After thoroughly washing his hands, disinfecting each finger, and putting on the pure white medical gown, Max continued with the series of tedious procedures that followed. Every step in the process was carried out carefully. He was neither fast nor slow, and he did not skip even the smallest detail.
To an outsider, these actions might have seemed mechanical and time-consuming. But Max never treated them lightly. He understood very clearly why these procedures existed. Inside an operating room, a single small mistake, even one caused by something extremely foolish, could easily cost a life.
No one wanted to carry such a mistake for the rest of their life.
When everything was finally completed, Max stepped forward. His footsteps were steady and his breathing was calm. The air around him was completely unlike that of a teenager standing at the center of such an important surgery for the first time. Behind him, Javier followed closely, his back slightly bent and his attitude humble, looking exactly like a veteran assistant accompanying a chief surgeon.
That image alone was enough to make several people in the room exchange discreet glances.
Not long ago, the news that a very young teenager would suddenly take the role of lead surgeon had spread throughout the surgical department. Javier, who was usually the one giving orders, was now standing in the role of an assistant. This made many doctors and nurses feel uncomfortable, and some were even openly dissatisfied.
Doubt, disbelief, and curiosity were all mixed together. These emotions were almost written directly on their faces.
In their eyes, Max was far too young. Young to the point that it was hard to believe. Could someone like him really be qualified to stand in the position of primary surgeon?
However, when they personally witnessed the respectful and almost reverent attitude Javier showed toward the young man, all speculation was immediately cut short. No matter how stupid they were, they understood one simple fact. Max was absolutely not someone they could afford to provoke.
They knew exactly who Javier was. He was a man known for his erratic temper, irritability, and even cruelty at work. He never hesitated to curse at subordinates in public, and he was extremely pragmatic. Even if someone smashed ten tons of rocks into his head, he would never be foolish enough to hand the most important position to someone without ability.
At least, in their memories, Javier had never done anything that stupid.
As he stepped into the operating room, Max quickly observed the entire space. In front of him was a small group of about twelve people, both men and women. Everyone was already in position, properly dressed, their gazes focused but still carrying a trace of scrutiny.
According to the system's evaluation, not a single one of them met the required standard.
This did not surprise Max. He understood the current situation very well. Here, he was the only outsider. The others might comply on the surface, but deep down they were definitely unconvinced. Since this was their first time working together, a lack of coordination or even subtle resistance was unavoidable.
But Max did not ask for more than that. As long as they did their own jobs properly, that was enough.
He stood straight and spoke calmly into the quiet room.
"I will be the lead surgeon for this operation. Everyone, follow my instructions."
There was no pressure in his tone, nor any attempt to assert authority. However, the reactions he received varied greatly. Some people merely curled their lips, their expressions indifferent. Others nodded reluctantly and replied with a few perfunctory words.
In their minds, there was a high chance that Max was just some rich or powerful person's child. Perhaps the son of a high-ranking official, sent here to build credentials. Even if he was the lead surgeon in name, the one truly controlling the surgery was probably still Javier.
Because of that, they did not take Max seriously.
At that moment, Javier's voice suddenly rang out from behind, shattering the tense undercurrent in the room.
"What are you idiots standing around for? Didn't you hear what the young master said? He will be the lead surgeon this time."
Javier's tone was harsh, his sharp gaze sweeping across everyone present.
"You should feel lucky and honored to witness a miracle. In your previous lives, this group of ours probably ended wars and saved the world. That is the only reason you get this privilege today."
He paused deliberately, as if emphasizing his words.
"Listen carefully. The young master's words are absolute."
As soon as he finished speaking, the doctors who had been indifferent earlier all stiffened. Their expressions changed visibly. No one dared to hesitate anymore, and they hurriedly expressed that they would follow Max's instructions without question.
Whether Max was the son of some leader or not, they did not know. But Javier was different. He was the toxic boss they had to endure every single day. His authority was never something to joke about.
Hearing those overly exaggerated words of flattery, Max felt only one thing in his heart. Cringe. He genuinely could not believe that a grown man could say such nauseating lines so smoothly.
He almost laughed on the spot, but managed to hold it in.
That said, having someone handle miscellaneous tasks really was convenient. Max glanced briefly in Javier's direction, showing a hint of approval.
When Javier caught Max's gaze, a wave of pleasure spread through his body. The dopamine rush felt stronger than even the most passionate nights he had once spent with his ex-lover. In his mind, the image of learning a few medical techniques from Max became clearer than ever.
He smiled with satisfaction.
That smile made Max feel slightly uncomfortable. He immediately turned his head away, not wanting to look any longer.
"Alright," Max said, pulling everyone back to the main point. "As I said before, let me introduce myself again. I am Max, and I will be responsible for the primary surgery. Please introduce yourselves so I can understand everyone's abilities and roles."
This time, no one dared to act indifferent. With Javier standing behind them like an executioner, everyone introduced themselves one by one. The scene looked exactly like a job interview, where everyone tried their best to list as many strengths as possible to please the interviewer.
Time passed quickly. After everyone finished introducing themselves, Max gently walked over to where Damian Hale, Victor's father, was lying.
He lowered his head, his gaze sweeping over the unconscious man's body. With just one look, he grasped most of the condition. Seeing this, Javier did not need to be told. He immediately brought over all the examination results and detailed reports to Max.
They did not have much time.
Damian's condition had been discovered far too late. The golden window for treatment had long passed. When Hale, or more accurately Victor, received the news, he immediately brought his father to the nearest hospital.
If the situation had not been so urgent, Victor would have already transferred his father to a place with better conditions. Precisely because time was so tight, every decision had to be made under extreme pressure.
Even so, Javier did not urge Max. He simply stood to the side and watched quietly, as if waiting for instructions.
After a while, Max had fully understood the location and overall situation. He raised his head and swept his gaze around the operating room. His voice sounded steady and composed.
"Is everyone mentally prepared? We are starting now."