Super Doctor - Chapter 118

Xu Ze smiled, but Old Zhang’s expression darkened. He addressed the inspectors sternly: “Gentlemen, there is no unlicensed medical practice here. My Huimin Clinic has been operating for over a decade—how could we lack proper certification?”

Seeing Old Zhang’s displeasure, the three health bureau officials tempered their tone slightly. After all, Zhang Xunbo had practiced for decades and had connections with several bureau leaders. The leader of the group replied diplomatically, “Dr. Zhang, we’ve received a report that a certain Xu Ze at your clinic has been diagnosing and prescribing medication without a license. We’ll need to verify credentials.”

Zhang Xunbo handed over his and Zhao Qilong’s medical licenses, then clarified, “Xu Ze is an intern under my supervision. That doesn’t violate regulations.”

The inspectors flipped through the documents, then smirked. “Dr. Zhang, you’re an experienced practitioner. Xu Ze is indeed here, and he has been writing prescriptions—even if you co-sign them. But according to our sources, he often prescribes independently, with you merely rubber-stamping them afterward.”

“That is absolutely unacceptable. While we lack concrete evidence at the moment, higher-ups have ordered strict investigations into such cases. Don’t be surprised if we return for regular inspections.” Without even touching their tea, the trio delivered their warning, nodded curtly, and left.

Their visit had been perfunctory—a formality mandated by higher authorities. Old Zhang wasn’t foolish; he understood the unspoken message.

After seeing them out, Zhang Xunbo’s face remained grim. Normally, his decades of connections in the health system would shield him from petty scrutiny. But the phrase “higher-ups have ordered” suggested deliberate targeting. Even if he resolved this issue, future harassment seemed inevitable.

Running a clinic meant two constant fears: patient complaints and health bureau crackdowns. For them to appear unprovoked signaled serious trouble.

Noticing Old Zhang’s somber expression, Xu Ze offered an apologetic smile. “Dr. Zhang, I’ve caused you trouble.”

Zhang waved it off with forced cheer. “Don’t worry, Xu Ze. Tomorrow, I’ll pull some strings at the bureau. This will blow over.”

“It’s not that simple,” Zhao Qilong interjected bluntly. He knew exactly what was happening—Zhang Yi, the deputy mayor overseeing health and education (and a key figure in the Zhang family), held a grudge against Xu Ze. If Zhang Yi had ordered this, no amount of connections would shield the clinic indefinitely.

Xu Ze nodded. “Dr. Zhang, Zhao is right. This is aimed at me. I’ve brought this upon you.” He took a breath. “Starting tomorrow, I won’t return to the clinic. Thank you for everything.”

Old Zhang patted his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t overthink it. Let me handle the bureau. You stay—I’ll take responsibility.”

“Your kindness means the world,” Xu Ze said sincerely. “But leaving is the only solution. I’ll visit often to help when I can.”

Seeing his resolve, Zhang sighed. Xu Ze had been diligent for two years, especially these past months. Losing him to bureaucratic pressure stung.

From the cash register, Zhang counted out 3,000 yuan—two months’ wages—and pressed it into Xu Ze’s hands. “Take this. If you ever need help, come to me.”

Touched, Xu Ze accepted without protest. “Thank you.”

Nurse Luo and others gathered, lamenting his departure. “Visit often, Xu Ze!” Luo pleaded, eyes misty. “You’ve been such a help!”

“I will,” he promised. “I’ll drop by to assist—just not as staff. Even the health bureau can’t fault that.”

Longtime patients grumbled too. “Since when does the bureau meddle in good care? Driving away our best doctor!”

With final waves, Xu Ze walked away under their wistful gazes, heading home.

Leaving the clinic brought both relief and melancholy. Two years of routine wouldn’t fade overnight. Yet freedom from shifts meant more time to cultivate his energy—to grow stronger.

Lying in bed, Xu Ze replayed the day’s events and smirked coldly. “Zhang Yi… Deputy Mayor Zhang. You think this inconveniences me? Ironically, you’ve helped me decide. But don’t worry—your comfort won’t last much longer either.”

Focusing inward, he immersed his consciousness into his dantian, sensing the swirling energy mass—more potent than ever. With deliberate control, he guided its circulation.

As the energy looped through his meridians, ambient particles surged toward him, absorbed through muscle and bone, merging into the flow. The growth rate astonished him—far faster than in his dorm.

Excited, Xu Ze analyzed the difference: “Is it environmental? This lakeside apartment has cleaner air, denser energy… like ancient cultivators seeking remote mountains!” The revelation thrilled him. If wilderness areas amplified this effect, his progress could skyrocket.

For now, though, his home by North Lake Park—Star City’s “green lung”—was ideal. “Thank you, Grandpa Tao,” he mused. “This gift saved me years of sluggish dorm-room cultivation.”

Eagerly, Xu Ze redoubled his efforts. Though he couldn’t yet attempt the 16th circulation cycle, each session accumulated reserves for the breakthrough.

Hours later, after completing two full 32-loop sessions, he entered the virtual space.

“Xiao Dao,” he asked eagerly, “has our energy storage grown significantly faster recently?”

The AI avatar blinked. “Obviously. You’ve reached 16 loops per cycle. Growth is exponential.”

“No, I mean disproportionately faster,” Xu Ze pressed.

“It is disproportionately faster,” Xiao Dao replied, baffled.

Realizing the AI couldn’t perceive environmental factors, Xu Ze dropped it. “Never mind. Let’s practice piano.”

Seated at the virtual grand piano, he let his fingers dance across the keys. “Für Elise” flowed out—fluid, passionate, nearly rivaling Tao Jun’s original skill.

Xiao Dao nodded approvingly. “At 80% of Tao Jun’s peak, you’re already surpassing most amateur Level 10 players. A bit more polish, and you’ll match him fully.”

For Xu Ze, that was enough. “Presentable,” he thought with satisfaction. “One more skill to wield when the time comes.”