Xi Chunzhi in a Coma

He was just an intern, normally not qualified to be here. He'd only gotten the chance because the designated attending physicians had all made excuses to take leave, one after another. Short-staffed, the Medical Department had no choice but to send him.

This glass enclosure served as a buffer zone between the Threshold and the human world. Almost every time Pioneers returned, a few alien creatures slipped in with them—an enormous risk. For doctors with little combat ability, it was practically a nightmare.

Meng Fanchen recognized Tu Ran at once, and his heart raced.

As expected of his goddess—first one out. Absolutely outstanding.

He couldn't resist taking a step forward to greet her, but his companion grabbed his arm. "Are you out of your mind? She hasn't passed inspection yet!"

Meng Fanchen stopped, glanced at Tu Ran, then back at his companion, and said with confidence, "Don't worry. Sister Tu Ran definitely isn't possessed by an alien."

"Who can know that for sure? Just stay put. You can say hi later—it's not like it's urgent. The Medical Department has responsibilities. We can't just wander off."

"Fine." Meng Fanchen nodded and stepped back. All he needed was to know his goddess was back safe; there'd be plenty of time to say hello later.

Meanwhile, Tu Ran had already reached the row of "human shields."

"Pioneer trainee, Tu Ran. Welcome home." The mechanical voice offered its greeting without a trace of feeling.

Tu Ran stood still, waiting for the next question.

The "human shield" held up an electronic screen with the question set before she'd left:

What is my wish?

Tu Ran answered casually, "To live, and to get rich."

A green checkmark appeared on the screen. She'd passed identity verification.

"Correct. Respected Pioneer Tu Ran, a meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Room 721 of the Administrative Building. Please attend on time."

"Have a pleasant day."

Tu Ran glanced at the time. It was 7:00 a.m. Federation time.

Three hours to go.

She had plenty of time to clean herself up.

Leaving the glass enclosure, Tu Ran headed for the Administrative Building.

She needed to return the equipment she was carrying.

Along the way, she called up Zero.

"Respected Pioneer Tu Ran, it's a pleasure to hear your voice again. Much has happened in the Federation recently. Is there anything you'd like to know?"

"Where is Pioneer Xi Chunzhi?"

"She's in the Medical Department."

"The Medical Department? Is she injured?" Tu Ran changed direction and headed toward the Medical Department.

The Threshold gate wasn't far from the Medical Department.

"Yes. After her last exit from the Threshold, she collapsed. Analysis of her holographic recording ring by the Research Institute revealed that she was attacked by four Paoxiao when the gate opened. She fought fiercely before escaping. She has remained unconscious since, with all vital signs stable, but showing no signs of waking."

While Zero spoke, Tu Ran stepped through the entrance of the Medical Department.

"Which room is she in?" Tu Ran asked.

"Room 828, Building C of the Inpatient Building."

Tu Ran made straight for the Inpatient Building.

Building C had once been the monitoring and quarantine site for the survivors of the Q4245 maglev train.

Half a month ago, it had been a place thick with death—gunfire echoing, bodies carried out in an unending stream, the crematorium's smoke burning for three straight days.

Now, people came and went: elderly shuffling slowly, children running about, patients in wheelchairs wearing hospital gowns.

Nurses hurried back and forth, doctors walked briskly, and there were caregivers, cleaning staff, and more.

It wasn't exactly festive, but it was filled with the lively hum of everyday life.

A world apart from half a month ago.

Tu Ran made her way through the crowd, found Building C, took the elevator to the eighth floor.

The entire eighth floor was quiet. The bright corridor was empty.

Tu Ran walked to Room 808.

Pushing open the door, she saw Xi Chunzhi lying in the hospital bed.

Her eyes were shut tight, hair spread out, a pure white blanket covering her. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow on her face—peaceful and serene.

She looked as if she were merely asleep.

Tu Ran approached quietly and stopped beside the bed, looking down at her face.

Her complexion was pale, dark circles heavy beneath her eyes. Her lips, once a striking red full of aggression, were now drained of all color.

"What is she to you?" A voice came from behind. Tu Ran turned to see a doctor in the white uniform of the Medical Department.

"She's my friend."

"Oh, you're Tu Ran?" He gave her a once-over, spotting the nameplate reading "Tu Ran" on her clothing.

"Yes, that's me."

"You'll need to pay her hospital fees for the last three days," the doctor said, gesturing. A nurse stepped out from behind him, holding an electronic screen. The doctor swiped through it. "Her card balance is depleted. She now owes the Medical Department twelve thousand Federation credits."

He handed the screen to Tu Ran, who saw a detailed breakdown of all charges.

Life-support machine operation: one thousand credits per day. Medications and supplies: eighteen hundred credits per day. Bed fee: three hundred credits per day. Miscellaneous services: nine hundred credits per day.

So Xi Chunzhi lying here cost four thousand credits a day.

The nearly half-month of expenses had been deducted from her account, but three days ago, the money ran out. Now she was three days in arrears.

"Because the patient is a Federation employee, all fees are at a forty percent discount," the nurse added.

Even at a discount, it was this expensive. Xi Chunzhi's entire year's salary had been spent in half a month of hospitalization.

What about ordinary people even less well off than them? Could they even afford to be hospitalized?

"Of course, you're only a friend of the patient. Federation law doesn't require you to pay the twelve thousand credits owed. However, you're the only person connected to the patient that we can trace."

"According to Medical Department regulations, a patient's treatment stops on the second day of unpaid fees. But after a careful assessment, we concluded there was a ninety percent chance you would pay her medical costs. So we took that risk and continued treatment until you returned from the Threshold."

"Of course, if you choose to refuse, you won't bear any legal responsibility—but we will immediately halt treatment." The doctor spoke calmly.

Tu Ran listened quietly to his explanation, then looked at Xi Chunzhi on the bed.

The Medical Department had already investigated her relationship with Xi Chunzhi. They knew they were close, knew she wouldn't stand by and let treatment stop. So they'd been waiting for her to come out of the Threshold.