"A Physician?"
Lina's fair fingers gently tapped Yi Bai's chest as she noticed him zoning out.
"Apologies, I was lost in thought," Yi Bai quickly snapped back to attention, cursing himself inwardly for allowing his guard to slip in front of a Red-hooded vengeful spirit.
With heightened caution, he continued, "Beautiful lady, your condition isn't anything too serious. I do have a solution."
"Really?" Lina's voice betrayed a mix of surprise and hope.
The special period that plagued her every year wasn't a huge issue in itself, but it was enough to make her irritated. Hearing there was a potential cure, she couldn't hide her delight, and her gaze softened toward Yi Bai.
"Lady, treating your condition isn't difficult for me, but as a professional, I'm sure you understand that no physician treats a patient for free," Yi Bai said, feigning concern as if he were caught in a moral dilemma.
"Especially for someone like me, solving your problem would require revealing valuable medical secrets," he added, his expression serious yet convincing.
"Being a physician isn't easy. The only valuable thing I possess is the knowledge in my head. I'm sure you understand that."
"You wouldn't want to see me, a humble physician, losing the chance to explore more advanced medical techniques because of poverty or the risks to my life, would you?"
By the end of his statement, his eyes shone with a dramatic intensity. Although he was simply trying to charge for his services, he managed to sound almost heroic.
Lina, who had seen many humans before, but only as dismembered corpses or specimens, was taken aback by Yi Bai's eloquence. Without hesitation, she nodded.
"You make a good point. The doctors at Third Hospital do charge high fees for their treatments. As long as you can guarantee a cure, I can offer you something of equal value as payment."
"Truly a professional nurse! I knew you'd understand," Yi Bai said smoothly, following up with a subtle compliment.
He then shared the solution for her condition, presenting it as if he trusted her completely.
The effect was immediate. Lina, who already respected doctors, shifted from a neutral stance to one of friendliness.
Even though she hadn't yet verified the method Yi Bai provided, the change in her attitude demonstrated the power of his persuasive skills.
Lina reached into her pocket and pulled out a special card, handing it to Yi Bai.
"This is my payment," she said.
Yi Bai took the card and examined it. It had the words "Specially Appointed Physician" stamped on it, along with a small clasp and his own photo and name, as per the rules of the hospital.
So this is the hidden identity, Yi Bai thought, recalling reports from players who had returned to the real world. Hidden identities could trigger certain quests or reveal special hidden monsters or tasks.
He frowned slightly, weighing the risks and benefits of this hidden identity. But from Lina's friendly demeanor, it seemed like the "Specially Appointed Physician" role wouldn't pose a threat—at least not if he could prove his medical skills. Otherwise, death would likely be the outcome.
But with my Divine Insight, I have nothing to worry about, Yi Bai thought with confidence, slipping the identity card into his pocket.
He then put on the pristine white lab coat that Lina handed him, nodding at her with a smile.
"Thank you," Yi Bai said, as he neatly adjusted the coat.
The other players in the room watched in stunned silence, unable to understand how Yi Bai had managed to earn such an advantageous position. Their jealousy was palpable.
Among the male players, one with a delicate, almost effeminate appearance watched Yi Bai and the strikingly beautiful nurse intently. The man's thoughts quickly raced, and a flicker of realization hit him.
So that's what happened!
The thought bubbled up like an unstoppable tide, especially when he considered the perilous task ahead—the morgue. Yi Bai, on the other hand, was walking away with a new title, and an opportunity to speak with the beautiful nurse.
With his suspicions growing, the effeminate male player hesitantly raised his hand, his voice weak as he stammered, "Uh... uh…"
Lina's cold gaze immediately locked onto him. Her patience, already frayed by her own condition, was wearing thin. She spoke in a chilling tone:
"You better have something constructive to say, or else…"
Her detached, almost indifferent attitude toward him was a stark contrast to the warmth she had shown Yi Bai. The effeminate male player's suspicions were confirmed, and his thoughts became a whirlwind.
So, it really was like that! Lina had only been cold to Yi Bai at first, too, but now…