deputy Minister Xing frowned slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, he smiled. "After reviewing this case, we've concluded that your actions were in self-defense under extreme circumstances. You bear no fault. The provincial department will even award you a certificate of honor."

Though he couldn't fathom Zhao Xuetan's motives, Xing had fulfilled the man's request, repaying a favor in kind.

After delivering this verbal commendation, Deputy Minister Xing didn't linger. He left with a few words of encouragement for Chen Yi to rest and continue contributing to the nation.