Lin Chen had learned one unchangeable truth:
authority grows with visibility, not secrecy.
His three new clinics were ready to operate, each staffed with loyal surgeons and trained personnel.
Every clinic acted as both a medical haven and a hub of influence.
[System Log: Node Network — Active. Nationwide Expansion Progress: 10%.]
[City Control Progress: 92%.]
---
The First Test of Scale
Patients arrived from neighboring districts, some critically ill.
The staff moved efficiently, with Lin Chen and Dr. Hart orchestrating procedures like a symphony.
The results were instantaneous.
Recoveries were real.
Lives changed.
A local journalist uploaded footage to social media. Within hours, the viewership exploded.
---
Consortium's Quiet Moves
From an undisclosed location, the consortium monitored every feed.
"They've stabilized three more clinics in under 48 hours," one agent said.
"Authority influence is spreading faster than our projections."
Another operative responded,
"We can't intervene openly. Media attention would expose us. Deploy shadow units to subtly disrupt supply chains and communications."
[System Log: Threat Level — Elevated.]
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Strategic Response
Lin Chen anticipated the interference.
He had already optimized resource allocation and redundancies.
Emergency supply lines were rerouted.
Communication nodes were encrypted.
Backup medical teams were ready to replace any personnel disrupted.
Dr. Hart looked at him, impressed.
"They can't touch us."
Lin Chen smiled faintly.
"They don't need to touch us. They need influence, and influence is already ours."
---
High-Profile Patient
A critically ill mayor's assistant was brought to one of the new clinics.
No other hospital would accept him.
The media was already aware of the case.
Lin Chen prepared for the procedure.
Dr. Hart whispered,
"If this fails, the public could turn against us."
He shook his head.
"Results don't fail. People just refuse to see them."
Within hours, the assistant stabilized.
Cameras captured every detail.
Live streams went viral.
[System Log: Public Trust — Maximum. Node Influence +5%. City Control Progress: 95%.]
---
The Message to the Consortium
Lin Chen tapped a secure line, sending a simple message:
"Every interference you attempt only strengthens my network. Authority is proven with results. Adapt or be left behind."
Across the city, citizens whispered about the miraculous recoveries.
Word-of-mouth and social media created an unstoppable wave of influence.
The consortium, previously confident in their subtle control, realized the fight had changed.
They were no longer dealing with a hidden doctor—they were facing a systematic network with unstoppable authority.
---
End of Chapter