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Dai Lou Baan and Sap Yi Siu fell from the building at the same time, sustaining injuries from their battle. Ying Fung watched, choosing not to finish them off. Soon, Dai Lou Baan’s men carried both of them to a car and rushed them to the hospital.
“How are they?” Chan Lok Kwan asked the doctor as he arrived.
“Sap Yi Siu has sustained multiple external injuries, including fractured ribs. Fortunately, there’s no sign of internal organ damage. He’ll need around three months of rest and rehabilitation. Dai Lou Baan has a fracture in the lower leg, it’s already been stabilized. The remaining injuries are relatively minor,” said Dr. Wong.
“What about their rooms?” Lok Kwan asked again.
“There are no single rooms available at the moment, they’ll have to share one for now,” Dr. Wong replied.
—Inside the hospital room shared by Dai Lou Baan and Sap Yi Siu
“Hey, Siu Gat,” Sap Yi Siu braced himself against the pain, exhausted, and reached for the phone on the nightstand to dial Gat Cheung.
“Boss, you still busy? I’m so bored here at the hospital,” Gat Cheung hadn’t noticed anything unusual in his voice.
“I got hurt, I’m not gonna be able to come see you tonight,” Sap Yi Siu was drenched in cold sweat from the pain, but he forced himself to keep his voice steady.
“Boss, you’re hurt? Where? Where are you? I’m coming over now,” Gat Cheung’s voice dropped, anxiety rising fast.
“Don’t…don’t worry. It’s nothing major. You’re still healing, so try not to move around too much,” Sap Yi Siu gritted his teeth, trying to endure the pain.
“Boss, I’ve been healed for a month already, I’m good! Where are you? I’m coming to find you right now!” Gat Cheung’s voice was tight with urgency on the other end of the line.
“Don’t stress. Just be careful, try not to reopen your wound. I’m in a double ward, one floor below you. Come find me, but take it slow,” Before Sap Yi Siu could finish his sentence, Gat Cheung had already hung up.
—With a loud ‘bang!’, the door to Sap Yi Siu’s ward flew open. Gat Cheung stood in the doorway, panting heavily as he gripped the frame.
“Boss!!!!!” Gat Cheung rushed into the room, shoved Kwan Lou aside, and went straight to Sap Yi Siu.
“Relax, I’m not dead yet,” Sap Yi Siu couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
“Boss, where’d you get hit? Who the hell did this? I’ll kill him!” Gat Cheung growled, voice sharp with fury.
“Gat Cheung, calm down. Your Boss just has a few fractured ribs, he’s not dying,” Kwan Lou had long suspected that something was off about their relationship.
“Broken ribs? Who the hell touched you? I’ll kill him for you right now!” Gat Cheung roared, his other eye blinded, but by rage.
“Siu Gat, take it easy. You’re not at full strength yet—don’t waste it getting riled up,” Sap Yi Siu laid back on the bed. Just a few words from him were enough to calm Gat Cheung’s fury.
“That slimy little Ying Fung!” Dai Lou Baan scowled through clenched teeth, his fists tightening.
“Oh? Dai Lou Baan? What are the odds, didn’t expect to see you here,” Gat Cheung finally noticed him lying in the bed across the room.
“Dai Lou Baan saved me. Otherwise, by next year, you’d be hiking up the mountain, lighting incense for me,” Sap Yi Siu said with a calm expression.
“Don’t worry, Dai Lou Baan! I’ll take good care of both of you!” Gat Cheung dashed to his bedside.
“Argh! Gat Cheung-Jai! You’re sitting on my damn leg!” Dai Lou Baan let out a sharp yell.
“Ah……sorry, sorry,” Gat Cheung quickly scrambled to his feet.
“Lok, I might not be able to help out for a while,” Sap Yi Siu said apologetically.
“Brother Lok, I’m almost fully healed, you can call me anytime you need me!” Gat Cheung said.
“Okay, if there’s a fight, I’ll make sure you’re in on it,” Lok Kwan said with a grin.
“Lok-Jai, be extra careful around that slimy bastard, alright?” Dai Lou Baan was still fuming, clearly thinking about Ying Fung.
—With another ‘bang!’ the ward door swung wide open. Standing in the doorway were Miu Miu and Yik Leun.
“Daddy!!” Miu Miu rushed forward and threw herself onto Dai Lou Baan, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Miu Miu! Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to stay home? There’s so many scumbags lurking around at night!” Dai Lou Baan scolded her, clearly overprotective.
“Dai……uh……Uncle, don’t worry. I’ll protect Miu Miu,” Yik Leun said with a cheerful smile.
“Hey, Yuen Long-brat! Don’t go calling me family! Who the hell are you calling uncle?” Dai Lou Baan’s temper flared even more at the sight of Yik Leun.
“Daddy…does it hurt?” Miu Miu asked softly, her voice trembling.
“What? No, no—it doesn’t hurt at all. Daddy’s fine, sweetheart, don’t cry,” Dai Lou Baan’s temper melted the moment he turned to Miu Miu.
“Daddy…who did this to you? Tell me, I’ll……I’ll……I’ll make Yik Leun avenge you,” Miu Miu sobbed, tears falling like petals in the rain.
“It’s……from that slimy bastard……but c’mon, do I have no one left in Bou Lik Tyun? You think I’d let a Yuen Long-brat avenge me? This is a man’s business, sweetheart, don’t worry about me. Daddy’s fine. Now, wipe those tears away,” Dai Lou Baan couldn’t stand the sight of tears from his precious daughter.
“Hey, Miu Miu, don’t cry. Dai……Uncle looks way better than me right now!” Yik Leun stammered nervously, trying to comfort her.
“Daddy, can I stay with you tonight? I wanna take care of you,” Miu Miu sniffled as she wiped away her tears.
“No way! This ward’s full of grunts!” Dai Lou Baan objected.
“But I wanna stay!” Miu Miu whined.
“Hey! Visiting hours are over. Family members need to head home—now!” Standing at the door was Ling Git, still fuming after watching Sun Yat sneak out of the hospital.
“Oh my, Miss Ling Git made herself loud and clear. So why are you all still here?” Lok Kwan commented sarcastically.
“That’s right, Miu Miu, go home, okay? You can come back tomorrow. Lok-Jai, take her, will you? That little brat’s not getting the upper hand!” Dai Lou Baan said, grinding his teeth as he pointed at Yik Leun.
“I know, I know! Come on, Miu Miu, your dad’s fine,” Lok Kwan led her and Yik Leun out of the hospital room.
“And you! Back to your room!” Ling Git snapped, pointing sharply at Gat Cheung.
“Me? But I’m a patient! I can stay here, can’t I?” Gat Cheung protested.
“Back to your room now!” Ling Git yelled.
Gat Cheung had no choice, he slunk off, shuffling back to his private ward upstairs.
—A while later, Gat Cheung snuck out of his room again.
“Boss, I’m here!” Gat Cheung whispered as he quietly slipped into the shared ward with Sap Yi Siu and Dai Lou Baan.
“Siu Gat? Why are you here again?” Sap Yi Siu whispered softly.
“Boss, you’re really hurt. I couldn’t help but get worried,” Gat Cheung sat down beside him on the bed.
“It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious,” Sap Yi Siu reassured him.
“How can it not be serious? It’s the rib! Ribs are important for a man!” Gat Cheung whispered, half-yelling.
“Huh?” Sap Yi Siu gave a puzzled look.
“Boss, haven’t you heard the story of Adam and Eve? About the rib?” Gat Cheung said with a serious expression.
“I just broke my ribs, it didn’t disappear, you know,” Sometimes, Sap Yi Siu felt like Gat Cheung’s brain was on a completely different wavelength than his own.
“The rib! Adam needed a rib to make Eve! Boss, aren’t you scared you’ll end up with a deformed Eve?” Gat Cheung pouted, childishly serious.
“Eve? A deformed Eve…does having one-eye count?” Sap Yi Siu held back his laughter, not wanting to wake Dai Lou Baan.
“Boss! How can you call me a one-eye?” Gat Cheung teased, playfully punching the bed.
“Ow!” Sap Yi Siu couldn’t help but cry out.
“Ow? Boss…did I hit you?” Gat Cheung’s face suddenly turned anxious.
“…Besides breathing, just feeling a shift hurts,” Sap Yi Siu frowned and let out a deep sigh.
“Boss……did I hurt you?” Gat Cheung lowered his head.
“It’s fine,” Sap Yi Siu replied.
“Boss, can I sleep with you tonight?” Gat Cheung tried to squeeze himself onto the bed.
“No way. You’re not even healed yet,” Sap Yi Siu refused.
“But I’m fine now,” Gat Cheung pouted.
“That’s even worse. You’re so reckless when you sleep—your thigh lands on me every time. I’ll die if that happens,” Sap Yi Siu chuckled softly.
“No! I promise I won’t move around,” Gat Cheung refused to budge.
“Come on, go! Dai Lou Baan’s still in the bed next to us,” Sap Yi Siu urged gently.
“Dai Lou Baan? He’s so deep in dreamland, you could carry him off and he wouldn’t wake up,” Gat Cheung glanced over at him.
Just then, a thunderous snore echoed through the room.
“Be good, don’t make this harder than it is. Go to your room and get some sleep. I’ll still be here when you wake up, so come visit me then, okay?” Sap Yi Siu said softly.
“…Boss, do you need me to help you to the bathroom?” Gat Cheung asked, reluctant to leave.
“No need. I’ll manage slowly on my own,” Sap Yi Siu smiled.
“Then I’ll come visit you tomorrow,” Gat Cheung glanced at Dai Lou Baan, who was snoring with his back to them, then quickly kissed Sap Yi Siu on the cheek before quietly slipping out.
Sap Yi Siu could barely sleep all night. Dai Lou Baan’s snoring kept him wide awake. He’d hoped to catch a few more hours, but Dai Lou Baan woke up early, already nagging him for a chat.
“Sap Yi-Jai, thanks for blocking that slimy bastard’s punch, otherwise I’d be meeting Yama in the afterlife!” Dai Lou Baan laughed.
“……If you hadn’t saved me, I’d be meeting Yama too,” Sap Yi Siu shook his head.
“Of course, of course! We’re sworn brothers! Sap Yi-Jai, did your girl come by? Did she make you soup? Tell her you need jyu-gwat tong—it’s good for healing ribs!” Dai Lou Baan continued.
“My girl?” Sap Yi Siu gave Dai Lou Baan a confused look.
“Yeah, you’re so handsome—you must have a girl! Maybe even a dozen! What if they all show up at once? It’d be like a full-on harem—Six kingdoms appointing one minister!” Dai Lou Baan’s imagination ran wild.
“I don’t,” Sap Yi Siu rolled his eyes.
“What? You don’t have a girl? Wait……don’t tell me……you’re still pure?!?!?!” Dai Lou Baan’s voice shot up in disbelief.
“What about you? Got one yourself?” Sap Yi Siu rolled his eyes again, exasperated.
“Of course not! My heart belongs to Miu Miu’s late mother!” Dai Lou Baan scratched his head.
“Sap Yi-Jai, since you don’t have a girl, I’ll help you find one! What’s your type? Judging by your looks, I bet your standards are high!” Dai Lou Baan grew more and more excited.
“No,” Sap Yi Siu didn’t feel like engaging.
“How can you have none? Tall, short, chubby, slim—an airport-runway or someone stacked?” Dai Lou Baan pressed on, oblivious.
“……” Sap Yi Siu rolled his eyes, exhausted.
“Don’t be shy, we’re all men here. Come on, spill it!” Dai Lou Baan leaned in, nosy as ever.
“Tall, slim. Short hair,” Sap Yi Siu knew if he didn’t answer, Dai Lou Baan would never let it go.
“Boss! I’m here!” Gat Cheung burst through the door, carrying three breakfast bags. Sap Yi Siu felt like his savior had arrived.
“Gat Cheung-Jai! You’re up this early to see your Boss? That’s some real brotherly love!” Dai Lou Baan exclaimed.
“Yeah! I brought breakfast. Boss, I got you sing-jau chaau-fan, your favorite. Dai Lou Baan, this one’s yours, jaleung pui baak-juk. And this one’s mine,” Gat Cheung gently adjusted their beds and started unpacking the food.
“Wow, Gat Cheung-Jai! Look at you, all thoughtful! You even brought one for me?” Dai Lou Baan beamed as he took his breakfast.
“Daddy! We’re here!” Miu Miu and Yik Leun walked into the room.
“Sweetheart! You came so early!” Dai Lou Baan lit up at the sight of Miu Miu.
“Of course, I was worried about you!” Miu Miu skipped over to Dai Lou Baan’s bedside.
“Good morning, Uncle!” Yik Leun quickly greeted him.
“Yuen Long-brat? What are you doing here?” Dai Lou Baan’s mood suddenly turned sour the moment he saw Yik Leun.
“Miu Miu said she wanted to visit you, so I helped carry some fruit,” Yik Leun offered a sheepish smile.
“Sweetheart, why did he come so early?” Dai Lou Baan turned to Miu Miu, suspicious.
“I called him first thing this morning to help carry the fruit,” Miu Miu said.
“Did he really come that early?” Dai Lou Baan still wasn’t convinced.
“Of course! Daddy, what are you even thinking?” Miu Miu pouted.
“I’m just asking, you know Daddy trusts you the most!” Seeing Miu Miu upset, Dai Lou Baan quickly tried to comfort her.
“Dai Lou Baan, since Miu Miu’s here, I wanted to talk to you about switching hospital rooms,” Gat Cheung quickly shifted to a more serious tone.
“Switching rooms?” Miu Miu tilted her head, confused.
“Yeah! I’ll have Dai Lou Baan stay in my private ward, and I’ll share the double room with Boss so I can take care of him.,” Gat Cheung shot a glance at Sap Yi Siu, who already knew exactly what he was up to.
“Really? That’s great, Gat Cheung! Thank you!” Miu Miu exclaimed happily.
“No, no!” Dai Lou Baan shook his head.
“What’s wrong with that?” Gat Cheung asked, anxious.
“Of course it’s wrong! Sap Yi-Jai is more seriously injured, so he should take the private ward. Gat Cheung-Jai and I can stay in the double room,” Dai Lou Baan insisted, modestly.
“No, that won’t do. Even if we get along like brothers, you’re still our senior, how could we let you be uncomfortable?” Gat Cheung insisted.
“But Sap Yi-Jai’s hurt bad…” Dai Lou Baan said, worried.
“You should switch places with him, that way Siu Gat can focus on taking care of me. Otherwise he’ll be running back and forth, and his injuries aren’t healed yet,” Sap Yi Siu finally spoke.
“But how could I accept that?” Dai Lou Baan looked embarrassed.
“Daddy, how about this—you move into the private ward, and we’ll cover all the medical bills. That way you can properly thank Gat Cheung for taking care of you!” Miu Miu suggested.
“My clever girl! We’ll do it your way!” Dai Lou Baan said, pleased.
“No way! Gaa Sai Tong can easily cover everything—don’t underestimate us!” Gat Cheung puffed up.
“You don’t agree? Then I’m not moving!” Displeasure was written all over Dai Lou Baan’s face.
“Siu Gat, aren’t you going to let Dai Lou Baan show his gratitude?” Sap Yi Siu said slowly.
Soon, Dai Lou Baan moved happily into the private ward, though nowhere near as happy as Gat Cheung.
—That night, Gat Cheung and Sap Yi Siu shared the same hospital room.
“Boss, can I sleep next to you tonight?” Gat Cheung asked with a mischievous smile.
“No, you’ll crush my ribs,” Sap Yi Siu smiled, despite the pain.
“I promise I won’t squish you,” Gat Cheung pouted.
“Not happening! Anyway, who came up with that idea earlier today?” Sap Yi Siu asked.
“What idea?” Gat Cheung blinked.
“Swapping rooms with Dai Lou Baan,” Sap Yi Siu clarified.
“Nothing gets past you, Boss! It was Brother Sun Yat’s idea,” Gat Cheung smirked.
“Didn’t Sun Yat leave the hospital?” Sap Yi Siu tilted his head, puzzled.
“Leave? No way, he came back to woo Ling Git!” Gat Cheung began recounting his secret conversation with Sun Yat earlier that day.
—Early in the morning, Gat Cheung caught Ling Git just as she was getting off work.
“I’m going home so I can sleep! Night shifts ruin my skin,” Ling Git rolled her eyes, clearly not in the mood.
“Please, Miss Ling Git, just this once. Can you get a private room for Boss?” Gat Cheung pleaded.
“It’s impossible. If I could, I would’ve arranged it last night when Lok Kwan was here,” Ling Git shook her head helplessly.
“There’s not a single room left?” Gat Cheung pouted.
“Unless Sun Yat comes in today to get discharged…” Ling Git thought of him and unconsciously pouted.
“Brother Sun Yat? Alright, I’ll call him,” Gat Cheung immediately pulled out his phone.
“Oh? What a coincidence. What are you two talking about, Baby?” Sun Yat suddenly appeared beside Ling Git.
“Who are you calling Baby?” Ling Git rolled her eyes.
“Brother Sun Yat! You came to get discharged?” Gat Cheung lit up.
“Discharged? My injuries aren’t healed yet, how could I leave? Right, Ling Git, Baby?” Sun Yat turned to her with a grin.
“Not healed? But I heard you crushed it last night—against those Tin Yi Mang guys…” Gat Cheung couldn’t resist exposing him.
“Hey, you little punk! Shut your damn mouth!” Sun Yat quickly dragged Gat Cheung aside by the collar.
“I’ll shut up, depending on what you do,” Gat Cheung shot a glance at Ling Git, clearly threatening him.
“What do you want?” Sun Yat asked.
“Hurry up and sign your discharge papers and hand over your private room to my Boss,” Gat Cheung glanced at Ling Git again.
“No way! If I leave, how am I supposed to woo Baby?” Sun Yat refused flatly.
“If you don’t leave, my Boss will have to keep sharing a room with Dai Lou Baan. Don’t blame me if I start spilling secrets in front of her—I heard you were quite the ladies’ man back in those Tsim Sha Tsui nightclubs,” Gat Cheung smirked wickedly.
“If you dare spread rumors about me to Ling Git, I’ll go beat up your Boss, he can’t even move right now,” Sun Yat clenched teeth.
“If you touch my Boss, I’ll tell Ling Git about your wild past every damn day. Let’s see who breaks first!” Gat Cheung snapped.
“Wait a minute—you just want your Boss to be comfortable, right? You’re almost recovered. Why not get discharged and let him take your private room?” Sun Yat’s mind moved fast, shifting the mood.
“Hell no! You think I haven’t thought about that? If I get discharged, I won’t be able to take care of Boss 24/7. I'll have to manage the organization instead,” Gat Cheung pouted.
“Then I’ve got an idea! Let Dai Lou Baan take your private room. You can stay with your Boss, and let Dai Lou Baan foot the bill, he’ll be grateful,” Sun Yat grinned mischievously.
“Ah, Brother Sun Yat, you’re the best!” Gat Cheung thought the idea was solid!
—
“I knew he was the sly one,” Sap Yi Siu said after hearing the story.
“Boss, are you still in pain?” Gat Cheung sat down beside Sap Yi Siu’s bed.
“It’s okay. I’ve got painkillers,” Sap Yi Siu gave a faint smile.
“Boss, your ribs are so pitiful. All broken, who knows when they’ll heal,” Gat Cheung scooted a little closer.
“Broken bones take time to heal,” Sap Yi Siu said.
“But it’s not the same! They were perfectly fine ribs before,” Gat Cheung pouted, nudging closer again.
“What does it matter? They’re my ribs—as long as I like them, that’s all that matters,” Sap Yi Siu’s words carried a quiet double meaning.
“So what if I’m one-eyed? You still love me,” Gat Cheung rested his head on Sap Yi Siu’s shoulder.
“Hey, one-eyed boy! You’ve got your own bed, you know,” Sap Yi Siu couldn’t help but say.
“My bed’s not as cozy,” Gat Cheung replied.
“I’m the patient here! Why are you still trying to squeeze in next to me?” Sap Yi Siu teased.
“Who isn’t a patient?” Gat Cheung pointed at his hospital gown.
“Alright, fine, but don’t press on me. It hurts,” Sap Yi Siu gave in, exasperated.
“Good night, Boss,” Gat Cheung gently kissed Sap Yi Siu on the lips.
“Good night, one-eyed boy,” Sap Yi Siu said with a smile.
—The next morning, during rounds, the doctor found Sap Yi Siu clearly in pain.
“Sap Yi Siu, I told you, no strenuous activity! Why won’t you listen? This will only slow down your recovery. And you, Gat Cheung—your Boss is severely injured, and you’re still not watching him properly!” The doctor couldn’t help but scold them both.
“I know, I didn’t do anything strenuous…I just moved around a bit too much in my sleep,” Sap Yi Siu scratched his head.
“Um…don’t worry, Doctor. I’ll keep a close eye on my Boss. No more overexerting, I promise!” Gat Cheung assured him.
“Boss, are you really in that much pain?” Gat Cheung asked quickly once the doctor left.
“Yes! Someone’s thigh was crushing my chest all night. What kind of Eve did God make that sleeps like that?” Sap Yi Siu rolled his eyes.