Because I Cannot Hurt You

"What is happening here?" Yunru asked as he walked to the assembled crowd.

One of the senior officers, Xu Hui, had a worried expression on his face. He glanced at Yunru and smiled. "Glad to meet you, Officer Soo Yunru."

"Pleasure is mine, Chief Xu."

Chief Xu Hui was the Chief of officers in charge of the Jilin region in Northeast China.

Sun Zihao, a young officer in his thirties, said, "Indeed. I have heard a lot about officer Soo Yunru. He is the best of all in Beijing."

"You flatter me officer Sun Zihao," Yunru said. "You all seem a little worried for some reason. What is the problem?"

Bai Guiren, of Sichuan's region in Southwest China, sighed. "It's the Head of China's Intelligence Services, Yin Liu, who is in charge of addressing the conference today. He had to be hospitalized today."

"Why so?"

"It was the day before yesterday. He had his dinner and then an hour later, he started complaining about a severe stomach ache. He was in a really pale condition. So his assistant chief officer here, Luo Jiang, gave him some quick medication."

Luo Jiang said in a panic, "I thought things would be normal by the next morning, but he was still weak. We couldn't cancel the conference because all the cops nationwide had already gathered in Shanghai. It would be too much of a hassle if we sent everybody away and then call you all back a few days later. Head Yin suggested that we postpone it to today. He was sure that he would be all better. But then around afternoon, his condition grew worse and we had to admit him to the hospital."

Yunru remembered that he faintly heard some cops talking about Yin Liu. But he didn't expect that the situation would be this serious.

He tilted his head and seemed to be in deep thought.

Sun Zihao said, "Now, the question is who will address the conference?"

Chief Xu Hui seemed grim. "He is an important figure and a symbol of justice in China. Who would give the speech if not for him?"

Bai Guiren suggested, "I think Chief Xu could do it. After Head Yin, it would be more appropriate if one of the senior officers addressed the conference."

All the officers nodded. Sun Zihao glanced at Yunru. "What do you think?"

"Fine by me."

There was no other choice so they settled for it. Chief Xu Hui combed his hair in frustration. "Ah this is difficult."

Bai Guiren laughed. "We have faith in you, Chief Xu. You will deliver an awesome speech."

"Well, Officer Luo Jiang. I would need your assistance. You are Head Yin's closest aid, so you know what speech he must have gotten ready."

He nodded. "I will fetch it for you at once."

Luo Jiang hurriedly went away. 

"Wait a minute," he saw Yunru walking towards him.

"Officer Luo, I have an important thing to say to you."

He looked at him, puzzled. "Is something bothering you, Officer Soo?"

"Who is guarding Head Yin at the hospital?"

"Nobody as of yet," he shook his head. "Why do you ask this?"

"I just think you should quickly station a few guards outside his ward. There is a threat to his life."

He widened his eyes and looked at him, dumbfounded. "What!? A threat? But there is no basis for this. It won't just come out of nowhere."

Yunru smiled. "It didn't. There is this conference today. It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me that he got so severely sick during this conference's time."

He was stumped for a moment, but then his expression turned grim. "This…"

"As Chief Xu said, Head Yin Liu is like a symbol of justice. His collapse at such a crucial time doesn't feel right to me. That's why along with Head Lin, we need more eyes in this conference too. We have to strictly monitor who is coming in and going out of this venue. Just as a precaution to be on a safer side."

He immediately nodded. "I will do that. But it's really a shock. There were no signs of any threat and Hear Yin didn't feel so either."

"Attacks always come by surprise, Officer Luo. That's their nature. Also, I have a friend who is the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. I have asked him to contact the best doctor for Head Lin's treatment. If there is some hidden motive behind his sudden sickness, then we need to get him recovered as soon as possible. My friend said that he would send the doctor as soon as possible."

He beamed. "That's great, Officer Soo. I will make the arrangements right away."

Yunru smiled. "Thanks."

---

Zizi was exasperated. "You are finally back. What took you so long?" She pouted.

Yunru said as he took a seat beside her chair. "The head of Intelligence Services, Yin Liu, suddenly fell sick and was hospitalized. He was going to address the conference tonight, so we were discussing who should take his place."

"Can they not cancel it?"

"It would be troublesome."

"I see."

The conference started fifteen minutes later and Xu Hui, as decided, came upon the stage. "Apologies to all fellow officers but due to some medical emergency, Head Yin Lui is unable to address this conference. Hence, I am taking his place with the help of his assistant, Luo Jiang."

The other officers whispered amongst themselves.

He started the presentation. "Let's start with the current crime rate in China that has overall reduced by a good thirty percent as compared to last year. It's all because of our able officers working so hard to protect all the citizens. This improvement is especially seen in fewer crimes against women in Beijing…"

Chief Xu Hui continued and discussed various methods they could adopt to ensure peace and safety in society. He also praised the unit's exemplary performance in some regions where the crime rates had drastically reduced.

"This is all from my side. Does anybody have any questions or suggestions? Please feel free to ask. We aim to discuss policies beneficial for the general public to promote a safe environment," He seriously said.

There was silence for some time as other officers discussed and talked amongst themselves. 

Suddenly, a voice echoed in the hall as a hand raised in the air. "I have something to say."

Yunru froze and mechanically turned his head to see Zizi, raising her hand and realizing that it was she who had spoken.

P-Princess?