Julian carefully examined the bullet wound on Ethan's thigh.
A considerable amount of blood had already been lost, and the bullet was still lodged deep somewhere inside the tissue. Although a faint trace of worry flickered through Julian's mind, his expression remained calm and composed. With quiet precision, he examined the wound while the medic assisted him in removing the clotted blood and cleaning the area as thoroughly as possible.
"The bullet is still inside,"
Julian said calmly.
"I'll have to make a small incision and remove it. You'll have to endure the procedure. Do you want me to give you a local anesthetic?"
Ethan stared at him silently for a moment. Then, tilting his head slightly to one side, he curled the corner of his lips into a crooked, mocking smile.
"Do whatever you think is best. I can endure it. The important thing is to get the wound treated."
Julian continued to study him for a few seconds, carefully observing his expression. Then he gave a slow, gentle nod.
"Alright. If you say you can handle it, then we'll begin."
He turned away and placed the bloodstained cotton balls into the waste bag held by one of the housekeepers. After that, he turned toward the medic and began giving instructions about the equipment they would need.
"Medic, prepare everything necessary. The sterilized instruments are already in my bag. Also prepare everything needed to control the bleeding and close the wound. Keep additional supplies ready in case we need them."
"Yes, Doctor."
The medic immediately began preparing the required equipment.
Soon, the room and the hallway outside became busy. Housekeepers moved back and forth, bringing hot water and other supplies while the medic arranged everything needed for the procedure. After a short while, he returned with a trolley filled with medical equipment and positioned it beside the bed so Julian could easily reach everything he needed.
The medic carefully washed his hands, put on a pair of gloves, and brought another assistant to help with the procedure.
Julian examined Ethan's thigh once again.
His eyes moved carefully over the wound as he calculated the likely path of the bullet and its position beneath the damaged tissue. He also considered the location of the major blood vessels before deciding where to make the incision.
The room gradually fell silent. The only sounds were the faint movements of the medical instruments and the quiet instructions Julian gave to the medics assisting him.
Ethan lay still on the bed. Although he had insisted that he could endure the pain, his body still reacted instinctively when the sharp blade entered his flesh.
The moment the incision was made, Ethan clenched the piece of cloth between his teeth more tightly. His fingers curled into the bedsheet, gripping it so hard that his knuckles slowly turned pale. He did not make a sound.
But the tension in his jaw and the beads of sweat gathering across his forehead revealed exactly how much pain he was enduring. Julian remained completely focused.
His expression did not change as he carefully separated the damaged layers of tissue with the instruments in his hands. The medic stood beside him, assisting with every movement and providing the instruments Julian needed before he even had to ask.
"Hold this here."
"Yes, Doctor."
"Keep the pressure steady."
"Yes."
Julian's eyes remained fixed on the wound. The bullet had gone deep. Deeper than he had initially expected. He carefully worked his way through the damaged tissue, moving slowly and precisely. One careless movement could cause unnecessary bleeding or damage one of the important vessels nearby.
Ethan's breathing gradually became heavier. His teeth remained clenched around the cloth as he tried to endure the pain in silence. His head tilted backward against the pillow, and the muscles in his neck tightened. One of the assistants stood near the foot of the bed, keeping Ethan's leg from moving.
"Don't move,"
Julian said without looking up.
"I'm not moving,"
Ethan replied through clenched teeth. Julian glanced at him briefly.
"You're shaking."
"That's because you're digging around inside my leg."
"Then stop complaining."
Ethan let out a muffled sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a groan.
"Still as annoying as ever."
Julian did not respond. His attention remained fixed on the wound. After a few more careful movements, the tip of the instrument finally touched something hard. Julian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"There it is."
The medic immediately focused more closely on the wound. Julian adjusted his grip and carefully positioned the forceps. The bullet had lodged deep inside the flesh. It was not in an easy position to remove, and pulling it out carelessly could cause further damage.
So, Julian proceeded slowly. He carefully secured the bullet and began pulling it out. Ethan's entire body tensed. His fingers tightened around the bedsheet. The pain suddenly intensified.
His jaw clenched so tightly that the muscles along his face became visibly tense. His head lifted slightly from the pillow as he struggled to endure the sensation tearing through his leg.
The assistant immediately tightened his grip around Ethan's leg to keep it from moving.
"Hold him steady,"
Julian ordered.
"Yes, Doctor."
Julian continued slowly and carefully. The bullet was finally pulled free. With one final controlled movement, Julian successfully removed it from the wound. The bullet dropped into the metal dish held out by the medic with a small, sharp sound. Julian looked at the bullet only briefly before turning his attention back to Ethan's wound.
"Medic."
"Yes, Doctor?"
"We're going to close the wound now. Prepare what I need."
"Yes."
Julian handed the bullet to the medic and immediately began preparing to close the wound.
"Apply pressure here. The bleeding is increasing."
The assistant standing nearby immediately followed his instructions and pressed firmly against the wound. Julian carefully cleaned the area again before beginning to close the incision. Ethan remained silent. The worst of the pain had passed, but his body was still tense from the procedure. His breathing remained heavy, and sweat covered his face.
Julian worked with steady concentration. Every movement was careful and precise. The medic assisted him throughout the process, handing him whatever he needed while the second assistant continued to control the bleeding.
Finally, after several minutes, Julian finished closing the wound. He carefully secured the final stitch before cleaning the area once more and applying a fresh dressing over the injury.
"Done."
Only then did Ethan finally release the cloth from between his teeth. He took a deep breath. His chest rose and fell heavily as he tried to regain his breath. Sweat covered his forehead and the sides of his face. Julian removed his gloves and looked at him calmly.
"Well, that's done."
Ethan opened his eyes slightly and gave him a tired look.
"You could have warned me that it would hurt that much."
"I did."
"You said I could handle it."
Ethan stared at him for a moment. Then he let out a quiet, exhausted laugh.
"Still the same."
Julian gave him a flat look.
"You're lucky the bullet missed the bone."
Ethan's faint smile slowly disappeared.
"Was it close?"
"Close enough."
Julian turned toward the medic.
"Take care of the used instruments and dispose of the contaminated materials properly. Keep the remaining supplies ready."
"Yes, Doctor."
The medic immediately began organizing the equipment. Julian then looked back at Ethan.
"Rest for a while."
Ethan leaned back against the headboard and closed his eyes. Julian glanced toward his injured arm. Ethan sighed deeply.
Julian removed his bloodstained gloves and walked toward the nearby chair. He sat down and began preparing the medical supplies needed to treat the wound on Ethan's arm. The medic continued organizing the equipment while the assistant cleaned the surrounding area. The housekeepers remained outside, waiting in case anything else was needed.
Ethan's breathing had gradually become calmer, but the exhaustion from the procedure was obvious. Julian, however, remained alert. He carefully inspected the instruments and prepared everything required for the next procedure.