The selection trials weren’t conducted day after day. After the first day’s written exam, Qin Chaoyu and the others received the next assembly notice three days later.
During these three days, though they weren’t gathered, it was obvious the organizers wouldn’t let them idle. They were divided into groups and assigned to various hospitals in the capital—simply put, they were sent wherever they were needed.
If a patient wanted to go outside, they had to push the wheelchair. If a senior colleague craved something, they had to rush out to buy it. If the office floor was dirty, they had to clean it immediately. Despite being temporary workers, they ended up doing the jobs of nurses, janitors, and errand runners.
The worst part? No pay.
By the end of the day, exhaustion was the only feeling left. They just wanted to collapse into bed and have food and water handed to them. These top students, used to being pampered in school, had never suffered like this before.
Some complained, but the organizers were firm—ignoring them as if they didn’t exist. If the complaints got too frequent, a single “You can quit!” instantly silenced all grievances.
Quitting was out of the question. Who would want the shame of being labeled as someone who dropped out just because it was too hard? Not only would their own school look down on them, but in the future, people in the field would remember them as “the one who quit the selection because they couldn’t handle the workload.” That kind of reputation was unbearable.
They had come to prove themselves, to shine, even to bring honor to their country. If they stumbled at the very first step—face-first, no less—how humiliating would that be?
So, even if they were exhausted to the point of collapse, as long as they weren’t *actually* dead, they’d crawl their way to that hospital.
That’s why, when the fifth-day assembly notice came, nearly everyone was moved to tears of relief.
The second gathering was at a resort called Lotus Town, famous for its variety of lotus flowers. Every year during the lotus season, people traveled from afar just to admire them. The resort had a unique location—nestled in a valley at the foot of the Great Wall, giving it a spring-like climate despite being in the north.
A small stream ran through Lotus Town, formed by mountain springs. The architecture followed a classical style, resembling traditional courtyard houses. From a distance, the town looked like an undiscovered paradise, surrounded by layers of greenery. Even the staff wore Hanfu, making visitors feel as if they’d stepped back in time.
“Wow, this place is amazing!” Yin Ledan couldn’t stop taking pictures with her phone the moment they arrived. If not for the upcoming assembly, she would’ve dashed off to explore. It wasn’t surprising—despite her tomboyish demeanor, she was a die-hard fan of classical aesthetics. Normally too busy with studies to indulge, she could only browse online for glimpses of such places. Now, being in Lotus Town, her excitement was understandable.
Kong Han glanced at the lotus pond Yin had just photographed, then at the stone tablet she was now posing with, utterly baffled by her enthusiasm. Checking the time, he dryly reminded her, “We have fifteen minutes until assembly, and we’re still about 780 meters away. At this pace, Miss Yin Ledan, we’re going to be late.”
She sheepishly put her phone away, casting one last longing look at the scenery. “My inner maiden hasn’t been this excited in over twenty years. Forgive me for losing control. Let’s go.”
The organizers had booked six large courtyard houses, suggesting they’d be staying for a while.
Sure enough, after everyone gathered, the organizer Zong Nanhan announced they’d spend five days in Lotus Town—ostensibly for a spring outing. Before cheers could erupt, he added, “But! Some of you won’t be enjoying this trip.”
He pulled out a list. “When I call your names, step aside. Someone will take you back.” Without giving them time to react, he began reading: “Shan Wen, Wei Mantong, Xu Renyu…”
Over forty names were called—men and women alike.
The dismissed stood in confusion, struggling to accept their elimination.
The sudden mass elimination unsettled even those who remained. It was clear this selection was unlike previous ones, which had focused solely on medical knowledge and skill. This time, they’d been sent to hospitals as volunteers, made to clean hotel rooms—useless tasks, it seemed. The process was also much longer.
The organizers were clearly up to something.
The sharper ones, like Qin Chaoyu and Xing Weiyue, had already guessed that this selection tested more than just expertise. There was something else, though they weren’t sure what yet. The best approach? Follow the organizers’ instructions to the letter—no unnecessary words or actions.
Zong Nanhan offered no explanation for the eliminations, nor any sympathy. Coldly, he had staff escort the dismissed away.
These were adults, not children who’d cry and refuse to leave. Though resentful, they complied.
Once they were gone, Zong’s demeanor softened. He even smiled. “Students, we’ll now spend five wonderful days in Lotus Town. May we all enjoy this holiday. Now, take your luggage and follow your assigned teachers to your accommodations.”
Each courtyard housed about twenty people—teachers together, students from each school grouped together.
Perhaps enemies were fated to cross paths. Qin Chaoyu’s group ended up sharing a courtyard with the three from Huajing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine—even the same section of it.
The moment they entered, Kong Han rolled his eyes skyward and scoffed, not even glancing at the others as he dragged his luggage past.
Kong Han had few virtues, but an excellent memory for grudges was one of them. He remembered every slight, and even if he’d retaliated at the time, he’d still hold a grudge. The scoff and eye-roll were already restrained for the sake of appearances.
Fu Hu’s expression darkened at the sight of Qin Chaoyu’s trio—clearly recalling how Kong and Yin had mocked him before.
Xing Weiyue, however, seemed to have forgotten the incident. He greeted them warmly, unfazed when only Qin Chaoyu nodded in response, and calmly headed to his room.
The allure of beautiful scenery and good food was irresistible. Despite the earlier unease over the eliminations, by evening, everyone was planning the next day’s activities.
But Lotus Town’s charm was lost on Qin Chaoyu. Strictly speaking, her soul was that of an ancient. If she wanted to see classical architecture, she’d rather rely on her memories—far more authentic than these replicas.
So, when Yin Ledan invited her to explore the next day, Qin Chaoyu refused without hesitation.
Disappointed but undeterred, Yin dragged Kong Han out instead.
With the two noisy ones gone, Qin Chaoyu found the silence almost too stark. Setting her book aside, she decided to wander outside.
She had no destination in mind, simply choosing a direction at random. Getting lost wasn’t a concern—Lotus Town had markers every hundred meters, and staff could guide her back if needed.
Turning left and right aimlessly, she eventually arrived at a gate labeled “Fruit Garden.” It was lively, with people carrying woven bamboo baskets coming and going.
Curious, she entered. Inside, it was even busier, mostly with women.
This was one of Lotus Town’s picking areas. Different zones offered flowers, fruits, or vegetables—this one was for fruit. Though out of season, many trees were in bloom, creating a colorful display.
Watching women in Hanfu strike poses among the blossoms, Qin Chaoyu couldn’t help but marvel at how far they’d go for a photo.
Just as she turned to leave, a commotion erupted.
“Help! Someone fainted!”
“Is there a doctor here?”
“Call the staff or an ambulance!”
Qin Chaoyu immediately rushed toward the crowd.
“Make way, I’m a doctor!” she called, pushing through.
Fortunately, the onlookers were considerate, quickly clearing a path.
Inside, she saw a panicked woman cradling another—pale and unconscious—in her arms.
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