Chapter 73: Hospital Affairs

In the end, the doctor tended to Beast’s wounds, taking care of his severely injured hand first. After arranging a bed for him, nothing else followed. The doctor didn’t immediately schedule surgery for Beast, though Beast didn’t know the exact reason. It could be that the doctor was currently resting, or perhaps his turn for surgery hadn’t come yet. Maybe they needed to clear the bruising in his arm first, or perhaps his injuries simply weren’t deemed urgent. At the very least, they weren’t so serious as to warrant immediate emergency treatment, like scenes in the movies where a patient is rushed into surgery upon arrival.

Whatever the reason, all possibilities seemed equally likely.

Not long after Beast lay down on his hospital bed, a figure entered the room—it was none other than Snow’s father. Earlier, when a nurse had requested a family member accompany Beast in the ambulance, Snow’s father had stepped in. After all, Beast had no relatives, and none of those gathered around were related to him. In the end, Snow’s father was the only one with some acquaintance to Beast. Moreover, Beast’s injuries were partially tied to Snow, so it made sense for him to come.

Beast looked at Snow’s father and asked directly, “Brother Hei, how much did you pay?”

Mr. Hei shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. Focus on resting. Wait until the doctor schedules your surgery. As for the money, you were protecting my daughter—how could I let you pay for it?”

Beast nodded. “Alright.”

Mr. Hei continued, “By the way, Brother Wang, you know I run a restaurant—I can’t afford to keep it closed for days on end. So I really can’t stay here to look after you. But rest assured, I’ve arranged for a caretaker. He’ll arrive tomorrow.”

“No matter,” Beast replied, shaking his head to show it was fine.

“Alright, then I’ll take my leave,” Mr. Hei said, turning and departing.

The time was now half past eleven at night. The hospital normally turned out the lights at eleven, after which visitors weren’t allowed. Typically, only one family member could stay overnight.

Beast’s ward was a four-bed room, each occupied by an injured patient. Some had hurt their legs, some their hands, some were old, some young, but all were men. Their family members were present as well.

Beast’s bed was the second from the door as one entered. To his left, at the first bed by the door, was a young man, not much older than Snow, with an injured arm. Beyond him was the bathroom, situated right next to the entrance so that opening the door revealed it immediately.

On Beast’s right was a man in his thirties, his left leg injured. Further right, at the innermost bed, was a man about Beast’s age, with a wounded right leg.

Along the wall opposite the door, at the far end, was a large window. In front of the window was a small platform, and to its right stood four large cabinets—one for each bed.

The corridor from the door to the window was where the family members slept. With limited space, some made beds on the floor, others collapsed onto chairs—everyone endured hardship.

“Is everything alright?” Shortly after Mr. Hei left, a nurse entered, checked on the room, and, getting no response, turned to switch off the lights and close the door.

Beast called out, “Wait. May I ask how much my ‘relative’ just paid?”

The nurse glanced at Beast. “I wouldn’t know. You’ll have to ask at the payment office. But it’s late now—get some rest. Tomorrow you’ll need to undergo more detailed examinations.”

Clearly, the nurse recognized Beast. After all, it was rare for a patient to arrive so late at night; he was likely the only one admitted at that hour.

Beast asked again, “What if I want to pay more now?”

“Our staff have to rest too. There’s no urgency—wait until tomorrow,” the nurse replied, then switched off the lights and left.

After the nurse departed, the young man to Beast’s left glanced at him with interest. “Hey, brother, your injuries are pretty serious, aren’t they?”

Beast nodded, lying down and pulling the covers over him. “Mm.”

Everyone possesses a penchant for gossip, regardless of gender—some more, some less. Now, this group of injured men confined to hospital beds finally unleashed their curiosity.

Judging from Beast’s wounds, they suspected he’d been in a fight, but only Beast could confirm it.

The man to Beast’s right laughed, “Brother, what did you do? Don’t tell me you played the hero saving a beauty and got beaten up for it?”

“Yeah, hero saving the beauty. Took on five guys, knocked them down, then ended up here,” Beast replied, closing his eyes and preparing to sleep.

No matter how much the others pressed him, Beast said nothing more. Seeing this, they took the hint and refrained from further questions, each pulling up their covers to sleep.

Yet in their hearts, waves of curiosity surged. They couldn’t tell whether Beast was brushing them off or telling the truth.

After all, this was the real world, not a movie set. Not everyone could claim to take on five opponents, nor was it common to encounter such situations.

If Beast’s words were true, they’d have to be wary of him. Who knew what kind of temperament he had? If he got upset, would they become his next target?

Though unlikely, even the slightest chance made them treat Beast with caution.

The night passed in silence and calm.