A multi-organ failure patient arrived unexpectedly in the ICU. Monitors screamed, and the staff froze, panic threatening to take over.
Lin Chen stepped in, voice calm and authoritative. "Stabilize the vitals. Follow my instructions precisely."
"Skill unlocked: Permanent Medical Mastery. Reward: $500,000 USD," the system noted.
Hours of meticulous coordination passed. Lin Chen instructed, corrected, and guided the team with surgical precision. Each organ, each vital sign, each medication dose was carefully managed, the patient slowly responding under his touch.
Su Xiaoyu assisted him, awe evident in her wide eyes. "You… you're incredible," she whispered, not daring to disturb his focus.
Lin Chen's focus never wavered, but a small smile touched his lips as he noticed her admiration. For the first time, he allowed a sliver of connection to reach him—work and life, duty and emotion, merging in a delicate balance.
As the patient stabilized completely, the system congratulated him.
"Reward: $500,000 USD. Skill mastery enhanced. Reputation rising."
Lin Chen glanced at Su Xiaoyu. "Let's continue," he said quietly. She nodded, their hands brushing again, lingering slightly longer.