chapter 7 It’s Zhongjing again

"Am I shameless? Haha, if you dare disrespect me again after marrying my idiot brother, I'll show you what true shamelessness is!" Hodge sneered.
Awenasa gritted her teeth angrily. She didn't mind becoming a concubine in the Cooper Family's future. Her sole focus was on Mirte's recovery, even if it meant she would end her own life afterward.
Curing Mirte was her only lifeline.
Despite being tasked with family training and marrying into the Cooper Family, she understood their ulterior motives. They wanted her as a spy, aiming to control the Cooper Family from a distance and eventually absorb it.
She was aware of their plans.
But those schemes held no significance anymore. Her only concern was Mirte's recovery and Jedrek taking them far away from this mess.
As for Hodge, Awenasa dismissed him as a mere playboy, unworthy of her attention.
Taking a deep breath, Awenasa turned and walked away, ignoring Hodge completely.
This indifference fueled Hodge's hatred. He had already schemed to torment his cousin once she entered the Cooper Family.
Even if she bore a child with another man, the Cooper Family wouldn't accept her unless she was from the Bishop Family.
Despite his jealousy, Hodge acknowledged Awenasa's beauty. He had desired her for a long time, but fate handed her to his foolish brother instead.
Envious, he watched Awenasa's graceful departure, fantasizing about overpowering her.
Recalling a man named Jedrek, Hodge swiftly reached for his phone. "Two tasks. Discover Awenasa's child from the Bishop Family and find me a man named Jedrek!"
...
"Transferred to another hospital? Impossible!" Awenasa exclaimed, staring at the transfer record in disbelief.
The hospital listed for her transfer left her stunned. "Woodland First Hospital! How is this even possible?"
Woodland was a military base. Who had the authority to send Mirte there?
"Could it be Jedrek?"
"No, it can't be him!"
Awenasa refused to believe Jedrek held such power deep inside.
Jedrek had vanished over five years ago. Initially hopeful, she gradually faced the harsh reality. Night after night, she yearned for his return, but he never reappeared.
Convinced that Jedrek had abandoned them, leaving her and their daughter behind, Awenasa's resentment grew.
Her perception of Jedrek shifted from admiration to disdain.
Now she doubts Jedrek could have sent Mirte to Woodland First Hospital with such vigor. That scoundrel couldn't possibly do it, he's just that—a scoundrel!
Awenasa pondered silently, her eyes already rimmed with red.
She could try to deceive herself but with the transfer papers in hand, who else could it be if not him?
If it is him, why has he, with all his power, not returned to see them in six years? He's heartless, so why does his return matter now?
The love she once felt, now turned to hatred!
Awenasa turned away, heading to Woodland to reunite with her daughter. Without seeing her, peace would elude her, rest would be a distant dream!
…
Outside the intensive care unit at Woodland First Hospital, Jedrek gazed at Mirte's innocent face. His perennially cold demeanor softened at that moment.
In the adjacent room, experts deliberated, consulted, and conducted tests.
Suddenly, an expert with a severe burn on his left face emerged. Spotting Jedrek, he paused, then his expression shifted from disbelief to elation.
Kneeling before Jedrek, he exclaimed, "Combat Medical Corps Gregg, homage to the Red Dragon!"
Jedrek turned, observing Gregg on one knee, his burnt visage brimming with excitement.
"Get up, the combat medical team does not kneel in front of their king. Have you forgotten?" Jedrek's voice rang out.
Gregg stood up, his excitement palpable. There was no doubt now—the person in front of him was their king, He had returned!
Jedrek, without much elaboration, focused on the intensive care unit once more, inquiring, "How is my daughter faring?"
Learning that the one they were consulting was the Red Dragon's daughter, Gregg felt a mix of shock and relief. It made sense why Shadow Thorn had summoned him urgently. Everything was falling into place!
Who else could mobilize the Shadow Thorns and dare to treat the combat medical unit members in such a manner?
After calming down, Gregg gazed at the little girl in the glass, sighed, and remarked, "Red Dragon, we've run the experiment forty-three times. As long as the liver remains intact, we're set to finish the task and aid the little princess's recovery!"
Jedrek nodded in agreement, "Excellent."
Simultaneously, thoughts of Awenasa lingered in his mind. This issue would eventually involve her...
"Report, Madam has arrived at Woodland."
Jedrek was lost in thought when he received Shadow Thorn's update.
The report startled Jedrek. Initially, he had planned to bring Awenasa to rescue his daughter, but her unexpected arrival caught him off guard!
Awenasa's actions left Jedrek perplexed.
What could she possibly be thinking?
It appeared as though they were abandoning their father and daughter, so why the pursuit?
Was there a hidden motive behind all this?
Setting aside these musings, Jedrek instructed, "Bring her here, elucidate Mirte's condition...her decision will dictate the outcome."
Shadow Thorn acknowledged and departed.
Jedrek ascended the stairway, retrieved a cigarette, and lit it. His thoughts were indeed in disarray.
Just like six years prior, she disrupted his plans once more.
He had initially resolved to proceed with a decisive act, but at the café, he had made up his mind to apprehend Awenasa and use her liver for his daughter's treatment.
However, if she volunteers now, what course of action should he take?
She is his daughter's mother, yet her relations with other men remain ambiguous.
The formidable Red Dragon found himself in a state of uncertainty at this moment.
As he pondered, his cell phone suddenly emitted a beep. Jedrek's expression froze. The distinct ringtone signaled progress!
Answering the call, a composed yet slightly thrilled voice spoke, "Red Dragon, our unit uncovered the princess's medical records from two years ago. Based on Base No. 9's report, it aligns with the timing of the princess's liver ailment!"
Jedrek responded coolly, "Go on."
"Klein, the attending physician at the Fourth Hospital in Phoenix District, Mid Capital."
Hiss...
Drawing a deep drag from his cigarette, Jedrek gritted his teeth and remarked, "Mid Capital, once again. Excellent!"
Upon ending the call, Jedrek turned and descended the stairs.
Upon reaching the ground floor, five Shadow Thorns emerged from the shadows. This time, not only were they clad in black crow masks, but they also sported wrist-mounted sleeve arrows and black backpacks.
They were prepared for battle!