Super Doctor - Chapter 52
Reaching Level 1 had not drastically changed Xu Ze’s daily life. The only real difference was that he no longer needed to frantically study various subjects in the virtual space. Instead, his focus shifted to:
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- Energy Cycle Training – Increasing his daily practice by one or two hours to strengthen energy storage and mental power.
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- Physical Conditioning – Boosting exercise to improve his physique.
After the upgrade, Xiao Dao’s Galactic Micro-Core operated much faster, with significantly expanded energy storage. However, the system’s daily energy consumption had also surged. Although Xu Ze’s Level 1 Energy Cycle generated more energy than before, the reserves had been nearly depleted during the upgrade and hadn’t fully recovered.
As Xiao Dao warned, low energy risked system shutdown, and using advanced functions would drain more power. Stockpiling energy was now critical.
To advance to Level 2, the key benchmarks were:
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- Energy Cycle: 18 consecutive rotations.
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- Physique: Reach Grade E.
Mastering Intermediate Basic Medicine and Battlefield First Aid? Those were requirements for Level 4 (Medical Officer)—far beyond Xu Ze’s current Level 1 status. For now, he simply needed to hone his Primary Basic Medicine skills by treating more patients, gaining experience for future progression.
…
Basketball League Begins
The Xingda Flying Cup officially kicked off with 26 departmental teams competing. Last year’s top two—Journalism and Electrical Engineering—earned automatic quarterfinal berths. The remaining 24 teams would battle through group stages for six spots.
As captain of Clinical Medicine (a quarterfinalist last year), Luo Tianzhu (“Mule”) oozed confidence during an interview with Tao Yiyi, the campus TV’s star reporter:
“We’ll redeem our past humiliation and reach the semifinals!”
Tao Yiyi blinked at the brawny, dark-skinned captain. “What’s fueling this confidence? Besides Journalism and Electrical, last year’s semifinalists—Business and Hydraulics—are still strong. Clinical Medicine faces steep odds.”
Mule smirked. “This year, we’ve filled our scoring gap. Semifinals are within reach… maybe even the finals.” He deliberately withheld Xu Ze’s name—their secret weapon.
The interview sparked debates across campus. Rival captains dismissed Mule’s claims as arrogance, vowing to “crush Clinical Medicine.” Yet Mule privately growled: “Just wait. We’ll shut them up.”
Clinic Tensions
While the league unfolded, Xu Ze strolled to the clinic, oblivious to the basketball drama. His mood soured when he arrived.
A new doctor had joined.
Director Zhang introduced him: “Dr. Zhao Qilong, protégé of Dr. Zhang Ziqi (renowned orthopedist), licensed practitioner. He’ll handle trauma cases and oversee the clinic in my absence. Xu Ze, assist him well.”
Xu Ze studied the man—young, handsome, with a polite smile that didn’t reach his arrogant eyes.
“Dr. Zhao, I’m Xu Ze. Looking forward to learning from you.”
Zhao nodded condescendingly. “Ah, the intern. Director Zhang mentioned you. Pay attention, and ask if you’re clueless. Understood?”
Xu Ze’s smile tightened. “Of course. Your guidance will be invaluable.”*
Satisfied, Zhao took Xu Ze’s usual seat beside Director Zhang.
Behind the Scenes
Director Zhang pulled Xu Ze aside. “Dr. Zhao is my old friend’s disciple, here to gain internal medicine experience. He’ll stay for a year or so before moving to a hospital.” He sighed. “He’s… proud. Bear with him. And—watch the patients when I’m not here.”
Xu Ze nodded. “I’ll manage.”
Resigned, Xu Ze relocated to a corner stool. No more shadowing Director Zhang, but at least I still have Xiao Dao’s virtual training. He’d play the diligent assistant—earning his keep, one humble task at a time.