Chapter 33: Emergency—A Turbulent Cure

Yuxin stood at the front of the crowd, her gaze steady and focused as she made every effort to maintain order within the clinic. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a familiar figure—Liu Hongju was leading the pale and pained Xia Yali, attempting to force their way to the front of the line.

Without hesitation, Yuxin stepped forward to block their path, speaking firmly, "Aunt Hongju, what are you doing? Everyone is waiting their turn for treatment."

But Liu Hongju brushed her off, giving Yuxin a hard shove and snapping unreasonably, "Line up? Li Chao is my nephew!"

"If I'm seeing my own family for treatment, why should I need to queue? Move aside! Don't block our way!"

Her shrill, grating voice immediately drew the crowd's disapproval and murmured complaints. Being pushed aside, Yuxin naturally felt displeased, but she understood the relationship between Liu Hongju and Li Chao and knew she couldn't let this incident break the clinic's rules.

Choosing tolerance, she quietly stepped aside, watching the scene unfold, hoping Li Chao would handle the situation appropriately.

Li Chao noticed the commotion, his brows knitting in obvious displeasure at Liu Hongju's behavior. Still, he fought to control his temper and strode over to Xia Yali, asking with concern, "Yali, what's wrong? You look so unwell, nauseous even. Did you eat something bad yesterday?"

Liu Hongju replied impatiently, "What could she possibly eat in the village? Just check her quickly!"

She clearly hadn't considered any dietary issues and was simply anxious for results.

Li Chao nodded and began examining Xia Yali. He carefully inquired about her symptoms, checked her pulse, and gently massaged her lower abdomen with his palm. His touch was both gentle and firm, as if transmitting a healing energy.

Before long, color returned to Xia Yali's cheeks, and her breathing steadied.

Li Chao stood up and said, "Yali, how are you feeling now? It should be nothing serious."

Softly, Xia Yali replied, "I feel much better. Thank you, Dr. Li."

Although Liu Hongju was still somewhat disgruntled, seeing her daughter's improved complexion left her with little more to say. Supporting her daughter, she prepared to leave the clinic, muttering under her breath, "Honestly, even family has to wait in line for treatment..."

Hearing this, Li Chao couldn't help but respond, "Aunt Hongju, every person here is a patient—no one is more special than anyone else."

"I treated Yali because she needed medical care, not because we're related. If no one follows the rules, how can the clinic function properly?"

Ashamed, Liu Hongju lowered her head and said nothing more.

Yuxin also came over, smiling as she said, "Aunt Hongju, you should queue next time. It's only fair to everyone."

Liu Hongju looked embarrassed. "Yuxin, I had no choice—Yali's stomach pain came on suddenly and I panicked. Don't take it to heart."

Yuxin replied understandingly, "I know you were worried, Aunt Hongju, but everyone here is anxious for treatment. If everyone cut the line, there’d be chaos."

Liu Hongju nodded. "You’re right—I didn’t think it through. I’ll be more careful in the future."

Li Chao smiled and added, "Aunt Hongju, don't worry too much. Yali will be fine—just let her rest and eat lightly. If there are any other issues, come see me anytime."

"Thank you, Dr. Li," Liu Hongju said gratefully.

"Thank you, Dr. Li. I’ll listen to my mother and rest well," Xia Yali said with a smile.

Yuxin again spoke gently, "Aunt Hongju, I know you’re concerned for your child, but so many people are waiting in line, all with urgent needs. If everyone disregarded the rules, things would fall apart."

"You’re right—I didn’t consider that. I’ll pay attention next time," Liu Hongju replied.

Yuxin smiled, "That’s good. Take your child home and I hope she recovers soon."

"Thank you, Yuxin, truly," said Liu Hongju.

"It’s nothing. It’s my duty," Yuxin answered.

With that, Liu Hongju led Xia Yali out of the clinic. Watching them go, Li Chao sighed inwardly, hoping such incidents would not happen again.

Yuxin, too, let out a quiet sigh before returning to the crowd to maintain order. She understood that, even with Li Chao’s family ties, rules could not be broken for the sake of kinship. Looking at the villagers waiting for treatment, she silently hoped everyone would receive prompt care, and that order would prevail in the clinic.

At that moment, a villager approached Yuxin, saying, "Yuxin, you’re truly a good person, always here to help us."

Yuxin smiled. "It’s my job—what I should do."

"If only everyone were as patient as you," the villager said.

Yuxin sighed, "Everyone is anxious to see a doctor—I understand. As long as we all keep order, treatment will come more quickly."

"You’re right. We’ll cooperate," the villager assured her.

Hearing this gave Yuxin comfort, knowing that with everyone working together, the clinic’s order could be preserved.

After leaving the clinic, a sly and calculating glint flickered in Liu Hongju’s eyes. She feigned gentleness and care as she cautiously supported Xia Yali, a barely-there, enigmatic smile playing at her lips.

"Next!" Li Chao's steady, commanding voice rang out as his medical skills once again demonstrated their astonishing effect.

Just as Li Chao was fully immersed in the fulfillment of healing others, a sudden, piercing wail shattered the air like a bolt of lightning, deafening and abrupt.

Li Chao’s expression turned dark as he strode out of the treatment room with urgency.

The sight before him stunned him completely: Liu Hongju was collapsed on the cold ground, crying out in heartfelt agony, while Xia Yali lay quietly beside her, lifeless as if in a deep sleep.

At the sight of Li Chao, Liu Hongju grew even more agitated, her cries becoming more desperate as she hurled fierce accusations at him: "You heartless bastard! What kind of miracle doctor are you? Look at what you’ve done to my daughter! She’s fainted and won’t wake up!"

Her voice was shrill and cutting, each word soaked in blame and resentment.

Li Chao frowned, attempting to calm her, "I understand your concern, but please calm down. I am a professional doctor—I will do all I can to help your daughter."

But Liu Hongju would not relent, pointing a finger at Li Chao and shouting, "Do all you can? You’re nothing but a quack! I’ll report you and ruin your reputation!"

A flash of helplessness crossed Li Chao’s eyes; he knew that in her current state, nothing he said would soothe her rage.

He took a deep breath, striving for calm, "I’m sorry you’re upset, but I am confident in my skills. Please give me some time—I will find the problem and resolve it."

Still, Liu Hongju was unmoved, cursing, "Why should I trust a fraud like you? I’m taking my daughter to another hospital—we’ll never come back here!"

With that, she tried to lift Xia Yali.

Li Chao quickly stopped her, "If you do that, you’ll only harm your daughter more. Please, trust me—I will take responsibility."

"And why should I trust you?" Liu Hongju glared at him. "You’re a quack! You’ve made my daughter worse!"

Li Chao drew another deep breath, clinging to his composure, "I understand your concern, but we need to find the cause before we can treat her properly."

"I don’t care—I just want to take my daughter away!" Liu Hongju’s voice rose to a shriek.

"Mother, don’t get upset," Xia Yali said weakly. "Let the doctor check me again."

Liu Hongju looked at her daughter, her heart aching. "Yali, I’m just afraid you’ll be hurt again."

"I trust the doctor. He’ll cure me," Xia Yali said resolutely.

Li Chao gave her a grateful look. "Thank you for your trust. I’ll do everything I can."

This sudden turn left everyone present stunned and speechless. Those who had been patiently waiting their turn now recoiled in fear, worried they might become the next inexplicable victim.

Yuxin hurried over to mediate, but Liu Hongju stubbornly rejected her, insisting that Li Chao bear sole responsibility.

"We’re already destitute—there’s no money left for treatment!" Liu Hongju sobbed about her family’s poverty, yet clung to Li Chao relentlessly.

Her anguished cries echoed through the empty yard, stirring deep sympathy and pity for Li Chao’s predicament in all who heard her.

Just as everyone thought Li Chao was trapped in an inescapable dilemma, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

An experienced and skilled old doctor arrived in haste. After a thorough and attentive examination of Xia Yali, he delivered a shocking conclusion: Xia Yali’s coma was not due to any error in Li Chao’s treatment, but because she suffered from an extremely rare condition that had been triggered by powerful external stimuli.

"How can that be?" Liu Hongju’s expression froze in disbelief, mouth agape and speechless.

She had thought she could seize the opportunity to extort a sum of money, only to find herself in a deeply embarrassing position.

"Dr. Li, I’m truly sorry—we misunderstood you," those who had doubted Li Chao now apologized sincerely, expressing both regret and admiration.

"It’s all right, I understand your feelings," Li Chao replied with a smile. "As a doctor, my duty is to do my utmost for every patient."

"Dr. Li, you are truly remarkable," someone said.

"Yes, Dr. Li, your skill and character are an example to us all," added another.

Hearing these words filled Li Chao with immense gratitude and comfort.