Walking Dead: Altered Fate

At this moment, Samuel looked rather disheveled. 

His forehead had a small wound from hitting the steering wheel, and blood was trickling down. Although it was nothing serious, it looked quite alarming.

Jenner helped him out of the driver's seat, and Candace stepped down from the passenger side. Since Samuel's car had rear-ended them, the two were just startled but not injured.

Samuel pretended to shake his head, then touched his forehead and glanced at the Jenners' BMW. The rear bumper was badly dented from the collision.

Seeing that Samuel seemed unharmed, Jenner's initial panic faded. He carefully examined his beloved car and saw its battered state.

"Oh God, my car!"

"Sir, I'm really sorry! I just glanced away and didn't notice the car in front, didn't expect to crash into you. Sorry! Sorry! Don't worry, I'll take responsibility and get your car repaired."

Samuel's expression was sincere, his slightly nervous and apologetic tone made the Jenners feel his genuine remorse.

"It's okay, as long as no one's hurt. You don't need to worry too much. But are you alright? I see your forehead is injured. Should we call an ambulance?"

Candace had been a bit angry at first, but seeing Samuel's current state softened her mood. 

Knowing her husband well, she understood he wasn't truly upset and spoke to comfort him.

"No, no…no need. I'll just go home and treat it myself. But is there a pharmacy nearby? I'm just passing through here and don't know the area well."

Candace glanced at Jenner, who nodded slightly in understanding. Seeing this, Candace spoke up.

"How about this, we're sort of half-doctors ourselves. If you don't mind, come to our place and we can treat your wound. Our home is just a few dozen meters ahead. It's best to handle the injury promptly."

Success! Samuel silently clenched his fist but kept a poker face, jokingly saying.

"What a coincidence, I'm actually a doctor myself."

Inside the Jenner house living room.

After a quick, simple treatment to the wound, he didn't even bother to apply a bandage, he glanced around the Jenners' house. 

He had been here before installing listening devices but hadn't paid close attention to the décor and furnishings. 

Now, he saw that the couple had good taste, the exquisite decoration reflected a high quality of life. In one corner of the living room stood two bookshelves.

With his keen eyesight, he noticed most of the books were about virology, alongside some classics and other obscure titles.

"Nice house!" Samuel couldn't help but admire.

"Thanks. The place is messy, though. We're both busy with work and don't have time to tidy up," Candace said, bringing over a freshly brewed cup of tea.

Jenner sat opposite on the sofa, smiling as he said, "Have some tea. No one here drinks alcohol, so apologies for that."

"No, no… tea is perfect. I never drink alcohol anyway," Samuel replied, taking the cup and placing it on the coffee table in front of him.

Candace placed a cup in front of Jenner and then sat down beside him, politely asking again,

"Sir, are you sure this is enough? Really no need to go to a hospital?"

Samuel smiled faintly, recalling a joke from before crossing over into this world, and casually said.

"If I really needed to go to a hospital, I'd better hurry. Otherwise, the wound will heal too soon."

"Hahaha!"

"You're really funny, haha."

"Don't worry, I'm a doctor. I know my own condition well. Also, no need to call me sir. I'm Samuel Hayes. You can just call me that."

"Nice to meet you, Samuel. I'm Candace Jenner, and this is my husband Edwin Jenner."

Jenner, who had been quiet all along, suddenly spoke.

"Samuel, you say you're a doctor. May I ask which hospital you work at?"

Samuel had already prepared how to answer this and replied without hesitation.

"I'm not at any hospital now. I used to be a medic in a special forces unit. 

After leaving the military, I worked for a research institution for a while, then returned to the family farm doing planting and livestock work. 

Sometimes I do handiwork and neighbors often come to me for medical help. I also set up a small research lab at home and often work on small projects that interest me."

"Wow, you really are versatile."

"Heh, just some hobbies."

Jenner was silent for a moment, then glanced at Candace. As if making up his mind, he said.

"I know we just met, but I want to ask you a question."

"Of course."

Jenner smiled slightly but then asked seriously.

"Although you say it lightly, I know a medic in special forces needs skills to survive. Your medical ability must be quite good. Have you had any experience with virology?"

"Edwin!" Candace suddenly realized what Jenner was trying to do, looking surprised, she whispered.

"Edwin, what are you doing?"

"Candace, don't speak yet."

"Samuel, could you answer my question?"

Samuel's medical expertise had suddenly emerged after arriving in The Walking Dead world. 

Over the past few days, he had carefully reviewed his memories, surprised to find he had knowledge in almost every medical specialty, and at a high level.

He understood Jenner's intention. If he wanted to keep Edwin and Candace safe, he had to get into the CDC. So he had already considered what Jenner was going to say next.

"Actually, it's quite a coincidence. I do have experience in virology, or more precisely, I've studied cellular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology. 

More than half the small projects I worked on in my home lab involved these fields. Is there something you want to discuss?"

"Really? Could you briefly explain your research?"

Jenner's expression brightened instantly. He gave Candace a look and apologized with a slight nod.

"Sorry, could you wait a moment?"

Without waiting for a response, he took Candace and went into a nearby room. 

Samuel did not follow but pulled an earpiece from his pocket and put it in his ear. Tapping to activate it, he heard footsteps, then the Jenner couple's conversation.

"I think we should invite him to join the CDC."

"Are you crazy? He's just a civilian now, and we don't know much about him. You want to trust a stranger you just met?"

"What does it matter? You know how terrifying this virus is. Once the infection rate reaches a certain point, unless a vaccine is developed, we'll face a full outbreak. 

Even ordinary people, under these emergency circumstances, special measures must be taken. The main thing is, we have no helpers left. 

All the teams rejected us today, didn't they? Even our own team members want to resign! 

How much time do we have left? Ten days? Five? Or just today?"

Silence filled the room for a moment before Candace spoke.

"Fine, then you go ask him. But if Samuel refuses, don't force it."

Jenner sighed, helpless.

"If it's a full outbreak, who can escape it anyway..."