Chapter 3

Early the next morning, I arrived at the conference room to wait.

Before long, a woman in a coat strode in purposefully.

A man followed behind her, still with that composed demeanor. Even after twenty years, I could recognize him at a glance.

I'd imagined countless scenarios of seeing him again, yet I still felt the urge to rush forward and settle things with him.

"You're Dr. Lester?"

The woman scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on me.

Neville quickly stood up. "Ms. Chris, this is Dr. Lester. Dr. Lester, this is..."

"You're Dr. Lester?"

Chris interrupted him, walking straight up to me.

She didn't recognize me.

The girl who cried herself unconscious outside the morgue twenty years ago bore little resemblance to the doctor who had published six authoritative neurosurgery papers.

"Dr. Lester, what's the meaning of this? You just decide not to do it? We confirmed the schedule with your team three days ago. The equipment is calibrated, the care plan is ready, and now you're backing out?"

"Ms. Chris, I already told Neville I'd submit a report."

"Submit what report?"

She laughed.

"You can perform far more difficult surgeries flawlessly, but this one scares you?"

Wright saw the atmosphere turning sour and immediately tried to smooth things over.

"Dr. Lester, I'm the patient's son, Wright. I understand you may have your own considerations, but my father's condition is truly urgent. If it's about the cost..."

"It's not about the cost."

"Then what is it?"

Chris slammed her bag on the table.

Neville quickly stepped forward. "Ms. Chris, calm down. Dr. Lester may really be..."

"She may really be what? A top neurosurgeon turns and walks away from a patient waiting to be saved?"

She turned to stare at me.

"Let me tell you something, Lester. My father may be retired, but he's still an advisory committee member for Health and Human Services. One phone call and I can make you..."

"Chris."

Wright grabbed her arm and lowered his voice. "Calm down."

Then he looked at me with an apologetic smile.

I knew that smile well. Twenty years ago at the morgue entrance, he'd comforted me with the same expression: "Lester, you have to be strong."

Then he turned around and got engaged to Chris, while my appeal materials were sent back rejected.

"Dr. Lester, I don't know your real reason for refusing. But as a colleague, I believe you're a person with medical ethics. My father..."

I couldn't listen to his words, so I spoke directly.

"Dr. Wright, my decision won't change because of anyone's persuasion."

Chris's face darkened completely.

"Fine. You're quite something. You're the expert, you're impressive. Well, let me tell you—tomorrow the state expert committee is meeting to discuss this. I hope you maintain this attitude."

She picked up her bag and dropped one more line as she turned.

"The people I despise most in my life are those who gain a little skill and start putting on airs. Doctors saving lives is a given. It's not your place to pick and choose."

Her heels clicked against the floor, the sound fading away.

Wright hesitated for a moment, then spoke to me.

"Dr. Lester, I apologize. My wife has a quick temper. Please think it over carefully. My number is always available."

Neville didn't dare breathe until Wright left.

"Dr. Lester, why put yourself through this? Even if you have concerns, you could discuss them properly..."

"Neville, I do have my reasons. There's no way I can perform this surgery."

"Alright then... You'd better prepare well for tomorrow. I'm afraid she won't let this go."

I nodded and called for Carlos to prepare to leave.

Whether Chris would let it go, I didn't know. But tomorrow, I wasn't planning to let it go either.