Chapter Fifteen: Medical Examination

Chapter Fifteen: Physical Examination

It was no wonder Tian Haiming acted the way he did; after all, Qian Huiwen’s status was plain to see. Not only them—even Wu Zhengke, the leader of the operations team, treated Qian Huiwen with the utmost respect whenever they met.

“Hmph.” Qian Huiwen merely let out a cold snort in response to Tian Haiming’s flattery, then turned her gaze to Bai Zeshao. “Come with me.”

“Yes.” Bai Zeshao hurriedly tossed aside the cards in his hands and rushed after Qian Huiwen, who was already on her way out of the room.

In the corridor, Bai Zeshao grinned. “Sis, could you tell me what this is about? It’s not something bad, is it? Otherwise, why do you look so unhappy?”

“You…” Qian Huiwen sighed as she looked at Bai Zeshao’s carefree smile. “Xiao Bai, you should keep your distance from Tian Haiming and the others in the future. I came to find you because today you need to undergo a physical examination.”

“Physical? What kind of examination? I’m perfectly healthy.” Bai Zeshao felt a jolt of anxiety in his heart, but his words remained nonchalant.

“It’s a mandatory procedure for every internal staff member joining the Special Operations Office.”

“Alright,” Bai Zeshao nodded, feigning indifference, though he was somewhat uneasy inside. The scar on his neck, left from that fight and the past few days, had already crusted over.

But an experienced doctor could easily identify the wound as a gunshot and even estimate the date of injury. These small details, if not handled carefully, might be linked to that day’s shootout. Even if no evidence proved he was involved, suspicion would inevitably arise, and once suspected, his infiltration would face many hurdles.

For now, Bai Zeshao had no better solution; he could only improvise once they reached the hospital.

Not long after, Bai Zeshao climbed into a military jeep and left the Special Operations Office, accompanied by Liu Xiaobing.

“Xiaobing, how are you adapting to life at the Special Operations Office?” Bai Zeshao asked with a smile.

“It’s alright. My uncle is the head of the Intelligence Division, after all. But you—I heard you’ve been assigned to Team Three of the operations squad. Should I ask my uncle to help you transfer?” Liu Xiaobing looked at Bai Zeshao with concern.

“No need. Team Three isn’t exactly popular, but at least there’s not much going on usually, and everyone gets along well enough.” Bai Zeshao had already learned from Monkey about the upper-level relationships at the Special Operations Office, and knew that Wu Zhengke and Liu Peiru didn’t get along, so he had no intention of stirring up trouble.

“Suit yourself. Anyway, if you ever need help, just come to me. I can have my uncle step in.”

“Got it.”

Soon, the military jeep stopped in front of Yaren Hospital, the largest hospital in Shanning, which was directly affiliated with the army. The hospital staff, having been notified in advance, were already waiting outside. After a brief greeting, the group entered the hospital.

Yaren Hospital boasted the top medical equipment and staff in Shanning. Though it was Bai Zeshao’s first time there, he was well aware of its reputation, which only added to his nervousness.

When it was his turn for the examination, he still hadn’t thought of a good way to conceal the scar on his neck. Now, he just needed a plausible reason to explain it.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Holding his medical form, Bai Zeshao pushed the door open and entered the doctor’s office. Inside sat a young male doctor wearing a mask. Bai Zeshao felt a slight relief and greeted him with a smile. “Doctor, what tests do we need for the physical?”

The doctor ignored Bai Zeshao’s question and simply stared at him intently, making Bai Zeshao feel uneasy. He couldn’t help but ask, “Doctor, is there something you want to say?”

“Xiao Bai, it’s you! How did you end up in the Special Operations Office?” The doctor spoke as he removed his mask, his voice filled with excitement.

“Hua Zi! It’s you! When did you come back? You didn’t even let me know.” Bai Zeshao was equally delighted when he saw the familiar face behind the mask.

Hua Zi’s full name was Shen Guohua, Bai Zeshao’s childhood friend. Bai Zeshao had gone to military school, while Shen Guohua had studied abroad. The two hadn’t met since, keeping in touch only through letters.

“I just returned to the country. I was planning to meet up with you soon,” Shen Guohua said, giving Bai Zeshao’s shoulder a friendly punch. “Xiao Bai, I remember you said you wanted to join the army. How did you end up in the Special Operations Office? After all…”

Bai Zeshao understood what Shen Guohua meant—the Special Operations Office didn’t have the best reputation. He explained, “Hua Zi, sometimes things aren’t up to us. It’s a long story. How about we catch up after you get off work?”

But Shen Guohua shook his head.

“What do you mean?”

“I have surgery tonight, and I don’t know when it’ll be finished.”

“Well, looks like you really have grown up. But why did you come back? Things are pretty chaotic here.” Bai Zeshao, no longer as familiar with his old friend, asked half in curiosity, half in probing.

“Did you forget our old dream? You chose the military, I chose medicine. The country is in turmoil now,” Shen Guohua said, his tone heavy.

“So you joined this hospital because the military invited you?”

“Not exactly. I applied myself. You know, after all these years, I’ve never been interested in party politics and don’t want to get involved. I just want to do what a Chinese person should do,” Shen Guohua said earnestly.

“That’s true. Let’s not talk about that. Let’s get on with the examination—what needs checking?” Bai Zeshao asked casually.

“Just the usual tests. Also, we need to record any distinctive marks or scars on your body for future reference,” Shen Guohua explained with a smile.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

“Hmm.”

After the routine checks, Shen Guohua began inspecting Bai Zeshao’s body for distinguishing marks. There was nothing unusual, but when he reached Bai Zeshao’s neck, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he asked offhandedly, “Xiao Bai, this scar on your neck looks fresh—about three or four days old, right?”

“Yes, about three or four days,” Bai Zeshao replied calmly.

“How did you get hurt? The wound looks pretty rough,” Shen Guohua said as he examined it closely.

Bai Zeshao hesitated. “Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing.”

“Come on, what can’t you tell me?”

“There’s nothing really. I got it in a fight—kind of shameful to admit,” Bai Zeshao’s mind raced, trying to gauge if Shen Guohua had noticed anything.

“Is that so?” Shen Guohua said meaningfully, then dropped the subject. “Alright, the examination’s done. You can go.”

“Oh, everything’s fine, right?” Bai Zeshao asked.

“What could be wrong with you? Unless you actually want something to be found,” Shen Guohua joked.

“Of course not. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out.”

“Alright. We’ll get together for a meal when there’s time.”

…