# Chapter 309: News Leak
Team Leader Wu wasn't purely trying to extract more information about players and the game from Xu Huo. Given his position, he didn't have such a broad vision—many things weren't his concern. The reason he spoke that way was genuinely because he wanted to save Xu Huo.
After all, Xu Huo's current condition was unclear, and the situation outside couldn't be compared to before.
Sure enough, a call came from Jing City. The medical team and expert team would arrive in Flower City within two hours. Additionally, he and Team Leader Liao were instructed to coordinate their actions and ensure Xu Huo's safety.
"Some players have already caught wind of it. Team Leader Song has also brought people over. Be careful," Jiang Qiao warned. "The Special Defense Department's attitude toward Xu Huo is polarized, especially now that his condition is special. Don't let anyone exploit the situation."
Team Leader Wu hung up the phone and returned to the ward. He found steel plates and planned to block off even the windows.
Yan Jiayu crouched by the bed, pointing at Xu Huo, whose condition had clearly improved. "He doesn't need the IV anymore, right?"
Team Leader Wu quickly called for a doctor. After examining him, the doctor wasn't particularly surprised. "The patient's body is in good condition and is slowly healing on its own. However, it's best not to move him for now to avoid any unexpected situations."
Seeing the doctor about to leave, Yan Jiayu asked, "Do you have any food here?"
"You want to eat in the intensive care unit?" The doctor's voice rose in pitch.
"Then can you move Xu Huo to another ward?" Yan Jiayu asked again.
"Neither option is possible," the doctor flatly refused.
"If you want to eat, go outside. I'll stay here and keep watch," Team Leader Wu said.
Yan Jiayu shook her head and asked the doctor to buy her some snacks to stave off hunger, saying she would eat by the door and wouldn't let anyone near Xu Huo during that time.
Team Leader Wu had no choice but to go along with her request.
After replenishing her energy, Yan Jiayu returned to the ward. She stood by the window for a moment, then suddenly said, "Players are here."
Team Leader Wu was right beside her. "It might be the Special Defense Department."
"No," Yan Jiayu said seriously. "I've seen most of the Special Defense Department people in Flower City. There are many unfamiliar faces lurking near the hospital."
Team Leader Wu realized something was wrong. He checked his own channels and discovered that news of Xu Huo's special evolution had leaked. Several players who privately contacted him had even sent messages asking about it.
Furious, he went to Team Leader Liao. "What's going on? Xu Huo's condition hasn't even been confirmed yet, and rumors are flying everywhere. Are your people leaking information through their teeth?!"
Team Leader Liao was equally baffled. "I haven't breathed a single word about what you told me to anyone else. Could it be someone from the hospital?"
Team Leader Wu suddenly remembered that player from earlier. "That guy—his name is Hou Song, right?"
Players had better hearing than normal people. Although there had been some distance between them earlier, it wasn't impossible that he had overheard their conversation.
"It's probably that bastard. Otherwise, news wouldn't spread so fast among players," Team Leader Liao said with a dark expression. "Now's not the time. We'll deal with him when this is over."
"Players can't be trusted right now. Bring in special forces," Team Leader Wu said. "Transfer all the patients out of the hospital, clear out the medical staff, and have our people move Xu Huo to a different ward."
The hospital sprang into action. More and more players began converging on Flower City, especially after the commotion from Jing City effectively stamped the information that "a player had undergone special evolution" as official. Whether it was the Special Defense Department or civilian player organizations, everyone had their sights set on Flower City.
Dai Wenqian, who was out on business not far away, had already entered Flower City. Browsing through encrypted posts on the Vanguard Player Forum, he chuckled. "It's only been a few days, and the tables have turned. Last time, the Special Defense Department wanted to arrest Xu Huo, and the players outside supported him. This time, the players are coming for him, and it's the Special Defense Department's turn to protect him."
Zheng Ke, who was driving, said, "Even if they kill Xu Huo, they won't be able to undergo special evolution. Why are these people joining the fun?"
"Evolution research isn't just being done by the government. Don't underestimate those player organizations. Plenty of people want to support them. Now that there's a living, breathing evolver right here, who wouldn't be curious?"
"They can't just snatch him, can they?" Zheng Ke raised an eyebrow, his eyebrow piercing glinting.
"Snatching him alive would be best, but if they can't, taking his head back would also work. Besides, Xu Huo has quite a few items," Dai Wenqian said, shaking his head. "He miscalculated. Exposing his space teleportation item so early—if someone kills him, they'd at least get a decent-quality item."
"Team Leader Song is calling," Zheng Ke handed his phone over.
Dai Wenqian took it, spoke a few words, then hung up with a sneer. "Heartless bastard."
"What did he say?" Zheng Ke asked.
Dai Wenqian said mockingly, "He said if Xu Huo can't be saved, don't let him die for nothing."
Zheng Ke gripped the steering wheel tighter. "These people really don't value our lives as players!"
Dai Wenqian didn't respond. A slow smile spread across his face.
Meanwhile, Painting Woman and Yuan Yao had already arrived at the hospital.
As soon as Yuan Yao entered the hospital, he threw up first. Weak and unsteady, he followed Painting Woman into the ward. The moment he saw Xu Huo lying unconscious, he roared, "Who did this to my Brother Xu?!"
"He might be evolving," Yan Jiayu greeted him. "You guys got here fast."
"We drove like maniacs." Yuan Yao glanced at Painting Woman. "Sister Li Chun's driving skills... are wild."
Painting Woman leaned over the bed, cupping her chin in her hands as she watched Xu Huo for a while, then sat down and started playing a game on her phone.
"That's it?" Yuan Yao stared at her in shock.
"He won't die," Painting Woman used her phone to voice her words.
Yuan Yao scratched his head. "Then why did you call us here in such a hurry?"
"Xu Huo told me before he lost consciousness to have Li Chun come over," Yan Jiayu said, simply following orders. She studied Painting Woman for a moment. "Are you very strong?"
Painting Woman immediately replied, "I could take on ten Xu Huos without a problem."
Yan Jiayu's eyes lit up. "Great! I was just worried about not having enough help."
"What do you mean, 'ten Xu Huos'?!" Yuan Yao quickly interjected. "Don't listen to her bragging. How could she possibly be a match for Brother Xu? If you need something done, just tell me."
Yan Jiayu said seriously, "I think someone might be trying to kill Xu Huo."
Yuan Yao jolted, then his expression turned grave. "If that's the case, we need to find some help. I saw Team Leader Wu outside earlier. The Special Defense Department has a lot of people here, but we can't fully trust them. Remember what happened in Jing City last time? The Special Defense Department even put out a public notice on the Vanguard Forum targeting Brother Xu."
He paced around the ward a few times before saying, "I'll call in some more people to help. Even if a fight breaks out, the Special Defense Department won't dare use weapons with too much destructive power. Besides, players' traits and items are unpredictable. Dealing with them is best left to us."
He quickly grabbed Xu Huo's phone and contacted Zhou Ning and the others he had worked with before. "Let's stir up the waters and then take the chance to escape!"
(Chapter End)