Chapter 21
The hospital after the disaster was like purgatory on earth.
The pungent stench of blood filled the air, and stretchers rushed by, carrying seriously injured patients beyond recognition.
Those who were in better condition could still manage weak wails, while others laid completely unconscious, their bodies torn apart, with missing limbs and flesh mangled.
To call the scene tragic would be an understatement.
As Liu Jin’an walked through the hospital, his ears were filled with groans of pain, confusion, and despair, while the faces of everyone around him clung to sorrow.
He lowered his head, and to his surprise, the soles of his shoes were stained with blood, leaving a trail of bloody footprints.
But no one noticed the blood on the floor, for there were large and small stains everywhere, trampled into countless bloody marks.
Even though he had braced himself for it, the horror before him, like something out of a nightmare, served as a stark wake-up call.
“How could this happen…” Zhang Yaoyao murmured, covering her mouth in disbelief.
She instinctively looked at Liu Jin’an. If it hadn’t been for him taking them to the underground parking lot beforehand, she would probably be laying here as well.
If, as Liu Jin’an had predicted, experts had foreseen the disaster, there wouldn’t have been such a high death toll.
She didn’t need to ask how Liu Jin’an knew the disaster was coming—she had received his favour and would forever remember this kindness.
“Xiao An, the situation is dire,” Zhang Yaoyao said after thinking for a moment. “Medical resources are stretched thin, and doctors will prioritize the critically injured. Those who aren’t in immediate danger may not receive treatment for a long time.”
Liu Jin’an understood the gravity of the situation.
By the time Xu Zhaoxin and Yang Shu were able to get treated, their injuries might be beyond help, and Yang Shu could even face permanent disability.
Unless he could first acquire a healing spiritual treasure.
Liu Jin’an handed over the food in his backpack to Zhang Yaoyao. “Sister Zhang, you stay here and help them. I’ll go outside to figure something out.”
Zhang Yaoyao trusted Liu Jin’an’s words, knowing if he said there was a way, then there would be one.
“Okay,” she nodded, “I’ll take care of them as best I can.”
Liu Jin’an thought for a moment before giving her one of the two guns he had. “Be careful. I’ll send Wang Mazi and the others to assist you when needed.”
In times of desperation, people could be driven to do anything.
What Liu Jin’an feared most was that some would take advantage of the chaos, especially those who had gained powers and were using them recklessly. He worried about Zhang Yaoyao and the others becoming targets.
Taking the gun, Zhang Yaoyao paused for a moment, then quickly stashed it in her backpack.
She watched Liu Jin’an’s retreating figure disappear into the crowd and couldn’t help but shake her head and laugh.
Despite being over a decade older than him, why did it feel like she was the one being protected by this young boy?
Her hand touched the urn buried deep in her backpack.
“You think he has a plan too, don’t you?”
.
Liu Jin’an drove back to the ruins of the hotel. Everyone had already left. Only the Hu family remained, along with Wang Mazi and his three brothers.
“An’an, I’ve distributed the material compensation to those who left, as you asked,” Hu Jianye said.
Seeing Liu Jin’an was the only one to return, he couldn’t help but ask, “Where’s Sister Zhang? How’s Brother Xu doing?”
Liu Jin’an told them about the situation in the hospital.
“It’s terrible!” Zhang Wenqian gasped.
“Natural disasters are ruthless!” Hu Deyi put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “If it weren’t for Boy An, we would’ve been done for, even if we didn’t die!”
At that moment, Wang Mazi became even more resolute. He gathered his brothers and approached Liu Jin’an.
“Boss, we’re willing to follow you, through mountains of swords and seas of fire. We’ll do anything you say!”
After giving a silent nod, the three brothers stepped forward in turn.
“I’m Zhao Tiezhu!”
“I’m Hei Xuanfeng!”
“I’m Huang Dabei!”
“Follow the boss to the death!”
Their voices were loud and full of energy.
Liu Jin’an: “…” He was so embarrassed that his toes almost dug into the ground.
“Ahem,” Liu Jin’an cleared his throat. “I am very happy that you are willing to stay. Follow me. I dare not say that you will have enough food and clothing, but as long as I have a bite to eat, you will not go hungry.”
He had never been the boss before. This was his first time, and he had no experience. But it was okay; he could make do.
Wang Mazi and the others were immediately moved to tears, and they all expressed their unwavering willingness to follow Liu Jin’an, through mountains of swords and seas of fire, ready to die for him.
Liu Jin’an nodded. “There is something you can help with right now. Sister Zhang is still at the hospital. Wang Mazi, can you take the brothers and look after her?”
Wang Mazi patted his chest with pride. “Leave it to us, and we will ensure the mission is completed!”
Liu Jin’an handed them the key to one of the three off-road vehicles. “There’s enough food in the trunk to last half a month. If Xu Zhaoxin and Yang Shu are still untreated after that time, bring them back. We’ll wait for you at the hotel.”
“Boss,” Black Tornado hesitated, “What if you’re not back after half a month?”
Wang Mazi slapped him on the forehead. “What nonsense are you talking? The boss will definitely be fine.”
Liu Jin’an smiled and patted them on the shoulders. “Be careful. If you get a chance, try to absorb some of that vermilion stone.”
The feeling of being the boss was new to Liu Jin’an—it seemed like he had to worry about everything. He was afraid that something might happen to the brothers he had just recognized, so he tried to arrange everything for them.
Still, as he sat in the driver’s seat, he couldn’t help but wonder: “Why did they suddenly recognize me as the boss?”
Hu Jianye chuckled. “Of course, it’s because of your charisma, An’an!”
Even Hu Deyi agreed, saying, “Boy An, they follow you because they admire you. If you were incapable, why would they follow you?”
Zhang Wenqian smiled and added, “You two, stop praising Xiao An. Aren’t you embarrassed when Xiao An’s right here?”
She pulled out a pack of wet wipes from the glove compartment and gently wiped the blood off Liu Jin’an’s clothes. “Our family An’an has grown up. Maybe you haven’t realized it yourself, but the sense of security you bring to everyone is exactly what we need in this kind of disaster.”
Liu Jin’an blinked in confusion, not fully understanding.
Zhang Wenqian smiled but didn’t elaborate. Instead, she asked for Hu Jianye’s backpack. When she opened it, it was filled with vermilion stones.
Liu Jin’an’s eyes widened. ‘This is gallium stone!’
He slammed on the brakes and found a safe spot to stop. “Old Hu, Uncle, Aunt, these stones can help people awaken and enhance their abilities.”
Hu Jianye, still processing, asked, “An’an, how do you know about these things?”
“Son, don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask,” Hu Deyi quickly covered Hu Jianye’s mouth, sharing a silent understanding with his wife. They had already decided: no matter what Liu Jin’an was involved in, if he didn’t tell them, they would never ask.
Liu Jin’an could tell that Uncle Hu and Aunt Zhang had sensed something, but they chose to place their trust in him. Just like when they had prepared a hearty meal for him without asking where it came from or expecting anything in return.
With their watchful eyes on him, Liu Jin’an picked up one of the vermilion stones and held it in his palm, closing his eyes to feel its energy.
A warm current flowed from his palm through his body. When he opened his eyes again, a strange book had appeared in front of everyone. It looked brighter than before, but nothing else seemed to change.
Liu Jin’an realized that his superpower had already awakened. The vermilion stone was absorbed into his body, slightly strengthening his physical abilities but not awakening any new powers.
The once-vibrant red colour of the stone faded away to a dull grey as the energy was consumed.
He felt the change in his body and confirmed his abilities had indeed improved. Then, he distributed the remaining stones to the three of them.
The three people mimicked him, each absorbing a stone in turn. Liu Jin’an watched them closely.
At first, their faces turned faintly red, and beads of sweat began to form on their foreheads. This signified that the energy in the stones was starting to transform their bodies.
Suddenly, Hu Deyi groaned, stumbling backward as he vomited blood. The vermilion stone rolled from his hand.