With a determined spirit, Lin Beifan offered his wish: "I wish to feel nervous and energized!"
"Ding! Wish granted!" came the reply.
As Lin Beifan experienced a sudden shift in his sensations, even the gentlest breeze felt slightly prickly against his skin.
Meanwhile, in the hospital ward, Zhao Shiming retrieved a long and thick silver needle from his kit and held it over a flame to sterilize it.
"Junior brother, bear with me for a moment; it'll be over soon," Zhao Shiming reassured.
The protagonist Xiao Chen's expression turned pale. "Senior brother, isn't that needle too large? Can't you use a smaller one?"
"Junior brother, I've tried everything," Zhao Shiming explained helplessly. "Your skin is incredibly tough—all the thinner needles broke when I attempted to pierce it. This is the only option left."
Xiao Chen contemplated the situation and reluctantly agreed. "Senior brother, proceed with caution."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful," Zhao Shiming assured him.
With both parties prepared, they proceeded with the procedure.
With precision, Zhao Shiming positioned the sterilized large silver needle against Xiao Chen's chest, lightly applying pressure to locate the correct spot. After taking a deep breath, he swiftly thrust the needle with force.
To their astonishment, the insertion went smoothly, akin to a hot knife slicing through butter. The silver needle plunged into Xiao Chen's chest, penetrating seven or eight centimeters deep, nearly piercing through to the other side.
The intensified sensation caused by Lin Beifan's wish made the pain excruciating, sending searing waves of agony straight to Xiao Chen's brain. His eyes widened in shock and he let out a piercing howl of pain.
"AHHHH"
"What's happening?!" Lin Beifan exclaimed as he rushed into the room, followed by a flurry of medical staff.
The doctor, clearly alarmed by the commotion, demanded answers from Zhao Shiming. "Who are you? What are you doing?" he barked.
Panicked, Zhao Shiming stuttered, "I am... I am saving people..."
The doctor's tone turned accusatory. "Saving people? Using such a thick and long needle to pierce someone's chest, causing them to scream in agony—how can you claim you're saving them? You're clearly killing them!"
Terror-stricken, Zhao Shiming pleaded, "It's a misunderstanding... I didn't kill him... I am his senior brother, how could I harm him? I'm saving him... I'm truly saving him..."
The doctor's scolding was relentless: "Do you call this saving people? Enough of your nonsense! Get ready to explain everything to the police! Nurse Li, hurry up and call them! And get someone to restrain this murderer and make sure he doesn't escape!"
"Yes, Dr. Liu!" A young nurse hurried out of the room to make the necessary calls.
"Don't go! I didn't harm anyone..." Zhao Shiming's protests fell on deaf ears as the situation escalated.
Stepping forward, Lin Beifan positioned himself between Zhao Shiming and the medical staff, his tone firm: "Dr. Zhao, I strongly suggest you remain still and refrain from any unnecessary resistance. Otherwise, I will have to resort to defending myself within the bounds of the law."
With the tension rising and the suspicion of murder looming, the police arrived promptly and swiftly took control of Zhao Shiming.
As a key witness, Lin Beifan cooperated fully with the authorities, providing his statement.
"Mr. Lin, that will be all for your statement today. We appreciate your cooperation and if we need anything further, we'll be in touch."
Lin Beifan affirmed with conviction, "It's every citizen's duty to assist law enforcement. Should you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me. I will be at your disposal."
"Thank you, Mr. Lin. Citizens like you make our job easier," the officer expressed his gratitude.
"Haha, the police and the people are working together as a family!" Lin Beifan remarked with a chuckle.
After recording his statement, Lin Beifan returned to the ward and inquired about his friend's condition with concern.
The doctor responded solemnly, "At the time, the silver needle was inserted into the chest, reaching a depth of about 8 centimeters, and almost pierced the heart! Fortunately, he was lucky, and it ended up in the gap next to the heart, causing only minor bleeding. The injury is not serious, but we will continue to monitor him in the hospital."
Lin Beifan felt a sense of regret but remained sincere in his commitment to his friend's recovery. "Doctor, you are right. He needs to stay in the hospital for observation, no matter the cost. I will ensure he receives the necessary treatment. Please, do everything you can to help him."
"You, a person you don't even know, can take care of others. They are still brothers, but they are so vicious! I still can't figure out why!" The doctor sighed deeply, expressing his bewilderment at the situation.
"I can't figure out why, I can only say that human nature is complicated!" Lin Beifan responded with a shake of his head, acknowledging the complexity of human behavior.
"Human nature is really complicated sometimes, and it's even very dark! Forget it, let's not talk about it, it's too sad to talk about it!" Lin Beifan suggested, preferring to avoid dwelling on the darkness of human nature.
Then, after a few more words exchanged between Lin Beifan and the doctor, the doctor left the room.
Lin Beifan lowered his head, meeting the gaze of the injured protagonist Xiao Chen, and made a solemn promise: "Brother, don't worry. I will seek justice for you, and I will ensure the murderer doesn't escape punishment."
Struggling to raise his hand, Xiao Chen pleaded, "Let... let go of my senior brother!"
Frowning, Lin Beifan replied, "Brother, even at this moment, you still defend your brother? You treat others as brothers, but they just want to kill you! Forget it, don't exert yourself. Rest well, I'll come back another day to check on you."
As the door closed, Xiao Chen closed his eyes in despair.