Chapter Five: Tomorrow Stolen from the Emergency Ward

“Can we save him without stolen life?” “Return my spiritual power to him.” Years ago, Xie had spent his dragon breath saving a busload of people. His lost taste was the cost. Another sacrifice might make the damage permanent. “No,” Su Li said. “This hospital does not have a Department of Unauthorized Self-Sacrifice.” She recalled every paper crane. Seven patients regained their tomorrows, and the courier's heartbeat plunged. The child screamed. Su Li tore a corner from his death certificate, folded it into a blank meal voucher, and wrote: LIN XIAOCHUAN PROMISES TO SIT UNTIL DAWN WITH EVERY PATIENT AFRAID OF TOMORROW. “That won't save him,” Xiaochuan said. “Doctors save people. You make sure he isn't alone.”