Commanding His Love

Chapter 6 - Hotpot

The sound of a phone ringing momentarily pierced the lively atmosphere of the hotpot restaurant. Wang Xinming and Chen Jianyu exchange a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them about who should answer the call. The music from the live band continues to fill the room, a vibrant soundtrack to the unfolding scene.

As one of them excuses themselves to take the call, the rest of our group dove back into the communal feast, the spicy aroma of the hotpot mingling with the melodies in the air. The interruption is brief, a small ripple in the evening's enjoyment.

Phone Call
Captain Zhao: (Urgently) Jianyu, it's Zhao. We've got a situation. Hostages at the east pier. We need you and the team back immediately.
Chen Jianyu: (Takes a deep breath) Understood, Captain. We're wrapping up here. What's the status?
Captain Zhao: It's precarious. The demands are escalating, and we can't get a clear read on the suspect's intentions. Time is not on our side.
Chen Jianyu: We'll be there in no time. Wang Xinming, Li Zhiqiang, Liu Wentao, Zhang Yunfeng—gather your gear. We're heading to Shandong station. This is not a drill.
Captain Zhao: Good. I'm coordinating with the crisis team. Your expertise is crucial, Jianyu. We're counting on you to help bring everyone home safely.
Chen Jianyu: (Determined) We won't let you down. See you soon, Captain.
[Call ends]

The team hastily leaves the warmth of the hotpot restaurant. Their minds now focused on the mission ahead. The contrast between the cozy, jovial atmosphere they're leaving behind and the tense, uncertain situation awaiting them couldn't be starker.

Chen Jianyu's gaze locks with Amara's, a silent conversation passing between them. He carefully places her purple 'Love Yourself' hoodie around her shoulders, a soft shield against the uncertainties of the night. With a gentleness that stands in stark contrast to the urgency of the call, he leans in, "Be careful going home. I'll call you as soon as I can," he whispered softly. His lips brushing a kiss upon her head.
With those parting words, he steps back, his figure now embodying the resolve of his duty. The team exits the restaurant, their departure marked by a blend of solemnity and purpose as they disappear into the night's embrace.

The night air is tense as Chen Jianyu and his team arrive at the east pier. The area is cordoned off, blue and red lights flashing against the dark backdrop. Captain Zhao briefs them with hushed urgency.
Captain Zhao: The suspect has taken refuge in the warehouse. Five hostages. We've got one shot at this.
Wang Xinming: (Nods) We'll get them out, Captain.
The team gears up, communication devices clicking into place. Li Zhiqiang checks his equipment, Liu Wentao reviews the building plans, and Zhang Yunfeng loads his non-lethal weaponry. They're a symphony of precision and focus.
Chen Jianyu: (Quietly) Remember, no heroes. We do this by the book. Lives are at stake.

They move in, shadows among shadows, their steps silent but their presence formidable. The warehouse looms ahead, a silent giant guarding its captives. The team splits, each member taking their position.
Liu Wentao: (Over comms) Positions set. On your go, Jianyu.
Chen Jianyu: (Over comms) On three. One... two... three!
Sounds of breaking glass shatter the night as Chen Jianyu and his team make their entry. The warehouse, once silent, erupts into chaos. The team moves with practiced precision, but the suspect is desperate, firing wildly.
Chen Jianyu: (Shouts) Move in! Cover all exits! Bullets ricochets, and Jianyu feels a searing pain in his arm. He stumbles but regains his footing, his training overriding the shock.
Wang Xinming: Jianyu's hit! Keep pressure on the flank!
Despite the injury, Jianyu presses on, signaling his team to continue the operation. Li Zhiqiang lays down suppressive fire, while Liu Wentao and Zhang Yunfeng maneuver to secure the hostages.
Liu Wentao: (Over comms) Hostages in sight. Moving to extract!

The suspect's resolve falters as the team closes in. Jianyu, arm bleeding but his spirit unyielding, corners the suspect with Wang Xinming.
Chen Jianyu: (Gritting his teeth) Drop the weapon! It's over!
The standoff is tense, with expressions that are a mix of terror and relief. But the outcome is inevitable. The police released the hostages, and the suspect surrendered.
Zhang Yunfeng: (To hostages) You're safe now. Let's get you out of here.
As the adrenaline subsides, Jianyu's pain becomes more pronounced. Yet, the sight of the hostages, safe and unharmed, affirms the sacrifice.

The team exits the warehouse, their mission accomplished, their bond stronger for the trials they've endured. This injury is a stark reminder of the risks they face, but also a testament to their unwavering commitment. Captain Zhao hastened over, checking on the group. "You did good, son. Let's get that looked at."

The dorm room is dimly lit, the glow from the television casting shadows on the walls as the girls huddled together on the couch. Their eyes fixed on the screen, where the drama of the hostage rescue mission unfolds in real time.

News Anchor: (On TV) We're live at the east pier, where an elite police unit has just successfully resolved a hostage situation...
The tension in the room is palpable. Each report, each update, each image on the screen is a thread of hope, of fear, of anticipation. They clutch each other's hands, seeking comfort in the shared silence, their thoughts with the men risking their lives for others.

News Anchor: (Continues) ...and we've just received confirmation that they've safely evacuated all hostages. The suspect is in custody...
A collective sigh of relief washes over the room, and for a moment, the weight of worry lifts. They exchange glances, smiles breaking through the anxiety, pride swelling in their chests for the bravery of their loved ones.
Tears brimmed in Amara's eyes as she remained transfixed on the television screen, the images and reports unfolding before her in a vivid narrative of valor. Each recounted event, each highlighted act of heroism, each narrow escape from peril resonated deeply, etching a permanent memory of the night's harrowing ordeal.

In the quiet dorm room, amidst the soft sniffling and shared embraces, the story of courage that played out on the screen became more than just news—it became a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a chapter in the story of their lives that they would carry forward and recount with a mix of awe and pride.

As the coverage wound down, the reality of the situation settled like a weight upon her shoulders, yet within her chest, a fierce gratitude burned—a gratitude for the safe return of those who had faced danger head-on, for the bravery that had been displayed, and for the bond that had only grown stronger in the face of adversity.
With each passing moment, as the television recounted the bravery and close calls of the rescue mission, Chen Jianyu became engraved deeper into her heart. The courage he displayed, the risks he took, and the resolve in his eyes as he crossed the crime scene with an injured arm—all these details were imprinted upon her soul, a permanent testament to the depth of her feelings for him.

Amara's emotions were a tapestry of fear, relief, and burgeoning love. The man she knew only as brave and strong had now become a hero in her eyes, his image on the screen a poignant reminder of the bond that had grown between them—a bond that, with each recounted tale of valor, became an indelible part of her being.

Amara stood by the window, her gaze lost in the quiet tumult of the evening sky. The hues of twilight painted a serene backdrop, but her heart was anything but calm. Her fingers traced the cool glass, a silent prayer escaping her lips with every breath fogging the surface.

The news had shown Jianyu, alive and seemingly unharmed, except for the bullet in his arm. Yet the tightness in her chest refused to ease. Memories of their shared laughter and whispered confidences during tea ceremonies clashed with the gnawing fear that had taken root in his absence.
As the stars began to blink awake, Amara's mind raced with possibilities. Each one painted a future where Jianyu stood before her, safe and sound, his rare gentle smile reserved just for her. But until she could wrap her arms around him, feel the steady beat of his heart, and hear his voice dispel her fears, doubt lingered like an unwelcome shadow.

Amara lingered by the window, her silhouette etched against the evening's canvas, painted with the soft purples and blues of twilight. The world outside was winding down, but inside her, a storm of emotions brewed. Her fingertips grazed the glass, each breath a silent wish cast into the ether.
The television flickered in the background, a lifeline to the outside world. It showed Jianyu, his presence a balm to the ache of uncertainty that had settled in her heart. Laughter and secrets shared over steaming cups of tea seemed like distant echoes now, battling the fear that had taken root during his absence.

As dusk surrendered to the night, and the first stars dared to shine, Amara's thoughts were a whirlwind of what-ifs and maybes. She yearned for the moment Jianyu would stand before her, his smile—a rare treasure—offered only to her. But until she could feel the reassurance of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and the feel of his breath on her face. She wouldn't be assured.

The TV camera had captured him again, and as he turned away, Meng Yao's eyes caught a glimpse of something behind his ear. She reached for the remote, pausing the image—a tattoo in braille, underscored with lines and a purple heart.

With a sense of urgency, she retrieved their grandmother's braille book, her fingers swiftly decoding the pattern. It spelled out her roommates name, "Amara."
Chen Meng Yao's voice beckoned her, pulling her attention to the frozen frame on the screen. "Look, Amara," she said, gesturing towards the image of Jianyu, "my cousin is declaring to the world his devotion to you. It's your name, there, in braille. You should honor his declaration with a matching symbol of your own."