Chapter 110: A Fateful Turn in the OR

Around five in the afternoon the next day, Zhou Can had just finished work and was practicing Rapid Knife Fundamentals in his apartment.

His phone rang.

It was a call from Mr. Li.

Zhou Can felt a surge of excitement—it seemed Director Yin’s diagnosis had finally reached a conclusion.

“Zhou Can, today I took my wife to see Director Yin for a check-up. They’ve pinpointed the cause of her illness.”

“That’s good news, but you sound a bit down. What’s the matter?”

Identifying the cause was hardly unexpected.

Since yesterday, he had deduced from her poor upper limb blood flow that, after a series of differential diagnoses, the most likely culprit was an issue with her central nervous system.

Once the cause was determined, treatment would simply target the symptoms.

“After the exam, Director Yin confirmed that my wife suffers from a rare condition—a viral infection triggering localized degenerative changes in her central nervous system. He prescribed some medications, but made it clear there’s no cure; they merely alleviate symptoms and come with side effects.”

No wonder Mr. Li couldn’t muster any joy.

This time, although the cause was clear, a cure remained out of reach.

【You successfully diagnosed an extremely challenging case and earned 100 pathology diagnosis experience points.】

Unexpectedly, the system was very generous, awarding him 100 experience points.

But Qiu Jie’s condition was indeed difficult to diagnose.

Perhaps it was a reward for his efforts.

“Isn’t there any other option?”

Zhou Can asked.

Being only a resident doctor with modest credentials, he knew little about treating such neural degenerative conditions.

From his understanding, Qiu Jie’s symptoms stemmed from a brainstem lesion that partially impaired motor signals, not from issues with the spinal or peripheral nerves.

Diseases affecting the nervous system are notoriously hard to treat.

When the central nervous system is compromised, current medical techniques—whether drugs or surgery—treat that vital area as a forbidden zone; nearly no one dares to intervene.

Director Yin is undoubtedly the top expert in neurology in the province.

Even he admitted that, beyond his efforts, consulting other renowned doctors would be pointless.

“Sigh! There are alternative methods, but current technology just isn’t up to the task,” Mr. Li explained, his voice laden with resignation.

Regardless, he continued, “We owe you a great deal of thanks. Director Yin, knowing we were your friends, not only gave us special treatment but also mentioned that my wife’s diagnosis was largely thanks to you. It was your differential diagnosis that located the rough area, allowing a targeted investigation into the lesion and its severity.”

Zhou Can was taken aback; he hadn’t expected Director Yin to share this with the family.

“Aren’t we friends? No need for formalities,” he replied.

Zhou Can was a loyal friend—always ready to help those in need.

Yet he was very selective, shunning fairweather friends or those of questionable character.

Anyone who caught his eye and earned his trust became a truly dependable friend.

“You’re right—we are friends. Thank you for treating us like close companions and selflessly helping my wife and me. I’m truly grateful to know you!”

Mr. Li was clearly moved.

Once, as the vice president of Tianyu Interactive, people might have helped him merely to curry favor.

But now he was a disheartened middle-aged man, largely avoided by others.

What did Zhou Can hope to gain from helping him?

Nothing at all—the genuine friendship made the gesture all the more valuable.

Even though Zhou Can was just a resident doctor, his friendship with top experts like Director Yin reflected his high standing in the hospital.

Moreover, while many renowned doctors couldn’t pin down Qiu Jie’s exact condition, Zhou Can’s assistance in the diagnosis was proof of his extraordinary talent and a very promising future.

With such a bright future, this young doctor treated his friends without airs, sincerely caring for them.

What better friend could one ask for? cascoo.net

“Alright, enough of the sentimental talk! Now, tell me—what treatment options are there for my sister-in-law?”

Zhou Can was far more interested in discussing treatment methods.

He wasn’t one for small talk.

“Director Yin told us that an international research team working on ALS drugs might eventually secure the funds needed to develop a treatment for this central nervous system degeneration. There’s also a surgical option—though no doctor, domestic or abroad, currently dares to operate in the brainstem,” he explained.

Both treatment methods seemed as distant as clouds on the horizon.

No wonder Mr. Li’s mood was so heavy.

“Lao, as long as there’s a glimmer of hope, it’s a good thing. You never know when a breakthrough in drug research might occur. And though the surgical option is daunting, if we find a brainstem surgeon, there’s a chance. In the meantime, make sure to massage your wife’s leg muscles daily to prevent severe atrophy,” Zhou Can advised.

He wasn’t just offering empty comfort; he truly believed there was potential.

When a viable drug might come about was uncertain, but his own surgical skills—boosted by the experience system—were improving rapidly.

In three to five years, he could very well reach an exceptional level.

By then, performing surgery on Qiu Jie himself wouldn’t be out of the question.

After hanging up, he redoubled his practice of Rapid Knife Fundamentals.

Meanwhile, Jin Mingxi had become enamored with an old monk’s meditative practices, seizing any spare moment to hone Stable Knife Fundamentals.

……

Day by day, life went on.

In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.

Zhou Can’s surgical pace grew ever faster—he could now complete over 35 level-one surgeries daily.

Such a rapid pace was downright terrifying, more than double Jin Mingxi’s output.

His proficiency in multiple medical techniques and accumulated experience had skyrocketed.

Especially in Suturing, Ligature, Hemostasis, Injections, and Debridement.

He made a good living every day.

In other medical skills, he even occasionally earned extra experience.

Thus, his overall proficiency steadily improved.

It seemed that sticking to level-one surgeries was beneficial. A level-two procedure took one or two hours, meaning an eight-hour shift would only yield three to five surgeries.

What procedure could possibly beat the speed of level-one surgeries?

Now he could finish a simple Debridement and Suturing in about ten minutes.

Completing around 35 level-one surgeries daily further boosted Zhou Can’s status in the Emergency Department.

In the Operating Room, he ranked just below Dr. Cui.

It wasn’t long before his foundational surgical skills might elevate him to surpass Dr. Cui.

For now, he hadn’t yet achieved a decisive edge.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lu, Dr. Lin, and Jin Mingxi lagged far behind Zhou Can.

Jin Mingxi fared a bit better—his strong foundation and improved stable techniques lent him reliability, avoiding mishaps.

Combined with his excellent surgical ability and a respectable daily caseload, his status was also rising quickly.

Moreover, he held one advantage over Zhou Can.

He was a certified resident doctor—upon entering Tuyu Hospital, he was immediately recognized as a physician.

Zhou Can, however, had to complete a year of residency before qualifying for his practice license. Still just a Bachelor of Medicine, the difference was significant.

Dr. Lu had been pushing himself hard over the past month—he seemed a completely different person in his effort to secure his position.

While assisting Dr. Xu, he became humble and eager, diligently catching up on fundamental surgical techniques. His skills in skin suturing and debridement improved rapidly.

As for other surgical abilities, Dr. Xu wouldn’t let him operate, so there was no chance to test those.

Then there was Dr. Lin—a man of impeccable character and steady work ethic—but his limited aptitude meant his surgical skills improved very slowly.

Chances were he’d eventually be phased out.

Director Lou or Dr. Xu had likely talked to him privately. Over the past month, Dr. Lin seemed troubled whenever he was at work.

Even during surgeries, he was exceptionally focused.

The senior resident even rushed to help nurses tidy up the Operating Room.

Not long ago, Dr. Lu joked with him, “Why do you come to work every day with two sets of dark circles? Have you been up to no good at night?”

He smiled wryly and replied, “After work, I practice Suturing and Anatomy until the early hours.”

Indeed, he practiced until two or three in the morning every night.

That was relentless dedication.

It was understandable—their superiors had warned them that without further improvement, they would be replaced. Anyone in their shoes would feel anxious and push themselves to the limit.

Then came a piece of good news.

Mr. Li’s wife had made remarkable progress after medication—the paralysis in her legs had greatly subsided; she could even take a few steps with a crutch.

The couple immediately shared this positive update with Zhou Can.

Their friendship with him had deepened to the level of close confidants.

They often invited him over.

Although Zhou Can was very busy, he had only visited twice.

Once to help Mr. Cui resolve some renovation issues at home, and another time when Qiu Jie, having managed to stand again, insisted on celebrating with him.

No way could he dampen the mood.

So Zhou Can went.

That evening, he drank heavily with Mr. Li, staggering home in a drunken haze.

Earlier that day, Zhou Can had been practicing Advanced Medical Techniques—Device Implantation and Grasping—in his apartment.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated twice.

He glanced at it and saw a message from an unknown number.

It was already 10 PM, and since the number was unfamiliar he assumed it was spam.

Still, he opened the message to take a look.

“Jiangnan Flavor Restaurant, Box 2018, help me.”

Just a few simple words, without even punctuation at the end.

Zhou Can sensed something was off.

At this hour, unless in grave danger, one wouldn’t ask for help.

That number did seem vaguely familiar, but it wasn’t saved in his contacts.

This meant the person asking for help had interacted with him before.

Suddenly, it clicked.

He opened his call log and found the number immediately.

Looking at the call time, he instantly knew who it was.

Wasn’t this the phone number of third-tier celebrity Su Qianqian?

Other than that late-night call for help with unlocking a door, Su Qianqian hadn’t troubled him recently.

“She’s calling me for help this late? The location is the restaurant’s private box,” he thought.

Zhou Can furrowed his brows.

Their relationship was merely that of landlord and tenant.

Though empathetic to the vulnerable and possessing a strong sense of justice, he was no pushover.

After a brief hesitation, he decided to check it out.

He hailed a cab and headed straight for Jiangnan Flavor Restaurant.

It wasn’t far—located right by the riverside.

Within ten minutes, Zhou Can arrived at the restaurant lobby.

“Welcome! May I ask if you have an appointment or…?”

“Where is Box 2018? Someone asked me to come!”

Zhou Can wasn’t foolish enough to meddle; he simply replied,

“It’s on the second floor at the end of the corridor. Should I take you there?”

The restaurant’s bustling business was partly due to its warm hospitality, which won over many repeat customers.

“I’ll find it on my own, you must be busy!”

Zhou Can headed straight upstairs.

Box 2018 was easy to spot—indeed, right at the end of the corridor.

From inside, he could still hear voices urging for more drinks.

It sounded as if there were several people there.

Without hesitation, since he was there to help, he barged in.

He opened the private room door and peered inside.

The table was a mess—dishes and cups strewn about. Among the three men and two women was Su Qianqian.

The man next to another woman was unfamiliar to Zhou Can.

Su Qianqian was flushed red, her beauty even more captivating as she propped her head up—clearly having drunk quite a bit.

The three men and one woman persisted in urging her to drink more.

Zhou Can immediately recognized the ruse—a setup aimed squarely at her.

Many influential bosses or powerful figures, when interested in a female subordinate, knew that outright aggression wouldn’t work legally.

But if they desired someone, they’d stop at nothing to get her.

The most common method was this:

Arrange a drinking session, get the woman thoroughly drunk, and then whisk her away to a room to “rest.”

When the private room door opened, the group looked up at Zhou Can.

They noticed he wasn’t dressed like a waiter, so they assumed he had simply entered the wrong room and paid no mind.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Can strode toward them.

“Who are you?”

A middle-aged man with a weathered face, numerous scars, and a smattering of moles—a stout figure with large ears, impeccably dressed and sporting a green watch—clearly someone of means, spoke up.

His presence was imposing.

The other two men included a thin, under-thirty fellow with a lively expression, likely an assistant or subordinate sitting next to the speaker.

On the opposite side of Su Qianqian sat one man and one woman—the woman, provocatively dressed with heavy makeup, was stunning and exuded the aura of a kept woman, while the man beside her looked scholarly yet possessed eyes as fierce as a wolf.

“None of you seem like decent people!”

Zhou Can mentally scored them.

“I’m Su Qianqian’s boyfriend. I’m here to take her home,” he said coolly.

The woman and the slender man clearly appeared to be escorts; only the man who spoke and the scholarly-looking man seemed to be bosses.

“I never heard Su Qianqian had a boyfriend! What’s your name?” asked the scholarly man, clearly well acquainted with her.

“Zhou Can!”

Zhou Can fixed his gaze on the scholarly man.

“I’m Qianqian’s superior, and this is Mr. Zhao, an investor. We were only halfway through our drinks when you barged in. If Mr. Zhao is displeased, his investment in Qianqian is in jeopardy,” the scholarly man warned.

His words carried both a warning and a threat.

“Since you’re Qianqian’s boyfriend, you must know her situation. Her album release is facing major hurdles—without Mr. Zhao’s investment, her livelihood could be at risk. But if we secure his backing, along with his powerful resources, her album can be released and heavily promoted. Then, as she profits, wouldn’t you benefit as her boyfriend?”

The scholarly man, satisfied with Zhou Can’s identity, continued his persuasion, clearly advising him to not disrupt the drinking session—after all, any trouble would harm both Zhou Can and Su Qianqian.