"Christina."

Realizing what had happened, Meredith quickly chased after her best friend.

Did she know that her actions might hurt her friend's feelings? Of course, she did.

But she couldn't control herself.

Because this was the instinct of a surgeon in a competition.

"A surgeon's God complex."

The senior nurse shook her head in disapproval.

That mysterious confidence, the competitive nature, the belief that they were like gods capable of saving the world—she had seen these traits in too many surgeons.

"Some surgeons really do seem like gods."

A beautiful young nurse murmured as she watched Adam walk away.

"Olivia, stop staring."

The senior nurse reminded her, "Dr. Duncan is too outstanding. He's not for you."

"I wasn't—"

The pretty young nurse, Olivia, blushed.

"Good, then."

The senior nurse smiled and turned back to her work.

Olivia muttered wistfully, "I know Dr. Duncan is amazing. I wasn't thinking about anything…"

Morning.

The 48th hour.

"It's finally over."

Bald Chris cheered.

"Got any plans later?"

Fat Stu wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, looking like a creep.

"Dude."

Bald Chris put his arm around Fat Stu. "Of course, I do. I made plans with Carla. You do your thing."

With that, he swaggered away, singing and dancing triumphantly.

"What's the big deal?"

Fat Stu scoffed. "I still have my orange."

"Orange?"

Adam's lips twitched. "Are you serious?"

"Of course!"

Fat Stu smirked. "Oranges are the best fruit for that. Let me give you a tip—heat it up in the microwave first. The effect… chef's kiss."

"..."

Adam was speechless. "That trick is useless to me, but hey, whatever makes you happy."

Truly, when you go deep into geek territory, weirdness follows.

There's no limit to perversion—only more perversion!

Adam was at a loss.

After changing in the locker room, Adam and Bianca left the hospital together.

"Dr. Duncan."

A soft voice called from behind them.

Adam turned around to see the pretty young nurse now dressed in casual clothes, looking at him shyly.

"My name is Olivia, and I—"

"Nice to meet you, Olivia. Just call me Adam."

Adam flashed a bright smile.

Bianca rolled her eyes on the side.

"Adam."

Olivia was excited and mustered her courage. "I know a great café with amazing coffee. Would you like to go for a cup?"

"We just finished our first 48-hour shift. Maybe next time."

Adam politely declined.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Olivia blushed, embarrassed. "I forgot."

After a few more words, she quickly walked away.

"You don't actually think she just wanted to grab coffee, do you?"

Bianca teased.

"I know."

Adam chuckled. "But I'm not interested in her that way."

"Seriously?"

Bianca was surprised. "She's pretty, and she made the first move. Not even a little tempted?"

"Not at all."

Adam shook his head. "In fact, I don't get involved with colleagues at the hospital. I'd suggest you do the same."

"Why?"

Bianca was puzzled.

Adam briefly explained how medical dramas portray healthcare professionals, instantly making Bianca rethink things.

"No way. Is it really that messy?"

"You've seen it yourself."

Adam grinned. "Chris just met Carla less than a day ago, and they already hooked up in the on-call room.

Medical professionals work long hours. It's hard to find a partner, and even when they do, schedules rarely align.

When hormones surge, it's easy to lock eyes with a colleague and find a convenient place for mutual relief.

And once that culture becomes the norm, things get out of hand quickly.

So, to avoid trouble, no matter how attractive a colleague is, I won't be tempted."

"All colleagues? Are you sure?"

Bianca's gaze became suspicious.

"Ahem."

Adam coughed awkwardly and added, "Of course, those with integrity are an exception."

"Where's your car?"

Bianca smirked. "Hurry up and drive."

Near the hospital.

Adam's upscale apartment.

Two hours later.

"I'll be right there."

Adam ended the call, glanced at Bianca, who was sleeping peacefully with a contented smile, and chuckled.

He wrote a note, placed it on the bedside table, got dressed, and left the apartment.

Even after 48+2 hours of no rest, he was still full of energy.

Macallan Bar.

"Oh, thank God, Adam! You're finally here. Talk some sense into Matthew!"

Barney grabbed Adam's arm in a panic, as if Matthew was about to make a huge mistake.

"What happened?"

Adam ignored him, sat down calmly, and gestured for a beer before turning to Matthew and Lily with a smile.

"Look at this!"

Matthew and Lily, wrapped in each other's arms, held out their left hands, revealing matching engagement rings on their middle fingers.

"You're engaged? Congratulations!"

Adam was momentarily stunned but quickly offered his congratulations.

"Thank you."

Matthew and Lily said in unison before locking lips passionately in front of everyone.

Adam grimaced slightly.

Public displays of affection were a Western custom he still hadn't fully gotten used to.

"Enough, enough!"

Barney shuddered and rubbed his arms as if covered in goosebumps. "Adam, talk to them! They're only in their twenties!"

"So?"

Adam grinned.

"No one should even think about marriage before 30! It's a rule!"

Barney declared.

"Whose rule?"

Adam teased. "Oh, wait—I know. The legendary Barney Stinson's rule!"

"The Barney Stinson Rule is a rule all men should follow!"

Barney straightened his tie confidently.

"Did you ask the crown?"

Adam pulled a small crown from his pocket and twirled it between his fingers teasingly.

"…"

Barney's smile froze.

This was the crown he had lost to Adam in a previous bet. He never expected Adam to carry it around.

"Ha! He didn't ask."

Matthew and Lily laughed.

"Only a king with a crown speaks for all men. His rule is the real law."

"Let me ask, then."

Ted, full of blessings for his friends, played along. "Your Majesty, do you approve of Matthew's engagement before 30?"

"As long as they're adults and in love, age doesn't matter."

Adam placed the crown on his head and solemnly declared, "Matthew and Lily are true love. I approve!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Matthew and Lily cheered.

"Come on!"

Barney groaned.

That legendary bet with Adam had been both painful and exhilarating for him.

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