Chapter Two: Smooth Does Not Mean Easy

The emergency corridor was lit with a cold, merciless white. When Xu Chen arrived, Lin Wan had pulled her mask below her chin; sweat held loose strands of hair to her forehead. Eight years had passed, yet he recognized her at once. She was thinner than memory and steadier. “Low potassium and an infection. We’ve stabilized her.” Lin handed him the bill. “Don’t run that fast. A patient needs family, not another person collapsing first.” “Thank you,” he said, and heard how much it resembled an apology. “You still do that,” she said softly. “Say thank you as if you are sorry for existing.” The system surfaced. [The objective ‘mother recovers smoothly’ is available. State the crucial actions you will undertake.]