Behind Yi Bai, the charming and delicate Lina had tried several times to speak, but each time, she fell silent. Although she deeply hoped Yi Bai would choose the third option, she still didn't want to interfere with his decision-making. The lovestruck ghost girl was beyond saving.
However, though Lina had remained silent, Yi Bai—whose soul had awakened—had noticed her subtle gestures.
With his newly awakened "Yi Bai's Soul," he gently pulled Lina closer, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "I'd like to hear your advice before making my choice, if that's alright?"
Lina felt as though she had been struck by lightning. The electric tingle running through her made her nearly lose her balance. Her pale face flushed, and even her cold, lifeless heart seemed to beat wildly in her chest, almost as though it were about to burst out.
"I... I... I..." She stammered three times but couldn't form a complete sentence. The warmth rising from her forehead felt as if steam were rising from her head.
True "Steam Princess" vibes!
Yi Bai blinked. He hadn't expected such a reaction to his simple gesture, and Lina—who had once exuded the cool, icy aura of a domineering woman—was now completely flustered.
On the side, Quirce's electronic eyes blinked rapidly. Though it was impossible to read his expression, Yi Bai could sense the curiosity and interest emanating from the ancient ghost doctor.
Well, in the eyes of most supernatural creatures, humans were little more than food. It was almost unheard of for a human to not only coexist peacefully with ghosts but to actually get on their good side and gain their trust to this extent.
Lina took a long, shuddering breath, regaining her composure. She then spoke seriously.
"The first option, Yi Bai, you should probably pass on it. The reason being..." She gave a subtle glance and didn't continue. The meaning was clear—thanks to the large amount of ghost coins that Yi Bai had acquired from tricking He Yi, he wouldn't be lacking in currency anytime soon.
"The second option is quite practical. A powerful ghost-level puppet is of high value. I'd recommend you go for this one!"
At the mention of the second option, Lina's expression was full of approval. Before even bringing up the third option, she was already recommending the second.
"Oh? Then what about the third option?" Yi Bai asked, intrigued, noticing that Lina hadn't immediately suggested the third choice.
"The third option, I'll explain it to you," Quirce interjected, taking over the conversation. "The shares in the Third Hospital may not hold much value for you right now. The reason is simple: He Yi has been sabotaging the place for so long, the hospital needs time to recover its vitality."
"Therefore, if you choose the third option, it's like you're temporarily forgoing the reward."
Yi Bai's face shifted slightly as he processed this straightforward explanation from Quirce. However, after a moment of thought, he smiled and responded, "Since you're so honest about this, I take it there must be some additional benefits that are hard for me to refuse, right?"
"You're very clever!" Quirce praised with a hint of admiration. "The position of Honorary Chief Physician is a special one! Or rather, this position was specifically set up for human players."
"Eh?!" Yi Bai's pupils contracted, as he felt like he had just stumbled upon a crucial piece of information. Why would the Third Hospital have a position specially designed for human players in the Thrilling World?
The Honorary Chief Physician was fundamentally different from Yi Bai's current position as a special visiting doctor. In simple terms, Yi Bai was a temporary worker, and once his mission was over, his role would be null and void. But Quirce was talking about a "position," a long-term—even permanent—role, provided the person holding it could stay alive.
"Ha..." Yi Bai took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. But he couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Quirce, do you know some secret about the Thrilling Game? Otherwise, why would the Third Hospital set up a long-term position just for human players? Doesn't that seem odd?"
"Stay calm, kid. Actually, I don't know as much as you think," Quirce shook his head, his electronic eyes flashing. "In fact, every selected 'world' in the Thrilling Game has such a special position. As for the reason..." He trailed off, leaving the answer unspoken, but the implication was clear.
The Thrilling Game, an omnipresent existence that spanned both the human world and the supernatural realm, had its own mysterious motives. What it ultimately sought was beyond even the comprehension of a ghost like Quirce.
Yi Bai was left frustrated, as if a stone were lodged in his chest. He had been piqued by Quirce's words, but in the end, he had received only a vague answer, which didn't even count as a full explanation.
"Could you please explain the hidden benefits of the Honorary Chief Physician position, then?" Yi Bai finally gave up, settling for the next best option.
Quirce's animated face nodded. "First, you will have the opportunity to return to the Third Hospital three times a month, for one day each time."
"Any time, without restrictions?" Yi Bai's eyes lit up.
"Yes, but the catch is that you can only stay for a day each time. After one day, you'll be teleported back to your original location."
"One day is enough! Three times a month, that's a precious chance to escape death," Yi Bai mused.
"It's actually more than just three times," Quirce continued. "The Third Hospital will also have three opportunities each month to actively summon you here. Of course, this requires your consent."
Yi Bai's eyes shone brighter.
So, he would have three chances to actively return and three chances to be summoned—six emergency escape opportunities each month. This alone made the third option impossible for him to refuse!
"I agree to take the position of Honorary Chief Physician, but I have one request, which I hope you'll accept."
"Let's hear it."
"When the Third Hospital needs me, I'll only treat patients. I have the right to refuse any other duties. What do you think?"
Yi Bai made his request, but he didn't entirely close off the possibility of helping with other matters in the future. He simply wanted the freedom to refuse anything outside his medical expertise. Yi Bai had always been good at handling social situations and knew how to negotiate without burning bridges.
"Agreed." Quirce pondered for only a moment before accepting the terms.
What Quirce valued in Yi Bai was his remarkable medical skill. Having learned of the recent events at the Third Hospital, Quirce knew Yi Bai's talents would be indispensable.