Chapter 2213 - 2414: Without Rules, Nothing Can Be Accomplished

"Brother Hao, you found out, huh?" Lin Dongyang asked this in surprise.

Hao Jian didn't elaborate much, just nodded and hummed to indicate he already knew about it. He then said, "Explain the situation to me."

Lin Dongyang hadn't mentioned it to Hao Jian previously simply because he didn't want to trouble him, he wanted to prove his own capability. After all, Hao Jian had handed most matters over to him. If he kept troubling Hao Jian, it would show him as incapable; Lin Dongyang didn't want his image to fall in Hao Jian's eyes.

Hence, he kept it to himself, pondering internally about what should be done next. However, since Hao Jian had now initiated the inquiry, hiding it further was futile; whatever Hao Jian asked, Lin Dongyang would divulge.

He paused briefly and then said, "Brother Hao, I didn't intentionally keep this from you; I just didn't want to trouble you, that's all."

Hao Jian nodded, saying, "I understand, go ahead with the explanation."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dongyang began to speak, "The other day, I had just left Baldy's place, so I wasn't at the scene. Shortly after leaving, I hadn't reached home yet when someone called me saying Baldy got attacked and was sent to the hospital. I rushed to the hospital, and that's when I learned the full incident."

"It turns out, shortly after I left, suddenly a group of people charged into Baldy's base. Since it's a base, only a few knew about it—those in the inner circle. Baldy saw the opposing party arriving with a large group and understood their ill intent. Unfortunately, before much was said, they started fighting Brother Baldy and his men," Lin Dongyang explained.

Taking a moment, he continued, "At that time, there weren't many with Brother Baldy. The opposing group had several times the number of men. To protect his brothers from harm, Baldy took charge in the front, but ended up being targeted and slashed, sustaining a chest wound though luckily not fatal. Brother Baldy is still lying in the hospital."

"Once they saw Brother Baldy go down, they stopped, and their leader arrogantly declared that from then on, Yun City's streets would be theirs to control. After he said this, they left. When I arrived, Brother Baldy was already rushed to the hospital," Lin Dongyang narrated.

"That's how it went down. That group was too audacious, slashing Brother Baldy multiple times. He's still lying in the hospital bed. Initially, the brothers were agitated, suggesting we should retaliate at their base, but Brother Baldy stopped us, saying we should wait until he's better to act together. We've been gathering resources, waiting for Brother Baldy to recover before making a move… Brother Hao, what do you think…" Lin Dongyang stopped there, and Hao Jian's brow furrowed slightly. He said, "Alright, I understand now; you head back first. Don't attend evening lessons; come with me to look for Baldy."

Hearing this, Lin Dongyang was a bit taken aback. He didn't want to trouble Hao Jian over such a small matter, but since Hao Jian had already learned of it and said he'd go, there was no other option but to follow Hao Jian's lead as he always did. He nodded promptly, saying, "Sure, Brother Hao."

Hao Jian raised his hand, saying, "Alright, off you go."

Lin Dongyang then said, "Brother Hao, I'll be going then," and turned to re-enter the classroom, resuming his studies. His recent study progress was disrupted by these events, so he needed to make use of the after-class time to catch up; otherwise, he'd fall behind his classmates.

And so, with Lin Dongyang gone, Hao Jian turned to walk back to his spot in class. With his own plan in mind, having been unaware of the matter before but now knowing it, he thought it unacceptable for this matter to simply be closed. If it concerned others, perhaps, but the victim was Baldy, who still lay in the hospital with significant injuries, so this wasn't something to be easily dismissed.

As the saying goes, even pets require respect for their owner. Not to mention his relationship with Baldy, Baldy nevertheless obeyed him. Hence, this matter isn't concluded.

Though he agreed to some things with He Yingzi, these personal vendettas must be addressed first. Since outsiders harmed Baldy, vengeance for him must be exacted, or how would he continue having them protect Liang Xiaohan?

For benefits to be had, he must ensure benefits are given. Therefore, with Baldy injured and hospitalized, he needs to ensure the assailant ends up in a hospital bed too.

In a matter of minutes, from Lin Dongyang's classroom to his own, he had completed his plan in his mind. Sitting silently at his desk, his thoughts continued processing it.

Had it not been for He Yingzi abruptly arriving today, he wouldn't have known, and he'd continue classes with Liang Xiaohan, planning on returning to Hua City after the class outing.

Unconsciously, he finished the afternoon classes. As soon as class ended, Lin Dongyang waited at his classroom door. He briefly instructed Liang Xiaohan to divert Li Weiwei if she came looking, then left.

"Let's go," Hao Jian said.

And with that, he took Lin Dongyang out of the school building. With security guards posted at the school gate, they couldn't exit through it, so Hao Jian and Lin Dongyang went to a corner of the playground to climb over the wall. Once outside, they hailed a taxi; Lin Dongyang, knowing the hospital, directed the driver, and soon after, they arrived at the hospital.

Exiting the taxi, Lin Dongyang led the way towards Baldy's ward. As they moved up floors and reached the ward area, they saw two individuals stationed at the ward entrance and several seated in the hallway chairs—all Baldy's underlings.

Upon seeing Hao Jian and Lin Dongyang, they promptly rose and greeted, "Brother Hao."

Hao Jian didn't speak, merely nodding to indicate they could sit down and continue on. Meanwhile, Lin Dongyang gestured to the door sentries, who then cautiously opened the door, allowing Lin Dongyang to follow Hao Jian inside.

Baldy had sustained several knife wounds; evidently, the attackers weren't out for his life, just aiming to teach him a lesson. Although his initial condition was critical upon arrival, he managed to stabilize relatively quickly, needing only hospitalization and recovery.

At present, Baldy lay in bed, surrounded by several of his trusted subordinates. He seemed to be advising them about something, possibly educating them. Spotting Hao Jian and Lin Dongyang coming in, Baldy's face momentarily showed surprise.

"Brother Hao!" Baldy exclaimed, beginning to rise.

Just then, Hao Jian reached his side, gently holding him down, indicating he shouldn't get up, "You're still hurt; lie down and recover."

"Alright!" Baldy nodded in agreement, yet curiously asked, "Brother Hao, what brings you here?"

Hao Jian raised an eyebrow, "Why, shouldn't I be here?"

Baldy laughed, "Of course, you should. I'm just puzzled how you found out; I told them not to inform you."

While saying this, Baldy glanced at his companions, as if questioning who might have told Hao Jian. Hao Jian chuckled, "I only learned by chance, yet for such events, you chose not to inform me? Attempting to keep it from me?"

Baldy fiddled with his head, saying, "It's just that I didn't want to hassle you for these small matters; we can manage them ourselves without bothering you. Focus on your studies."

Hao Jian raised an eyebrow, eyeing Baldy's wound. Sensing the unspoken reprimand, Baldy sheepishly scratched his head.

"Alright, focus on healing," Hao Jian's gaze suddenly sharpened, "I'll take revenge for you!"

"Detail what happened that day!" Hao Jian demanded.

Baldy sighed, recounting the day's incident in detail to Hao Jian. His version matched mostly with Lin Dongyang's—just more thorough. After listening, Hao Jian's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"Do you know where that group is located?" Hao Jian inquired.

Baldy rubbed his head, replying, "Yes, they're from a neighboring city. Although why they suddenly came over isn't clear, it's likely they're in the old city now. There, you'll find them for sure."

In the underworld, the general rule was not to intrude on others' territories. Manage your own turf and stay put, don't wander off. Their sudden incursion from neighboring city crosses lines.

Yet in this world, possessing strength equates authority. As much damage as they caused, they broke the rules first, leaving you with little recourse.

Yun City's economy contrasted with Hua City's; being a later bloomer.

Yawen School and Hao Jian's current stay were in the new city district, beside the more neglected old city district.