Chapter 399 The Volunteer Gamble +8 Pearls
Yunice wagged her finger at Owen, smirking proudly. “When did I ever say I wasn’t vicious? I am vicious. And I want Elsie to get exactly what she deserves. What? You got a problem with that?”
Owen was so angry he couldn’t speak–but he didn’t dare try to take the radio from her. He knew the moment Wyatt lost contact with Yunice, the one to suffer would be Elsie. Once someone has a weakness, it becomes the easiest thing to exploit.
With Owen handled, Yunice began focusing on how to get out. She needed access to the pathogen’s firsthand data–only then could she help guide the research lab toward a viable treatment. Maybe there was still hope for Mr. Gerardo. She didn’t have to wait long.
A new infection case had just appeared. Saunders Hospital had been a mess from the start. Even before Yunice came into contact with Mr. Gerardo, multiple staff members had already treated his assistant–and then helped with Mr. Gerardo himself. Without proper precautions in place, many had been exposed.
Now, with the hospital sealed and medical staff running dangerously low, administrators were forced to start recruiting internal volunteers to keep things running. Volunteers were asked to step forward from among the remaining hospital personnel–especially those with medical experience. Eventually, the search reached the director’s office. A man in full protective gear was at the door explaining the situation to Owen. According to policy, male volunteers were prioritized.
Owen hesitated. “I… I have a sister to take care of…” The doctor outside replied, “Volunteers are strictly voluntary. No one will be forced.”
In the break room, Yunice heard the man’s voice–it sounded familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it. Then she heard Owen using her as an excuse to stay out of it, and she stepped out, saying firmly, “I’ll volunteer on behalf of my brother.” “I’ve competed in medical contests and even won awards. I have basic emergency care knowledge.”
As soon as she spoke, the man outside gave her a once-over and exclaimed, “It’s you?” Yunice blinked. That voice… “Tommy?” He nodded, grinning. “Didn’t expect to see you here!”
Realizing how awkward that sounded, he added quickly, “Well–I mean, it’s unfortunate, obviously.” He wasn’t alone–two other doctors were with him. When they saw Yunice, delicate and petite, they looked uneasy. Volunteer work was grueling and thankless. People were scared, angry, and often took it out on the volunteers. Yunice didn’t look like someone who could handle it.
But she stood her ground. “I can do this. Please give me a chance!”
Owen yanked her behind him. “What can you do? You don’t know anything. You’re not strong. What good are you? This isn’t a game–it’s not for you to mess around with!” “Stay inside!” he barked, eyes signaling wildly for her to back off. Now was the time to stay alive–not play the hero.
Yunice ignored him. “I can help.”
Tommy paused, then turned to his colleagues. “She’s my junior from med school. I can vouch for her medical background.”
Very few people were willing to step up. Most tried to stay as far away as possible. Someone like Yunice–volunteering on her own—was a rarity. So they made an exception. She was issued protective gear and accepted into the volunteer team.
Owen’s expression darkened as Yunice prepared to leave. Then he blurted, “I want to volunteer too! I want to be with my sister!” “I want to protect her!” he declared firmly.
Yunice turned back, her face calm–but her eyes carried a flicker of cold sarcasm. Protect her? No. He was still trying to protect Elsie. But at this point, there wasn’t time to argue. Once they left this office, it would be every man for himself. Survival would depend on skill–not loyalty.
The volunteers were quickly grouped into pairs. They tried assigning Owen and Yunice together. Yunice spoke up immediately. “I’ll partner with Tommy.”
Owen shot her a flurry of pleading glances. Tommy glanced between them, noting the strange tension, then said, “I’m happy to partner with Yunice.”
A willing pair was better than a forced one. With that, the groupings were finalized. Owen was left fuming–but powerless–as he was assigned to a different partner.