Chapter 32: Rescuing Mu Nanhe

The commanding officer stood aside, his brow furrowed, gazing intently at Yang Qingyan. Battle-hardened and having witnessed countless life-and-death situations, he understood that Mu Nanhe was currently teetering on the edge of a precipice; one misstep could lead to irreparable consequences.

As Yang Qingyan boldly presented herself, the officer felt an inner conflict of doubt. His lips moved as if to voice a question, but the resolute skepticism of the experts around him stifled his words.

Just as the rising tide of doubt threatened to engulf Yang Qingyan, Chen Feng stepped forward decisively. “Let my sister-in-law try! She’s the one who saved my life! I was seriously injured, with a bullet near my heart and near death, but she, through her exceptional skills, pulled me back from the brink and gave me a second chance. Her medical skills should not be underestimated!”

Chen Feng’s voice trembled with emotion as he recalled his despair and Yang Qingyan’s calmness while saving him, his eyes brimming with trust and gratitude.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, processing Chen Feng’s words, and their gazes returned to Yang Qingyan.

Yang Qingyan raised her chin slightly, meeting the collective scrutiny with poise. “I understand your doubts, but time is of the essence. Every minute counts for Mu Nanhe’s life. I guarantee my professionalism and integrity. Moreover, as his family, I will do everything I can. If there are any repercussions, I will take responsibility. Besides, do you have any other treatment options?”

The commanding officer pondered for a moment, exchanging whispered opinions with a few experts beside him. Finally, he spoke up, “Since you’re saying this, I trust you. Please, do everything possible to save this heroic young man.”

Yang Qingyan nodded firmly. “I will.”

Having said this, she immediately shifted into action, her eyes sharp as she looked at Dr. Wang. “Doctor Wang, please prepare the surgical instruments—immediately!” Despite lingering doubt, Dr. Wang had no choice but to comply.

The experts exchanged glances, silently agreeing. They were curious to see how this seemingly naive young woman would perform, but they also didn’t want to miss any possible opportunity to save Mu Nanhe’s life. Consequently, they followed her into the operating room, ready to assist and observe.

Inside the operating room, the atmosphere grew tense, as though the air could freeze under the weight of anticipation. Everyone held their breath, only the rhythmic beeping of the machines punctuating the silence.

Yang Qingyan stood at the surgical table, her eyes fixed on Mu Nanhe’s battered body. She quickly and calmly issued commands: “Surgical instruments—3, 4, 7—hurry!” The trained nurses promptly provided the required instruments, which Yang Qingyan accepted, feeling their weight in her hands.

“Clamps.”

“Forceps.”

“Gauze.”

“Suction apparatus.”

“Bone saw.”

“Suture needle.”

Her voice rang out with urgency, sweat beading on her forehead, yet her gaze only grew more resolute. Each command was clear and concise, devoid of hesitation. She was fully immersed in the race against death, channeling her expert skills into restoring life to Mu Nanhe’s shattered body.

Her movements were fluid and practiced, as if she had rehearsed them countless times. As she addressed the intricate and shocking wounds, she would sometimes furrow her brow, intensely differentiating between blood vessels and tissues; other times, her eyes would shine with determination as she decisively stitched and tied off wounds.

During the procedure, when Mu Nanhe’s vital signs began to fluctuate—blood pressure dropping dramatically and heart rate becoming weak and unstable—Yang Qingyan quietly activated her unique abilities. Her palm lightly pressed against his chest, an invisible warmth flowing through her hand, as if she were engaged in a silent tug-of-war with death. This energy coursed through Mu Nanhe’s veins, as though it were infusing revitalizing life into every damaged part of his body, rekindling the almost extinguished flame of life.

In his unconscious dream state, Mu Nanhe seemed lost in a dark abyss, yet he could vaguely perceive a familiar figure emerging from the shadows. It was Yang Qingyan, shining like a radiant light, piercing through the darkness and grasping his hand tightly, pulling him back from the brink of death. He yearned to see her face, to call her name, but his weakened consciousness flickered like a candle in the wind, unable to do anything but drift within this chaotic dream.

Time stretched within the tense surgical environment; every second felt like an eternity. Outside the operating room, the commanding officer, Chen Feng, and other anxious onlookers fixated on the closed door, the minutes crawling by painfully.

After a full 38 hours, the operating room door finally creaked open. Yang Qingyan emerged, her face filled with exhaustion, her steps unsteady, while the medical staff pushed Mu Nanhe’s bed behind her.

Dr. Wang excitedly announced, “The surgery was successful! He has been stabilized for now!” At that moment, a wave of relief and joy surged through the hallway, cheers and applause erupting in a chorus.

After an extended period of high-intensity battle, Yang Qingyan felt her body nearing its limit, shaking uncontrollably as fatigue washed over her.

In that critical moment, she gritted her teeth and discreetly channeled her abilities back into herself. A warm current surged within her, dispelling her exhaustion, her eyes rekindled with a determined light. She understood that the post-operative care was equally vital; she needed to be at her best.

Turning to the medical staff beside her, she said, “Transfer him to the critical care unit. I’ll monitor him. The first 24 hours post-surgery are crucial.” Though her voice was weary, it carried an undeniable authority.

The staff carefully moved Mu Nanhe to the critical care unit, and Yang Qingyan followed closely behind. Once outside the patient room, she reported to the anxiously waiting commanding officer, “His life is safe, but the tendons in his legs can’t be reattached right now. His body is too weak, and we need to wait for him to recover before considering a second surgery.”

The tight lines on the commander’s face softened, filled with trust and gratitude. He immediately responded, “You take charge. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

The surrounding experts and doctors exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and curiosity. A senior expert could not help but ask, “You can reattach the tendons too? Will he be able to walk normally again?” As soon as the question left his lips, all eyes turned to Yang Qingyan, filled with hope and anticipation.

Yang Qingyan nodded slightly, her expression resolute. “It will take more time; he may need to recuperate for several months. However, it is treatable. As long as the follow-up rehabilitation is on track, the chances of recovery are very high.” Her words served as a shot of encouragement to everyone, momentarily easing the tension that had hung over them.