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Chapter 472: The Lady Detective Strikes 

Medical Center. Operating Room 3. 

The moment Adam announced his donation, everyone in the room could practically picture it—like a scene straight out of a movie, complete with background music swelling in their ears.

“From now on, security’s probably gonna look at Dr. Duncan the same way those lab folks do,” a nurse piped up after a long pause, breaking the silence. 

“Heh,” everyone chuckled knowingly. 

Before Adam even started his internship here, he’d donated a whole lab to the hospital. And with a new lab at the medical center came the need for more staff. That’s the real reason why every time a nurse mentioned Adam’s name, he got to skip the line. Sure, being good-looking might speed up the check-in process a bit, but it’s cold, hard cash that lets you cut in without a second thought.  

It’s honestly pretty standard. Think about Leonard—remember that time he helped raise funds for a million-dollar centrifuge for Caltech’s physics department? He ended up “keeping the professor’s wife company” and stumbled back at dawn, barely able to stand, looking like he’d been through the wringer. That’s the power of money for you. And afterward, when he showed up at the college, the dean publicly praised him for “sacrificing himself for the greater good” while everyone clapped like crazy. Then the dean leaned in and whispered, “Trust me, I get it.” Can you imagine the heartbreaking stories that poor guy must’ve lived through to land sponsorships for a top-tier university like that?

Adam, being the loaded guy he is, didn’t just toss some pocket change at the hospital. His real money boosted the place’s actual capabilities. It wasn’t just about creating a few extra jobs—it was a legit upgrade for everyone working there. The better the medical center does, the more the staff can hope for raises and better perks. At the very least, they don’t have to sweat layoffs as much. 

Now, at a smaller hospital, if Adam dropped a hundred million bucks, he could probably snag the chairman’s seat. Even at a big medical center like this, that kind of cash could land him a key spot on the board. But Adam’s not about that life. Hospitals have their own rules, and even a chairman’s power isn’t as absolute as you’d think. Without the majority of the board backing you, you can’t even fire a single doctor. Sure, a chairman could threaten to pull their hundred-million-dollar investment to twist some arms, but that still hinges on most of the board caving.  

Adam’s here to learn medicine, not to star in some hospital workplace drama. Donating enough for a lab? That’s just the right touch—shows he cares without overdoing it. Splash a billion bucks around, and all the cred he’s worked for would take a hit before he even starts. People in the industry would just roll their eyes and mark him down as “that rich guy.” Adam’s playing it smart and steady. Rules are rules—money can’t fast-track you from intern to attending physician overnight. It’s just not worth it. 

Today’s situation, though? Perfect chance to step up. He casually donates a security scanner, making everyone—himself included—a little safer. Plus, he earns a round of gratitude from the staff. That’s the sweet spot. 😊 

The surgery went off without a hitch. Afterward, Adam glanced at the system prompt flashing a +0.01 and grinned to himself, feeling pretty good. 

“Dr. Duncan, there’s a lady detective named Beckett looking for you,” a nurse said, giving him a playful smirk. “She’s gorgeous, by the way~” 

“Where’s she at?” Adam asked with a smile. 

“Room 7, with that killer kid,” the nurse replied. 

“Got it.” Adam nodded and headed toward Room 7. The hospital security guard at the door swung it open for him without a word—like he was VIP or something. (Oh, and here’s a quick plug: pat-reon:belamy20—just tossing it in the middle like that!) 

“Kate, what brings you here?” Adam stepped inside, flashing a grin at the tall, short-haired beauty. 

“It’s a murder case this time, and it’s under my jurisdiction, isn’t it?” Kate walked over, pulling him into a warm hug with a teasing tone. “What, you’re not happy to see me?” 

“Normal people don’t exactly jump for joy when cops show up,” Adam quipped, breathing in her familiar scent. “Same way folks don’t usually cheer when they see us doctors.” 

“Fair point,” Kate said, holding the hug a little longer before letting go, a smirk tugging at her lips. “But once you get more famous, who knows? You might end up with some crazy fans hurting themselves just to get a glimpse of you. I mean, come on—a guy like you who could coast on looks and talent, but insists on slogging it out as a doctor? That’s asking for trouble.” 

“Let’s hope not,” Adam said with a helpless chuckle. “Saving lives is what matters. I just want to be a good doctor.” 

Kate’s words hit him, though, and he took it as a wake-up call. Maybe he’d need to keep a lower profile outside the medical world. That idea of editing his public lectures into a movie-style release? Probably best to scrap it. If he attracted obsessive fans pulling stunts like self-harm just to meet him, the fallout would be a nightmare. 

Kate, being a homicide detective, had a sharp nose for this kind of thing. She must’ve spotted some early signs and was half-joking, half-warning him. Catching on, Adam shot her a grateful look. 

“You sure you just want to be a good doctor?” Kate met his gaze, thrilled he’d picked up on her hint. She grinned wider, teasing, “Because I heard you basically did our job for us. Knocking a gun out of a killer’s hand with a clipboard, dodging around to stop him from grabbing it again, then finishing him off with a single chop to the neck? You call that doctor stuff?” 

“I didn’t have a choice!” Adam said with a wry smile. “He was about to shoot—I couldn’t just sit there and let my patient get plugged.” 

“So you ‘had no choice’ but to steal police work?” Kate giggled. “If word gets around, half the precinct’s gonna want to ‘chat’ with you.” 

“No need to spread the story,” Adam laughed. “You dropping by a few more times will probably do the trick anyway.” 

“Scared?” Kate raised an eyebrow. 

“What do you think?” Adam smirked back. 

“Heh,” Kate snickered, covering her mouth. “I bet even if the whole squad took you on, they’d lose. You’re too ridiculous.” 

“They don’t know that,” Adam said, giving her a sly “but you do” look. 

Kate’s cool broke for a second, her cheeks flushing red.  

“Anyway, let me check him out,” Adam said, dialing it back and heading toward the killer kid on the bed, who’d been silently watching their flirty banter with a blank stare. 

“Oh, by the way—did that guy they brought in make it?” Kate asked. 

“Yeah,” Adam nodded, starting to examine the kid’s arm. “Lost a lot of people this time, huh?” 

Small-time cases didn’t usually drag Kate in. 

“Eight,” Kate sighed. “This kid took out four of them.” 

Adam glanced at the boy, still eerily calm and detached, and shook his head to himself. Eight dead, and this one little punk accounted for half. It wasn’t even that he was some genius—he was just a kid, the kind nobody takes seriously until it’s too late. If he’s ruthless enough to catch you off guard, he’s deadly. 

Picture this: a kid wobbling around on a bike, circling aimlessly. Totally normal scene, right? Then he rolls by, pulls a gun, and—bang, bang, bang—you’re done. Unless you’re Adam or some freakishly lucky outlier, there’s no dodging that. 

Chapter 473: Super Unlucky Guy 

At the medical center, in Treatment Room 7… 

After Adam patched up the killer kid’s injuries, he flirted with Kate for a bit—classic banter—before heading out. 😏 It’s not that he didn’t want to hang out longer, but honestly, there just wasn’t time. Kate was swamped with her case, and Adam? He was juggling surgeries and sneaking in some extra study sessions to level up his skills. 

Alice Grey was like this massive XP boost just waiting to be unlocked. And Adam? He was basically a robot—crystal-clear photographic memory and a brain that could crunch numbers like it was mapping the cosmos. Once he fully “downloaded” Alice Grey’s giant experience pack, paired with his robotic precision and stamina, he’d be cranking out surgeries like a pro. He’d be on the fast track to legendary doctor status—a level of talent no amount of cramming could match for anyone else. Unreal, right? 

Kate walked Adam out.  

“So, what’s the plan for him?” Adam asked, nodding back toward the kid.  

“Depends,” Kate said. “We’ll try to get him to cooperate first.”  

“And if he doesn’t?” Adam pressed.  

“Then he’s probably looking at prison—fifteen years, minimum,” Kate replied, frowning.  

Here’s the thing: Americans mature fast, so juvenile crime’s a recurring headache. It’s pushed states to keep lowering the age of criminal responsibility—down to 12, even 10 in some places. A few states don’t even have an age limit. Commit a crime? You’re off to jail. Tons of people have juvie records, including some who later make it big. That’s why in cop shows, they always hit the criminal database first—match a suspect with a record, and boom, they’re suspect numero uno.  

It’s a zero-or-one game with crime. Having a record makes it way easier to track someone—fingerprints, past offenses, the works. But if they’ve got no record? They can just say, “Nah, I’m not cooperating,” and judges usually won’t force it. Too much risk of stirring up “human rights” or “freedom” debates. So sometimes, you’ve got a killer right in front of you, practically taunting you, and the cops still can’t do squat. Frustrating as hell!  

Luckily, those cases are rare, and the U.S. crime database is massive. If there’s a match, it’s usually a slam dunk—assuming the cop’s sharp. Like, main character energy sharp. Otherwise, even the best database won’t save you. It’s wild how reality can feel so… surreal sometimes.  

“Hey, Kate,” Adam said, switching gears, “you know any retired cops? Someone solid—trustworthy, detail-oriented, well-connected, and looking for work?”  

Kate raised an eyebrow. “What’re you up to?”  

“My company’s about to hire someone like that,” Adam said with a grin. “They’d keep tabs on stuff like that killer kid’s backstory—where he’s from, when he goes to jail, when he gets out, his mindset, whether he pulls any shady tricks to cut his sentence. Easy gig, great pay. Figured I’d toss it to one of your people.”  

“You’re seriously creating a whole job just for James (the killer kid)?” Kate said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.  

“Better safe than sorry, right?” Adam chuckled. “Us doctors don’t have it easy. This kinda thing’s happened before, and it won’t be the last time. Hiring someone to watch the people I’ve crossed paths with—who might hold a grudge—just makes sense for safety. Plus, it’s not like I’m strapped for cash. It’s a job, it boosts the economy—win-win. If you don’t have anyone in mind, I’ll just call a headhunter.”  

“No, no, I’ve got someone!” Kate jumped in quick.  

No kidding—this was a dream gig. Didn’t even need a retiree—just someone with connections who could get things done with a phone call. It’s a huge favor to hand out, so of course she’d keep it in her circle.  

“Heh,” Adam smirked.  

“Damn capitalist!” Kate shot back, laughing despite herself. She didn’t know the “true fragrance” meme, but she knew her flip-flop was a little embarrassing. “Never pegged you for this, back when you were just a writer and a doctor. Guess money really does change people.”  

Pat-reon:belamy20—slipping that in here like a pro.  

Adam just smiled, saying nothing. Why a retired cop with connections? Simple: they’ve got the network. What’s a nightmare for outsiders is just a quick chat for them. It’s like how regulators in the West retire and snag cushy “consultant” gigs at the companies they used to oversee—pulling in millions a year. Or how CEOs quit, then slide into roles regulating their old firms. Everyone’s in on it, watching their own backs.  

Emmm… how’s that for messed up? Adam might scoff at it, but that didn’t stop him from playing the game. Business is business, after all! And really, he wasn’t after power or greed—just basic survival. Totally fair. No shame in that!  

Kate thought it over and tossed out a name—one of her own.  

“Cool, I trust you,” Adam said with a nod. “But tell him to start ASAP. I want eyes on this whole thing, every step.”  

“Relax,” Kate grinned. “This mess has blown up so much that James’s crew is gonna be under our microscope. They won’t have the time or guts to mess with you.”  

“Still, better to be cautious,” Adam said, shaking his head.  

“Got it,” Kate said, serious now. “He’ll start tomorrow.”  

They hugged it out, then went their separate ways. Adam figured with all the chaos lately—“Python Disaster” this, “Black Humor” that—he wasn’t sure if Matthew and Lily had really left. So, he swung by Barney’s VIP room to check.  

Inside the VIP ward…  

“James, you see it, right? This place is a danger zone. We gotta bounce—worst case, I’ll hit up another hospital. Anywhere but here. This spot’s got it out for me,” Barney pleaded, trying to convince James to let him leave.  

“You swear you’ll get checked out somewhere else if you ditch?” James asked, hesitant. After all the craziness, he was starting to wonder too.  

“Cross my heart,” Barney said, raising a hand.  

“Fine, I’ll handle the discharge papers,” James agreed.  

“Yes!” Barney whooped, breaking into a goofy dance.  

And James? The guy could sing and dance like it was nothing. Seeing his buddy so hyped, he joined in. Two carefree bros, busting moves in a celebration dance.  

But all that wiggling stirred something up—a flash of gold.  

“Ahh!”  

Adam got to the room just in time to hear Barney’s scream. He bolted in—and almost lost it laughing.  

There was Barney, a “tail” sprouting from his backside. At first glance, you’d swear he’d gone Super Saiyan. But nope—it was that missing golden eyelash rattlesnake, latched on tight.  

Super Saiyan? More like Super Unlucky Guy!  

Emmm… think Ouyang Feng running into Hong Qigong in The East is Red, The West is Just. Total chaos.  

Chapter 474: Late-Night Case Chat Medical Center. VIP Ward. 

“Adam, save me quick!”  

Barney let out a pitiful scream for help. 

“Stop flailing around!” 

Adam warned, trying to stop Barney from thrashing like a wild dragon.  

But Barney, gripped by fear, couldn’t stop wiggling, desperately trying to shake off the tail stuck to his backside.  

Adam had no choice. Timing it just right, he shot his hand out like lightning, grabbing the golden eyelash rattlesnake by its weak spot—seven inches from the head. With a firm tug, he pried its jaws off Barney’s butt and yanked it free.  

“Get the antivenom!” 

Adam, still pinching the snake, barked at the nurse who’d just rushed in. “And call someone from Animal Control while you’re at it!”  

“Yes, Dr. Duncan!” 

The nurse nodded and bolted off.  

“I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die!” 

Barney caught a glimpse of the whole snake that bit him and wailed in terror.  

“Adam?” 

James piped up, his voice tight with worry.  

“Don’t sweat it,” Adam said with a grin. “This snake already bit its owner earlier, so the venom’s mostly spent. A shot of antivenom, and he’ll be fine.”  

James let out a relieved breath.  

“You’re still laughing?!” 

Barney jabbed a finger at Adam. “James, get me outta here quick! If I stay any longer, I’m seriously toast!”  

“I’m not laughing at you,” Adam said, still smiling. “This is just my professional doctor-smile—y’know, to calm patients down. It’s not personal.”  

“Yeah, right!” 

Barney, a seasoned guy who’d seen it all, wasn’t buying Adam’s smooth talk for a second. He knew Adam was cracking up at him.  

“Alright, Barney, chill,” Adam said, dropping the act and chuckling openly. “We’re buddies, right? Seeing you like this is hilarious—can’t I laugh a little? Don’t tell me you’ve never cracked up when a friend’s made a fool of himself!”  

“…” 

Barney froze. He couldn’t argue—he was the king of laughing at others’ expense.  

“See? That’s the spirit!” 

Adam smirked, satisfied, then turned to James. “Me laughing just proves it’s not a big deal. Would you rather I looked all grim and serious?”  

“Heh.” 

James couldn’t help but chuckle too.  

Patients and their families always preferred a doctor’s smile over a stony face—it was the difference between good news and bad.  

By now, Animal Control had shown up. They’d been scouring the hospital with staff, and after Adam’s call, they hurried over to bag the golden eyelash rattlesnake he was holding. The nurse also swooped in and gave Barney his antivenom shot.  

Barney kept griping about wanting to ditch this “cursed place,” but James, taking Adam’s advice, figured it was smarter to stay for observation. A concussion plus a snakebite? Not exactly stuff to mess around with.  

The Medical Center was top-notch and had been handling Barney from the start—switching hospitals now would’ve been nuts.  

Adam didn’t care either way. He’d said his piece; Barney could stay or go. Honestly, though, he kinda thought Barney and the Medical Center were jinxed together. Stick around much longer, and Barney might turn into a full-on comedy act—pat-reon:belamy20—and not the normal kind, either. More like the wacky, nonsensical type.  

Leaving officially? That’d be like Master Wang Chongyang emerging from retreat. Sneaking out? More like Ouyang Feng running into Hong Qigong. Who knew if Barney’d end up collecting the full set of the Five Greats—North, South, East, West, and Center?  

And if things got really absurd, there was still that “Invincible East” fan, Mr./Ms. Carlton, lurking around. That high heel that nearly took Barney out? Yep, Carlton’s doing.  

Following the wild logic of The Eagle-Shooting Heroes, if James accidentally blurted something crazy later, it’d be a riot to watch—but creepy as hell to think about.  

That night. 

Adam was back at it, hosting Alice Gray’s little late-night study session.  

It was winding down near midnight when—ring ring ring!—his phone buzzed. Before he could grab it, it rang three times and stopped.  

“Alright, let’s call it a night,” Adam said with a smile, wrapping things up.  

“Why not check who it was?” Liz asked, curious.  

“No need,” Adam replied, grinning. “Harassment calls like that happen all the time. Better when they hang up on their own.”  

“Heh!” 

Meredith let out a sly, knowing laugh. As a seasoned pro, she had a sixth sense for these things. She knew something was up.  

“Heh,” Adam shot back, meeting her smirk with one of his own.  

“Got a hot date, huh?” 

Christina’s sharp little eyes glinted with mischief as she teased, “Bet it’s that leggy detective chick who stopped by today, right?”  

“No way!” 

George’s face twisted with a mix of disbelief, envy, and saltiness.  

“Who knows?” 

Adam kept his cool, smiling casually. “Not our business anyway. Get some rest, folks—early rounds tomorrow!”  

“That’s what we should be telling you,” Meredith quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.  

Adam just grinned at her. Fresh off being publicly dumped as the “abandoned side chick,” Meredith couldn’t stand seeing anyone else happy and carefree. Adam got it. He didn’t hold it against her.  

Besides, he didn’t have time to bicker. He had to hustle back and go over the case with Kate. This murder case must’ve been a real doozy—Kate wasn’t letting even the tiniest lead slip by. It was the middle of the night, and here she was, dragging a barely-involved doctor like Adam into a late-night case chat.  

Man, cops and docs have it rough, Adam thought with a sigh. “Guess I’ll help out where I can.”  

Next day. 4:30 AM. 

Sky still dark.  

Adam rolled out of bed like clockwork.  

“I’m heading out,” he said, fiddling with the police pistol, holster, and badge for a sec. That badge especially? Super handy. Flash it one-handed at your chest, and boom—bad guys freeze. Felt pretty badass.  

He chuckled, set the gear back on the nightstand, then picked up the leather jacket from the floor, the jeans by the window, and tossed them on the bed. The high heels on the bed? Back to the floor they went.  

“Catch you later,” he said to the lump under the covers.  

“Mmm,” came a lazy hum from the sheets.  

When you’ve got everything under control, there’s no rush. Last night’s case chat? With Adam’s genius brain picking apart the clues, all the tricky bits smoothed out. So Kate was treating herself to some rare shut-eye instead of bolting to the precinct for overtime.  

Medical Center. Locker Room.  

“Don’t be too eager during rounds later,” Christina was whispering to Liz and Meredith.  

“Why not?”  

“Just trust me, okay?”  

“Heh.”  

“Don’t believe me? You’ll regret it. I’ve got a big surprise up my sleeve.”  

“For real?”  

“Watch my cues. Meredith, snap out of it—you too!”  

Adam strolled in just in time to catch Christina’s hushed scheming. “What’s the gossip?” he asked, popping open his locker with a grin.  

“Nothing!” 

Christina’s face shifted the second she saw him. She clammed up, shot Liz and Meredith a look, and zipped off.  

“Heh.” 

Adam caught on instantly. Christina must’ve sniffed out a juicy surgery somewhere and was scared he’d swoop in and steal it.  

Hope it’s not too good, he thought. Otherwise… young lady, face the storm!