342-344

Chapter 342: True Heroism Shines in Times of Crisis

Inside the observation room of the operating theater—

“He's experiencing acute cardiac tamponade. His chest X-ray was still normal this morning, but everything happened so fast. He suddenly lost consciousness, and the situation is critical. I had no choice but to operate on him.”

Liz spoke, her voice filled with both panic and anger.

The panic came from experiencing an emergency surgery for the first time.

The anger stemmed from the fact that this wasn’t supposed to be her responsibility. She had been forced into this, and in her confusion and helplessness, she had nearly watched a patient die right in front of her.

“You go ahead. I can handle things here.”

Dr. Shepherd signaled to Dr. Burke.

Hearing this, Dr. Burke immediately stepped out.

The cardiac patient was, in fact, one of his own—someone from his clinic’s patient group. Now, an intern under his supervision had performed an emergency open-chest procedure on him. Who knew how bad things might get?

This could directly affect his reputation.

At that moment, Alex stormed in, fuming.

“You performed open-chest surgery in the ward without calling me? Were you just trying to show off?”

“I paged you 50 times!!!”

Liz was visibly emotional. “Do you even know what I just went through?”

“Oh… the battery died. I forgot to replace it.”

Alex glanced at his pager, realizing it had run out of power. He let out a small, awkward laugh.

“You forgot?”

When Liz saw the reason for his absence—and his nonchalant reaction—she completely lost control.

“You actually forgot?!”

Her frustration boiled over. She snatched Alex’s pager from his hand and threw it to the ground. Then, stomping on it repeatedly, she shouted, “You bastard! You lazy, arrogant, useless idiot!”

Spittle flew onto Alex’s face, forcing him to raise his hand to shield his eyes.

After venting her anger, Liz turned on her heels and stormed off.

Just looking at Alex’s face made her sick.

“This medical center never has a dull moment,” Dr. Bailey muttered wearily.

“It seems like Dr. Clive is the one with the strongest connections among all of us,” Adam couldn’t help but remark sarcastically.

How long had they been interning?

Alex had already—

- Ignored a nurse’s warning and neglected a patient, worsening their condition.

- Made an outrageous, unethical comment: "Someone her age should’ve died long ago."

- Botched an acting drill and insulted a patient, calling them disgusting and deserving of their suffering.

- Neglected his duties, almost costing another patient their life.

On top of all that, his medical skills were clearly below the standard for an intern at this center.

Incident after incident, yet he showed no remorse.

If Alex didn’t have powerful connections, Adam simply wouldn’t believe it.

Even as the so-called overpowered protagonist, Adam wouldn’t dare pull half the stunts Alex had.

Dr. Bailey shot Adam a look, instinctively wanting to shut him down.

Alex was her intern. She could criticize him, but others couldn’t—especially not Adam, who also had a privileged background.

But then she reconsidered.

Adam had real talent. He never denied his own connections, but at least he was competent. And despite how bluntly he put it, he wasn’t wrong.

So, she swallowed her words.

Did Alex have strong backing? Of course.

Dr. Bailey had heard that he got in through connections with Director Glassman.

She also knew that Alex hadn’t even passed his medical licensing exam yet—he had failed. If he didn’t pass his retake in time, he wouldn’t even be qualified to be a doctor, let alone continue his residency.

“Damn nepotism,” Dr. Bailey cursed internally.

She had climbed her way up entirely on her own, working over 110 hours a week, earning the respect of everyone in the hospital through sheer effort.

If she were the hospital director, she would never have let someone like Alex in.

If she were the head of surgery, she wouldn’t have hesitated to fire him, no matter what the director thought.

If she were an attending physician, she wouldn’t have let him anywhere near her operating room.

But unfortunately, she was none of those things.

She was just a resident, technically on the same level as Alex. Until she finished her training and got her attending license, she couldn’t afford to offend the director’s connections.

So, she had to turn a blind eye.

“Shit!”

Just then, chaos erupted.

No one cared about Alex anymore—everyone’s attention snapped back to the surgery.

The patient was hemorrhaging.

“Control the bleeding!”

“Her body can’t handle major blood loss. We need more blood bags!”

“Suction more! I can’t see anything!”

“Clamps! Get me clamps—now!”

“Is there any blood left in the rapid infuser?”

“There are two more bags on the way.”

“What do you mean, ‘on the way’?”

“We didn’t anticipate this much blood loss. We prepared twice the estimated amount, but we’ve already used it all.”

The OR was in complete disarray.

Dr. Shepherd and the nurses were exchanging rapid-fire instructions.

“Where did you cut?” Dr. Shepherd asked Dr. Bailey.

“I didn’t cut anything—it ruptured on its own,” Dr. Bailey quickly explained. “Her condition was already poor when she was admitted. Her arterial walls are too fragile.”

“We’ve already used ten units of blood!” a nurse reminded them.

“I can’t see a thing.”

Dr. Shepherd was drenched in blood, his vision blurred.

“Her blood pressure is dropping. If we don’t stop the bleeding now, she won’t make it,” the monitoring nurse warned.

“Got it!”

Just then, Adam reached in and pressed down on the bleeding site.

“What?”

Dr. Shepherd was momentarily stunned.

In such a chaotic situation, there was no time to suction all the blood away. Finding the exact source of the hemorrhage amidst a sea of red was pure luck.

“The bleeding is slowing. Blood pressure is stabilizing.”

The nurse’s announcement confirmed Adam’s words.

“Well done, Adam!”

Dr. Shepherd, overjoyed, dropped the usual formalities. “Hold it steady!”

Then he barked at the nurses, “Get those blood bags here—immediately!”

“Suction!”

“Clear my field of vision!”

Dr. Shepherd rattled off command after command.

At moments like this, if the lead surgeon panicked or froze, the patient was doomed.

But if the surgeon remained calm and knew exactly what to do, the patient’s chances of survival skyrocketed.

A renowned surgeon like Dr. Shepherd wouldn’t panic.

His earlier flustered state was due to not being able to locate the bleeding source. Without blood transfusions, even the best surgeon would be powerless.

But once Adam miraculously pinpointed the rupture and stopped the bleeding, Dr. Shepherd seized the opportunity without hesitation.

At that moment, he felt nothing but gratitude for Dr. Burke’s decision to bring Adam into the OR.

Chapter 343: Sorry, I Forgot I’m the Only One Who Can

"Christina, hurry up and help Adam hold this."

After the immediate crisis passed, Dr. Sheppard noticed that Adam was holding up the massive tumor with one hand while pressing down on the bleeding site inside the patient’s body with the other—like a pillar holding everything together.

Even Dr. Sheppard couldn’t help but be impressed and, worried that Adam might not be able to hold on much longer, quickly called out to Christina, who was standing on the sidelines.

"Oh, oh!"

Christina rushed over and reached out to help.

Then her eyes went wide.

She realized that the full weight of the massive tumor was still entirely supported by Adam’s single hand, just as steadily as when he had been using both.

Adam flashed her a smile.

Christina immediately understood. Grateful, she didn’t say anything but pretended to help, keeping her hands close as if supporting the tumor—without actually touching it.

Dr. Sheppard’s spinal surgery was clearly more demanding than Dr. Burke’s previous lung operation.

The discomfort from holding a support position for eight hours earlier still hadn’t worn off, and she didn’t want to mess anything up now.

She was only pretending to help because she still needed to earn recognition from the senior doctors.

If you contribute nothing during such a rare surgery, who’s going to want to work with you next time?

In the medical field, connections matter—but when it comes down to saving lives, professional skills are everything.

Even a world-renowned doctor can’t carry dead weight.

Thanks to Adam’s steady control of the bleeding, the patient managed to hold on until the blood bank delivered a new supply.

This time, it was Alex who brought the blood.

"Get out!"

Dr. Burke, who had rushed back after handling another emergency, saw Alex and immediately lost his temper, pointing at the door of the operating room.

"I’m here to deliver blood!"

Alex snapped back, clearly irritated.

When the OR urgently needed blood bags, Alex, feeling inspired after watching Adam steal the spotlight, had dashed out of the operating room. He hadn’t gone far before running into a nurse bringing the blood.

Without thinking, he asked a question, then—under the nurse’s confused gaze—snatched the blood bag and sprinted back to the OR.

(Nurse’s inner monologue: “It wasn’t even that far. I was already jogging over. I could’ve handled it…”)

Feeling like he had done something heroic, Alex was almost moved by his own efforts—only to be met with this kind of reaction.

How could he not be frustrated?

"Delivering blood is the nurse’s responsibility. There’s no need for you to meddle!"

Dr. Burke said coldly. "Before the surgery, the patient explicitly requested that you not enter the operating room. I also clearly ordered you to stay away for a week. Did you not hear me?!"

"I..."

Alex’s face fell. Being scolded in front of everyone was humiliating, even for someone as thick-skinned as him.

The OR and the observation deck above were packed with dozens of doctors and nurses—this was even more embarrassing than the last two times he had been reprimanded.

"What, you’ve got nothing to say now?"

Dr. Burke snapped. "Mr. Harper has been in critical condition for a long time now. As the attending doctor, have you even checked on him?

You should be monitoring his condition, not blatantly disobeying orders! Now, get out of my OR!"

The room went dead silent.

Everyone could feel Dr. Burke’s fury.

And they understood why.

In the medical field, following orders is non-negotiable.

Hesitation during surgery could mean the difference between life and death.

Alex had not only defied direct orders but had also nearly endangered Dr. Burke’s patient. And yet, instead of monitoring the patient, he was still loitering in the operating room.

This kind of behavior was grounds for immediate dismissal.

However, Dr. Burke was clearly aware that Alex had connections—likely tied to the hospital director. So, despite his anger, all he did was kick Alex out.

Alex left the OR with a dark, angry expression.

"Dr. Bailey, Alex isn’t allowed anywhere near the OR for two weeks—my orders!"

Dr. Burke said, still furious, glaring at Alex’s supervisor.

"Understood."

Dr. Bailey replied coldly, silently deciding to assign Alex to two weeks of rectal exams.

*What an embarrassment!*

"Calm down, Dr. Burke."

Breaking the heavy silence, Dr. Sheppard, who was on equal footing with Burke in terms of status, spoke up. "Let’s talk about something positive. Did you know how close we were to losing the patient just now? It was all thanks to Dr. Duncan’s outstanding performance."

Now that the crisis had passed, the sense of relief faded, and Adam was back to being "Dr. Duncan."

That’s just human nature.

"I heard."

Dr. Burke’s expression softened slightly. "It’s clear there are some truly exceptional interns among us."

"Well, credit goes to your sharp eye for talent."

Dr. Sheppard chuckled. "At that moment, my view was obscured by blood, and even I couldn’t immediately locate the bleeding site. Yet Dr. Duncan found it right away—pure luck!"

"Actually, it wasn’t luck."

Adam replied, modest in expression but blunt in his words—completely unapologetic.

This was America, after all, and during his residency, showing his full potential was the only way to secure victory in this competitive field.

So, he laid it all out.

Luck? Miracles?

Those didn’t exist.

He was just that skilled.

"Not luck?"

Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Burke exchanged amused glances. "Are you saying that in such a high-pressure situation, you instantly spotted the bleeding point?"

"Yep."

Adam nodded earnestly. "I deduced it from the trajectory of the blood spurts. Honestly, it’s pretty simple."

"…"

Everyone was speechless, staring at him like he was joking.

"Are you serious?"

Only Christina seemed to sense that Adam wasn’t playing around.

Hadn’t she just witnessed him holding a giant tumor with one hand for so long—so steadily?

Even a professional weightlifter probably couldn’t pull that off.

And yet, Adam had done it effortlessly.

You had to respect that.

"Of course."

Adam said seriously. "It’s basic math—when blood spurts out, the trajectories all converge at the source. That’s your bleeding point."

"But wait, how did you remember all the trajectories in that instant?"

Christina asked the question everyone was thinking.

"Easy."

Adam replied matter-of-factly. "You guys couldn’t?"

"…"

Everyone’s jaws tightened.

Come on!

The bleeding was so sudden, so fast—how could anyone possibly track all the trajectories?

Even if they tried again, staring as hard as they could, the best they’d manage would be to vaguely spot the bleeding site—not analyze the precise spray pattern!

It’s not like they had some built-in slow-motion superpower.

"Sorry."

Adam shrugged. "I have high-definition photographic memory. I forgot you guys don’t."

Everyone: "…"

*Chapter 344: Doctor's Bar*

*2:00 AM.*

After a grueling fourteen-hour giant tumor removal surgery, the procedure was finally complete.

Aside from one life-threatening crisis in the middle, everything went relatively smoothly.

"Great job, everyone."

Dr. Sheptor gave his usual words of affirmation after the surgery: "We saved a life!"

The team was both exhausted and elated.

Saving lives was always a rewarding experience.

"You're a total freak."

Christina massaged her wrist and stretched her waist. Watching Adam effortlessly handle everyone’s compliments without a trace of fatigue, she couldn’t help but remark.

She knew better than anyone else about Adam’s inhuman stamina.

Just thinking about how he had held up a massive tumor with both hands for eight to nine hours, then supported it with one hand for another four to five hours, all while looking completely at ease, sent chills down her spine.

"Heh."

Adam merely chuckled without responding.

At work, he had to be confident and assertive, but outside of work, modesty and humility were necessary for social interactions.

Otherwise, he’d end up like Sheldon.

That would make him an easy target for resentment.

Sheldon had survived purely because of his inexplicable luck.

Adam didn’t want to rely on luck.

"Wanna grab a drink at the bar later?"

Christina invited, "Everyone’s going."

"You mean Joe’s Bar across from the Medical Center?"

Adam asked.

"Yeah."

Christina nodded, "That’s our medical staff’s go-to bar. A lot of colleagues like to stop by after work. The owner, Joe, is a great guy. You haven’t been there yet, have you? Come with us tonight—Joe’s been looking forward to meeting someone as famous as you."

"Alright."

Adam didn’t refuse.

Places like that were great for networking.

Plus, skipping out would make him seem antisocial.

---

*Changing Room.*

Everyone took off their white coats and blue scrubs, changing into their casual clothes.

Since they were all doctors, there wasn’t any special effort to separate the men and women.

Alex, who usually acted like a cheeky flirt, sneakily glancing around whenever he could, was unusually dejected. He sat slumped in an empty corner, changed his clothes in silence, and slipped away without saying a word.

It was obvious—he had probably just been assigned two straight weeks of rectal exams.

"Photographic memory? Are you serious?"

While chatting as they changed, Meredith and Liz were stunned when Christina mimicked Adam’s sincere tone while recounting his words.

"That kind of ability actually exists?"

"Yeah."

Adam nodded, "It’s not that rare. I have a friend who has it."

"What does your friend do?"

Meredith asked curiously.

Adam briefly described Sheldon’s accomplishments.

"A freak’s friend is also a freak."

Liz teased.

"Christina, don’t you also have two PhDs?"

Meredith turned to Christina, "Can’t you do it too?"

"..."

Christina didn’t want to talk about it. She shoved her white coat and blue scrubs into her locker and slammed the door shut. "Let’s go drink!"

Damn it!

Comparing yourself to others is just infuriating!

---

*Across from the Medical Center.*

*Joe’s Bar.*

"Our superstar finally decided to show up."

As soon as they walked in, a tall, burly man came forward with a big smile. "I heard you saved a life tonight—that’s exactly why I love hanging out with doctors. Being around you guys makes me appreciate the meaning of life. First round’s on me!"

"Thanks."

Adam expressed his gratitude and found himself liking the bar owner.

Not because he was offering free drinks, but because his demeanor was genuinely welcoming and comforting.

It made sense.

The Medical Center was in a bustling area, and there was no shortage of bars nearby.

If the service wasn’t great, this place wouldn’t be so popular among doctors.

Adam and the others lined up at the bar.

Joe, who was both the owner and bartender, quickly served their drinks after they placed their orders.

They chatted casually.

But due to their professional habits, the conversation kept circling back to medical cases.

"Liz, you’re not mad anymore?"

Christina took a big sip of beer and looked at Liz. "Performing open-heart surgery right there in the ward—that must have been incredible!"

"Of course, I’m still mad."

Liz rolled her eyes. "You guys can’t imagine what I was feeling at that moment. Mr. Harper’s chest cavity was filled with large blood clots, and he was on the brink of death. Aside from me, the nurses couldn’t reach a single doctor.

I had never even seen that kind of surgery before, let alone performed it.

But the nurses told me that if I operated, the patient might die, but if I didn’t, he’d definitely die sooner.

My mind went blank as the nurses dressed me in surgical gear. Under their guidance, I cut the stitches on Mr. Harper’s chest and opened his ribcage."

"That’s why it’s important to have good relationships with nurses."

Adam smiled, "There’s a saying—doctors diagnose, nurses treat. It’s not a joke. Experienced nurses can be a huge help to rookie doctors."

"I know."

Liz sighed. "If it weren’t for them, Mr. Harper would have died—maybe even by my own hands."

"Nurses aren’t doctors, though."

Christina interjected, "In the end, you were the one who saved him. We didn’t spend four years in medical school for nothing."

She had a strong admiration for skilled professionals and fully accepted the medical hierarchy where doctors outranked nurses.

It wasn’t just nurses.

Back when they had a party at Meredith’s house, Liz had invited pediatricians and psychiatrists. Christina’s attitude toward them had been blatantly condescending.

If she didn’t have such distinct South Asian features, Adam might’ve mistaken her for someone from Japan.

Before, Adam’s performance gave her a sense of competition, but she was still confident.

However, during today’s surgery, they had worked together from start to finish.

Adam’s freakish physical endurance and unparalleled medical expertise had completely shocked her.

It felt like they weren’t even on the same level.

Adam was undoubtedly a powerhouse.

Admiring and gravitating toward the strong was in her nature.

That’s why she had suddenly invited him to the bar.

"At that moment, Mr. Harper had no pulse, his heart rate was erratic, and I had to remove the blood clot immediately."

Liz continued, "But I was too inexperienced to do it quickly.

Seeing that he was about to die, I gritted my teeth, put down the instruments, and reached into his chest cavity with my bare hands to remove the blood clot. Oh my god, you guys should have seen how massive it was. The feeling..."

As Liz recounted her harrowing experience, Adam was no longer listening.

Because in his mind, he heard the system’s notification sound.

*Ding!*

*+3 Intelligence Points!*

(End of Chapter)