C24 More than One Illness

"Why are you acting like this?"

Sienna was at a loss for words. "You're the one who told Westley to save the man, and now you're the one stopping him! Do you even have any principles?"

Morio adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and replied with a composed air, "Sorry! My principles are founded on the well-being of the patient. That's my duty as a doctor."

After delivering his grandiose speech, Morio gestured emphatically, "Don't just stand there. Get the patient to the hospital quickly. We can't afford any delays in treatment."

Upon hearing this, the paramedics sprang into action, ready to lift the elder onto the stretcher.

"Dr. O'Brien, what are these on the patient's chest?" one of the medics inquired, pointing to the four silver needles embedded in the old man's chest.

"I'll handle it," Morio declared, stepping forward.

He yanked out the silver needles and discarded them on the ground as if disposing of garbage.

A flicker of concern crossed Westley's eyes as he noticed the black blood reflowing into the old man's chest.

This fool, he's clueless about the blunder he's made!

Morio turned and gave Westley a taunting sneer before joining the paramedics in the ambulance.

The ambulance lights flashed, its siren wailing as it raced off.

"He calls himself a doctor, yet he's so utterly disgraceful!" Sienna fumed, stamping her foot in frustration.

Westley remained silent, fixated on the blood-stained needles.

Seeing his preoccupied expression, Sienna mistook it for discontent and apologized, "Westley, I'm sorry!"

"Why are you apologizing to me?" Westley snapped out of his reverie, puzzled.

"Because I shouldn't have doubted you. So, please, accept my apology."

With that, Sienna bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, earnestly expressing her regret to Westley.

Caught off guard by the striking white of her blouse, Westley nearly had a nosebleed from the rush.

It was overwhelmingly stimulating!

He hastily gestured, "No need to apologize. Really, it's my fault for not showcasing my strengths more prominently. I assure you, I'll work on that flaw."

When someone has no shame, they become unbeatable in this world!

For reasons she couldn't fathom, Sienna was suddenly overcome with an urge to punch Westley.

It's true that the line between heaven and hell is but a fleeting thought.

The onlookers had dispersed, the car in front had moved on, and traffic was beginning to flow smoothly again.

Sienna climbed into the driver's seat and said, "Westley, let's head back to the office."

"You go on ahead. I've got something else to take care of," Westley replied.

"What's that?" Sienna inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"That old man from earlier is definitely dealing with more than just epilepsy. I'm worried he's in mortal danger," Westley stated with uncommon gravity.

Seeing his earnest expression, Sienna felt a tender spot in her heart stir.

She reassured him, "He's been taken to the city's Second People's Hospital, where the best doctors are on hand. You don't need to worry."

"I need to see for myself that he pulls through. If my master discovers I walked away without ensuring he was cured, he'd never let me hear the end of it. You head back to the office!" Westley insisted firmly.

With that, he dashed off to the sidewalk and was swiftly swallowed up by the throng of people.

Watching his retreating figure, Sienna let out a wry chuckle.

"This guy is truly an enigma!"

Interrupted by the blaring of car horns behind her, Sienna had no choice but to put her thoughts aside and drive back to the office.

"Excuse me, sir, could you tell me how to get to the Second People's Hospital?" Westley asked, stopping a middle-aged man for directions.

"Take a left at the third traffic light up ahead, then continue straight for about 800 meters," the man instructed.

"Thank you so much!"

With a nod of gratitude, Westley took off at a sprint.

While retracting the needle earlier, he had noticed the detail of blood reflux in the old man's chest.

Moreover, his observation of the blood on the silver needle led to a startling revelation.

The old man's condition was more than mere epilepsy.

So, it was imperative that he get to the Second People's Hospital. Before Dr. Morio could administer the wrong treatment, Westley was determined to cure the man's ailment.

Otherwise, it would indeed be a life-or-death crisis.

Westley arrived at Lindzac's Second People's Hospital in just a few minutes.

As one of the top two hospitals in Lindzac, the Second People's Hospital certainly lived up to its reputation with excellent facilities. The newly constructed medical building soared skyward, its grandeur undeniable.

Once inside, Westley located the emergency department and spotted the ambulance he had seen earlier. The rear doors were open, indicating that the patient had only recently been brought in. So, he made his way into the emergency room.

In a corner of the lobby, Morio was in conversation with an older doctor, his hair silver and his white coat pristine.

"Morio, isn't it rare for you to have time off? Why are you at the hospital?" the older man inquired, his white hair, tie, and leather shoes giving him a fastidious appearance.

"Professor, it's quite the coincidence. I happened to run into that elderly gentleman while I was out shopping, so I immediately called the hospital to have the patient brought in," Morio explained, scratching his head with an air of earnestness.

The man he was speaking to was Ledford, the chief physician of internal medicine at the Second City Hospital. A man of exceptional medical skill and extensive clinical experience, Ledford also held the position of deputy director and had been Morio's professor and doctoral advisor. His guidance had been instrumental in Morio's career, and his high esteem was well-known.

Morio's future in the field hinged largely on Ledford's support.

"You never can sit still, can you?" Ledford said with a chuckle, his fondness for Morio clearly showing.

Morio was bright and intuitive, with an impressive talent and equally high emotional intelligence. During his doctoral studies, Ledford had taken a hands-on approach with his thesis, nurturing him as if he were his own child. Morio was being groomed as Ledford's successor, a fact that was common knowledge within the hospital.

"Professor, you've always taught us that our calling as doctors is to heal and save lives. That sense of mission is crucial," Morio replied, smiling. Even as he boasted, he didn't miss the opportunity to give Ledford a bit of well-intentioned flattery.

"Well done, the student shows promise."

Ledford gave Morio a hearty slap on the shoulder, his grin broadening. "How's the patient doing now?"

"The patient had a heart attack. I've just administered CPR, and their breathing and heart rate have stabilized. There shouldn't be any major issues," Morio lied.

He certainly wouldn't admit that the patient's life was actually saved by Westley's acupuncture skills.

That would be too embarrassing!

"Excellent work. I'm sure the hospital's senior management will have high praise for you once they hear about this. Once they recognize your capabilities, the upcoming evaluations will be a breeze," Ledford affirmed with a nod.

"Really?" Morio's eyes sparkled with hope.

Being promoted to associate chief physician would be a significant milestone on his path to success.

Achieving such a title at twenty-eight was a rare feat indeed!

In hindsight, Westley had inadvertently done him a huge favor!

While Morio was basking in his happiness, the nurse from earlier hurried over in a panic.

"Dr. Chen, there's something wrong with the patient you brought in earlier. You need to come and check on them immediately."

"What?" Morio's complexion turned pale.

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