C20 Urgent Upgrade!

There's an old saying that one should neither live in a government office nor die in a hospital. Often, we're under the illusion that a person, previously in good health, suddenly faces a cascade of issues upon entering a hospital. It's unclear whether this is a natural occurrence or if there's some truth to the superstitions.

Lin Hao stood at the ICU ward window, peering in at Pei Xiu, her body entangled with an array of tubes and surrounded by beeping machines, looking more like a test subject than a patient.

"How did it come to this?" Lin Hao whispered, anxiety etched across his face.

Pei Xiu's attending physician had approached unnoticed.

The seasoned expert exhaled deeply, his expression one of resignation. "Patients like her aren't uncommon. If the cancer continues to spread, you need to brace yourself. This is going to be a tough fight."

Lin Hao faced the doctor, determination in his voice. "As long as I refuse to give up, not even the King of Hell can claim her life!"

"Doctor, I'd like to see her. Could you make an exception for me?"

The old expert regarded Lin Hao intently before finally nodding. "Get a dustproof suit from the nurse. And once you're inside, don't touch anything."

"She's still in a coma, but talking about things she cares about might just bring her around."

With a quick word of thanks, Lin Hao hurried off to find a nurse.

Entering the critical care ward, a wave of nervousness washed over him. He saw Pei Xiu on the bed, her condition displayed on the monitors just as the expert had described.

"Ms. Pei, wake up. Ling is waiting for you to come home," Lin Hao urged.

"Last night, Ling asked where her mom had gone. You can't just stay here; what am I supposed to tell her?"

Sentence by sentence, Lin Hao spoke, and to his amazement and joy, the heart rate monitor's beeps grew stronger and more frequent.

"Ms. Pei, you promised to repay me, to stay with me. I need that now—please, wake up!"

As his plea hung in the air, the heart rate monitor's rhythm quickened, its beeps growing more vigorous, until the next moment...

"Cough, cough, cough..."

A coughing fit broke the silence.

The sound jolted Lin Hao awake. He rushed to the bedside, his eyes wide with concern as he gazed at Pei Xiu. "Ms. Pei, you... you're finally awake!"

"Hold on, I'll go get the doctor right away!"

With those words, Lin Hao spun on his heel and dashed out the door.

Shortly after, the doctor hurried back in. Following a thorough examination, he expressed a mix of relief and concern. "The patient has come to, but her condition remains precarious. You... stay with her a bit longer. We'll run some more tests soon."

Lin Hao nodded in agreement.

Watching the doctor and nurse exit, Lin Hao's face was etched with anxiety as he turned his attention back to Pei Xiu.

He was desperate to save her. Feeling powerless, he likened it to punching cotton – frustrating and futile.

Glancing nervously at the monitor, he whispered, "What can I do to save her?"

Whether his words were taken as a command or the monitor sensed his desperation, a message suddenly appeared on the screen:

"You have not yet unlocked this ability."

Staring at the words in astonishment, Lin Hao murmured, "Could it be... it actually has a solution?"

"Of course, the carving! That could enhance the monitor's capabilities. Could this be... a system upgrade?"

Surprise gave way to elation on Lin Hao's face.

Pei Xiu, puzzled by his reaction, assumed Lin Hao's nerves were frayed from worry.

With a tremble in her voice, she called out, "Hao..."

Her gentle call snapped Lin Hao back to reality.

He leaned over Pei Xiu's hospital bed, his voice laced with urgency. "Ms. Pei, don't worry. You must hold on. I'll find a way to save you. There has to be one!"

Pei Xiu, mistaking his determination for reassurance, nodded with a wry smile. "Okay, okay, okay!"

"Take care of yourself too. Don't get too stressed out!"

"I'm aware of my own condition. Whatever happens, I... thank you."

After a pause, a blush tinged Pei Xiu's pale cheeks. She bit her lip and confessed, "Actually... I heard everything you just said."

"Huh?" Lin Hao was befuddled.

"You said... you wanted me to repay you!" Pei Xiu summoned her courage and lifted her gaze.

She bit her lower lip, her eyes fixed on Lin Hao, seemingly awaiting his response.

Lin Hao paused, suddenly feeling awkward.

His intention had been simply to rouse Pei Xiu; he hadn't anticipated such an outcome.

"Look, Ms. Pei, I need to step out for a bit. You just focus on resting. By the time I return, I should have found a cure for you."

"Ling will be staying with Grandma Liu for now. I've taken care of the caretaker's fee, and Grandma Liu has agreed to watch over her. I've also settled the hospital bills in advance. So, just concentrate on getting better and don't stress yourself out. And please, no negative thoughts or ideas!"

"Where are you headed?" Pei Xiu's voice spiked with urgency, and she began to cough uncontrollably.

Lin Hao quickly moved to soothe her, managing a wry smile. "I've got to take care of some work, and this issue is quite broad—it's a pivotal moment for me, and I can't avoid it."

"But rest assured, I'll be back before you know it, and I'll definitely find a way to help you!"

"I..."

Pei Xiu gave a self-deprecating chuckle and shook her head, "Regardless of the outcome, whenever you ask for me, I'll be there for you!"

"Just one last favor—look after Ling, or... there's a piece of paper with an address in my vanity. If for any reason you can't care for her, please take her to that address."

Lin Hao caught his breath, grasping the gravity of her words.

"There's no need for that. It won't come to that."

Lin Hao offered a reassuring smile. "Ms. Pei, you should rest now. I've got to head out for a while."

"Wait!"

As Lin Hao turned to leave, Pei Xiu called out.

He looked back at her. "Ms. Pei, is there something else you need?"

"You... come here," Pei Xiu beckoned, her voice laced with nervousness, "Come closer."

Lin Hao was puzzled about what was happening when Pei Xiu suddenly planted a kiss on his cheek as he leaned in closer.

"Be careful!" Pei Xiu urged with concern.

Caught off guard, Lin Hao paused, then responded with a smile and a nod of agreement.

Without further comment, he turned and left.

Stepping out of the ICU, Lin Hao exhaled deeply, "To treat Ms. Pei, it looks like... I've got to tackle that guy's problem first."

The Thunder Wood was the only thing he'd found that could enhance his system's capabilities. Without addressing Lee Guangrui's issues and ensuring he crafted a special root carving from the Thunder Wood, Lin Hao's progress would be impeded. Desperate for improvement to find a cure for Pei Xiu, he realized this was one problem he simply couldn't avoid.