Chapter 26: The Doctor’s Responsibility in the Long Line

As night fell over the small town, Bai Linglong returned to her temporary residence, her body tired yet filled with a sense of fulfillment.

As she stepped over the threshold, Xiaocui bounded over like a nimble deer, taking the medicine box from her hands while expressing concern, “Sister, you’re finally back! You must be exhausted after today’s consultations. I’ve prepared hot water for you; please soak your feet to relieve your fatigue.”

Bai Linglong smiled and nodded, her steps slightly heavy as she made her way inside.

As she took a seat, Doctor Zhang rushed in with a medical book in his hands. He spoke with a look of eagerness and excitement. “Master, I’ve been thinking carefully about the patients you saw today. I have some doubts regarding the medications and treatments for a few of their conditions, and I’d like to consult with you.”

Bai Linglong rubbed her temples, forcing herself to concentrate. “Doctor Zhang, it’s commendable that you’re so eager to learn. However, it’s quite late now. Please organize your questions and we’ll discuss them in detail tomorrow. The path of medicine is long; we can’t rush it.”

Though Doctor Zhang felt a bit unsatisfied, he nodded in understanding and left.

Xiaocui entered with a basin of steaming foot-soaking water. Bai Linglong dipped her feet into the warm water, feeling the heat soothe her tired body, and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.

Xiaocui chattered beside her, “Sister, it was quite lively at the medical hall today! The patients and their families were all praising your medical skills! Some even said that if you could stay in town permanently, it would be wonderful.”

Bai Linglong nodded slightly, responding softly, “It makes me happy to receive everyone’s recognition.”

At that moment, the system’s voice suddenly echoed in her mind: “Host has successfully completed the task today. Reward: temporary points of 500 as encouragement. Please continue to maintain your efforts; completing subsequent tasks will yield even greater rewards.”

Bai Linglong felt a rush of joy; although it was only temporary points, it filled her with confidence regarding the completion of the entire task.

After soaking her feet, Bai Linglong lay down in bed, but sleep eluded her. She reflected on the ten difficult cases she had treated that day, each patient’s condition and face vividly replaying in her mind.

She silently contemplated the details of the treatment plans, pondering how to further optimize the prescriptions for better results. Time passed, and eventually, Bai Linglong gradually fell asleep.

In her dreams, she envisioned those patients restored to health, their faces beaming with happy smiles, expressing their gratitude towards her.

However, suddenly…

Suddenly, the scene shifted; a group of fierce-looking patients surrounded her, accusing her of ineffectiveness in her treatments. She struggled to explain, but no one believed her. Bai Linglong jolted awake from her dream, beads of sweat on her forehead.

Sitting up, she chuckled to herself, “It seems today was just too exhausting, and the pressure got to me.”

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, and Bai Linglong rose early. After a quick wash, she began to organize her medical kit.

She planned to arrive at the medical hall ahead of time to review the cases from the previous day and prepare thoroughly for her consultations.

When she reached the medical hall, it was still dim outside, yet a long line had already formed at the entrance.

As the patients saw her, they hurried over, each eager to share their or their family members’ ailments, hoping for her treatment.

Bai Linglong patiently calmed everyone down, ensuring they formed an orderly queue to take numbers.

Among the crowd, she noticed a tattered old man standing aside, his eyes filled with despair and helplessness. Unlike the others, he didn’t push forward.

Bai Linglong felt a pang in her heart and approached him, asking, “Elder, are you here to seek treatment? Why aren’t you in line to take a number?”

The old man sighed and replied, “I’ve been suffering from this illness for too long. I’ve seen too many doctors, and none have helped. I have no money left at home. I didn’t want to trouble the doctors again, but the pain is unbearable, so I thought I’d come and try my luck.”

Bai Linglong felt a wave of compassion and softly said, “Elder, don’t worry. Let me take a look at you first. If your condition is within my capability, we can discuss the consultation fee.”

A glimmer of surprise flashed in the old man’s eyes as he quickly expressed his gratitude.

Bai Linglong arranged for the old man to sit down, preparing to check his pulse, when suddenly a well-dressed middle-aged man rushed in, followed by several attendants.

The well-dressed middle-aged man shouted, “Miraculous Doctor, I’m a wealthy merchant from the neighboring town. I’ve heard of your extraordinary skills and rushed here. I have a lingering pain in my chest and often feel palpitations. Please examine me quickly. I will pay double the consultation fee if you see me first!”

Surrounding patients cast disapproving glances at him, and Bai Linglong frowned, replying firmly, “In medicine, we follow the principle of first come, first served. Everyone is waiting in line, and since you have arrived, please adhere to the rules. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait to the side; if you are, please seek help elsewhere.”

The well-dressed middle-aged man’s expression changed slightly, but seeing the determination in Bai Linglong’s eyes, he reluctantly stepped aside.

With that distraction resolved, Bai Linglong focused on the old man and began to take his pulse. She thought to herself that this new day would surely be filled with challenges, not knowing what difficult cases and tricky situations she might encounter. Yet, she was fully prepared to use her medical skills and compassion to help those in need.