Chapter 178: Elena Ward's Fingers Trembled

Elena Ward's fingers trembled, and the silver needle slipped from her grasp. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she spoke weakly, "Claire, quick... get me some hot water and a chocolate bar."

The two young officers exchanged puzzled glances. This didn't look like medical treatment—it seemed more like a spoiled young lady's whims.

"Putting on airs..." one of them muttered under his breath.

Before the words fully left his mouth, Robert Hale suddenly sprang up like a fish leaping from water.

"Captain!"

"Your back injury isn't healed yet!"

They rushed forward to support him, but Robert shoved them aside. Bare-chested, he began stretching effortlessly, his movements fluid—no trace of back pain remained.

"This..." Their eyes widened in disbelief.

They knew all too well how severe Robert's chronic back injury was—normally, it would keep him bedridden for at least three days. But now...

"A miracle worker!" Robert exclaimed, flexing his limbs with delight. "Those two needles of yours worked wonders, young doctor!"

Claire stood frozen, the chocolate wrapper crinkling noisily in her grip. She stole a glance at Elena, her expression full of astonishment—could this girl really perform acupuncture?

Elena had no time to dwell on their shocked reactions. With shaking hands, she tore open the chocolate and wolfed it down, then gulped a mouthful of hot water, wincing as it scalded her tongue.

"Dr. Ward, thank you so much!" Robert clapped her on the shoulder with such enthusiasm that she nearly toppled over. "I'll definitely take first place in tomorrow's competition!"

Elena forced a weak smile. "Just doing my job." She discreetly rubbed her icy fingers, unable to shake the lingering chill in her bones.

The two officers flushed with embarrassment, nudging each other as they shuffled toward Elena.

"Uh... Dr. Ward, we're sorry about earlier..."

"We didn't recognize your skill..."

Elena waved them off. "What matters is that he's healed. Claire, pack up—we're done for the day." All she wanted now was a hot meal.

Claire swiftly gathered the medical instruments, though her gaze kept drifting back to Elena. Who would have thought her seemingly ordinary roommate had such remarkable abilities?

Before leaving, Robert boomed, "I'll send you a commendation banner soon!"

Elena shivered at the thought. Right now, what she needed wasn't a banner—it was a steaming pot of beef stew.

In the cafeteria, Claire gaped as Elena devoured an entire bowl of beef like a whirlwind.

"Aren't... you full?"

Wiping her mouth, Elena's eyes flashed with determination. What was a little cold compared to strengthening her healing force? The hardships of her past life would be repaid a hundredfold in this one.