After a seafood feast…

The second shift was wrapping up.

Everyone went their separate ways.

Adam stopped by Green Clinic. Seeing that nothing needed his attention, he decided to check the ER to see if anyone needed his help.

With his energy, he didn't mind working longer hours.

Ding!

The elevator arrived.

As the doors opened, Adam's eyes flickered.

Standing inside was a handsome middle-aged doctor smiling at him, while Meredith was crouched down, gathering a pile of scattered medical files.

"Hi, Adam."

Meredith looked up and greeted him.

"Hi, Meredith~"

Adam smirked playfully. "Hi, Dr. Shepherd."

The eyes are the windows to the soul. If he had only subconsciously sensed something was off before, he was now certain.

"Dr. Duncan."

Dr. Shepherd nodded with a polite smile.

"You didn't lose any files, did you?"

Adam asked with concern. "It's okay if you did—there are cameras in the elevator. Even if something went missing, we'd find it."

Meredith's body instantly stiffened.

"Oh, I just remembered—I need to see Dr. Green."

Dr. Shepherd's smile turned slightly unnatural as he stepped out of the elevator.

"Wow."

Adam walked into the elevator, making a show of astonishment at Meredith, who had gathered the files in her arms and was standing up.

"What?"

Meredith feigned innocence, giving him a "what's that look for?" expression.

"Pretty wild."

Adam teased, "In the hospital elevator? That eager? Looks like the fiery girl has awakened."

"How did you know?!"

Meredith looked at him in shock.

"Because Christina and I made a bet. We were guessing how long you'd last in front of Mr. Dreamy. She thought you'd hold out at least through the week."

Adam chuckled. "But I bet you wouldn't last past this week. One emotional moment and you'd give in—especially in a hospital, where life-and-death situations create constant emotional highs. I saw no way I could lose."

"You guys bet on me?!"

Meredith was furious. "And why would you think I wouldn't last a week?"

"Well, the bet isn't over yet. You couldn't have done much in the elevator—at most, a French kiss. So I won't count it as you surrendering. How about this? As long as you don't spend the night together this week, I lose."

"You!"

Meredith wanted to argue and say he'd definitely lose, but when she met Adam's knowing look and thought about the volcanic energy between her and Dr. Shepherd, she wasn't so sure…

Adam was absolutely right.

The reason the feelings hit her so hard was because that fiery girl inside her had awakened. And Dr. Shepherd had shown his tender side in front of that girl. The moment she saw it, her defenses crumbled.

How could such a gentle, passionate, and handsome man possibly be the playboy she had accused him of being? The one who, despite knowing she was a student of his student, still pursued her, violating hospital rules and putting her job at risk just to play some hunting game?

Ding!

The elevator doors opened. Someone was about to step in.

Meredith rushed out immediately—never mind that this wasn't even her floor.

Adam shook his head, amused.

Hooking up with the boss in an elevator during work hours? He had only ever seen that in certain Japanese action films. Like father, like daughter.

Back at the ER…

"Adam."

George, the chubby and slightly effeminate intern, sidled up to him hesitantly.

"What's up?"

Adam kept his eyes on the patient file in his hands.

"Can you teach me?"

George gritted his teeth and said, "So many girls like you…"

"If you want to chase Meredith, forget it."

Adam didn't even look up.

"Who said I want to chase Meredith…"

George tried to deny it but was clearly frustrated. "Why do you think I don't stand a chance?"

Adam glanced at him, resisting the urge to gossip about what he had just witnessed in the elevator.

Normally, gossip was fair game, but he wouldn't spread something that could affect a sort-of friend's career. So, he just smiled and said:

"You want me to teach you? I really can't, because I don't know anything either. But if you want to pursue Meredith, I can offer some advice."

"Go on."

George ignored the first half of Adam's sentence—he figured Adam was just being modest.

"First, let me ask: are you looking for a serious relationship with Meredith, or do you just want a taste?"

Adam asked seriously.

"Of course, I want a real relationship!"

George blurted out.

"Then there's nothing I can do. That's really impossible for you."

Adam shrugged. "You're just not her type. And forced love never works."

"…"

George's mouth twitched. He looked frustrated and unwilling to accept it. "Then what type does she like?"

"Aren't you supposed to ask how to just get a taste instead?"

Adam teased. "Her type? Someone like Dr. Shepherd."

"Dr. Shepherd…"

George looked dazed.

"See?"

Adam studied his expression and said playfully, "Even you are captivated by Dreamy Dr. Shepherd. So how could Meredith not be? Do you really think she'd be interested in a potential romantic rival?"

"I'm not! I don't! Stop talking nonsense!"

George denied it immediately, then realized how it sounded and shouted, "I'm not gay!"

"Mmhmm."

Adam responded ambiguously.

"I'm really not gay!"

George was getting anxious.

"You don't have to explain it to me."

Adam patted his shoulder. "The important thing is that Meredith knows."

With that, he grabbed the file and walked off.

He was a doctor, not some love guru. He didn't have time for all this nonsense.

George hesitated for a moment, then caught up.

"What now?"

Adam asked, exasperated.

"You gave me two options…"

George hesitated. "What about the second one?"

"Heh."

Adam couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like you're finally getting it—understanding what really matters."

George's chubby face turned red.

"How's your alcohol tolerance?"

Adam asked.

"Uh…"

George was confused. "Not bad, I guess?"

"Good."

Adam grinned. "Find a chance to drink with Meredith—just the two of you. Get really drunk. As long as you can hold your liquor, you'll get what you want.

But remember—what happens, happens. It doesn't mean love or a relationship. Once it's over, don't overthink it, because Meredith definitely won't."

George's expression turned strange. He didn't know how to respond.

It felt like Adam was insulting him.

Wasn't it usually men who hooked up and then walked away?

Why did it feel like, in his case, it would be the other way around?

Bang!

The ER doors suddenly burst open.

Adam looked up, his expression tightening, and quickly walked over.