Chapter 193: Chief Cross Fumbled About in a Flurry

Chief Cross fumbled about in a flurry, sweat rolling down his forehead.

The kitchen staff had long abandoned their meals, scrambling to keep up—some washing vegetables, others chopping meat, and a few tending the fire. Who dared sit and eat now?

"Hurry up! Move faster!" Chief Cross stomped his foot in frustration, regret gnawing at him.

He should have known better. How many people in the entire hospital were worthy of Elena Ward’s top-tier meal privileges?

Yet he’d listened to the gossip, dismissing her as just another privileged outsider here for superficial credentials.

Now, he’d stepped right into trouble.

With seven or eight people working at once, they soon prepared five dishes, a soup, and steaming white rice.

"Dean Carter, Dr. Ward, please see if this suits your taste." Chief Cross personally served the meal, even adding two braised pork trotters. "Fresh out of the pot—please enjoy."

Dean Carter gave him a pointed look. "Chief Cross, Dr. Ward is our hospital’s treasure. The general went to great lengths to bring her here. You mustn’t neglect her."

"Yes, yes, of course!" Chief Cross nodded eagerly. "Dr. Ward, just tell me what you’d like to eat from now on, and I’ll arrange it myself!"

Elena couldn’t help but laugh. "Chief Cross, are you trying to fatten me up like a pig?"

The remark drew chuckles from everyone.

"You flatter me, Dr. Ward." Chief Cross wiped his brow. "If you lose weight, the dean will have my hide."

Dean Carter burst into laughter. "Good, you understand!"

Once Chief Cross tactfully excused himself, Dean Carter served Elena himself. "Eat while it’s hot."

Elena didn’t hold back—she needed the energy.

"Dr. Ward, about today..." Dean Carter suddenly turned serious. "I owe you an apology."

Elena paused, chopsticks mid-air.

"What do you mean?"

Dean Carter sighed. "After years as dean, I’ve considered too many things—the hospital’s reputation, various interests... but I forgot the fundamental duty of a healer."

Elena’s heart clenched.

"Seeing you today reminded me of how I was when I first became a doctor." Dean Carter’s eyes gleamed. "Young people like you are the future of medicine."

Elena’s eyes grew warm.

Suddenly, she understood the meaning behind her choice.

Not just for revenge. Not just for family.

But for... all those who needed her.

"Dean Carter, you honor me too much," she said softly. "We’re all still learning."

Outside, the sunset’s glow stretched their shadows long across the floor.