"Dr. Luo, don't blame yourself too much. There's still surgery this afternoon—make sure you keep your focus," the hospital director consoled her.

Dr. Luo nodded nervously, still shaken.

The director turned to Shen Yanchen, his face full of admiration. "We really have you to thank today, Dr. Shen. Who would've thought you not only excel in medicine, but also have such quick reflexes!"

Several other doctors took turns praising Shen Yanchen, and soon everyone returned to work.

Li Mu emerged from the building, steadying the elderly lady as they walked. Her face was still pale from fright. "Yanchen, that person didn't hurt you just now, did he?"

"No, he didn't, Mom, don't worry."

"Why would someone bring a knife to a hospital and attack people?" Although the old lady had weathered many storms in her life, it was her first time witnessing something like this, and she couldn't help but worry about Shen Yanchen.

"Maybe you should consider a different career, Yanchen. Being a doctor is too dangerous these days." Years spent saving lives, and he still had to face deranged people bent on revenge—just thinking about it made her anxious.

Lauren Shaw cut in, "Mom, Grandma, let's head home first. Yanchen still has patients waiting for him."

Seeing this, the old lady said no more—young people should decide their own future.

The driver was already waiting at the entrance. After helping her grandmother into the car, Lauren Shaw sent Shen Yanchen a message: "Don't mind what Grandma said—she's just worried, that's all."

"It's fine."

"I know being a doctor is what you love; you don't have to go against your heart because of anyone," Lauren Shaw added, not wanting him to feel pressured. "Grandma was just speaking out of concern. No need to take it to heart."

"Mm, got it." He replied with a smiling emoji.

After seeing her grandmother safely home, Lauren Shaw headed over to her company. With a new product launch coming up, the team wanted to shoot a promotional video, and today was her day to select samples.

By the time she left the office, it was already evening. Claire Xu called, saying she wanted to go out for drinks.

Shen Yanchen was still in surgery, so Lauren Shaw texted him: [Qingqing invited me for drinks tonight. Call me after you're done.]

After getting the location from Claire Xu, Lauren Shaw drove over.

Claire Xu had just moved out of the Xu family home today, and had also quit her old modeling job. She finally seemed completely free and relaxed.

"So, what's next?" Lauren Shaw asked, knowing this was just Claire Xu's first act of defiance—she wondered how George Xu, Claire Xu’s father, would react next.

"I'm thinking of traveling for a while. Just to relax and clear my head—then I'll figure out my next steps." Claire Xu had saved up enough money these past few years, so even if her dad cut off her cards, she wasn't worried.

Marrying someone she didn't like? Over her dead body.

At worst, she'd cut ties with her father. Losing a lousy dad in exchange for freedom—worth it.

"Where do you want to go?" Lauren Shaw supported her wholeheartedly.

"Haven't decided yet. I'll let you know once I do," Claire Xu said with a shake of her glass, but Lauren Shaw spotted a hint of sadness in her eyes.

In the soft-lit lounge, gentle music played. A stunningly beautiful woman was on stage, singing with a voice as clear as a mountain spring.

"Already drinking before I got here?" Hugo Pierce arrived just after getting Claire Xu's call; her voice on the phone made it clear she wasn't in a good mood, so he came to check in.

Claire Xu glanced behind Hugo Pierce as he walked in. "You came alone? Where’s your girlfriend?"

"She couldn't make it tonight," Hugo Pierce replied with a laugh.

"You're no fun—keeping secrets about your upcoming wedding!"

"Next time, I'll definitely bring her to meet you all. I'll make it up to you with three shots," Hugo Pierce said, tipping back his glass three times in quick succession.

Meanwhile, the woman on stage finished her song and walked off, guitar in hand.

Hugo Pierce, now noticeably buzzed, grinned at Lauren Shaw. "I heard your new product's about to launch—congrats!"

"Thanks. Have you set a wedding date yet?" Lauren Shaw asked casually.

"Almost. I'll invite you all for drinks at the wedding when it's set," Hugo Pierce responded, smiling broadly.

Just then, Henry Mills entered with a dark expression, looking unhappy at how close Hugo Pierce was sitting to Claire Xu. He seated himself right between the two, putting some distance between them.

Hugo Pierce didn't recognize him and asked, "And you are?"

Lauren Shaw glanced at Claire Xu, suddenly at a loss for how to explain their relationship.

"A friend of mine," Claire Xu answered directly. Henry Mills's eyes dimmed a little.

Hugo Pierce, picking up on the subtle tension, introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Hugo Pierce. Claire Xu and I grew up together—if you want to know anything about her, just ask me."

Some of the gloom faded from Henry Mills's face. "I'm Henry Mills. Any friend of Claire Xu’s is a friend of mine."

He then turned to Lauren Shaw.

"Yanchen's still in the operating room. They brought in a critical patient right before he was about to get off—he'll probably be busy until midnight." Henry Mills explained Shen Yanchen's situation to Lauren Shaw. Just as he finished, a loud crash rang out as someone smashed a glass at a nearby table.

All eyes in the lounge turned toward the sound.

It was the beautiful singer from earlier on stage, now clutching her face and looking fearfully at the man in front of her.

Clearly, he was the one who'd caused the commotion.

"I told you to have a drink with me—who do you think you are? What's wrong with letting me touch you, huh? You're out here trying to make a living, and you won't even let me touch you?"

The woman was obviously terrified. A bright red handprint was blooming on her pale cheek—he must've just slapped her.

"Drink!" The man shoved a glass of liquor in front of her, while the goons at his sides egged him on.

Hands trembling, the woman reached for the glass, but the man let go abruptly, letting it crash to the floor.

"Pick it up," he snarled, not letting the matter drop.

Lauren Shaw, unable to contain herself a moment longer, snapped, "What kind of scum does that to a woman? How shameless can you be!"

"Exactly—disgusting!" Claire Xu spat through gritted teeth.

Other guests watched, but no one wanted to be the first to stand up.

The woman bent down to pick up the glass, only for the man to shove out his foot and pin it to the ground. "I've changed my mind. I don't want you to drink anymore. How about this: pick any guy here and spend the night with him, and I'll let you go."

Tears shimmered in the woman's eyes as she begged, "Please… please, just let me go."

The man only seemed to enjoy her desperation even more.