Chapter 8: The Gas Explosion Incident

"No wonder you were so picky with your food at the cafeteria. I thought you were just being difficult, but it turns out you’re allergic to those things," Lin Nan remarked with a sudden realization.

Li Qin looked sheepish, his expression visibly strained.

Bai Yunxiao watched Li Qin, who seemed to be holding back words, and finally sighed. "Watch yourself from now on. Don’t eat what you shouldn’t, and don’t mess with things you shouldn’t." With that, he turned and left the clinic.

"Phew—" Once Bai Yunxiao was gone, Li Qin let out a long breath and relaxed. "I feel much better now that it’s out in the open."

Lin Nan teased, "It’s lucky you aren't allergic to certain antihistamines, or you would have been a goner last night."

Li Qin looked quite relieved himself. "Actually, I am allergic to some antihistamines. It’s fortunate that the one you gave me last night wasn't on my list of allergies. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been as simple as just an alcohol reaction."

Lin Nan: "..."

Right, he had underestimated this guy yet again.

"With so many allergens, and even being allergic to some medications, why did you decide to become a doctor?" Lin Nan asked, puzzled. "You should realize how dangerous that is for someone with your constitution."

Li Qin smiled, his eyes gleaming slightly. "I just love being a doctor. Saving a patient on the brink of death—that sense of accomplishment is something no other profession can offer." He checked the time and said with a smile, "I have a few more patients to attend to. I’m off."

"Don’t forget what I told you," Lin Nan reminded him.

"Don't worry, I won't." Li Qin gave an "OK" gesture before walking out of the clinic.

Watching Li Qin’s retreating figure, the corner of Lin Nan's mouth curled into a smile. It was true; what other profession could compare to the fulfillment of saving lives?

He then left the clinic and returned to his office. Just then, Xiao Li walked in wearing her nurse's uniform.

"Dr. Lin, you are just incredible. Even a bizarre case like someone getting their head stuck in an exhaust pipe is something you could handle." Xiao Li walked up to Lin Nan, looking at him with undisguised admiration, her face flushing slightly. "Director Bai publicly praised you earlier. It’s not easy to earn a public commendation from him."

Lin Nan smiled faintly. "Director Bai is too kind."

As a nurse in the emergency department, Xiao Li was highly competent and efficient. She had saved them a lot of trouble, so he had a very good impression of her.

"Not at all, you're just being too modest," Xiao Li said, covering her mouth as she giggled. Suddenly, her phone rang, and she hurriedly answered it.

Upon hearing the content of the call, Xiao Li’s pretty face turned grave. "Understood," she said in a low voice before hanging up.

"Dr. Lin, I just received news. There’s been a gas explosion at a restaurant on Construction Road. Many people are injured, including several in critical condition. The hospital has ordered our emergency department to dispatch a team for immediate rescue," Xiao Li told Lin Nan, her eyes filled with concern.

Hearing this, Lin Nan stood up abruptly and nodded. "I’m heading out immediately."

The force of a gas explosion is immense; victims are often in critical condition. Without timely treatment, minor injuries can quickly become severe, and severe injuries can lead to death. He couldn't afford a moment of delay.

He walked out of the office, and just as he stepped out, Bai Yunxiao approached.

"Lin Nan, I need you to go with the ambulance this time. Li Qin will stay in the emergency department on standby," Bai Yunxiao said sternly.

"Understood," Lin Nan agreed. They would need to bring the injured back to the hospital after initial stabilization, so the emergency department couldn't be left short-handed.

"I’ve already called Jiang Yuan. He’s cutting his leave short and heading over to support you," Bai Yunxiao added.

"Got it. I’m leaving now." Lin Nan nodded slightly.

"Remember, triage is vital. You must prioritize the critically injured to ensure they survive long enough to be transported back to the hospital for emergency care," Bai Yunxiao reminded him solemnly.

"I understand," Lin Nan replied quickly.

"Go on then. This gas explosion incident is an excellent opportunity for you. It will not only increase your emergency experience but also train your ability to handle crises. Be sure to put your heart into it," Bai Yunxiao said with earnest advice.

Lin Nan looked serious. "I will."

He then hurried away. Bai Yunxiao turned to Xiao Li and ordered, "Clear out the beds in the emergency department and prepare to receive the incoming patients."

"Right away," Xiao Li replied.

After exiting the emergency building, Lin Nan boarded one of the ambulances. The convoy of ambulances immediately turned on their sirens and sped away from the hospital.

Half an hour later, the ambulances pulled up outside a Korean barbecue restaurant. Stepping out, Lin Nan saw that the restaurant had been reduced to a mangled mess. Even the sign had been blown off. The ground was littered with bricks, shattered furniture, and utter chaos.

Most shocking were the victims lying on the ground—customers and restaurant staff alike, all covered in blood, looking to be in dire straits. Because it was the New Year period and the restaurant was usually busy, it had been packed. With both customers and staff, there were nearly a hundred people involved.

The fire department was already on the scene, clearing debris and treating the wounded. They were tending to the minor injuries but were afraid to move those with severe trauma to avoid causing secondary damage. Television reporters were also present, broadcasting live about the gas explosion that had shocked the entire city.

Seeing the ambulances arrive, the victims’ faces lit up with joy.

"Thank goodness, the doctors are here."

"The doctors are finally here, oh thank God..."

Seeing the doctors gave them hope, especially for those in critical condition. A female reporter from the local TV station felt her tight chest loosen as she saw the ambulances. She spoke into the camera, "Doctors from the Linhai University Affiliated Hospital have arrived. With their professional care and treatment, we trust that the victims will receive timely aid, ensuring the safety of our citizens to the greatest extent possible."

The cameraman then panned to Lin Nan and his team. Lin Nan simply gave a brief smile toward the camera before immediately diving into the rescue work.

Just then, a taxi pulled up next to the ambulances, and a tall figure stepped out. Seeing him, Lin Nan nodded in greeting. "You're here."

"Yes," Jiang Yuan replied with a slight nod. He was still in casual clothes, clearly having been called in on short notice and coming straight from home without even stopping at the hospital.

"Let’s begin. Time is of the essence," Lin Nan said, looking at the victims scattered across the ground.

Jiang Yuan nodded and instantly shifted into work mode. Along with the other doctors, they adhered to the principle of prioritizing the critically injured, moving quickly to assess the situation. To their slight relief, the majority of the casualties had minor injuries, with only a smaller number in critical condition.

Just then, a shrill, desperate cry reached Lin Nan’s ears: "Doctor, please save my daughter! She’s fading!"

Lin Nan looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young woman, covered in blood, holding an unconscious little girl, crying with a heart-wrenching, soul-shattering wail. The girl looked to be about five or six years old. Lin Nan’s expression turned grim as he assessed her condition. A long, thin steel pipe had pierced the girl’s body, and blood was steadily flowing down the pipe, dripping onto the ground.