They were all still in bed the next morning. Even Zhao Lan, who usually had the self-control of a drill sergeant to wake up before dawn and do her morning exercises, couldn’t bring herself to get up. Sёarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Because today was the day of their doom. The day when the whole world would know that the Sixth Hospital was a freak show. How else could anyone explain the bizarre titles that had been bestowed upon them?

    Zhou Xiao Zhen and Yu Xiao had spent half the night bickering over whether Yu Xiao’s titles were cool or not.

    Yu Xiao insisted that her titles were brilliant, but Zhou Xiao Zhen thought they were ridiculous. They argued until their throats were sore, but neither of them would budge. Zhao Lan proposed a compromise: they would wait until the morning news was over and then check the online forums of the Fourth and Sixth Hospitals together. If the majority of people agreed that Yu Xiao’s titles were weird, then Yu Xiao would have to keep her word and transform into a handsome man for Zhou Xiao Zhen’s pleasure.

    They all woke up early, but none of them made a move to get out of bed. They lay there, tangled in the sheets, until the clock struck eight.

    “Ding!”

    The eight o’clock reminder was as punctual as ever.

    Soft music filled the air, and Zhou Xiao Zhen’s mind wandered to the possibilities of Yu Xiao’s makeover. She had so many handsome men to choose from; it was hard to decide.

    The radio announcer’s voice interrupted her thoughts:

    “Good morning, everyone~ It’s time for the morning news.”

    “The patient known as ‘Flying to Someone Else’s Bed’ from the Second Hospital has maintained his top position, let’s give him a big round of applause. This patient has shown remarkable progress during his treatment and has earned the prestigious title of ‘Cat-Faced Old Lady’s Husband,’ let’s congratulate him once more.”

    “Ha…” Zhou Xiao Zhen snorted. “This guy is really asking for it, isn’t he?”

    Yu Xiao felt a surge of relief. With this guy at the bottom of the list, her titles didn’t seem so bad anymore.

    “… Recently, the hospital has been celebrating many happy events, with several external patients getting married to our staff members. The hospital management would like to remind everyone that marriage is a serious and sacred commitment, a lifelong decision. Please think carefully and don’t let love blind you, leading to irreversible mistakes…”

    “Oh my.” Zhao Lan couldn’t help but comment. “I have a feeling that this is all your fault, Yu Xiao.”

    Yu Xiao denied it. “What does that have to do with me? They’re the ones who are crazy.”

    “… Yesterday, the mortuary renovation project was almost finished and will be operational soon. The mortuary’s attending doctor, Dr. Gu, has been suspended for three months for negligence. This should serve as a warning to all medical staff. The competition for hospital positions is fierce, so cherish every opportunity…”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen couldn’t wrap her head around the situation. “This Gu Shu is unbelievable,” she said, tossing her hair. “So what if there was a little accident? It’s not the end of the world. Do we really have to make such a fuss about it? What’s the worst that could happen to the attending doctor? He’ll have to look for a new job as a ghost ward round examiner at the Sixth Hospital?”

    Yu Xiao stared blankly at her friend. She hoped Zhou Xiao Zhen was joking, because if that was true, Yu Xiao would never get a good night’s sleep again.

    The radio droned on:

    “… Attention, attention. The Sixth Hospital’s inpatient department has an opening for a ghost ward round examiner. Anyone can apply, regardless of gender, age, or qualifications…”

    “… Meanwhile, at the Fourth Hospital, the patient known as ‘I’m Not Easy to Mess With’ has made remarkable improvements during their treatment and has earned the distinguished title of ‘Falling in Love with the Wrong Person.’ Let’s give them a round of applause.”

    Zhao Lan frowned. She didn’t like the sound of that. “How strange…?” she muttered. “Why are they giving out such weird titles today to everyone?”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen sighed. She felt a pang of envy. “This is so unfair. Our titles are so boring compared to theirs.”

    Yu Xiao wondered why Zhou Xiao Zhen cared so much about the titles. Did they really matter that much? She thought they were just a silly way of measuring their progress. She didn’t care if her title was outstanding or not. It would only give her four extra points anyway. She wished she could have a normal title, like ‘Doing Fine’ or ‘Getting Better.’

    “… At the Fourth Hospital, the patient who goes by the name of ‘Hot Tempered’ has shown great results during their treatment and has been awarded the title of ‘The One I Love Doesn’t Love Me.’ Let’s congratulate them…”

    A nagging suspicion crept into Yu Xiao’s mind as she heard the two titles. Could she have met them before?

    “… In Fifth Hospital, the patient nicknamed ‘Little Mountain Horse’ has made remarkable strides in their treatment, earning the coveted title ‘You Passed Me By with a Smile.’ Let’s give them a big hand.”

    “… In Fifth Hospital, the patient nicknamed ‘Jun Jun’ has also impressed us with their treatment, earning the title ‘The one I love doesn’t love me’. Let’s show them some love.”

    “Emmmm…” Zhao Lan scratched her nose and whispered, “Do you guys think those four people we just now might be…”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen nodded sagely. “I didn’t catch on at first, but when they mentioned Little Mountain Horse, it clicked. Coin of Great Observation is pretty awesome, huh? It gave us all the titles in a flash.”

    Yu Xiao felt torn. Unfortunately, Coin of Great Observation had levelled up again, becoming more powerful than ever. She didn’t dare to use it carelessly; who knew what kind of trouble it would bring?

    “…In Sixth Hospital, the patient nicknamed ‘Deaf Descendant’ is still holding the top spot. Let’s send them our warmest congratulations. This patient has achieved amazing results in their treatment, earning the titles ‘Thief of the Sea King’s Heart’, ‘Deceptive B*tch Who Toys with Hearts’ and ‘Nightmare’s Affection’, Let’s hear it for them!”

    “Clap, clap, clap…”

    Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen joined in the applause.

    “Smiley, you’re incredible!”

    “Smiley Sis, you’re the best, you’re my hero!”

    Yu Xiao kept a poker face, saying, “You guys are awesome too, your turn is coming soon.”

    “… In Sixth Hospital, the patient nicknamed ‘Nickname Hassle’ has done a splendid job in their treatment, earning the title ‘Sharp-Tongued Woman.’ Let’s congratulate her.”

    “… In Sixth Hospital, the patient nicknamed ‘Braised Egg Girl 438’ has also excelled in their treatment, earning the title ‘Jealous Woman Causing Trouble’. Let’s congratulate her…”

    The news ended, and the three girls in the ward fell silent for a moment. Zhao Lan then smiled, “This is kind of weird, a little embarrassing, but also kind of fun.”

    “What’s embarrassing?” Zhou Xiao Zhen scoffed, her pride evident. “They must be so jealous of us right now, these titles are not easy to get. Do you think they’ll try to copy us, acting all sarcastic and jealous in the dungeons from now on?”

    Zhao Lan used to believe that they wouldn’t, that people had some decency left. But now she wasn’t so sure, she even suspected that some people would do anything for titles. After all, they were willing to marry the Cat-Faced Old Lady. What else was off-limits?

    “Understandable, understandable,” Zhao Lan said, “it’s all for points.”

    As the three girls waited for the news to finish and planned to check the forums together, a sudden alert interrupted them.

    “We have an urgent announcement: Nightmare, a staff member at Doctor’s Sweet Dream, has just abandoned their post and escaped from the hospital. This staff member is mentally unstable and has formidable abilities, posing a serious threat to public safety. Anyone who sees this staff member is urged to immediately call the Medical Disputes Office hotline to report. Thank you for your cooperation…”

    Yu Xiao felt her jaw drop, her eyes widen, her heart stop. She was stunned, utterly stunned, unable to process what she had just heard. Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen shared her shock, the three of them sitting in silence, all trapped in disbelief.

    Zhou Xiao Zhen blinked a few times, as if waking up from a bad dream. “Smiley, the Nightmare got away… do you think he’s coming for you?”

    “Of course he is,” Zhao Lan said, her voice trembling. “We made a fool of him, he’s not going to let that go. Did you hear the news? He’s a psycho. What if he finds Smiley…”

    Yu Xiao felt a pang of guilt in her chest. “He… he won’t find me. I’m safe in the ward.”

    “Safe? Don’t kid yourself. Talismans are useless against him.” Zhao Lan put on her thinking cap. “You have that Coin of Great Observation, right? That should work on him. If he shows up, just throw it at him, and we’ll call for help.”

    Yu Xiao wasn’t too thrilled about using the Coin on Nightmare. Sure, she had good luck, but what if she missed? What if the Nightmare took a even more liking to her…

    She shuddered at the thought, her scalp prickling.

    “…the Nightmare’s escape has put a stop to the Doctor’s Sweet Dream project. If they don’t resume soon, the attending doctor, Fan Xing, might lose his job…”

    “Smiley,” Zhou Xiao Zhen said, shaking her head. “You’ve pissed off another doctor.”

    Yu Xiao shrugged it off. “Not my fault. Why should I care?” She tried to sound cool. “Fan Xing can’t touch me. I’m a Health Bureau inspector, remember? Worst case scenario, I’ll send him to St. Elizabeth’s. They need a new cook.”

    Nobody saw the Nightmare’s escape coming.

    Gu Shu was a different beast altogether. He had a grudge against Yu Xiao, sure, but he was confined to the instance. As long as Yu Xiao stayed out, she was safe. But Nightmare? He was a whole new level of horror. He could show up anywhere, anytime, without warning.

    Yu Xiao chewed on her lip, feeling a surge of anxiety. But then she shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Worrying was useless. Misty had a plan, and it was the best they had. They had no other way to deal with Nightmare. Their only hope was that they caught him before he caught her.

    “Stop overthinking, Yu Xiao,” she muttered to herself, tossing the covers aside and getting out of bed. “Let’s get cleaned up and eat something. We’ll face whatever comes our way after we’re full.”

    The trio washed up and sat down for breakfast.

    As soon as they sat down, they all reached for their phones. They had a habit of checking the Sixth Hospital forum every morning. The posts were increasing by the day. It seemed like reaching Level Three after two instances was the new normal.

    Yu Xiao scrolled through the forum, feeling the buzz. There were many new posts today, all related to the morning news.

    The first post that caught her eye was titled, 【Why Are the Top Three Scorers So Damn Good?】

    She clicked on it, curious. She noticed a stark contrast between the Sixth Hospital and Fourth Hospital forums. The Sixth Hospital was full of rookies, still struggling to understand the rules of the hospital. Most of them were in panic mode, not ready to adapt. So, there were hardly any memes or jokes, just serious discussions. Like this one, where the original poster was earnest.

    【I’ve been paying attention to the morning news ever since I joined the hospital, and I’ve noticed that our top three scorers on the leaderboard are amazing. Everyone knows the first place is the ‘Deaf Descendant’, the untouchable boss lady. She not only gets three titles every time, but she also sells talismans, making points like crazy.

    But what about the second and third place? How do they have so many points? Let me explain it to you, it’s all about the titles. Titles are the key, you see. Entering an instance gives you three basic points, plus another three for outstanding performance, but a single title? That’s a huge four-point bonus.】

    【Getting a title is the best thing ever. You get 7 extra points for it. Do you know how awesome that is?】

    Below, there was a lot of whining about how hard it was to get a title. They tried everything, but they always barely made it out alive. They had no clue how to get one.

    Most of the replies were pity parties.

    But then, there was this one reply.

    【Hey, ‘Deaf Descendant’, are you seeing this? How about you spill some secrets?】

    【Yeah, come on, share some tips. I’m so broke. I can’t even buy more time. I can’t even get the cheap talismans that cost three points. I’m doomed if this continues as I watch my time slip away.】

    【This sucks. I’m the only one left in my ward. I’m terrified.】

    Yu Xiao scanned these posts. She wanted to help, but she had no idea how. She got her titles by accident. If she had to give some advice, it would be to go for it. But she was afraid to say that. What if someone listened to her and got killed in the instance for being reckless? She would feel guilty.

    She left the Sixth Hospital Forum and switched to the Fourth Hospital Forum.

    As expected, the Fourth Hospital Forum was on fire again, with new hot posts popping up, and a totally different vibe from the Sixth Hospital.

    【Victim of the Dragon’s Descendant 1】

    This title caught her eye, and Yu Xiao couldn’t help but click on it.

    【Let me tell you. I’m the ‘I’m Not Easy to Mess With’ you saw on the news this morning. I’ve heard that the dragon’s descendants like to pose as people from the Fourth Hospital. I never paid attention to it before, but now I know it’s true. I was duped by the dragon’s descendants too. But I’m not like the other suckers. I figured out they weren’t from the Fourth Hospital in the instance. I just didn’t realise they were from the Sixth.】

    【Wow~ Another drama!】

    【OP, I’m dying to know how you got that title. ‘Falling in Love with the Wrong Person.’ Who’s the lucky guy? Is it the doctor or an NPC? Can you get a title for hooking up with an NPC?】

    As the text messages flooded in, Yu Xiao felt a surge of anger and disbelief.

    【So curious!】

    【Me too!】

    【That bloody quack doctor NPC! She’s the dragon’s descendant! I can’t stand her!!】

    【Why do you hate me so much? I’ve told you over and over, I’m the dragon’s descendant, Dragon Sis has a different nickname!】

    【Wow~ Dragon Sis is incredible, she’s got all the doctor NPCs and even the dungeon patients falling for her? Is she that gorgeous? OP, tell us more.】

    【Yeah, OP, spill it!】

    【My mate’s dying of anal prolapse, and he wants to hear your story before he croaks, please don’t let him go with regrets.】

    【Love her?! I don’t love her at all! I was out of my mind back then, yesterday when I got back to the ward with my mate, we racked our brains for ages, you know, the one with the title ‘The One I Love Doesn’t Love Me’. We put our heads together and figured out that the dragon’s descendant must have some gadget that makes people fall for her.

    We’re both straight girls, how could we both fancy her at the same time? And we said some disgusting things that make me sick just thinking about them now… I’m gonna throw up!】

    【So that’s it, she has a gadget like that?】

    【I told you Dragon Sis’s title was weird, how could so many doctor NPCs be into her, she must have some magic gadget.】

    【Case solved, the secret of Dragon Sis’s charm is exposed!】

    【I have to clear this up, I don’t know about the previous doctor NPCs, but this time Nightmare’s crush on the dragon’s descendant had nothing to do with gadgets. Nightmare was a madman, the dragon’s descendant saved him by accident once, and he became obsessed with her, almost ruined everything for us in the end.】

    【Is Nightmare good-looking?】

    【Quite handsome.】

    【Wow~ What’s wrong with that, the beauty falls for the hero who saved him, isn’t that a classic romance plot?】

    【Exactly, OP, give us the details, what’s going on between Dragon Sis and Nightmare?】

    With a swift tap, Yu Xiao closed the thread. It was obvious that Tan Qiao Yin was behind this. How dare she spread such lies about her!

    Ignoring the other threads, Yu Xiao glanced at Zhou Xiao Zhen, who was busy typing away on her phone. She was about to show her this thread when Zhou Xiao Zhen looked up and met her gaze.

    “Smiley~” Zhou Xiao Zhen’s eyes sparkled, “Are you on the forum too? Show me!!”

    Zhao Lan also put down her phone and joined them, curious to see what Yu Xiao had found.

    “This one, this one,” Zhou Xiao Zhen pointed to a post, “I want to read this.”

    Yu Xiao took a closer look. Bloody hell!

    【Analysing what Dragon Sis did to Nightmare through her titles.】

    【Have you noticed that Dragon Sis’s three titles this time are in a sequence? First is the Heart-stealing Sea King, you have to steal hearts before you can have feelings, and only when you have feelings can you can you be scum!】

    【Let me guess how it all happened: Sister Dragon entered the instance and unleashed her usual tactics, dazzling and bewitching every NPC, including Nightmare. This is not a joke. ‘Thief of the Sea King’s Heart’ means more than just stealing hearts; it also involves the Sea King, implying that Sister Dragon has charmed more than one person.

    She then set her sights on seducing Nightmare. How could Nightmare resist Sister Dragon’s allure? It soon gave up its entire heart, earning her the title of “Nightmare’s Love.” But Sister Dragon had no feelings; she was only using Nightmare as a pawn. In the end, she coldly discarded Nightmare, perhaps even uttering harsh words, thus gaining the name of ‘Deceptive B*tch Who Toys with Hearts’!】

    Zhou Xiao Zhen laughed uproariously. “Who wrote this? What a genius! I adore their style, it reminds me of those overbearing CEO dramas I love.”

    Zhao Lan joined in the laughter. “They got it wrong, but they weren’t completely off; their reasoning makes sense.”

    Yu Xiao sighed in frustration; she felt like the people at the Fourth Hospital were vilifying her.

    A flurry of replies followed until someone from a different thread intervened.

    【The OP is mistaken. Someone from the next thread clarified: Sister Dragon never purposely seduced Nightmare!】

    【…】

    【I just came back from the next thread. Yes, you were wrong; Sister Dragon didn’t intentionally seduce Nightmare. She won over Nightmare with her natural charm, and Nightmare fell madly in love with her. But here’s the question: how did she get the title of ‘Deceptive B*tch Who Toys with Hearts’? I don’t think Sister Dragon did nothing. The OP from the next thread couldn’t explain many things clearly. I suspect that Sister Dragon played a game within a game; she took advantage of Nightmare’s naivety…】

    【I feel a little sorry for Nightmare.】

    【Sorry for what? It’s horrifying, isn’t it? Nightmare has escaped, probably searching for Sister Dragon.】

    【I find myself empathising with Sister Dragon; sometimes, being too charming is a curse.】

    【But Sister Dragon got a title, huh…】

    “Those people from the Fourth Hospital have quite the imagination,” Zhao Lan remarked. “They’re close to uncovering the truth.”

    Yu Xiao’s face was expressionless. “See? Even the people from the Fourth Hospital are starting to pity me.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen’s eyes sparkled as she tapped her phone screen. “Stop chatting and look at this,” she urged. “I just stumbled upon a post about Sister Smiley… Here it is.”

    【Dream Dragon Fanfic “Fell in Love with Her in Another World”】

    【I’ve been reading so many posts lately and I got totally hooked on Dragon Sister and Nightmare. This unattainable BL is my guilty pleasure. The forum’s info is too scattered, though, so I gathered the current news about Dragon Sister and Nightmare and wrote a fanfic. Enjoy and don’t flame, please.】

    【On that day, Nightmare felt like he had witnessed a miracle…】

    【Wow, this is amazing, please continue!】

    【How can Nightmare be so sensitive and fragile? And what’s with his sudden dark side? He used to be so timid, right? How come he can’t control his animal instincts after spending a night with Dragon Sister?】

    【Don’t take this so seriously, mate. It’s just a fanfic.】

    【There’s a flaw in the logic, though. If Nightmare isn’t afraid of talismans, how did Dragon Sister manage to fend him off?】

    【This is so hot, I love it.】

    【More, more…】

    Yu Xiao rubbed her nose, feeling a twitch in her face.

    “Ahahaha…” Zhou Xiao Zhen cackled wickedly. “Sister Smiley has a fanfic, and it’s even smutty, hehehe… So, tell me, what really happened that night when you two shared a room?”

    Yu Xiao’s face turned sour. “Nothing happened, I slept soundly until morning.”

    “Really?” Zhou Xiao Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t Nightmare have a crush on you? He didn’t make a move at all, is he impotent?”

    Zhao Lan pondered seriously, “That could be the case. Nightmare is neither human nor ghost, so he might not have any human urges.”

    “Can we drop this topic already?” Yu Xiao said with a deadpan expression. “It’s utterly pointless.”

    “Fine, fine. How about your ex-boyfriend, was he handsome?”

    “I never had a boyfriend before,” Yu Xiao answered.

    “What?” Zhou Xiao Zhen gasped. “You’re so gorgeous and talented, how come you never had a boyfriend?”

    Yu Xiao shrugged, she didn’t know herself. She had never met anyone who confessed to her, nor did she develop feelings for anyone. She felt like she was missing something in her life, a spark that would make her heart race. She did have some crushes on male celebrities, but they were too distant and unreal, so she didn’t care much.

    She decided to change the subject, “Misty, what about your boyfriend?”

    Zhao Lan blinked, “Oh, my last boyfriend was three years ago. I’ve been too busy for dating since then, but six months ago when I was with a rich client for fun, she took me to a club, and I met a boy there who was eighteen…”

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