Unyielding Will

Chapter 2: Unyielding Will

The beeping of medical monitors filled the sterile hospital room. Wang Yibo’s eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, his senses sluggish from the effects of anesthesia. His body felt heavy, wrapped in layers of pain and bandages. The dull throb in his side reminded him of his last memory—the ambush, the explosion, and the desperate attempt to drag his teammate to safety before everything went dark.

A low murmur caught his attention.

“—He’s finally awake.”

The voice was familiar—calm, composed, but tinged with relief. Zhou Zishu, his commander.

Yibo’s gaze shifted slightly, taking in the figures standing near his bed. Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing, Gu Xiang, and Cheng Ling—his unit, his brothers and sister-in-arms. They were all here.

“About damn time,” Wen Kexing scoffed, arms crossed. “We were starting to think you’d enjoy your beauty sleep forever.”

Yibo exhaled through his nose, the corner of his lips barely lifting before a sharp pain in his ribs forced him still.

“Where…?” His voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.

“You’re in Jiang Medical Center,” Zhou Zishu answered, stepping forward. His sharp eyes scanned Yibo’s face, assessing his condition. “Emergency surgery. You nearly didn’t make it.”

Yibo gritted his teeth. He hated hospitals. He hated the feeling of helplessness. The idea that others had to take care of him was almost unbearable.

His fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for his IV line.

“Don’t,” a firm voice interrupted.

All eyes turned toward the doorway.

Dr. Xiao Zhan stood there, clipboard in hand, gaze sharp and unwavering. Dressed in his white coat with sleeves slightly rolled up, he looked effortlessly composed.

“You’re still recovering from a major surgery,” Xiao Zhan continued as he strode inside, eyes locking onto Yibo. “If you rip out that IV, I’ll personally sedate you.”

Wang Yibo narrowed his eyes. Who the hell does he think he is?

His unit went silent, sensing the tension brewing between their stubborn captain and the equally authoritative doctor.

Cheng Ling shifted uncomfortably, Gu Xiang smirked, and Wen Kexing looked far too entertained.

Zhou Zishu, however, watched the exchange with quiet curiosity. This was new.

Yibo held Xiao Zhan’s gaze for a long moment, a silent battle of wills. He had faced enemies on the battlefield, endured torture, survived near-death experiences. Yet somehow, this doctor refused to be intimidated.

Finally, he let his head sink back into the pillow, saying nothing.

Xiao Zhan exhaled, his grip on the clipboard loosening slightly. Good. At least he wasn’t a complete idiot.

“Since you’re awake, I’ll do a full check-up,” he said briskly, stepping closer. “And if you cooperate, maybe I’ll consider not tying you to this bed to keep you from doing something reckless.”

A low chuckle escaped Wen Kexing. “Doctor, I think you just became my favorite person.”

Xiao Zhan ignored him and focused solely on Wang Yibo, who looked seconds away from snapping back at him.

Neither of them knew it yet, but this was just the beginning.

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