The villa had just been renovated. Originally designed as a wine cellar and home theater, the basement had been hastily transformed into a small medical camp two months ago.

It was equipped with advanced medical instruments, comparable in function to the ICU of the top military hospitals in the Federation.

At the outset of the renovation, Mo Xin hoped it would never be needed, but the results proved that his plans were not foolproof.

Liang Qiuchi lay there, his chest wrapped in layers of gauze, barely showing any movement. Only a thin layer of mist covered his oxygen mask, indicating that he was still alive.

Mo Xin had never seen Liang Qiuchi so weak.

In his memory, Liang Qiuchi had always been full of vigor.

“Who fired the shot?” Mo Xin’s gaze, separated by a layer of glass, stubbornly stuck to Liang Qiuchi’s face.

Vincent handed him a bullet stained with blood. “According to the bullet’s serial number, it’s been entered into the law enforcement system. It seems the personnel escorting him were privately ordered to shoot if any accidents occurred.”

Mo Xin’s rescue plan had considered this possibility and deliberately arranged for personnel to accompany the escort vehicle.

“They probably couldn’t control the situation immediately, which led to Mr. Liang getting shot,” Vincent speculated, lowering his head in self-blame, “it’s my fault for the oversight.”

Mo Xin finally gave him a glance. “Clean up the scene and make sure there are no mistakes in the DNA identification.”

Aware of the seriousness of the situation, Vincent immediately went to the scene of the firefight to handle the aftermath, and personally delivered the DNA samples that had long been prepared to the laboratory.

Three senior experts worked overnight to identify the results. After repeated cross-verification, the report was finally submitted to the Cabinet. However, Reinis did not accept the report.

“Liang Qiuchi has been an A-list wanted criminal of the Federation for eight years, tough and cunning, with a group of elite followers. If this was indeed a rescue operation planned by the Lugo armed forces, I don’t believe he would just die so easily. Until the truth is revealed, we cannot overlook any possibility.”

Reinis proposed immediately sealing off the stations, airports, and ports of San Lorenzo and conducting a comprehensive investigation of suspicious individuals.

However, another faction of officials, led by Chellensee, considered this approach too aggressive and likely to cause public panic.

Furthermore, the fact that a fully armed prisoner could still escape was simply a huge joke. Not to mention the extremely low probability of Liang Qiuchi surviving.

It was unnecessary to jeopardize the credibility of the entire Federation for such a slim possibility.

Unable to reach a consensus, the Vice President, after careful consideration, decided to hand the matter over to the Security Bureau for investigation. Both Reinis and Mo Xin, as the direct supervisors of the escort mission, were required to temporarily suspend their duties and undergo investigation.

“General Mo, I hope you understand that this decision is not targeted at you; it’s just a necessary procedure.” After the meeting, the Vice President specifically stopped Mo Xin, the acting director who was about to be suspended shortly after taking office.

Mo Xin responded calmly, “Understood. I will cooperate with the investigation.”

The Vice President nodded appreciatively at this young man who rarely smiled or joked.

“You’ve been on the front lines for the past few years, without time to enjoy life. Why not take this opportunity to relax a bit? Consider it a break for yourself,” he said warmly, patting Mo Xin’s shoulder, “but don’t overdo it. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the work of the Security Bureau. Once this case is over, you’ll have to go back and take charge again.”

Mo Xin agreed outwardly, but he had other plans in mind.

He intended to use this time to nurse Liang Qiuchi back to health and, when the opportunity arose, resign from his position and flee with Liang Qiuchi.

However, Liang Qiuchi’s injuries were too severe, and several days had passed with no sign of him waking up.

Amidst Mo Xin’s worries, he occasionally would think: It’s okay if he doesn’t wake up. Although lying in bed all the time might feel stifling, it’s the only way to keep Liang Qiuchi safe.

After all, it’s Liang Qiuchi’s own fault for hiding so deeply and making it so difficult to find him for eight years.

“Let’s see how you’ll push me away this time.”

Mo Xin held a razor and meticulously shaved off the stubble on Liang Qiuchi’s chin.

At that moment, Vincent knocked on the door to report that an important guest had arrived. Mo Xin paused, and the sharp blade of the razor left a thin, blood-red line on Liang Qiuchi’s jaw.

Mo Xin wiped away the blood and gently patted the handsome face before heading to the reception room on the ground floor. However, he encountered the “important guest” at the stairs.

“Ge.” Mo Xin’s tone was respectful yet distant.

Mo Qi stood on the steps, looking down at him with a smile. “I happened to be nearby and decided to drop by to see you.”

Mo Xin nodded.

“What are you doing down here?” Mo Qi asked casually. “Since we rarely meet, let’s have a drink.” With that, he tried to bypass Mo Xin and head towards the basement. “It’s a good opportunity for me to see what you have in your wine cellar.”

Mo Xin stepped aside, blocking Mo Qi, and calmly said, “I just moved in, so it’s not arranged down there yet.” He instructed Vincent to prepare some wine and then gestured behind Mo Qi. “The reception room is on the left.”

“Old-fashioned as always, even when having a drink with your big brother.”

Mo Qi teased, but he didn’t insist on going downstairs. Instead, he turned around and gracefully entered the adjacent reception room. He took a stroll around the room before finally sitting down on the single sofa by the window.

“The decoration is quite nice. Are you comfortable living here?”

“What’s the matter, ge?” Mo Xin skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

“Am I not allowed to visit my little brother if there’s no reason?” Mo Qi unbuttoned his suit jacket and gestured for Mo Xin to sit.

Mo Xin didn’t move.

Mo Qi showed a helpless smile. “You.” He sighed and explained his purpose, “Dad heard about your suspension and was worried, so he asked me to come and check on you.”

Mo Xin “Hmm”ed. “I’ll call him later.”

“That’s good. Dad has always been concerned about you.” Mo Qi played with his wine glass, looking somewhat casual. “On another note, this suspension is quite good. Stay out of Liang Qiuchi’s affairs. In this regard, that old man Reinis isn’t as smart as you.”

Mo Xin asked, “He hasn’t given up yet?”

“Liang Qiuchi killed his beloved youngest son. If it were me, I wouldn’t accept it either.” Mo Qi smiled wryly. “Even if Liang Qiuchi didn’t manage to escape, we still need to sift through his ashes and teeth from that pile of debris to make sure he’s truly dead.”

Mo Xin frowned slightly but remained silent.

“Of course, Reinis doesn’t dare to openly defy the order of suspension, but he has sent a small group of people to secretly hunt.” Mo Qi’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm. “It seems that the federal government’s call for unity and sincerity is ultimately not believed by anyone.”

Mo Xin wasn’t surprised to hear him say this—his older brother had always been dissatisfied with the federal government.

“Also, Dad is going to participate in the next presidential election. Take advantage of your vacation time to show up more. Setting aside your military merits, just your handsome face alone can bring Dad a lot of votes.”

Mo Qi finished his drink in one gulp, frowned, “This wine is disappointing. Hurry up and tidy up the wine cellar. I’ll send you a few bottles of good wine in a couple of days.”

He got up to leave but turned back at the door to remind Mo Xin, “Remember to call Dad.”

Mo Xin opened his phone, and the news that had just been pushed jumped into view—State Governor Mo Zhenghong announced his candidacy for federal president.

He hadn’t read it in detail yet, when Vincent hurriedly ran in, “General! Mr. Liang is awake!”

Mo Xin immediately rushed to the basement, but suddenly stopped at the door of the ward. He took a few deep breaths to calm his pounding heart before daring to open the door in front of him.

Upon hearing the movement, the person in the bed immediately turned to look at him—even though he had just awakened from a serious injury-induced coma, Liang Qiuchi remained highly alert like a wolf.

“Qiuchi…”

Mo Xin walked to the bedside, reaching out to touch Liang Qiuchi’s face where he had just scratched, but before his fingertips could reach, his wrist was fiercely gripped by the other party.

The IV bottle and monitor connected to Liang Qiuchi’s arm clattered to the floor.

Mo Xin tried to grasp Liang Qiuchi’s hand in return, but his wrist was squeezed even tighter, as if it could break in the next second.

“Who are you?”

The sharp question made Mo Xin freeze for a moment.

He looked at Liang Qiuchi with a complex expression, but met a pair of unfocused eyes.