The skies over Jiangcheng were still heavy and gray, thick clouds pressing down on the city as if ready to burst at any moment. The streets were deserted, the silence broken only by the occasional wail of an ambulance siren cutting through the gloom. Yet, in one corner of the city, a silent victory was quietly taking shape.
Dr. Zhang stood at the window of his laboratory, holding a test tube filled with a faintly glowing pale-green liquid. Under the light, it shimmered as though it contained some mysterious power. His gaze drifted past the glass to the distant skyline of Jiangcheng, his eyes betraying a flicker of irrepressible excitement.
"Finally… it worked," he murmured, his voice tinged with exhaustion but, above all, relief.
After countless days and nights of relentless effort, he and his team had finally developed a vaccine against the EASV virus. The birth of this small vial represented the hope of survival for millions of Jiangcheng's citizens.
"Dr. Zhang, the clinical trial data is out!" A researcher burst into the lab, clutching a thick report.
Dr. Zhang took the file and flipped through it quickly. The results were clear: the vaccine showed remarkable safety and efficacy. Antibody levels in recipients had risen significantly, with no severe side effects observed.
"This is excellent!" Dr. Zhang's eyes lit up, his voice carrying unconcealed excitement. "Notify the authorities immediately—prepare for mass production!"
The researcher nodded sharply and hurried away. Dr. Zhang took a deep breath and once again looked at the tiny vial in his hand. It carried the weight of countless sleepless nights, the burden of hope for millions, and the culmination of his life's work.
A few days later, hospitals and community clinics across Jiangcheng began receiving shipments of the vaccine. Medical staff bustled through the vaccination sites, administering doses to citizens. The streets were still quiet, but the air itself seemed to carry a new sense of hope.
"Please queue in an orderly line and keep your distance!" a healthcare worker called out at the entrance of a vaccination site.
Masked residents lined up patiently, their eyes reflecting both tension and anticipation. For them, the arrival of the vaccine meant that the long fight against the virus might finally be turning in their favor.
"At last… we've waited so long for this day," a middle-aged man whispered, emotion trembling in his voice.
"Yes," his wife nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I just want life to go back to normal."
Inside the clinic, nurses worked steadily to administer shots. Many people closed their eyes as the needle pricked their skin, but moments later, faint smiles appeared on their faces.
"How do you feel?" a nurse gently asked.
"Honestly? Not much. Just nervous." A young girl laughed lightly, her voice filled with relief.
The nurse smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry—the vaccine is safe. You'll be fine soon."
Meanwhile, Dr. Zhang monitored the vaccination rollout on the lab's large screens. Data streamed across the displays, showing the progress and effects of mass inoculation.
"Dr. Zhang, the vaccine response is excellent!" a researcher reported, his voice brimming with excitement. "Antibody levels are rising sharply, and no serious adverse effects have appeared."
Dr. Zhang nodded, his eyes softening with relief. "Good. Keep monitoring. We can't afford any mistakes."
"Yes, sir!" The researcher turned and rushed back to work.
Within days, Jiangcheng's epidemic curve began to flatten. New infections dropped sharply, while recovery and discharge rates rose. Though the streets were not yet bustling, the city was slowly breathing again.
"Dr. Zhang, the outbreak in Jiangcheng is under control!" another researcher exclaimed. "The vaccine's results have exceeded our expectations!"
Dr. Zhang nodded, joy glimmering in his eyes. "Excellent. This victory belongs to all of us."
He stepped to the window, sunlight breaking through the once-ominous clouds to cast golden light over the city—a promise of rebirth for the long-suffering metropolis.
In the hospital's isolation ward, Sakurako Kawashima lay peacefully on her bed. Her breathing was steady and strong, her cheeks no longer pale but tinged with healthy color. A spark of hope now gleamed in her eyes.
"Sakurako, the vaccine has succeeded," I whispered at her bedside, my voice filled with barely contained joy.
She smiled faintly, her lips curving upward. "Thank you, Xiudao. Without you, I might never have lived to see this day."
Er-Ge piped up from nearby: "Ooooh, so is this the part where you pledge yourself to him for life? Should I step out and give you two some space?"
"Get lost."
"What? You think you can get rid of me that easily? Wrong move! I didn't come here alone this time."
As if on cue, the ward door swung open. Fang-Dui, Qin Xiao, and Sherry filed in. Sherry carried a bouquet of fresh flowers and handed them to Sakurako.
"Here, these are for you," she said warmly. "Congratulations on your new lease on life."
"Thank you," Sakurako replied softly.
Er-Ge grinned mischievously: "Fang-Dui, she's getting discharged in a few days. Where are we going to celebrate? We've all been worked to the bone lately!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"Fine, fine—you all get some time off."
"Yesss!"
The room burst into laughter and chatter, filling the air with warmth and joy. For Sakurako, it was a feeling she hadn't experienced in far too long.
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