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301-303

Added 2025-05-25 16:36:33 +0000 UTC

Chapter 301: Welcome to the Competition Arena

Medical Center.

Cafeteria.

Adam’s bluntness made the two "plastic sisters" suddenly aware of each other's fakeness.

For a moment, the atmosphere became awkwardly silent.

Everyone lowered their heads and focused on their meals.

Adam twitched the corner of his mouth, sighing inwardly—perhaps he shouldn’t have been so straightforward.

Some truths are better left unsaid among friends.

Pfft!

Just then, George, the flamboyant chubby guy, plopped onto a chair, the loud sound he made cutting through the awkward silence.

"George, what’s wrong?"

Liz, known for her ruthless nature, was the first to express concern.

"Tony is dead."

George’s eyes were red as he spoke, his voice hollow with despair. "Dr. Burke asked me to inform Gloria of the news, but she wouldn’t even listen to my comfort. She just told me to leave. That look in her eyes..."

As he spoke, the sensitive and emotional George choked up.

"Let this be a lesson."

Adam sighed. "This is what happens when you form emotional attachments to patients and give them unrealistic hope."

In less than two days, George had already started referring to the patient and his wife by their first names, treating them like close friends. He had even reassured them personally, making promises he shouldn't have made. That was a clear boundary he had crossed.

If every doctor treated patients like personal friends, the profession of medicine would cease to exist.

After all, human beings cannot endure an endless cycle of death and grief.

And yet, in a hospital, birth, illness, and death unfold every single day.

Those who are too emotional simply won’t last.

With that in mind, Adam cast a sympathetic glance at George.

Less than two days into the hospital, he had already offended an attending physician and now faced this emotional turmoil. Unless he had extraordinary luck, Adam seriously doubted George would make it in the long run.

"The patient’s family just told you to leave—they didn’t say they’d sue you, right?"

Christina asked.

Everyone turned to look at her, and George’s expression was particularly aggrieved.

"What?"

Christina tilted her head. "In situations like this, if the patient’s family is unreasonable, don’t you think they might sue you? After all, it was your promise that convinced them to go through with the surgery."

"George is already in this state. You’re too cold-hearted."

Liz, radiating her saintly aura, scolded Christina.

"Christina’s point isn’t wrong," Adam countered. "Instead of dwelling on sorrow, George should be focusing on the reality of the situation. Otherwise, he’ll only be dealing with more sorrow later."

"George?"

Meredith also looked at him with concern.

"They probably wouldn’t... right?"

George, now properly spooked by the idea, found his anxiety over potential legal trouble overtaking his grief.

After all, Tony’s unexpected death had only been a two-day event, while his medical career had taken him eight long years to build.

"Pray."

Adam shook his head. "It all depends on fate."

For now, the patient’s family had merely asked George to leave, showing no intention of pursuing legal action. But that could change.

People’s thoughts shift all the time. Once they go home and discuss it with others, who knows if they’ll decide to take legal action?

Good intentions can still lead to disaster. Among rookie doctors who haven't yet become hardened veterans, this is a common pitfall.

That’s precisely why, on their first day, the hospital had a bald-headed legal advisor repeatedly emphasize common legal precautions.

Unfortunately, young doctors tend to be headstrong. They hear the warnings but let them go in one ear and out the other—until they hit a wall.

And sometimes, hitting that wall can end a career.

The mood among the group soured. George’s predicament resonated with them all.

Doctors are meant to save lives, yet along the way, they must navigate countless traps—not just fighting death itself, but also the demons lurking within human nature.

While they might not make the same rookie mistake as George, none of them could guarantee they wouldn’t encounter their own struggles down the line.

Adam felt the same way.

The only silver lining was that he was a billionaire, and his wealth was growing rapidly. In a country where money rules, his ability to protect himself far surpassed that of his colleagues.

After finishing their tasteless late-night meal, the group left the cafeteria and braced themselves for the final stretch of their first 48-hour shift.

Nurses' Station.

"He’s still breathing rapidly. Have you checked the arterial blood gas analysis or chest X-ray?"

Surgical Chief Richard, during his rounds, noticed that a patient under Alex’s care hadn’t shown any improvement. He called for Alex.

"Yes, I have."

Even though Alex was panicking inside, he forced a smug, confident smirk.

"And what’s your conclusion?"

The Chief pressed on.

"I was in charge of so many patients last night..."

Alex’s smile faltered.

Truthfully, he had no conclusion.

"List the common causes of postoperative fever."

The Chief’s face darkened. "No looking at your notes—use your brain. This is something you should have memorized."

Having spent his entire career in the hospital, the Chief immediately saw through Alex’s flashy exterior, recognizing the emptiness underneath. Seeing Alex attempt to make excuses, he decided to show no mercy.

"Can anyone else answer?"

The interns instinctively reached for their notebooks.

"Pneumonia, urinary tract infection..."

Adam and Christina spoke in unison.

They exchanged glances, and Adam smiled, gesturing for Christina to continue.

He had already outshone everyone enough during the first shift—it was only fair to give his colleagues a chance to shine.

Besides, Christina was, at the very least, a sort of friend.

And more importantly, this wasn’t surgery.

"Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection, thrombosis, medication effects—the five Ws!"

Christina had barely finished speaking when Meredith’s distinctive voice rang out:

"The most likely cause is pulmonary embolism or inflammation. In cases where tests aren’t available, it’s usually considered inflammation by default."

Alex’s face turned grim.

He hadn’t known the answer.

And yet, everyone else did.

Under countless watching eyes, his usual cocky grin finally collapsed.

Adam exchanged a knowing glance with an older nurse whom Alex had previously scolded, and they both smiled.

In a hospital, competence is everything.

Either you know your stuff, or you don’t.

One test could expose the truth—there was nowhere to hide.

Whether Alex could use connections to keep his job despite his incompetence was another matter altogether…

"What do you think is the cause in Bed 4-B?"

The Chief, wanting to showcase his friend’s daughter, pressed Meredith for an answer.

"The fourth W—thrombosis!"

Meredith didn’t disappoint, proving her solid foundation. "It’s most likely a pulmonary embolism."

"And how do you confirm it?"

The Chief’s eyes glimmered with approval.

Meredith hesitated, organizing her thoughts—but before she could speak, Christina’s voice cut in:

"Spiral CT, lung ventilation scan, oxygen consumption, liver phospholipid levels, and inferior vena cava filter results."

"Tsk, tsk."

Adam clicked his tongue in amusement, glancing between the two women.

The plastic-fake competitiveness between them was overwhelming.

The Chief twitched at the corners of his mouth, briefly looking at Christina’s impassive face before turning back to Alex, who was looking increasingly miserable.

"Run the tests she mentioned," the Chief ordered. "And inform your supervising resident that you’re off this case. That’s my decision!"

With that, he walked up to Meredith, patted her on the shoulder, and said, "I see your mother in you. Welcome to the competition arena."

As the Chief walked away—

"Welcome to the competition arena," Christina said coolly before leaving.

Adam grinned at Meredith’s conflicted expression.

"Welcome to the competition arena."

Chapter 302: Approved by Me

"Christina."

Realizing what had happened, Meredith quickly chased after her best friend.

Did she know that her actions might hurt her friend's feelings? Of course, she did.

But she couldn't control herself.

Because this was the instinct of a surgeon in a competition.

"A surgeon's God complex."

The senior nurse shook her head in disapproval.

That mysterious confidence, the competitive nature, the belief that they were like gods capable of saving the world—she had seen these traits in too many surgeons.

"Some surgeons really do seem like gods."

A beautiful young nurse murmured as she watched Adam walk away.

"Olivia, stop staring."

The senior nurse reminded her, "Dr. Duncan is too outstanding. He’s not for you."

"I wasn’t—"

The pretty young nurse, Olivia, blushed.

"Good, then."

The senior nurse smiled and turned back to her work.

Olivia muttered wistfully, "I know Dr. Duncan is amazing. I wasn’t thinking about anything…"

Morning.

The 48th hour.

"It’s finally over."

Bald Chris cheered.

"Got any plans later?"

Fat Stu wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, looking like a creep.

"Dude."

Bald Chris put his arm around Fat Stu. "Of course, I do. I made plans with Carla. You do your thing."

With that, he swaggered away, singing and dancing triumphantly.

"What’s the big deal?"

Fat Stu scoffed. "I still have my orange."

"Orange?"

Adam’s lips twitched. "Are you serious?"

"Of course!"

Fat Stu smirked. "Oranges are the best fruit for that. Let me give you a tip—heat it up in the microwave first. The effect… chef’s kiss."

"..."

Adam was speechless. "That trick is useless to me, but hey, whatever makes you happy."

Truly, when you go deep into geek territory, weirdness follows.

There’s no limit to perversion—only more perversion!

Adam was at a loss.

After changing in the locker room, Adam and Bianca left the hospital together.

"Dr. Duncan."

A soft voice called from behind them.

Adam turned around to see the pretty young nurse now dressed in casual clothes, looking at him shyly.

"My name is Olivia, and I—"

"Nice to meet you, Olivia. Just call me Adam."

Adam flashed a bright smile.

Bianca rolled her eyes on the side.

"Adam."

Olivia was excited and mustered her courage. "I know a great café with amazing coffee. Would you like to go for a cup?"

"We just finished our first 48-hour shift. Maybe next time."

Adam politely declined.

"Oh, I’m sorry."

Olivia blushed, embarrassed. "I forgot."

After a few more words, she quickly walked away.

"You don’t actually think she just wanted to grab coffee, do you?"

Bianca teased.

"I know."

Adam chuckled. "But I’m not interested in her that way."

"Seriously?"

Bianca was surprised. "She’s pretty, and she made the first move. Not even a little tempted?"

"Not at all."

Adam shook his head. "In fact, I don’t get involved with colleagues at the hospital. I’d suggest you do the same."

"Why?"

Bianca was puzzled.

Adam briefly explained how medical dramas portray healthcare professionals, instantly making Bianca rethink things.

"No way. Is it really that messy?"

"You’ve seen it yourself."

Adam grinned. "Chris just met Carla less than a day ago, and they already hooked up in the on-call room.

Medical professionals work long hours. It’s hard to find a partner, and even when they do, schedules rarely align.

When hormones surge, it’s easy to lock eyes with a colleague and find a convenient place for mutual relief.

And once that culture becomes the norm, things get out of hand quickly.

So, to avoid trouble, no matter how attractive a colleague is, I won’t be tempted."

"All colleagues? Are you sure?"

Bianca’s gaze became suspicious.

"Ahem."

Adam coughed awkwardly and added, "Of course, those with integrity are an exception."

"Where’s your car?"

Bianca smirked. "Hurry up and drive."

Near the hospital.

Adam’s upscale apartment.

Two hours later.

"I’ll be right there."

Adam ended the call, glanced at Bianca, who was sleeping peacefully with a contented smile, and chuckled.

He wrote a note, placed it on the bedside table, got dressed, and left the apartment.

Even after 48+2 hours of no rest, he was still full of energy.

Macallan Bar.

"Oh, thank God, Adam! You’re finally here. Talk some sense into Matthew!"

Barney grabbed Adam’s arm in a panic, as if Matthew was about to make a huge mistake.

"What happened?"

Adam ignored him, sat down calmly, and gestured for a beer before turning to Matthew and Lily with a smile.

"Look at this!"

Matthew and Lily, wrapped in each other’s arms, held out their left hands, revealing matching engagement rings on their middle fingers.

"You’re engaged? Congratulations!"

Adam was momentarily stunned but quickly offered his congratulations.

"Thank you."

Matthew and Lily said in unison before locking lips passionately in front of everyone.

Adam grimaced slightly.

Public displays of affection were a Western custom he still hadn’t fully gotten used to.

"Enough, enough!"

Barney shuddered and rubbed his arms as if covered in goosebumps. "Adam, talk to them! They’re only in their twenties!"

"So?"

Adam grinned.

"No one should even think about marriage before 30! It’s a rule!"

Barney declared.

"Whose rule?"

Adam teased. "Oh, wait—I know. The legendary Barney Stinson’s rule!"

"The Barney Stinson Rule is a rule all men should follow!"

Barney straightened his tie confidently.

"Did you ask the crown?"

Adam pulled a small crown from his pocket and twirled it between his fingers teasingly.

"…"

Barney’s smile froze.

This was the crown he had lost to Adam in a previous bet. He never expected Adam to carry it around.

"Ha! He didn’t ask."

Matthew and Lily laughed.

"Only a king with a crown speaks for all men. His rule is the real law."

"Let me ask, then."

Ted, full of blessings for his friends, played along. "Your Majesty, do you approve of Matthew’s engagement before 30?"

"As long as they’re adults and in love, age doesn’t matter."

Adam placed the crown on his head and solemnly declared, "Matthew and Lily are true love. I approve!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Matthew and Lily cheered.

"Come on!"

Barney groaned.

That legendary bet with Adam had been both painful and exhilarating for him.

Chapter 303: Listen to Him, He’s a Doctor!

MacLaren’s Pub.

"Oh my God! Time flies so fast—Matthew and Lily are actually engaged!"

Ted looked at Matthew and Lily, who were all over each other, feeling both touched and impulsive. "I've made up my mind!"

"No!"

Adam and Barney shouted in unison.

"Well, well, great minds think alike," Barney said smugly, glancing at Adam with a look of mutual understanding.

"I haven't even said anything yet, and you're already shutting me down?" Ted protested.

"Don't tell me you don’t know why Barney loves going to weddings so much?" Adam asked.

"To hit on bridesmaids," Ted replied, confused. "But what does that have to do with rejecting my decision before I even say it?"

"It has everything to do with it."

Adam teased, "At weddings, bridesmaids are easily influenced by the romantic atmosphere, making them easy prey for Barney. And right now, the romance of Matthew and Lily’s engagement is affecting you too, so whatever you’re about to decide—don’t!"

Barney, far from feeling ashamed, nodded in agreement with a proud smile.

"Are you comparing me to a bridesmaid?" Ted twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Oh, Ted, when it comes to romance and sentimentality, you’re no different from a bridesmaid. In fact, you’re probably one of the best among them, which means you’re even more susceptible to being influenced."

Adam spoke seriously. "If you don’t believe me, ask Lily and Matthew."

"No!"

Ted glanced at Lily, who tilted her head with a knowing smile. Then he looked at Matthew, who simply shrugged with a grin. In disbelief, he exclaimed, "I can’t believe this is how you see me!"

"Being romantic and sentimental isn’t a bad thing—it’s one of your strengths," Lily explained. "Compared to emotionally distant guys, many women dream of someone like you."

"Not just women," Adam teased.

"Well said! High five!"

Barney laughed and held out his palm for Adam.

Seeing Barney's enthusiasm—and knowing that he had been behaving himself lately, at least not deliberately twisting Adam’s words for mischief—Adam chuckled and gave him a high five.

"Hey, buddy, what decision were you about to make?"

Matthew, being Ted’s best friend, noticed his mood and asked with concern.

"Now that you and Lily are engaged, it’s no longer 'Matthew, Lily, and me'—it’s 'Matthew and Lily… and me.'"

Ted shot a grateful look at his best friend. At least he cares about me. His earlier thoughts resurfaced, and he declared, "I’m tired of living like this. I’m going to start looking for my soulmate!"

The way he paused while speaking made a world of difference in the meaning.

"NO!!"

Barney immediately exploded. "Ted’s lost his mind—someone call 911!"

"See? Classic bridesmaid impulse," Adam said with a shrug.

"Ted, no matter what, the three of us will always be 'Matthew, Lily, and Ted.' That’ll never change," Matthew reassured him.

"I know," Ted said, not entirely convincingly. "I just don’t want your future kids calling me ‘Uncle Ted, the lifelong bachelor.’"

"I don’t think you’re ready yet. You should stick with Barney for a few more years," Adam suggested.

"Thank you!"

Barney dramatically grabbed Adam’s hand, pretending to be deeply moved.

"I am ready!" Ted argued.

"Sure, you’re ready—to hurt good women."

Adam scoffed, "If you go out with this mindset, you’ll start meeting great women instead of the usual mix of mostly bad ones. But can you guarantee that once you spark their hopes for love and marriage, your feelings won’t suddenly change? More likely, they’ll fall for you, and you’ll realize you’re not feeling it anymore—then you’ll bail."

"I…"

Ted hesitated, then awkwardly laughed. "But that’s how dating works! You don’t just find ‘the one’ on the first try."

"Casual dating is fine. Even Barney’s full-fledged womanizing isn’t a problem," Adam said with a smirk. "At least everyone involved knows it’s just for fun—nothing serious.

"But you? You’re planning to search for ‘true love’ with the goal of marriage. That means you’ll attract women who also have that goal.

"If you suddenly lose interest and leave them heartbroken… that’s next-level douchebaggery. Way worse than Barney. Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Hey!"

Barney straightened his tie and proudly declared, "No one out-douches Barney Stinson!"

"I…"

Ted was speechless. The emotional high from Matthew and Lily’s engagement had faded significantly.

At his core, he still had morals.

If no one pointed out his behavior—or kept calling him out on it—he might have just blissfully ignored how much of a player he really was.

But once someone broke it down like this… he couldn’t pretend he wasn’t aware anymore.

"Looks like you do have some self-awareness," Adam said with a smile. "That’s good. Hold onto that feeling. Stick with Barney for a few more years, and once you’re truly tired of playing around, then start thinking about true love."

Adam remembered watching How I Met Your Mother in his past life. He still vividly recalled the scene where Ted broke up with his girlfriend on her birthday—through a voicemail.

The worst part? She was at home, surrounded by family and friends waiting to surprise her for her birthday.

Everyone crouched down, listening as Ted’s breakup message played. No one knew what to do when she walked in with a huge smile, expecting a surprise party…

And that was just one of Ted’s many horrible moments.

What made it worse was that, after being emotionally rattled by Matthew and Lily’s engagement, Ted decided she was "the one" after all—and chased her down to get back together.

His grand romantic gestures worked, and she gave him another chance.

Then, just a few weeks later, his feelings faded again.

Right when she had finally healed from their first breakup and begun to believe in love again—Ted dumped her again.

This time, though, he had matured.

He didn’t break up with her over voicemail.

He waited until her birthday party to do it in person.

Fortunately, she had spent those years learning Krav Maga.

In her rage, she gave Ted a hands-on lesson in why Krav Maga is not just yoga—it’s an Israeli military close-combat technique.

And that was just one example of Ted’s long history of being the King of Douchebags.

"Listen to him," Barney said, throwing an arm around Ted. "This guy’s a doctor!"

"…"

Ted had no words.