The Urban Divine Doctor Warrior

Chapter 4: Desperate Pleas

Dr. Arthur Saint's face drained of color as he reached for another silver needle. Tina Fields, who had been stable just moments ago, suddenly gasped for air. Her face contorted in pain, and blood began to trickle from the corner of her mouth.

"What's happening? What have you done?" Mary Zhang's voice rose in panic as she watched her daughter's condition deteriorate rapidly.

Saint's hands shook as he stammered out a response. "I... I was following your orders, Madam Zhang. You told me to remove the needles."

"When did I ever say that?" Mary shrieked, her eyes wild with fear and rage. "Save her! Why is she coughing up blood?"

Turning desperately to the door, she screamed, "Arthur of Rebirth! We need the master physician!"

Saint bolted from the room, nearly colliding with George Fields and the legendary doctor as they rushed in. The two men froze, shock evident on their faces as they took in the scene before them.

"What in God's name happened here?" Arthur of Rebirth demanded, his brow furrowed in concern.

Sweat beaded on Saint's forehead as he scrambled to explain. "Miss Fields was stable, but Madam Zhang insisted I remove the needles. After I took out a few, she... she just..."

The master physician strode to the bedside, his experienced eyes widening in amazement as he examined Tina. The intricacy of the acupuncture technique was beyond even his considerable skills. That a mere orderly had performed such a feat was nothing short of miraculous.

"You fools!" he snapped, his voice sharp with anger. "Those needles were the only thing keeping her alive, regulating her blood flow and vital energy. And you just yanked them out?"

Saint, desperate to shift blame, quickly pointed at Mary Zhang. "It wasn't my idea! Madam Zhang demanded I remove them!"

"How dare you lie!" Mary's eyes flashed dangerously.

Saint knew his words would anger the powerful woman, but faced with the possibility of Tina's death, he couldn't risk his career.

Mary, still not grasping the gravity of the situation, waved her hand dismissively. "It's just a few needles. Surely you can put them back in, Arthur of Rebirth?"

The old doctor's laugh was hollow and bitter. "If only it were that simple. This technique requires precise placement, exact depth, and the infusion of vital energy. One misstep could do more harm than good. It's hopeless." He shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips. "Besides, this method is far beyond even my capabilities."

As Tina's condition continued to worsen, Mary's panic turned to fury. "Some 'greatest physician' you are! After everything the Fields family has done for you, and you're not even as competent as some nobody orderly? Your reputation is nothing but hot air!"

"Silence!" George Fields' voice cracked like a whip, but it was too late.

Arthur of Rebirth's face darkened with rage. Never in his long and illustrious career had he been subjected to such disrespect. "If Madam Zhang has no further need of this old man's services," he said, his voice ice-cold, "I'll take my leave."

With a sweep of his robes, he turned to go. George lunged forward, grabbing the doctor's arm. "Please, Master Arthur, forgive her outburst. Tell me, is there any way to save my daughter?"

The old physician's anger softened slightly at the desperation in George's voice. "I'm afraid only that young man can save Tina Fields now."

George rounded on his wife, his face a mask of fury. "Are you satisfied now? Your foolishness may have just cost our daughter her life!"

"How was I to know?" Mary shot back, still unwilling to admit her mistake. "I'll find that boy and have him put the needles back in. Problem solved."

Meanwhile, in the hallway outside, Vanessa Hall caught sight of Liam emerging from the operating room. "How is she?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

"She's alive," Liam replied wearily. "The rest is up to fate now." He met Vanessa's eyes, his expression unreadable. "I'm going to check myself out."

Vanessa stared at him in disbelief. Despite Arthur Saint's questionable character, his surgical skills were undeniable. For Liam to have accomplished what even Saint wouldn't attempt... She let out a shaky breath. "I'll handle the paperwork. You should change out of those scrubs."

As Vanessa hurried off, Liam turned towards his room. Before he could take more than a few steps, Saint's voice rang out behind him. "Liam Steele, wait! Don't go!"

Saint wasn't a complete fool. He knew that if Tina died after he'd removed those needles, he'd be held responsible. Right now, Liam Steele was the only person who could save both Tina and Saint's own skin.

"What is it, Dr. Saint?" Liam's voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

Saint plastered on his most ingratiating smile, though it came across as more of a grimace. "Well, you see, my good man... I may have accidentally dislodged a few of those needles. I was hoping you might pop back in and set things right?"

Liam's laugh was sharp and humorless. "Dr. Saint, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say I was 'just a trainee orderly' with no right to treat Miss Fields? I believe you made it quite clear that I have no business being involved in her care." His eyes glittered dangerously. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have discharge papers to sign."