The Rise of the White Lotus

Just like they had planned, Ethan Lu and Lexi drove towards the main branch of Jin Medical Group where Morris Liu was transferred last night to recover. However, the entrance of the said establishment was filled with reporters that seemed like they camped outside of the building just to get their scoop. 

Well, the news was all over the news now as Morris Liu, the CEO of Liu Empire was shot— arising some speculations and public interest especially in the businessworld. Not to mention, the always peaceful city of country Y that was known for its tight security and low crime rate. Therefore, an important figure of the economy being ambushed alarmed the law officials— making things more complicated. 

"These people… jeez! Can't they give him some slack? Brother Mo was shot for f*ck's sake!" Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu grumbled upon seeing numerous reporters almost blocking their car to enter the prestigious hospital. 

Fortunately, the Jin Medical Group foreseen this coming, thus, the reporters could only wait outside of the driveway of the establishment with guards securing the entrance. Still, it was hard to enter without people taking a peek at who were the people inside the car. Luckily, Ethan Lu's car was tinted and was hard to see the people inside. 

"They're just doing their jobs— let's enter via the hospital's backdoor." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi remembered how these reporters hounded her when her scandal broke out. It was still a miracle that she managed to get home back then to ensue her suicide attempt. 

These people were always like this; they don't care what the involved parties feelings and squeeze whatever information they could to share to the world. 

"Tsk," Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue once again but said no words again. After great effort, their car finally passed through the crowd and after entering the hospital's establishment, their short drive was smooth sailing. 

Just as instructed, Ethan Lu didn't stop at the main entrance of the hospital but headed straight away to the parking space. Since this hospital was reliable to its patients and their visitor's privacy— Lexi and Ethan Lu were at ease. 

Unbuckling his seatbelt before helping with hers, Ethan Lu gently reached for her hand that made her turn her head to him. 

"He'll be fine." In his most sincere tone, Ethan Lu reassured Lexi. Despite his jealousy earlier this morning, Ethan Lu wanted her not to worry so much. After all, Morris Liu was now in a state of a coma that made him anxious as well. 

Lexi subtly smiled knowing what he desires and fears. She slightly nodded her head as she placed her other hand on top of his hand. "I know… he will wake up."

She was thankful that Ethan Lu's understanding grew more vast. Lexi was certain that he was just as worried as her— they were brothers after all. 

Just then, Ethan Lu's phone vibrated inside his pocket suit that snapped him back to reality. 

"I will go first— answer the call, it might be important." Smiling, Lexi instructed as Ethan Lu moved all of his morning schedule for later. Hence, she knew that Ethan Lu must tend to them. Also, she's certain that there wouldn't be any problem inside the establishment. 

"Alright… I will follow you after this call." Reluctantly nodding in agreement, Ethan Lu slightly frowned as he wanted to escort her to Morris Liu's room. Alas, when he saw who was calling, he should answer it. 

"Okay, see you later." Seeing the reluctance in his eyes, Lexi leaned forward and placed a soft peck on his thin lips. 

"Don't open the door for me— I can manage." With that said note, Lexi giggled guessing what's inside his mind. Glancing at his frowning front for the last time, Lexi shook her head with the corner of her lips curled upwards. 

When Lexi left the car, his gaze followed her figure as it walked until she reached the back entrance to the hospital. He didn't answer the incoming call just yet until Lexi entered the establishment and he could no longer see her. 

His phone stopped vibrating, leaving a missed call notification on his phone. Without further ado, Ethan Lu returned the call of Lyrick Jiang. Even before the sound rings, the call was instantly answered— connecting immediately on the line. 

"Young Master, I got the reports— only a few people involved in the shooting were caught by Mr. Yu's men— the rest got away." Firm and serious, Lyrick Jiang didn't go through unnecessary pleasantries and reported right away. 

"So, did you find the rest?" Tapping on his steering wheel, Ethan Lu's aura gradually changed and a dangerous aura glint flashed across his eyes. 

"Yes. Just like what young master concluded— a few people attempted to give Mr. Liu the final blow. But, due to tight security, the very few people left decided to retreat. Our team followed them and found their hideout. Currently, everyone was being held inside their quarters by our team." Lyrick Jiang serially reported the detailed summary of last night's event. 

Still, although Ethan Lu's insight was accurate, something inside him felt their plan went without any problems. Hence, he could not help but overthink. 

"Send me the location. Make sure none of them will be able to take their own life. I will surrender them to Chris— let the authorities handle it." 

"Yes, young master." With that said remarks, Ethan Lu ended the call and speed-dialed Chris Yu's personal number to relay his news. After all, he didn't want to talk about it personally especially with every important person that he cared about would be around them. 

"Chris, are you still inside?" 

"Yeah…" Chris Yu's voice lacked energy as he stayed up all night last night guarding Morris Liu. 

"You should rest— I will send you the location of their hideout— Lyrick found them. Send your friends to restrain them for interrogations." His voice was blank as he relayed his message. Ethan Lu just didn't want his anger towards Kong Shuren's men to overwhelm him. He could not do that or else, he might give out orders he would regret in the future. Also, he needed to keep his head clear under any circumstances. 

"Aye, thanks." Heaving a sigh of relief, Chris Yu was glad that Ethan Lu's position at this moment had been a great help. At least, he could finally be at ease and get some sleep now. 

"Chris…" After some time, Ethan Lu didn't ended the call and remained silent for a minute. 

"Oh?" Raising his brows, Chris Yu thought for a second that Ethan Lu hung up already. His mind wasn't properly working hence, his awareness depleted enormously— only the automatic program to watch suspicious people around the floor was implanted on his mind right now. 

"Prevent them from dragging the Liu Empire's name into all of the illegal activities of Kong Shuren or even say he knew Kong Shuren all this time— that's my only request from you." Without further ado, Ethan Lu demanded as he leaned his back against the driver's seat; His fingers still tapping the steering wheel with a consistent motion as he remained calm.  

"Huh? But that's impossible— brother Mo already knew that's inevitable especially if there's a proper investigation." Surprised, Chris Yu knitted his brows by Ethan Lu's unexpected request. He's a businessman, isn't he? Thus, Ethan Lu should have known that what he was asking would be difficult. 

"I don't care— I trust you with this one. Also, I only want to know how many more people are after brother Mo and Lexi from those people. I hope your friends can do that at least." With that, Ethan Lu unhesitantly ended the call— not giving his friend Chris Yu to retort back. 

"What a complicated situation…" Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu tilted his head back to rest his slightly throbbing head. 

In his perspective as a friend, he could not let Morris Liu get more problems when he wakes up. It would be better to keep his secret to them and not let the world to know it. If he remained tight-lipped about it, then, even if the authorities would conduct an investigation, Ethan Lu could orchestrate a diversion. 

Secondly, as a business partner, having the Liu Empire going down, it would affect the Lu family and his own small company one way or another. Hence, he would not let that happen— a businessman owing a debt way to return the favor Morris Liu give him in Ethan Lu's lowest time of his life. 

Lastly, as Lexi's lover, he could not let her worry so much. Ethan Lu would be lying if he said he wasn't bothered about the fact that Lexi would find out the truth. However, he trusted that she would remain by his side and not waver. Regardless, if it would worry her then, he'll do his best not to let that happen. 

At the end of the day, Ethan Lu might break several laws by hiding the truth. Still, it would be a win-win situation for both of them. As long as they would know how many more people are after Lexi and Morris Liu— it would be easier for him to track them all down.