Chapter 182
Robert tore the towel from his neck and hurled it to the ground, his face dark with fury, veins throbbing at his temples.
The team members around him held their breath. No one had expected their captain to lose to Ethan—Ethan White, who hadn't ranked in the top ten for over a year. Right now, anyone foolish enough to offer consolation would likely be ordered to run ten kilometers on the spot.
"What are you all standing around for?" Robert snapped coldly. "Full gear, ten kilometers—now!"
The team's legs nearly gave out. They'd already run ten kilometers that morning, and now another round in the afternoon? With more punishment looming tonight, who could endure it? But under Robert's stormy glare, no one dared protest.
"Come on, old man," Ethan said, stepping forward and clapping Robert on the shoulder. "Taking your frustration out on your own team? Want me to run with you?"
Today was his moment of triumph. After his leg injury, he'd been overshadowed by Robert for over a year. Finally, he'd won fair and square.
Robert shot him a glare before barking at the team, "Dismissed!"
The team scattered like startled rabbits.
"You've got some nerve!" Robert punched Ethan's shoulder. "Your leg's healed, and you didn't say a word—just waited to humiliate me, huh?"
Ethan feigned pain with an exaggerated "Ow!" "I found this miracle doctor. Just two acupuncture needles, and my leg felt like it was soaking in hot water—instant relief. Don't you have that old back injury? I'll introduce you to her sometime."
"What a coincidence!" Robert's eyes lit up. "My back flared up two days ago—hurt so bad I was sweating bullets. Then I ran into this young doctor, and two needles later, the pain was gone. I was actually going to recommend her to you."
"Wait," Ethan interrupted. "Are you talking about that new doctor in the Traditional Medicine Department? The one who's barely nineteen?"
"Yeah, that's her!" Robert slapped his thigh. "Transferred here by special order from the higher-ups. Heard she's incredible."
The two men exchanged knowing grins.
"By the way," Ethan suddenly turned serious, "I'm getting transferred next year."
"Really?" Robert's eyes brightened before he quickly suppressed a smile. "Ahem—I mean, what a shame."
"Cut the act!" Ethan scoffed. "I bet you're dying to set off fireworks to celebrate!"
Robert finally cracked. "Hah! Finally free of your shadow! Come on, let's grab a drink. I've got some good liquor from the higher-ups."
Arm in arm, they headed toward the barracks.
After a few rounds, Ethan suddenly asked, "Hey, did you get that transfer order I sent you?"
"Yeah," Robert nodded. "Ethan White, right? Should be reporting in a couple of days. But your unit's not short on people—why bring someone in from out of town?"
"This Ethan White is something else," Ethan said mysteriously. "He's Dr. White's older brother. Rumor has it he's a beast in combat. Might even give me a run for my money."
"Damn!" Robert exclaimed. "Talented family, huh?"
They drank late into the night.
Meanwhile, Luna White had no idea her big brother was about to arrive.