The Enhanced Doctor

"Go back to the break room and get some good rest."

Liu Banxia, who was drowsy and nodding off, heard Shi Lei's voice next to his ear. It jolted him awake, and after seeing it was indeed Shi Lei, he sighed inwardly.

"They left at 4:05 in the morning. I've already notified the operating room and told them to rest," Shi Lei continued.

DING! Treatment Mission completed.

Experience Points +300, Diagnostic Skills Proficiency +200, Suturing Technique Proficiency +100, Dressing Change Technique Proficiency +100.

This treatment was rated: Flawless.

Experience Points +300, Diagnostic Skills Proficiency +200, Suturing Technique Proficiency +100, Dressing Change Technique Proficiency +100, Glory Points +3.

Looking at the system reward, Liu Banxia was somewhat in a daze. The system is still so cold and impartial. Giving me so many rewards means I did a great job during yesterday's consultations. The evaluation of the mission, however, doesn't depend on whether the patient lives or dies, but solely on the medical procedures I used.

He rubbed his face. While miracles do happen in this world, they don't occur every day. This patient hadn't received the favor of Lady Luck.

"Boss, you should go rest. I've had almost enough rest myself. Do you want me to take the day off for you and come back in the evening?" Liu Banxia asked.

"No need, I'm already used to staying up late. You manage to pull through staying up every day; I have it much easier than you," Shi Lei said, shaking his head.

Now, Liu Banxia felt no sleepiness at all. Life is so unpredictable. When that young couple was out for a walk, how could they have expected such a sudden disaster? Maybe, as Wei Yuan and I discussed, it was just a half-hour difference. Or maybe not. It has no meaning now.

「Morning came.」

The interns, including Xu Yino, heard the news when they woke up, and they felt very sad.

"Alright, you've all been working for many days in a row. Today, I'll give you the day off to rest," Liu Banxia said. "In the hospital, we'll experience things like this countless times. You have to learn to adapt; otherwise, you won't be a qualified surgeon. This is a compulsory break, so get lost. Come to work tomorrow full of energy, or I'll extend your leave."

The incident last night had a considerable impact on the four of them. Giving them a day off is a form of protection. If they can't adjust their emotions well, it could cause problems during today's consultations; not everyone has such resilient nerves to endure it.

Seeing that there was nothing major happening in the emergency room, Liu Banxia drifted off to the cafeteria for food. Anyway, Wei Yuan will be resting during the day, so I'll let him keep an eye on things for a bit longer.

Just as he was enjoying his meal, he saw Qiaoqiao stride in furiously.

"Well, look who's sobered up. Just in time, take your car when you leave," Liu Banxia said casually.

But Qiaoqiao didn't joke with him as usual. She sat across from him with a serious face, glaring at him fiercely.

"What's the matter?" Liu Banxia asked curiously.

"You're asking me what's the matter? Tell me, were you the one who carried me downstairs yesterday?" Qiaoqiao demanded.

Liu Banxia nodded.

"And did you take me home?" Qiaoqiao asked again.

Liu Banxia nodded again.

"You... Damn it, I can't even be bothered to ask anymore!" Qiaoqiao exclaimed, thoroughly annoyed.

Listening to her, Liu Banxia became even more confused. He genuinely didn't understand.

Actually, Qiaoqiao had fallen into a trap set by Wang Xiaoyan and another girl. Those two had spared no effort in trying to set Qiaoqiao up with Liu Banxia. They hadn't stayed at Qiaoqiao's house for long. Seeing that Qiaoqiao was sleeping soundly and seemed fine, they sneaked away. They just sent Qiaoqiao a message along with a video of Liu Banxia carrying her downstairs.

That wasn't even the main issue; the crucial thing was that they had stripped Qiaoqiao almost completely. When Qiaoqiao woke up thirsty, she realized something was wrong. She asked Tang Dou what had happened, but Tang Dou couldn't tell her.

Then, when she saw the message and video on her phone, she jumped to the conclusion that Liu Banxia had taken her home and then stripped her. Was I taken advantage of during this process? It's hard to say.

Qiaoqiao was usually quite bold, but when it came to this, she was too embarrassed to ask Wang Xiaoyan and the other girl. She hadn't slept half the night, and as soon as it dawned, she came to confront Liu Banxia. But when she saw him in person, she didn't know how to ask.

"You haven't eaten yet, right? Have some millet porridge and a couple of tea eggs. I don't know why you drank so much yesterday. You should take care of your stomach," Liu Banxia said.

"Wait a moment. Yesterday, you just... took me home like that?" Qiaoqiao pondered for a moment and asked very indirectly.

"Yes, I put you on the bed, and you clung to Tang Dou and wouldn't let go. Then..."

"Stop! Let's eat. I'll have the millet porridge," Qiaoqiao said, waving her hand to stop Liu Banxia from giving any more details.

Liu Banxia didn't give it much thought. She must be afraid I'll tease her about her drunken antics.

But Qiaoqiao couldn't shake her unease. Even if I didn't suffer any major loss, what if Liu Banxia secretly took some minor liberties? Most importantly, I know I can get pretty wild when I drink too much. I usually don't get violent or destructive, but other things... well, those are hard to say.

Even while eating porridge and tea eggs, she kept glaring fiercely at Liu Banxia, her brow furrowed. Zhou Qiang found it quite amusing, observing them from the serving window for a long time.

"The car keys are in my break room. Come with me to get them," Liu Banxia said after Qiaoqiao had finished eating.

"Are you stupid? How can I drive two cars? Just leave it here for now. I'm leaving." With that, Qiaoqiao turned and left.

She made a clean break, but to Liu Banxia, it seemed as if she was fleeing in panic. What on earth is going on? he wondered. Whatever the issue is, I'm not going to dwell on it. I still have work to do, after all.

"Banxia, come out quickly! Someone is looking for you."

It was past nine in the morning. Liu Banxia was in Treatment Room 2, supervising Su Wenhao as he sutured a patient's wound, when he heard Wang Ying's voice from outside.

As Liu Banxia came out, he was stunned. I never expected Uncle Jiang and Grandpa Cao to come.

"Why are you two here? Is something wrong?" Liu Banxia asked.

"We're in good health, and Old Cao's foot has recovered well. We figured since you're always too busy for us to invite you for a meal, we made these two banners for you," said Uncle Jiang, taking the banners out of the bag he was carrying.

"You really shouldn't have. This is too much," Liu Banxia quickly responded.

"Well, it's been so long and you still haven't come for that meal. You saved my life, how could I not thank you?" Grandpa Cao said.

"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony then. These are the first proper banners I've ever received; I'll have to hang them up well," Liu Banxia said, laughing. "So, if I really find some time later, and I come over for stewed fish and hotpot, will you still feed me? You wouldn't turn me away, would you? I'd actually really love to come."

"Hahaha, anytime you come, we'll eat!" Uncle Jiang said cheerfully. "Now Old Cao doesn't worry about other people's gossip anymore. He's hired a caregiver as he should, and his two sons visit him for dinner at least once a week. I bet in a few more months, Old Cao's retirement pension won't be enough to cover his expenses."

"I'd be glad if that happens. I used to live so stubbornly. It's like I've died once already; I can't always be finding fault with the younger generation. It's much better to eat and drink together than to let things go to waste," Grandpa Cao said.

"That's really good. A good mood and a good appetite lead to good health. But you must keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. We can't afford any negligence there," Liu Banxia advised.

"Don't worry, I'm on insulin now. I eat and drink what I should each day. In the past, I really didn't live wisely," Grandpa Cao replied. "We won't keep you from your work any longer. Remember, you must come over for a meal when you have time. No matter how busy you are, you should find time to eat. Though, even though you look busy, you don't seem to have lost any weight."

"Hehe, I have a big appetite, so I eat a lot every day," Liu Banxia replied with a laugh.

"Dr. Liu, shall I take a photo of you all?" Liang Xiaolin suggested, approaching them.

"Okay, let's take one. The next time I visit, I'll bring fish and vegetables, and have a good meal with Uncle Jiang and Grandpa Cao," Liu Banxia said.

"Are you looking down on us? If you bring your own food, wouldn't that be like slapping us old fellows in the face? Just bring yourself, that's all you need to bring," Uncle Jiang said.

"Alright, I'll just bring an appetite then," Liu Banxia quickly agreed.

After Liang Xiaolin took their photo, the two old gentlemen didn't stay much longer. They had just come to deliver the banners. There were still many patients in the emergency department, and they were worried about troubling Liu Banxia if they stayed too long.

Liu Banxia looked at the two banners hanging on the wall, feeling very pleased. Even if they're filled with platitudes, they still make me happy. The Anorectal Department also has a few banners for me, but those thank me for painless dressing changes. These two are different; they're because I genuinely diagnosed their conditions. And I was personally involved in Grandpa Cao's case.

"Banxia, do you think you'll fill up an entire wall with these in the future? Will you have to change them out every year?" Wang Ying asked jokingly.

"Sister Wang, please don't tease me. I'm just enjoying the moment. They even said I have a healing touch; I'm blushing," Liu Banxia said, somewhat embarrassed.

"There's no need to be modest. It's a recognition of your medical skills," Wang Ying told him. "Although the cost of making these banners isn't high, no resident doctor in our Second Hospital has ever received one. Only senior attending physicians and those at the associate chief physician level or above get this opportunity. It's an honor, so keep up the good work."

"I think it's more about my unique situation and good luck, hehe," Liu Banxia said with a smile.

He was an ordinary person, after all. Though his words were modest, his body was quite honest—he couldn't stop grinning.

Two banners aren't many, and it's mostly politeness, but it's truly an honor. The joy I feel now is on par with the delight I felt when I first earned money from a 'flying knife' surgery.