Fangfang studied medicine, so she naturally understood that the healing time for a broken arm usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks. For fractures of the forearm and humerus, removing internal fixation devices generally requires 1.5 to 2 years, with quicker healing taking 4 to 5 months post-surgery.
Pointing at the X-ray, Wang Zhi continued, "Look, what's even stranger is that the X-ray shows two deep knife marks on the metal plate we implanted. What's going on?"
Fangfang deflected the question, "Is there anything else strange?"
Wang Zhi replied, "Yes, where did the scar on your arm go?"
Alei joked casually, "I don't know either. Maybe the material quality was faulty?"
Wang Zhi, irritated, retorted, "Nonsense! I know you're hyperactive by nature, but I specifically used imported titanium alloy. How could it be faulty? Alei might not understand, but surely you do, Fangfang?"
Fangfang quickly placated him, "Alei doesn't know much about medicine, he just speaks off the cuff. Don't take him seriously."
Wang Zhi, still displeased, said, "Even if he doesn't know, he shouldn't just say whatever he wants. How bad does that sound? If word gets out, it could ruin the hospital's reputation. We're all old acquaintances, why would I deceive you? Director Li even waived your hospital fees."
Fangfang grinned, "Dr. Wang, you're really kind-hearted. Once the surgery is done, we'll definitely treat you to a meal."
Alei probed, "We should invite Director Li too. Is he at the hospital?"
Wang Zhi casually responded, "Director Li was invited to give a lecture out of town recently. I've been swamped, barely any time for meals, so you don't need to worry about treating me."
Relieved, Alei returned to the main topic, "I've been feeling uncomfortable with the metal plate inside. Can we schedule the surgery to remove it right away?"
Wang Zhi answered, "That's a rejection reaction. Of course, you're uncomfortable with a foreign object inside. I can arrange for the surgery immediately."
True to his word, Wang Zhi swiftly scheduled the surgery for the next morning, and it was a success.
That afternoon, Alei insisted on being discharged and going home.
This infuriated Fangfang, who repeatedly explained that postoperative care required several days of intravenous anti-inflammatory treatment.
Alei, aware that this was Director Li's private hospital, had been cautious ever since he caught sight of Li holding a bloody organ in the basement of a luxury villa—a scene that left a deep impression on him. Had he not confirmed that Li was out of town, he wouldn't have dared undergo surgery at this hospital.
As he and Fangfang were still arguing, the door to the room suddenly opened, and in walked Director Li and Wang Zhi.
Alei was startled. How did this guy come back?
"Alei, as soon as I returned to the hospital, Dr. Wang told me you were here, so I rushed over."
Alei, looking dazed and at a loss, responded, "Thank you, thank you."
"You're welcome. You don't remember me?" Director Li asked.
Alei, helpless, shook his head. "I can't recall, sorry."
Director Li hinted, "After Elder Kong's cremation, we met on the hillside. It was Wang Zhi who introduced us. Do you remember?"
Alei remained silent, feigning deep thought.
Wang Zhi, anxious, explained, "Alei had a severe concussion. It's normal for him to forget some things. He needs time to recover."
Director Li nodded and continued, "It's okay if you don't remember. But I know you were Elder Kong's prized disciple, so you're my honored guest."
He then turned to Wang Zhi and scolded, "Didn't I tell you to inform me immediately if Alei came to the hospital? I wanted to perform his surgery myself."
Alei's heart sank, thinking, "If you were here, I'd have left long ago."
Wang Zhi quickly defended himself, "You were out lecturing, and I had to manage everything at the hospital, so I forgot this minor surgery. I took care of it, and you're still not happy?"
"Alright, alright, I don't blame you," Director Li reassured.
He then lifted Alei's arm, pretending to examine it.
Fangfang chimed in, "Just now, Alei said he wanted to be discharged and go home."
Director Li was shocked, "How can that be? You need to complete the IV antibiotics and observation process."
"Are you worried about money? I told you before, you don't have to pay a penny. Did you forget?"
Alei continued to feign ignorance, "I don't remember. Dr. Wang just told me the same thing."
"Really?"
Director Li asked suspiciously, then declared, "From now on, everything you eat and drink here will be on me. I'll make sure it's all taken care of. Don't worry."
"Fangfang, come with me. Let's go to the cafeteria together and make sure everything is arranged."
With that, they left the room.
The room fell silent.
Only Alei, Misheng, and Mile remained.
Alei instructed Misheng to close the door, beckoned them closer, and whispered instructions.
Both of them looked confused and wanted to ask more questions.
Alei urgently commanded, "This place is dangerous. Someone might be trying to harm me!"
"How dare they!" Mile growled. "Even the Buddha punishes evil. If anyone lays a finger on you, I'll destroy them."
Alei nodded. "This is their territory. We don't know the lay of the land, so I'm asking you to be extra vigilant."
Misheng said, "Don't worry, Alei. Worst case, we'll leave tonight and return to Leiyin Temple." With that, he went out to purchase supplies as Alei had instructed.
Mile began to inspect the hospital room and its surroundings.
Alei opened his bag to check the homemade electric shock device.
Before long, Fangfang returned, brimming with excitement, holding a newspaper. "Everything's arranged. Our Director Li is really famous, and he's a philanthropist too. Look at this newspaper."
Alei glanced at it and saw Director Li's prominent photo.
Scanning the headline, it read, "Top Ten Outstanding Entrepreneurs of the City—Li Shiren," detailing his numerous good deeds, including charitable donations, free lectures, and the training of many medical experts.
Fangfang noticed a faint smile on Alei's face and asked, "What do you mean by that? Don't you believe it?"
Alei looked up and replied flatly, "Did I say anything?"
"You have a look of disdain. Do you think I can't tell? After all he's done for you, you still doubt him and don't appreciate it?"
"I didn't say anything. What are you blabbering about?"
"I can tell you're full of thoughts. Ever since you came to the hospital, you've been acting strangely. You had a concussion and amnesia, yet you remember everything from our childhood. So why did you play dumb in front of Director Li and his wife?"
"I really can't remember a lot of things. What do you want me to do? Dr. Wang said it's partial amnesia," Alei retorted impatiently.
"I'm a top student in medical school, with some expertise in psychology. You can't fool me, and you certainly can't fool Director Li, an expert in his field."
Alei, growing frustrated, asked, "Oh, so you're so smart? Then do you know what I'm thinking right now?"