Medical Center.

News spread rapidly throughout the hospital that Adam had come up with a solution, which was recognized by Dr. Sheppard, and that he would be joining an advanced neurosurgery procedure in the afternoon.

The surgical interns, who had just started studying Katie's medical records and were preparing to make their own breakthroughs, were left completely stunned upon hearing this news.

Even the most well-educated among them could only express their shock with a single expletive.

Green Clinic.

"Well done!"

Leonard had also received the news. Around noon, he called Adam over, his face beaming with delight.

Everyone in the hospital knew who had connections and who had been brought in through personal relationships—it was no secret.

For example, the surgical director's incompetent brother-in-law worked in the hospital's administrative department, often embarrassing the surgical director.

But out of respect for the director, most people in the hospital turned a blind eye as long as things didn't get out of hand.

Although Adam's relationship with Leonard wasn't as blatant, it was clear to everyone that Adam was one of Leonard's people.

If Adam failed, people would undoubtedly accuse Leonard of favoritism.

But if Adam proved to be exceptionally talented, it would also bring Leonard a great deal of prestige.

"Burke is probably going to be upset again," Leonard said with a schadenfreude-filled smile.

"Why?" Adam asked, puzzled.

"Sheppard was once a renowned physician in Boston," Leonard explained. "Do you know why he came to the Medical Center?"

"Family reasons?" Adam guessed. "Or career-related?"

"I don't know about any family reasons," Leonard said with a chuckle. "But in a few years, Richard is set to retire."

"You mean Dr. Sheppard is here to compete for the position of Surgical Director?" Adam suddenly understood. "Dr. Burke was originally the only candidate for the role, but now a strong competitor has appeared—and that competitor just successfully solved a difficult medical case…"

"Guess who invited Sheppard here?" Leonard asked with an amused expression.

"The Surgical Director!" Adam blurted out.

"Exactly!" Leonard praised. "Adam, how did you figure that out?"

"The only people with the authority to invite Dr. Sheppard are the Surgical Director, the Dean, or members of the hospital's board of directors," Adam analyzed. "I haven't had much interaction with the Dean or the board, but I can tell that the Surgical Director isn't the type to willingly relinquish power.

"I've also heard that in recent years, Dr. Burke's reputation has been growing, and everyone assumed he would be the next Surgical Director—even he believed it. But the current director still has several years before retirement."

"Retirement?" Leonard scoffed. "The hospital and the surgical department are his entire life. Here, he has control over everything. Do you think he can handle such a drastic change? I bet he can't even bear the thought of it.

"When the time comes, even if Burke is ready to take over, the director might not step down. As long as his health allows and the board doesn't force him to retire, he could keep working indefinitely."

"So, he brought in Dr. Sheppard to create competition and keep Burke in check. That way, his own position remains secure," Adam concluded.

This kind of power play had been repeated countless times throughout history between emperors, crown princes, and royal family members.

"But isn't Dr. Burke one of the director's people?" Adam was still a bit confused.

"Sheppard is also one of Richard's people," Leonard explained. "Richard mentored him, and they have a close relationship."

Adam nodded in understanding.

Both candidates were "insiders," so no matter who ultimately got the position, the power would stay within their own circle—just like a royal court maneuver.

"Putting aside Burke's frustration, this is a great opportunity for you," Leonard said with a smile. "Sheppard is a renowned neurosurgeon. You'll learn a lot from this advanced surgery, and in the future, it will be even easier for me to get you involved in major procedures."

"I'll do my best," Adam said with a smile.

They continued chatting for a while, mostly with Leonard explaining the hospital's complex power dynamics.

Before leaving, Adam suddenly remembered something and asked, "Earlier, Dr. Sheppard mentioned that I reminded him of someone. Leonard, do you know who he meant?"

"Someone you resemble?" Leonard was momentarily stunned. After asking for more details, he immediately blurted out, "Dr. House!"

"Dr. House?" Adam was surprised. "You mean the famous Dr. House?"

"That's right," Leonard confirmed. "He's the Head of Diagnostics at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey. He specializes in medical deduction.

"His diagnostics department gets an annual budget of three million dollars, and he personally hires three highly skilled doctors to solve complex medical mysteries.

"Any one of their cases, with a little write-up, could turn into a high-impact medical paper. Anyone who trains under him can easily become a department head in another hospital—it's a dream opportunity for many doctors."

"What are the requirements for getting in?" Adam asked, intrigued.

"Interns and residents can apply as assistants, and attending physicians can also join if they're highly capable," Leonard said with a smile. "But it all depends on Dr. House's interest.

"He's known for being eccentric, but with your talent, if you applied, you'd likely get in. That said, I wouldn't recommend it."

"Why not?" Adam asked curiously. "Is there a problem?"

He knew Leonard wouldn't discourage him unless there was a serious issue.

"Of course there's a problem," Leonard said with a laugh. "Dr. House is brilliant, but he's also extremely unconventional.

"He's willing to do whatever it takes to solve medical mysteries—even if it means breaking the rules. He's been taken to court multiple times and has nearly lost his medical license on several occasions.

"If he weren't so famous and valuable to the hospital, he would have been fired long ago. Even so, Princeton-Plainsboro sets aside fifty thousand dollars every year just for his legal expenses, in case they need to defend him in court.

"We often joke that Dr. House must be blessed by God—his luck is just that incredible. Any other doctor doing what he does would have been ruined instantly."

After hearing that, Adam immediately dismissed the idea of training under Dr. House.

With his abilities and the platform Leonard provided, he could advance quickly without taking such a risk. There was no need to gamble his medical license for the sake of an internship.

From what Leonard described, Dr. House had all the hallmarks of a "main character."

Adam might also be a protagonist in his own story, but since his life wasn't being filmed as a TV drama, he wasn't about to bet on having the same plot armor.

As for just tagging along with House, hoping to learn from him while staying out of trouble?

No way. Even if House had a protagonist's luck, that only applied to himself. The people around him were the ones who suffered collateral damage.

The risks far outweighed the rewards—Adam would have to be crazy to train under a "main character" like that.

No matter how brilliant Dr. House was, it wasn't worth considering.

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