Chapter 176: Elena Ward Finally Had Her Own Consultation Room

Elena Ward finally had her own consultation room.

But her days were far quieter than she'd imagined. A whole month had passed without a single patient needing acupuncture.

She'd secretly observed how Dr. Victor Cole's adjacent office was always packed. Patients with back pain queued up for his massages and acupuncture treatments. Though a few had been assigned to her, they'd take one look at her youthful face and immediately request a different doctor.

Elena sighed, twirling a silver needle between her fingers. Was she just collecting a paycheck without earning it?

Dean Carter and that high-ranking official had gone to great lengths to recruit her, treating her like some prized artifact. And yet, after a month, she hadn't treated a single patient.

She couldn't exactly stand at the hospital entrance shouting, "I'm a miracle worker who can raise the dead," could she? That would only destroy whatever professional dignity she had left.

Days slipped by uneventfully.

The other doctors maintained polite facades, but their disdain was obvious. Who would respect someone who spent her days sipping tea and reading newspapers?

Only William Lewis visited regularly. He'd done his homework—Elena was Dean Carter's protégée. Even if she never lifted a finger, nobody dared complain.

Elena checked her watch. Twenty minutes until her shift ended.

She leisurely tidied her desk. After a month, she'd grown accustomed to this unhurried routine.

No need to rush.

Good wine needs no bush.

Dean Carter was living proof. He'd come for two more acupuncture sessions this month. His chronic rheumatism had improved, and even his deformed joints were realigning.

All she needed was one opportunity—just one chance to prove herself.

"Dr. Ward!" Intern Claire Lee popped his head in. "I'll be done soon. Let's grab dinner at the cafeteria."

Elena nodded and was about to change when the door burst open.

"Any doctors here?" A young soldier, barely eighteen, peered inside.

Elena's eyes lit up. Was this her moment?

"I'm the doctor," she said with a smile.

The soldier immediately withdrew. Elena's smile froze. Again. Another patient scared off by her youthful appearance.

Shaking her head, she resumed packing up.

"Move! Move!" A commotion erupted outside.

Two soldiers barged in, supporting a man grimacing in pain.

"Doctor! Help our captain!"

Elena pointed to the examination table. "What happened?"

"He strained his back during drills yesterday but insisted on competing today," one soldier explained while steadying the man. "The X-ray showed he needs bed rest, but he demanded acupuncture—"

"Enough!" The captain snarled through clenched teeth. "It's just a minor injury! I have another match tomorrow! Get me your senior acupuncturist!"

Elena's heart sank. "Dr. Zhao has already left."

"What?" The man slammed a fist on the table. "It's not even quitting time!"

"Captain, please calm down!" The soldier pleaded. "Let's just go back. You need proper rest—"

Elena took a deep breath. "If you trust me, I can try. My family has practiced acupuncture for generations."

Intern Claire Lee chose that moment to return, freezing at the scene. "But we're about to clock out..."

He gave Elena a hesitant look. Everyone knew Dr. Ward was just for show.

Elena tightened her grip on the silver needle.