Chapter 14: Emma and Dr. Axel

Although the middle-aged nurse was seeing Ethan for the first time, the other female nurses in the regular ward had already been discussing him privately.

Because Ethan was truly special—not only was he remarkably good-looking, but he also never troubled anyone.

Another reason was Ethan's postoperative condition, which was quite different.

If other patients had undergone Ethan's surgery, they would have long been shouting loudly in pain, some even begging the nurses for stronger painkillers.

But Ethan not only hadn't taken any pain medication, he never showed any signs of suffering.

Many nurses wondered if Ethan even felt pain at all.

The middle-aged nurse mentioned that Ethan might not be able to afford the single deluxe room because it was really expensive—almost ten thousand a day—and Ethan still needed to be observed for a week before discharge.

She never expected Ethan's next reply to completely stun her.

Ethan waved his hand carelessly and directly answered, "Price isn't an issue. Just help me with the paperwork. Also, is my attending physician, Dr. Axel, available now?"

The middle-aged nurse looked at Ethan in disbelief because Dr. Axel had specifically told her to pay extra attention to Ethan.

She knew more about Ethan than the other nurses did and was aware that Ethan had already spent a lot of money and had limited funds.

Although puzzled, the middle-aged nurse didn't ask further and only replied, "Dr. Axel doesn't have many surgeries today. He should come to check on you soon. I'll go handle the paperwork for you first."

Ethan nodded, took out his phone, paid off his medical bill in full at once, and then kept browsing rental listings.

Housing prices in Dolren City were expensive. Previously, because of his illness, he had only been able to live in a cheap basement, using the money he saved for medical treatment.

Now that he had money, naturally he wanted to improve his living conditions.

Besides, he wasn't limited to earning just this much. As long as he kept killing new monsters in "Dawnfall Online," he could keep getting Intel rewards.

Intel rewards that improved his strength he would keep for himself; those not suitable he could sell.

Thanks to the "Ten-Thousandfold Intelligence Reward," Ethan was confident that he could earn more money and make his life better and better.

Time passed little by little. About an hour later, familiar footsteps sounded at the door of the ward.

Ethan looked up toward the door and saw a thin middle-aged man with a full head of white hair slowly walk in—none other than his attending physician, Dr. Axel.

Axel first walked to Ethan's bedside, carefully examined the readings on the monitors, then looked at Ethan's condition and said,

"You're recovering well. Keep this up, and you'll be discharged soon."

"By the way, I heard from the nurse that you want to switch to a deluxe single room? Ethan, just hold on a little longer with your illness; there might still be hope."

Ethan was momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood why Dr. Axel said this.

He guessed the doctor might think Ethan was feeling hopeless and would waste his money recklessly before choosing to end his suffering.

Ethan explained helplessly, "Dr. Axel, it's not what you think. I don't need to worry about money for now."

"I just want to ask if there's any way for me to live a bit longer."

After spending the whole afternoon gaming, Ethan's desire to survive had grown even stronger.

He didn't want to die—not especially when he had the Ten-Thousandfold Intelligence Reward, which was enough to change his fate and lead him toward a brighter future.

Dr. Axel was silent for a moment after hearing Ethan's words, then slowly replied, "I'll need some time before I can give you an answer."

Some time?

Ethan's mind raced. Could it be that some new medical research was underway? Or perhaps new medicine would be available soon?

Just as Ethan was about to ask for more details, noisy footsteps sounded outside the ward, accompanied by the sharp click of high heels.

Both Ethan and Dr. Axel looked toward the door. A group of men in suits and sunglasses was walking ahead, alert to their surroundings.

Behind them was an ice-cold beauty about 1.72 meters tall, dressed in a pale blue suit, exuding a chilling aura.

Her pale blue eyes first scanned the ward, then paused briefly on Ethan before settling on Dr. Axel.

Dr. Axel sighed and said slowly, "Director Lu, you really won't give up, will you?"

Emma stood at the ward's entrance, expressionless, staring at Dr. Axel and coldly responding, "Dr. Axel, if you miss this opportunity, you will regret it."

Axel instinctively glanced at Ethan, a clear hesitation appearing on his face.

Emma, who had been watching Axel closely, noticed this too. She turned her gaze back to Ethan, noticing the medical instruments beside him and the information on his wrist.

Emma said calmly, "Dr. Axel, you should know that if this research succeeds, patients like him won't just have to watch death approach helplessly."

"This research could save many lives."

Ethan immediately recalled what Dr. Axel had said earlier—that he'd need some time before answering his question.

Could there really be some medical research that could cure his disease?

When matters involve life and death, it's hard for Ethan to remain calm, but he didn't get overly emotional; instead, he quietly watched Axel and Emma.

Axel was still hesitant, and Emma continued speaking: "We have already found a suitable candidate. Whether it succeeds or not, he will receive a substantial compensation."

Dr. Axel took a deep breath, then nodded. He looked at Ethan and said, "Don't give up. Wait a little longer—there will be hope."

Ethan's fingers trembled slightly. He tried hard to keep his inner peace and replied, "Alright, Dr. Axel, I trust you."

Axel patted Ethan on the shoulder, signaling him to rest well.

A faint flash of joy appeared in Emma's eyes but quickly faded as she calmly said, "Let's go. That patient is already waiting outside."

Axel followed Emma out. Ethan watched their retreating backs and unexpectedly heard a little girl crying, "Daddy, where are you going?"

Someone replied softly, but Ethan couldn't make out the words.

Outside the ward, a middle-aged man in hospital clothes was crouching on the floor, holding a little girl who looked about five or six years old, gently comforting her in a low voice:

"Luna, Daddy has some things to take care of. You be good here, listen carefully to the doctors. It won't be long before your illness gets better!"

The little girl named Luna shook the brown teddy bear in her hand and answered, "Luna's not afraid. Teddy will stay with Luna. Daddy, please come back soon."

A stiff smile appeared on the man's face. He nodded firmly and said, "I will, Daddy will definitely come back. Then I'll take you and Teddy to the amusement park."

Axel and Emma stood quietly by the hospital corridor, watching this scene.

Seeing the promise between the little girl and the man, Axel took a deep breath and quietly asked, "We should succeed, right?"

Emma replied calmly, "Yes. And you will become the most celebrated rising star in the entire medical field."

Axel shook his head. His gaze shifted to the middle-aged man and little girl, then back to Ethan's ward as he slowly said, "I just want to save lives. I want them all to keep living."

After a while, the middle-aged man, holding a brown teddy bear and bowing his head, came over to Axel and Emma.

Just moments ago, little Luna had given him her best companion, the teddy bear, wanting it to keep him company.

No matter how much he tried to refuse, Luna insisted.

In the end, he had no choice but to take the brown teddy bear with him.

Emma glanced at the teddy bear, then looked toward the departing little girl's back. She sighed softly, the coldness on her face fading slightly as she said, "Personal belongings are prohibited in the research institute. Jake, I'll keep this teddy bear for you."