Chapter 202
“You’re Simon’s disciple? How is that possible? He started living in seclusion ten years ago. I heard he went abroad and became a professor at a medical college. How do you know him?”
“I’ve studied abroad, so it’s not unusual for me to know him.” Pearl then thought, ‘A professor? Simon was just too lazy. He hid in a city abroad for his retirement.’
“I heard that our country still hasn’t found a cure for AIDS. But what if your hospital could make a breakthrough?” Pearl dropped a tempting suggestion.
“AIDS? Curing AIDS isn’t that simple. You’re still quite young, Miss. Let’s not argue about whether you’re really Simon’s disciple. No one has managed to cure AIDS after all these years. Are you trying to convince me to let you into the surgery room?” The doctor mistakenly believed he had figured out Pearl’s plan, and it made him feel smug.
“No, I’m not lying. There have been recent developments in treating the disease abroad, with records of complete recoveries. I’m sure you can distinguish between fact and fiction. I’ll go in and save him now. He won’t die under your care, and it’s an opportunity for your hospital. This could be your chance for a promotion. Even if I fail to save him, Richard is here, watching. Plus, I’ll take full responsibility for it. What do you have to lose?” Pearl laid out all the potential benefits and drawbacks. The doctor, enticed by the prospects, finally felt swayed by the interests at stake. He looked to Richard as if waiting for the latter to say something.
“Let her do it.”
Finally, the doctor’s anxiety eased. He instructed someone to fetch a surgical gown and mask for Pearl before leading her into the surgery room.
The surgery continued, with people entering and exiting the room countless times, bringing in herbs. After about two hours, the light on the surgery room signboard finally turned off.
Richard snapped back to reality instantly. He stared at the tightly closed door, eagerly waiting for Pearl and the others.
When the door opened, Pearl emerged first. She appeared weak and unsteady, as if she had expended all her energy. However, her expression was inscrutable.
“How did it go, Pearl?”
Looking into Richard’s eyes, Pearl smiled. “He’s okay now.”
Richard breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad he’s okay. Let me take you back to your room so you can rest. We can talk more when you’re feeling better.” He felt so sorry for her now.
“No, I have to stay in Hanzel’s room later. He could still be at risk of severe blood loss,” Pearl replied, declining Richard’s offer.
Her refusal made Richard frown. “We can just leave this task to a nurse, or I can get someone from my family. You’re in no condition to be up and about.”
Pearl rolled her eyes. “It’s because I’m most familiar with Hanzel’s condition right now. I was the one who performed the surgery. Ordinary nurses might not notice if something goes wrong. We could miss the critical treatment window, and that would put him in danger again.”
Pearl’s explanation was reasonable, but Richard was filled with displeasure. “Why do you care so much about him?”
Pearl sneered. “He was stabbed by Abby because he wanted to save me. I’d risk my life to save him.”
