The city had seen miracles.
Now, Lin Chen's influence was no longer confined to a single urban area.
Every new patient, every recovered life, acted like a node in a growing web of trust and authority.
[System Log: City Control Progress: 88%. Nationwide Expansion Potential: Detected.]
---
New Targets
Three additional abandoned clinics had been identified in neighboring districts.
Each was structurally sound, underutilized, and isolated from prying authorities.
Lin Chen walked through blueprints with Dr. Hart.
"Each clinic is a beacon," he said.
"Authority must be visible, yet unassailable."
Dr. Hart nodded, her eyes calculating.
"And each will draw attention."
"Yes," Lin Chen replied calmly.
"Which is exactly what we want."
---
The Consortium Watches
Far away, in a reinforced office, the consortium's leadership convened.
"He's expanding faster than we anticipated," one executive said, frustration evident.
"Public trust is shifting. If he stabilizes three more clinics, he controls the narrative."
Another chimed in,
"We can't strike openly. Media scrutiny is too strong. But we must contain him."
The board voted unanimously:
"Deploy covert interference teams. Limit his influence, quietly."
---
Preparations Begin
Back in the primary clinic, Lin Chen reviewed operational parameters.
[System Log: Resource Allocation — Optimized.]
[Personnel Deployment — Completed.]
[Node Network Expansion — Scheduled.]
Patients arrived continuously.
Word of recoveries had spread through social media channels.
Even rival doctors who tried to discredit him were being silenced by undeniable outcomes.
---
A Test of Strategy
Lin Chen identified a high-profile case:
A politician's son, terminally ill and previously rejected by all hospitals.
The media was already aware, cameras ready.
A single successful procedure would cement his authority citywide, and influence even beyond.
Dr. Hart whispered,
"They'll be watching everything. One mistake…"
Lin Chen interrupted,
"There are no mistakes, only results."
---
Execution
In the operating theater, Lin Chen moved with precision.
Every monitor, every machine, every hand gesture controlled outcomes and perception.
The boy stabilized, fully conscious within hours.
Outside, media crews captured the moment.
Live streams showed recovery, medical impossibility, and authority unchallenged.
[System Log: Public Influence — Maximal. City Control Progress: 92%.]
---
The Message
Lin Chen stepped onto the balcony.
He looked at the city below, sprawling and alive.
"Authority," he whispered, "is not given. It is proven. And every life proves it further."
From the shadows, consortium agents retreated, reconsidering their approach.
The battle had shifted: it was no longer a fight of force, but of influence.
[System Log: Consortium Strategic Response Required. Next Objective: Nationwide Node Expansion.]
---
End of Chapter
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