The Rise of the White Lotus

Chapter 267 Intelligence Gathering

When Lexi and Ethan Lu got the gist of the news and recovered, they subconsciously looked at each other as a smile formed on the corner of their lips at the same time. Hence, the three of them rushed to the hospital to visit Morris Liu.

On the other hand, Nico Zhuang was properly informed by Lexi that she had an urgent matter to attend to and he could rest for the day or go to the arrangements he spoke of— which was a lie. However, aside from Lexi, everyone knew that Nico Zhuang wouldn't be able to rest as he still needed to catch up to them and guard them in the shadows.

Soon, Lexi and Ethan Lu along with Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang arrived at the Jin Medical Group. As usual, Jarred Guo was left in the car as Ethan Lu and Lexi rushed their steps to reach where Morris Liu was residing in for the past three months. Meanwhile, Lyrick Jiang didn't follow behind them as he checked if their team had surrounded the area.

As to why he was too focused on his master's security was due to the ongoing threats he had because of the fact that he would be ascending the throne in a few days, Hence, to retain the normal schedule on time without any mishap, Lyrick Jiang had been extra vigilant. After all, the captain of the elite guards was assigned to look after Lexi.

"I wonder if our future lady boss knows about all this fuss." Hitching out from the driver's seat, Jarred Guo heaved a heavy sigh as he saw Lyrick Jiang ending the line he was on. "Well, all the guards that were tagging along with him all day always 'poof' when Master was with the lady boss, so, I wonder whether she knows or not."

"Of course, Master just reassured her that he had it under control but our lady boss is smart and was placing her own people inside the company hehe."

"Oh? Is that the real story or just one of your speculations?" Knitting his brows together, Jarred Guo was confused as to how his colleague knew about it since their master would remain private about his relationship… or not, as Ethan Lu was shameless enough to throw cheesy lines even when they are around.

"Hehe, my intelligence gathering is top-notch— never underestimate it." Lyrick Jiang's boastful tone almost made Jarred Guo puke blood. What does he mean by that? Isn't his intelligence gathering just the gossip he heard or just whatever he concluded? Surely, this assistant wouldn't have his own love life with this kind of off-habit for a guy.

****

When Lexi and Ethan Lu arrived at the second to the top floor, they didn't waste a second as they headed to the room where Morris Liu was admitted. From the end of the corridor they turned to, Chris Yu was already outside, sitting on one of the waiting seats with Kevin Woo.

As the two approached them, Chris Yu was the first to turn his head to Lexi and Ethan Lu's direction. He nodded as a greeting to them but he didn't stand from his seat and only let out another heavy sigh.

"How was he?" Since none of his friends were talking, Ethan Lu was the first to break the building tension that was caused by their quietness.

"He's still unconscious, again after waking up twice for a second or two." Letting out another heavy sigh, Chris Yu responded as he glanced at the closed door of Morris Liu's private hospital room.

"Oh…" Slowly nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu replied and subconsciously shifted his gaze towards the shut door. Feeling Lexi's hand tightening around his hand, he moved his head to her and she smiled as if telling him it was fine.

In the past three months, Lexi and Ethan Lu at least visited Morris Liu occasionally despite their busy schedule. Fortunately, after Ethan Lu warned Kevin Woo, even if Lexi would drop by there and bumped into them, they didn't stop her from visiting Morris Liu since she would only stay for an hour or two.

Despite having that on her schedule, Ethan Lu hadn't had any negative feelings about it as he completely understood and Morris Liu was still a brother to him— that's how Ethan Lu valued his brotherhood with him and how he respects Lexi's maturity for being a good sport and kind regardless of what he had done to her.

"Love, do you want to see him first?" With a gentle smile, Ethan Lu asked as he wanted to talk with Chris Yu for a bit before going to see Morris Liu. Lexi only nodded in agreement before she let his hand go and took a step towards the room. Alas, just as she took a step, Kevin Woo's voice reached them which made her halt on her tracks.

"Lexi Yang, why…?"

Lexi, Ethan Lu, and Chris Yu subconsciously turned their attention to Kevin Woo who was just sitting beside Chris Yu, his elbows resting on his upper knees and his head hung low. He didn't return their gaze even though he sensed the inquiring vibe they emanated.

"Lexi— that was his first word. Why was he calling your name the moment he regained consciousness?" Slowly, Kevin Woo, who was usually jolly while wasted was rather downbeat as he raised his head and instantly locked eyes with Lexi's confused front.

"I don't care if you're with Ethan now but why are you still sticking with Brother Mo? Are you playing with my friends or what?"

"Oy, Kevin! Are you crazy?" Upon hearing his last remarks, Chris Yu pulled his arm to him and whispered in a very distressed voice. He stole a glance at Ethan Lu who's eyes became darker in an instant.

"Huh?" Although Lexi was baffled when she heard that Morris Liu's first word was her name, she was offended on this abrupt insult thrown right at her face. "Mr. Woo, I can tolerate the sight of you but keep your malicious mouth shut because not everyone is as immature as you. Instead, learn how mature people treat their friends despite whatever pain he had caused on others. That is maturity and for the answer to your first question, why don't you ask him instead when he wakes up— I am not him."

Lexi's pair of sharp eyes never once left Kevin Woo's as she spat her every word. For some reason, she was really irked by his statements causing her to respond with some sense to this thick-skulled Kevin Woo. After a while, Lexi scoffed once again and resumed in her tracks towards the room.

When she closed the door, Ethan Lu looked down at Kevin Woo. He has no emotion on his front nor was there a glint to know what he has on his mind. Chris Yu caught a glimpse of him and despite the emotionlessly countenance, he felt a cold chill run down his spine.

"That is not a funny joke. Kevin, didn't I warn you before?" Cold and dark, danger lurked on his voice as he bent down to Kevin Woo's eye level. "But, I know a joke that would be funny enough to make you cry and grow up— just wait for it."

Kevin Woo saw how Ethan Lu's lips curved into a smirk. It was nothing like before, as if he was a completely different person. Even back then, three months ago, Ethan Lu's aura wasn't as intimidating as this. It's like the man before him had turned into an evil being with no regard for friendship or whatsoever they once had.

"Chris, let's talk somewhere else. Don't do or say anything funny again Kevin." Ethan Lu shot a look at Chris Yu's stunned front and invited him. Alas, before he could straighten his posture, he gave Kevin Woo a warning not to interrupt or talk silly with Lexi again or the consequences won't be a good one.

'Since when did he become like this?' Chris Yu thought as his gaze followed Ethan Lu. Was gaining power something that can really make someone change overnight?

'Who are you?' On the other hand, Kevin Woo was rendered speechless as he could not recognize Ethan Lu just moments ago. He was not like the cold Morris Liu— he was fiery. As if the devil incarnate that had lived in the blazing fire of hell since forever— ready to drag anyone to his doomlands.

Kevin Woo abruptly turned his head to their retreating back and by coincidence, Ethan Lu took a glance back before he smirked a scornful smirk. Upon seeing that, Kevin Woo was struck by a realization: Ethan Lu was not the Ethan Lu he once knew anymore.

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