Luo Hao? We can't give him any special favors.

"Are you sure?" Li Qiubo asked Director Tan in bewilderment.

This kind of matter was entirely beyond Li Qiubo's comprehension. He even suspected whether Lin Yuming had simply decided to throw all caution to the wind and hang himself at the front gates of the municipal government.

For a fleeting second, President Li Qiubo even considered browsing Douyin to check if there were any new local news updates.

"I'm certain, Director Qiubo. Even though I couldn't believe it either, I've verified it repeatedly."

Director Tan wore a similarly baffled expression.

Every time they went to request funds, they were always told there was none. Fortunately, the hospital president did not lack money, and very few doctors and nurses within the facility knew that the Mining General Hospital had filled such a massive financial hole for the city.

"Director Qiubo, I also gave a call to Department Head Lin, and he said he had no idea about it either."

"Even Lin Yuming didn't know? Then did this matter fall straight out of the sky? I thought Lin Yuming had climbed up to the building and begged for money like a migrant worker." Li Qiubo found it hard to believe.

"Department Head Lin said that Luo Hao handled it personally, seemingly making just one trip about a week ago."

"..."

Listening to Director Tan's report, Li Qiubo fell completely silent.

Had he handled this matter himself, it might have somehow been accomplished, but having funds transferred directly and in full to the Mining General Hospital without a single penny deducted was pure fantasy—something beyond imagination.

Furthermore, making only a single trip was an absolute impossibility; it would normally take at least three, five, or even seven attempts just to see the faintest glimmer of hope.

In short, it was simply impossible to walk away without shedding a layer of skin.

And even if it were accomplished, it would only be a fraction of the matter, having nothing to do with the complete success achieved right before their eyes.

As for Luo Hao...

At the thought of Luo Hao, Li Qiubo felt a brilliant flash of light before his eyes, as if he were looking directly at Luo Hao's sunny, radiant face.

Unconsciously, Li Qiubo narrowed his eyes, as though he were truly gazing straight into the sun.

This defied all logic. A feat that he, the dignified president of Donglian City's largest Grade III-A hospital, could not achieve had been effortlessly accomplished by Luo Hao.

Could that possibly be true?!

Regardless of whether it was possible or not, the money was real.

"President, our hospital's back courtyard garden has always been short of funds. Do you think we could temporarily borrow some from this? Anyway, the bidding process will take at least half a year to a year, so we can always patch the account back up when funds arrive by then," Director Tan whispered as a reminder.

Li Qiubo uttered a hum, then raised his head to gaze coldly at Director Tan.

Familiar with President Li's temper and disposition, the director of the hospital's administrative office felt his body freeze the moment he caught the president's gaze, plunging as if into an icy abyss.

This meant the president was angry. Director Tan felt his hands and feet go numb, wishing he could give himself a vicious slap across the face.

Why did he have to run his mouth?

"Urge them along on the bidding process, keep the speed fast and the standards high, and don't play any games like bid-rigging," Li Qiubo said coldly. "Every single penny must be put to proper use."

Director Tan nodded solemnly, vowing to turn over a new leaf and reform himself.

"Understood, Director Qiubo, please rest assured."

"Keep a close eye on it, don't harbor any crooked thoughts, and don't bring trouble upon yourself," Li Qiubo instructed once more.

Trouble!

Director Tan felt a chill run down his spine.

The first person that flashed into his mind was Wen Youren.

A cautionary tale, still vivid before his very eyes.

"I'll go handle it right away," Director Tan said cautiously.

"Go."

Before Director Tan even reached the doorway, President Li's voice echoed from behind him, "Make it fast."

After the administrative director departed, Li Qiubo rose and stood before the window.

The hospital courtyard was bustling with an endless stream of traffic and crowds.

With an annual revenue of one billion yuan, it ranked fourth highest in the province.

Although the Mining General Hospital was currently in decline, to the people of Donglian City, it remained the absolute ceiling of medical care.

That ceiling was slowly descending year by year, only the people failed to realize it, or even if they did, there was nothing they could do.

Although Luo Hao could not change the broader macro-environment, he had managed to delay it just a fraction, allowing these people to breathe a little easier.

That was quite good, Li Qiubo thought to himself.

Ten minutes later, Li Qiubo picked up his phone.

The call connected, and Wen Youren's voice came through.

"Director Qiubo?!" Wen Youren asked in disbelieving shock.

"Director Wen, how are things in Qianhe County? Are you getting used to it?"

On the other end of the line, Wen Youren seemed deeply moved. He was somewhat surprised by the call from President Qiubo, and even more excited.

Within seconds, Wen Youren's voice choked with emotion.

"Thank you for your concern, Director Qiubo."

"Haha, listen to you. Going to Qianhe County to provide medical aid is a meritorious service of great hardship," Li Qiubo said indifferently. "You've worked hard. The conditions there are extremely poor, and the level of medical technology is low.

I'm planning to propose implementing telemedicine at our upcoming hospital-wide meeting. If you encounter any difficult or complicated cases over there, you can hold an online consultation through Department Head Lin."

"..."

Wen Youren froze.

He had originally assumed that Li Qiubo was merely calling to check up on him, perhaps to inform him when he might be able to return.

Otherwise, why on earth would President Li call him?

He certainly didn't believe the president had the spare time to care about his well-being.

Yet Wen Youren never expected that Li Qiubo would talk about "business."

There had to be more to it.

Sure enough, after offering a few more perfunctory words of concern, Li Qiubo said, "Director Wen, since you are quite familiar with the situation over there, I plan to speak with Secretary Sun and extend your support period to a full year."

"!!!" Wen Youren was dumbfounded.

"Old, young, border, and impoverished regions are never easy, especially with the country's recent advocacy for targeted poverty alleviation, where healthcare is also one of the evaluation metrics. You are a core pillar of our hospital with rich clinical experience.

Qianhe County needs technical backbones like you; the Party and the people need technical backbones like you. Targeted poverty alleviation cannot be muddled through with ordinary doctors. Our Mining General Hospital must show the utmost sincerity to firmly and uncompromisingly fulfill this mission."

Li Qiubo began delivering a high-sounding speech as if giving an official report.

Accolade after accolade fell upon Wen Youren's head.

Receiving such high-sounding praises felt far more agonizing to Wen Youren than wearing a green hat symbolizing betrayal.

Not only had he been kicked away to the godforsaken wasteland of Qianhe County, but he was now being told over the phone that he had to stay there for an entire year!

"Director Wen, work hard over there!" Li Qiubo continued, "When you return, we'll hold a commendation ceremony for you."

Wen Youren felt more nauseated than if he had swallowed a dead mouse.

Hanging up the phone, Li Qiubo let out a breath and cast an amused glance at the inpatient building. With Luo Hao tossing things around so vigorously, he figured Luo Hao wouldn't stay at the Mining General Hospital for very long.

The pond at the Mining General Hospital was simply too small to contain this supreme deity.

He would let Wen Youren return only after Luo Hao had left, making sure not to provoke Luo Hao in the slightest.

If Luo Hao truly decided to hunker down at the Mining General Hospital and refused to leave no matter what, then Wen Youren would just have to consider himself unlucky. Even if he did return, there were still countless medical alliances under the Mining General Hospital, and sending him off to one of those would do as well.

In short, Luo Hao must not be made unhappy, the hospital president thought to himself.

Anyone who could demand and successfully secure full funding from the municipal government was someone President Li certainly wouldn't want to offend, even if he wasn't afraid of him.

……

……

"Achoo~~~" Luo Hao sneezed.

"Who's talking about me?" Luo Hao rubbed his nose.

"Who else would be talking about you? You're like a mere tool every day—it's nothing but work, work, work. Tell me, Luo Hao, don't you have any other hobbies?" Chen Yong grumbled.

"Sigh, the two of us are different. You grew up eating coarse bran and wild vegetables, so you're used to it and it doesn't bother you. Not me; I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and have never lived a bitter day in my life. If you ask me to eat coarse bran and wild vegetables, I simply can't swallow it."

"..."

Chen Yong shared the exact same sentiment as Wen Youren far away in Qianhe County.

He had truly had enough!

Not only did he have to hustle from dawn till dusk every day, but he also had to constantly endure Luo Hao acting superior.

Argh!

"Do all of you graduates from Peking Union Medical College talk like this?"

"Of course not," Luo Hao replied. "I am myself, and they are them."

Keep acting, just keep acting.

"Ding-dong~"

The task notification sound rang out, and Luo Hao saw the prompt indicating task completion in the top right corner of his field of vision.

"Finish writing your medical records before you leave." Luo Hao didn't forget to assign a task to Chen Yong before heading out.

Stepping out of the doctors' office, Luo Hao arrived at his usual spot.

Seated in the corner of the fire escape with an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips, Luo Hao gazed happily at the system interface.

【Optional Task: Seed (Completed).】
【Task Content: Preserve the spark of special treatment for the local area.】
【Task Duration: One Week.】
【Task Reward: Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Large).】

Claiming the task reward, the Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Large) was finally in his possession.

Luo Hao didn't use it immediately. Such divine-tier props had to be used at the most critical moment, or perhaps... Luo Hao had other plans in mind.

The second stage of the long-term main quest was nearing completion.

He had only performed half of the surgeries himself, while the other half was completed by Cui Mingyu.

And that was only because Cui Mingyu had joined the medical team relatively late, which prevented him from monopolizing the spotlight.

He still needed to take a step further upward and head to the provincial capital, where there were more patients and a much larger surgical volume!

Luo Hao looked at the Wish-Fulfilling Stone and calculated silently, hoping everything would go smoothly.

With 15 free attribute points, how exactly should he allocate them? This was what troubled Luo Hao the most.

Every single attribute was useful, and he needed to reserve a few attributes as backups. In that instant, Luo Hao felt how wonderful it would be if he could just get another 15 attribute points.

Three days later.

Still in the fire escape, still in the secluded corner, Luo Hao had an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips and a wide smile on his face.

【Long-term Main Quest: Lesser Trauma, More Possibilities (Stage Two) (Completed)】

15 free attribute points, a grand lucky spin, and a massive amount of experience points were now in his hands.

He first clicked to level up, instantly exhausting the massive pool of experience points to elevate his surgical skill to Level 5.

According to Luo Hao's own judgment, Level 5 should represent the average standard, equivalent to reaching the provincial level across all surgical procedures.

National level?

If he could reach Level 6, the national standard, he should be able to compete with frontline clinical giants like Director Gu and Director Qian.

But for now, he was still slightly lacking.

That being said, Luo Hao was not even 30 years old yet. With a few more years of tempering and practice, surpassing the national standard would hardly be a difficult feat.

With Level 5 surgical proficiency, Luo Hao looked at the system panel, his fingers twitching slightly as he smiled happily.

If his mentors knew his surgical skills had reached this level, they surely wouldn't believe it.

Honestly, returning to Peking Union Medical College now wasn't out of the question; Luo Hao's current level was enough to lead a team there.

Yet that was not what Luo Hao pursued.

There was still another long-term quest whose reward was Surgical Skill +1.

He would wait until his proficiency caught up with several of his senior martial brothers before doing anything else.

When that time came, he would give them a massive fright!

Following that, Luo Hao began to deliberate on the free attribute points.

Regarding this allocation, besides eating, sleeping, and performing surgeries every single day, Luo Hao had been pondering over it constantly.

Free attribute points were extremely precious, and Luo Hao decided to reserve 3 points for emergency use.

That left 12 points.

Luo Hao first allocated 6 points to his Luck value.

A Luck value of 40 seemed to shimmer with a golden radiance.

Luo Hao had always believed that luck was the most important factor. As the saying goes: when fortune favors, heaven and earth lend their strength; when luck abandons, a hero is powerless.

There was also a saying that while the middle class in society believed in their own hard work, those in higher echelons believed in fate.

Otherwise, there would not be billionaire Stanley Ho spending two billion to buy extra years of life, nor would there be the bizarre occurrences of someone performing surgery in the operating room while Taoist rituals were being performed downstairs.

Many things required fortune and destiny, and Luo Hao firmly believed that his luck was exceptional!

Yet who would ever complain about their Luck value being too high?

Certainly half of the free attribute points had to be added to Luck.

As for the remaining points, Luo Hao added 1 point each to Strength, Intelligence, Endurance, and Spirit, putting the remaining 2 points into Strength.

Wearing tens of pounds of lead aprons to perform surgery was genuinely exhausting; even though Luo Hao's physical fitness was slightly better than most peers, it was still difficult to endure.

Especially when encountering high-difficulty surgeries, where one might have to battle for a dozen hours while clad in heavy lead.

By then, physical strength would become increasingly precious.

Having finished allocating the attribute points, Luo Hao felt as though the entire world had transformed.

His senses were sharp and clear, and his body brimmed with infinite energy, as if he could strap on a lead apron and perform surgery for three days and three nights without feeling tired.

Luo Hao forcefully suppressed the impulse and chose not to use the remaining 3 free attribute points.

This feeling was truly wonderful, and addictive as well.

Next, Luo Hao began to ponder the Lucky Spin.

For the grand spin rewarded by the previous quest, he had used the Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Small), which had brought him generous rewards.

What about this time?

Luo Hao held his breath, concentrating with all his heart and mind on the single most important matter in his heart—returning to the imperial capital.

Exercising the utmost caution, Luo Hao selected the Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Large). A brilliant radiance descended upon him, and his 40-point Luck value shone brilliantly.

The lucky spin began.

Luo Hao watched the spinning wheel with a mind as still as stagnant water.

He had already done everything he could do, and the only thing worth debating was whether he should have put all 6 remaining points into Luck.

However, Luo Hao felt that it was not 100% necessary.

The rotation speed of the lucky wheel gradually slowed down, and the dazzling array of various rewards slowly came into focus.

Luo Hao could feel the benefits brought by his enhanced Spirit attribute.

Although the wheel was still moving fast, he could faintly make out the names of those mouth-watering rewards.

When the lucky wheel finally ground to a halt, Luo Hao remained undisturbed, his gaze falling squarely on the wheel.

It was a red grid, quite small, which indicated a rare reward.

【Epic Active Skill — In The Zone.】

Just that?

Luo Hao was momentarily stunned.

He had hoped to draw the reward of Surgical Skill Level +1.

Unfortunately, even with the Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Large) combined with the bonus of a 40-point Luck value, his wish still hadn't come true.

He continued reading downward.

【Skill Description: Maintain focus, stimulate potential, and temporarily elevate the level of surgical skill.】

It worked, yet it didn't quite work out the way he wanted, and Luo Hao sighed.

Presumably, the priority of Surgical Skill +1 was simply too high; even with the stone and a 40-point Luck value, he could only graze past it.

However, this also had its advantages. After all, the experience points required to jump from Level 5 to Level 6 were far less than those needed to go from Level 6 to Level 7.

He could enjoy higher-level skills anytime and anywhere without having to spend the corresponding experience points to upgrade.

Luo Hao quickly began to rationalize the benefits.

Yet as he read further down, Luo Hao smiled bitterly, realizing there was indeed no such thing as a free lunch.

【Warning! Warning! Using this skill will inflict a negative effect on the user. For every 1 minute of use, all attributes will be reduced by half for the subsequent 10 minutes.】

In other words, if a surgery lasted an hour, he would need to sleep for a while just to recover his strength.

Given that his intelligence was only slightly better than an ordinary person's to begin with, and his physical strength wasn't doubled either, after entering the "In the Zone" state, he would...

Luo Hao didn't dare to think any further.

What kind of nonsense was this!

After finally getting the long-coveted Wish-Fulfilling Stone (Large) and finishing the quest, it turns out the skill came with negative side effects?

Any skill with side effects was essentially garbage.

Although Luo Hao acknowledged the value of this skill in his heart, he still couldn't help muttering a few complaints.

Complaints aside, Luo Hao had to admit that his harvest was still abundant.

The side effect was merely excessive exhaustion, and as long as he rested, he would recover—it wasn't a permanent reduction.

With the cigarette clamped between his lips, Luo Hao began experimenting with entering the "In the Zone" state.

In an instant, Luo Hao felt as though everything before his eyes had altered.

The flow of time seemed to be slowed down by an invisible pair of hands; dust motes drifted lazily through the sunlight, and Luo Hao could even clearly count how many specks of dust there were.

Powerful!

What an immensely powerful skill!!

This was a profound and marvelous state that defied description. Luo Hao even felt as though he had transformed into a cosmic entity.

Yet marvelous though it was, he did not lose himself in it. Keeping his thoughts clear, Luo Hao exited the "In the Zone" state without hesitation, right on schedule at the 10-second mark he had predetermined.

Upon stopping, Luo Hao checked his attribute values, and sure enough, they were all halved.

Even his Luck value had plummeted to 20 points.

This skill... was too formidable.

Luo Hao felt limp all over. Though he wasn't quite on the verge of collapse, he felt too lazy to even lift a finger.

100 seconds later, he recovered instantly.

A rather interesting development.

Luo Hao carefully savored the sensation of entering the "In the Zone" state and mentally simulated applying it to surgery.

With his current surgical proficiency at Level 5, entering the "In the Zone" state should push him well beyond Level 6!

This was a treasure of a skill!

Regrettably, the side effect was a bit too harsh. 100 seconds of recovery was fine, but if he were to fall into a state of weakness for a dozen hours... Luo Hao shuddered just thinking about it.

It looked like he had better stick to the main road; surgery could not rely on shortcuts.

He would save it for emergency rescues and situations where he had no other choice.

At the very least, he now possessed a skill that could save lives.

When it concerned life and death, enduring a dozen hours of discomfort didn't seem entirely unacceptable.

Luo Hao removed the cigarette from his mouth, tucked it back into the pack, and strolled leisurely out of the fire escape.

【They say a man remains a youth until the day he dies, yet what youth ever worried about mere pennies.】

Picking up his phone, he saw it was a call from Director Shi of the gastroenterology endoscopy room at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical University.

Luo Hao answered the call.

"Hello, Director Shi."

"Xiao Luo, our annual conference is in ten days. Be sure to attend and don't forget."

Director Shi didn't ask for Luo Hao's opinion at all, instead using a tone of absolute certainty to nail down the matter.

"Understood, Director Shi."

Luo Hao also wished to attend; being able to meet experts, chat extensively, and perhaps gain further elevation for his skills sounded worthwhile.

"Director Qin from the imperial capital is coming to perform a demonstration surgery," Director Shi laughed heartily. "Never expected we'd actually manage to invite Director Qin, did you?"

"Director Qin Chen?"

"Indeed. His proficiency in gastroenterology endoscopy has reached the realm of perfection. He has prepared two demonstration surgeries—one ESD procedure and one endoscopic retrograde appendectomy."

Qin Chen was one of Luo Hao's senior martial brothers.

He scratched his head, feeling somewhat puzzled as to why Director Qin would travel to the provincial capital to attend the annual conference, let alone perform demonstration surgeries.

These senior brothers of his were busier than bees, and most of them had reached an age where they were striving hard to become academicians.

Much like Director Gu Huaiming, who never left the imperial capital and only performed high-fee surgeries in Donglian as a personal favor, ordinary people could never invite him.

It felt rather bizarre.

"Xiao Luo, do you know Director Qin?" Director Shi suddenly lowered his voice and asked.

"I do."

"Director Qin specifically instructed me to make sure you attend the annual conference, and he even told me not to tell you beforehand. Let me tell you, Xiao Luo, don't let it slip!"

He sweatdropped.

Recalling Qin Chen's expression, Luo Hao developed a rather ominous premonition.

……

……

In the imperial capital, Qin Chen had just stepped out of the operating room.

"Director Qin, the Boss called and asked you to return his call as soon as you stepped off the table."

Qin Chen took off his lead apron, handed it to his assistant, and held out his hand as the phone was placed into his palm.

"Boss."

"When are you heading to Bingcheng for the annual conference?" an aged voice asked.

"In ten days," Qin Chen replied while walking toward the locker room. "Rest assured, Boss, I've arranged everything, and Luo Hao will be participating in the academic meeting."

"Those old fogies pamper Luo Hao far too much. Young people need to be tempered through hardship, otherwise they'll never learn how tough the world really is. You go, show off a couple of tricks, and make Luo Hao feel some pressure. Just drifting along in Donglian City—what kind of way is that to live!"

"I'll definitely make Luo Hao's jaw drop," Qin Chen chuckled.

"Don't forget the surgical recordings."

The older the Boss got, the more he behaved like a child, nagging repeatedly about everything out of sheer fear that he might forget.

"Don't worry, Boss, I absolutely won't forget. I'll bring all of Luo Hao's surgeries for you to review, though I'm afraid Luo Hao might not measure up anymore."

"Back then when you all wanted him to stay, he insisted on returning to his hometown no matter what, dead or alive. Tell me, is his brain filled with water? All these years I've wanted to give him a kick in person! Rest assured, I'll definitely kick him!"

"Ahem, ahem, ahem."

Coughing sounds came from the other end of the line.

"Boss, you should head to Hainan for the winter. This kind of freezing weather is very unfriendly to your chronic bronchitis and emphysema."

"It's fine, I'm long used to it. When you see him, be sure to give Luo Hao a few solid kicks on my behalf."

"Will do!"

"Xiao Chen, do you think Luo Hao's skills have stagnated much?"

The old man on the other end, having just finished cursing, anxiously asked with a tone of underlying worry.

"They've surely regressed, but he's still young. Young people will inevitably squander their talent a bit. This time I'm performing a retrograde appendectomy precisely to show Luo Hao that open surgery has no future anymore, and that he should come join me if he wants any prospects."

"Go on then, and don't forget the surgical recordings."

"I won't."

Following that, the old man nagged at least three more times about the surgical recordings before Director Qin Chen finally hung up.

The old master was getting on in years, and the one hurdle in his life he could never get past was Luo Hao. That brat—the old master offered to let him stay as a favor, yet Luo Hao had instead taken a mile when given an inch!

Qin Chen wore a solemn expression. After changing his clothes, he stood before the mirror to tidy his hair.

He was well aware that back then, Luo Hao had been caught in a dilemma.

All seven elders had wanted Luo Hao to join their respective departments, arguing fiercely among themselves. If he had been in Luo Hao's shoes, making a choice would have been equally difficult.

However!

One's stance is determined by one's position, and he naturally had to stand with his own Boss.

At this annual conference, he was determined to give Luo Hao a tremendous shock; he had to use his surgical prowess to prove to him that traditional surgery had no future.

From now on, all surgeries would be minimally invasive and only grow smaller and more refined.

Qin Chen combed his hair until not a single strand was out of place, then stepped out of the operating room with a serious demeanor.

Presumably, Director Shi must have already passed the word to Luo Hao. He was quite curious—just what did Luo Hao intend to use to counter him?

Qin Chen felt a surge of curiosity.

Back when Luo Hao was still an unpolished newborn calf, he had never backed down from anyone.

ESD treatment for early-stage esophageal cancer was a high-end procedure, and he performed the most of them nationwide; this little monkey wouldn't be able to turn the tables over.

Qin Chen thought to himself.

……

……

Ten days later.

Driving his car with Chen Yong in the passenger seat, Luo Hao arrived in the provincial capital as promised.

"Luo Hao!"

Having exited the highway, Chen Yong spoke with focused, serious intent.

"Hmm?"

"How do you plan to flex and astound the entire audience?" Chen Yong clenched both fists, already raring to go.

"What are you even talking about?" Luo Hao said, amused. "We are here to attend an academic meeting, to listen to lectures by our seniors and watch demonstration surgeries. Why does everything sound so awkward when it comes out of your mouth?"

"Cut the crap. You normally find it hard to go even a single day without showing off. This is a provincial annual conference—can you really help yourself?"

"Normally? I'm always just stating facts."

Chen Yong fell silent, secretly speculating on what Luo Hao's actual plans were.

This fellow definitely wasn't telling him the truth!

He must have had a master plan all along to amaze everyone at the annual conference. As the saying goes: a bird that does not fly or chirp for three years will soar to the heavens and startle everyone once it does.

If it were merely provincial experts, that would be one thing, but the critical point was that Director Qin from the imperial capital was coming—that was a top-tier expert and scholar in domestic gastroenterology endoscopy.

Would Luo Hao let slip an opportunity like this?

Normally he was always putting on airs in front of him, and now he was suddenly acting all modest and normal?

Chen Yong didn't believe it for a second.

"Luo Hao, I'm considered a member of your medical team, so tell me the truth so I can coordinate with you when the time comes," Chen Yong couldn't help pressing further.