The Dock. Rescue Scene.
Click.
Click.
News reporters had already swarmed the place, snapping photos and recording videos nonstop. They were broadcasting the latest updates from the scene like wildfire.
Before long, all eyes—and lenses—locked onto Adam. He was weaving through the red zone, calm and in command, saving countless lives. He was the star of the show.
Disasters are terrifying, no doubt. But disaster relief? That's the stuff that lifts spirits. Especially when it's handled with jaw-dropping smoothness—like a work of art—and the guy at the center's got looks that could stop traffic. The media ate it up.
They were dying to interview Adam right then and there. But not a single one could get close.
The police had already set up barricades. After a few bold female reporters ignored the tense rescue efforts in the red zone and stubbornly tried to shove their mics in Adam's face—only to get escorted away—special officers were assigned to guard the area. No reporters were allowed to "assault" anyone with their cameras.
Even when the journalists pushed the limits, everyone stayed as restrained as possible. Including Adam, who owned stock in several major media conglomerates.
No choice, really.
In the U.S., the media's power is insane. Cross them, and they'd slap a filter on Adam faster than you can blink. All his good work? It'd turn sour in an instant. A little re-editing, some malicious spin—a one-two-three combo—and even God could look like the devil.
That's the might of American media for you!
So, living in this legendary, drama-filled world, even a billionaire like Adam had to watch his step. If he could avoid pissing off the press, he wouldn't dare risk it.
Otherwise, if they decided to tank his reputation, he'd be done. Billionaire or not, he probably couldn't keep practicing medicine.
At that point, to keep saving lives and stacking up his lifespan, he'd either have to ditch the U.S. and doctor somewhere else—or go full dark side and take an unconventional path.
As Tree Man Zhou once said: "Going dark makes you ten times stronger!"
If it came to that, Adam could probably rack up lifespan points way faster than he does now. But it'd mean kissing normal life goodbye forever.
Unless he had no other choice, he wasn't about to go there.
"Quick, dig up everything you can on this hotshot doctor—all of it!"
A stunning female reporter was barking orders into her phone.
Time ticked on. It was evening now, but the rescue operation at the dock showed no signs of slowing. Victims—people who'd fallen into the water or gotten trapped—kept pouring in. They were pulled out, rushed to the red zone, and given emergency care.
After all these hours, the reporters on-site had dug up plenty on Adam.
And as more details came to light, everyone's eyes started sparkling.
Self-made bestselling author.
Youngest billionaire ever.
Most gifted intern doctor around.
Almost every reporter was glued to Adam's dazzling list of titles.
But one gorgeous journalist stood out. She stared at Adam, lost in thought, muttering under her breath: "Lord of Mysteries, Tarot Club, billionaire, pro doctor… Could it be you…?"
"Sandra, what're you mumbling about?"
Her cameraman gave her a puzzled look. She'd just graduated and joined their paper, quickly earning the editor-in-chief's praise as a rising star.
"Nothing."
Sandra flashed a small smile.
Back in the day, she'd have shared her hunch with the cameraman right away. But she wasn't that naive NYU journalism undergrad anymore.
She'd learned to keep her real thoughts under wraps, holding onto leads that could skyrocket her career. She was confident she could chase this story solo.
No one could resist her charm. Especially men.
---
Medical Center.
The TVs in the hallways, offices, and break rooms were all tuned to the latest cruise ship accident coverage. Adam's life-saving moments were front and center.
After hours of buildup, the station had brought in a famous doctor to break down Adam's emergency techniques like a pro.
The praise was endless. Gasps of amazement filled the air.
For one, Adam's skills were straight-up incredible.
For two, his rep in the medical world was already solid. Anyone with half a brain wouldn't trash a billionaire on live TV out of jealousy.
And three, the station was pushing a positive vibe right now. The guest expert knew how to play along.
So, with the doctor's slick analysis and the host's over-the-top flattery, Adam was painted as a pillar of medicine and a beacon of hope for humanity.
Strength, looks, wealth—crowned with every halo imaginable—Adam was suddenly everywhere. He'd broken out big time. 😎
"Adam's really blowing up now," Juno murmured. She and Heather were in Adam's office, watching it all unfold.
"63! Uncle Adam's the best!"
Tatiana cheered every time Adam saved another critical patient, syncing up with the host's energy. She shouted the bright red number flashing on the screen—the tally of people Adam had rescued, verified by the station in a hurry.
Everyone was dying to see how many lives he'd end up saving.
"This is what a real superhero looks like!"
Megan, the painless super-powered girl, beamed with starry eyes.
The little girl who'd lost her mom—the one Megan had dragged to the medical center and helped change into dry pants—stared at Adam on the TV. The panic in her eyes faded a little.
"Adam's like the sun, warming everyone up," Heather said, her gaze dripping with affection as she watched him hustle on-screen.
"You big goof…"
Juno's lips twitched into a helpless smile.
She'd always known Adam's light would shine bright someday. But unlike Heather, who was all lovey-dovey admiration, Juno saw the bigger picture.
She'd secretly hoped Adam could stay a bit more ordinary. Because light and dark go hand in hand. The brighter the glow, the deeper the shadows.
Her workload just got heavier, huh? 😅
But it was what it was. She'd have to step up.
"Magical Amy, what a pity…"
Juno couldn't help but think of Adam's ex-girlfriend.
If Amy'd had more time, she could've been a real asset. Then maybe Juno wouldn't be stressing so much today.
"Looks like Rachel's a must-keep now."
Her mind drifted to the girl in red, Rachel.
"Where you headed?"
Heather, who'd been glued to the TV with Tatiana and the others, cheering for Adam, noticed Juno stand up and asked curiously.
"To check on Rachel," Juno said with a sly grin. "Adam gave me this job, and I've gotta nail it to help him out. Otherwise, what kind of best friend am I?"
"Then I'll come too!"
Heather jumped up.
"Nah, you're good."
Juno pressed a hand on Heather's shoulder, smiling. "Stay with Tatiana and the crew. I've got this. We've got different roles—you do you, I'll do me. If I need you, I won't hold back, promise."
Heather blushed and nodded obediently.
(End of Chapter)