Chapter 213: Mr. Liu’s Renewed Spirit: Respect for Rivals, Betrayal Unforgiven

“I’m deeply grateful for the hospital’s support and guidance! Thank you, Director Ye, for your help and mentorship. I’ll cherish this opportunity and work even harder.” Zhou Can seized the moment to express his gratitude to Deputy Director Ye.

Last time, it was Deputy Director Ye who personally arranged for Zhou Can to extend his training in the Critical Care Department by two months.

As a small fish in a big pond, Zhou Can felt both honored and overwhelmed to receive personal attention and support from a vice-director.

“I have high hopes for you. Take a seat!” Deputy Director Ye gestured with a downward motion, signaling him to sit.

“In Pancreatic Surgery, the winner is Director Yang Qing’s team! In Anorectal and Colorectal Surgery, the victor is Dr. Mi Xiaosheng’s team.”

Director Yang Qing’s team wasn’t weak by any stretch.

Especially Yang Qing himself—his medical skills and academic prowess were top-tier. Among the many chief physicians in General Surgery, he’d easily rank in the top three without much debate.

Yet this time, he nearly missed out. It could only be chalked up to bad luck.

Two complex cases he initially diagnosed slipped through his fingers. Mr. Liu nailed the diagnoses instead.

And both cases happened to be in the breast surgery domain.

Zhou Can uncovered the cause in one case. Mr. Liu diagnosed the other himself.

As a result, Yang Qing lost significant points in the breast surgery field twice, while Mr. Liu gained major boosts in score each time.

This back-and-forth led to Yang Qing’s team narrowly missing out on establishing a subspecialty in Breast Surgery.

Fortunately, Yang Qing’s team had a backup plan.

They’d invested in both breast and pancreatic fields simultaneously.

Relying on their formidable strength, they ultimately secured the qualification to establish Pancreatic Surgery.

With a large team, however, a single subspecialty like Pancreatic Surgery might not sustain everyone.

Tuyu Hospital’s reputation in pancreatic surgery had always been underwhelming. Not many patients with pancreatic conditions sought treatment there. Among pancreatic diseases, the most profitable were tumors.

But in the tumor domain, Tuyu Affiliated Hospital No.2 outshone them with a stronger reputation.

Many pancreatic tumor patients flocked there instead.

So even with the Pancreatic Surgery qualification in hand, Yang Qing’s team faced a murky future.

But nothing is set in stone.

If Yang Qing could lead his team to build a stellar reputation and attract more pancreatic disease patients, they might turn the tide. With Tuyu as their banner, they could rapidly transform Pancreatic Surgery into a powerhouse department in a short span.

The pancreas is a uniquely challenging organ.

Treating pancreatic diseases with just a surgeon’s scalpel yields dismal survival rates.

It demands an integrated approach—combining internal medicine, surgery, minimally invasive techniques, clinical management, and nutritional support. Only by building a comprehensive treatment center can patient survival times be significantly extended.

Pancreatic cancer, dubbed the king of cancers, has a five-year survival rate below 10%.

Most patients with this cancer, even after surgery, don’t survive past a year.

Yang Qing’s team has a long arduous road ahead.

“Alright, the qualifications for all nine subspecialties have been officially announced. Everyone earned their spots through sheer ability. It’s fair and just, ensuring the most outstanding leaders are chosen for each field. To those who didn’t make it, don’t lose heart. Life is full of vistas—missing this stop just means the next one will be even brighter. You can join a subspecialty that suits your strengths.”

Deputy Director Ye’s commanding gaze swept across the room as he concluded his announcement.

“The hospital is fully backing this reform and restructuring of General Surgery. You’ll need to adapt quickly. The transition period is just one week. Tonight, the hospital’s registration platform will work overtime to get all nine subspecialties online. The old General Surgery registration pathway will be discontinued.”

“Given the tight timeline, if you wish to join a new department, decide now. Subspecialty heads will compile their team rosters and submit them to the Human Resources and Medical Departments. In principle, all attending physicians and above can open outpatient slots. Senior resident doctors can apply, and exceptionally talented junior residents may also request slots. The hospital will evaluate each case before approving.”

Having an outpatient slot means patients can book appointments with that specific doctor through the hospital’s registration system.

Reform starts with the outpatient slots.

Take Mr. Liu, for instance. He’s now the head of both Breast and Thyroid subspecialties. Moving forward, patients from other departments won’t be able to book his slots.

“Director Ye, may I make a request?”

Mr. Liu’s face glowed with vitality, his eyes brimming with joy.

When a career takes off, one’s spirit naturally soars.

“Go ahead!”

Deputy Director Ye’s tone was exceedingly courteous.

After all, Mr. Liu would soon lead two subspecialties. His status and authority were significant, especially as a highly skilled chief physician. His standing could only rise.

“Our team is relatively small. Thyroid and breast fields are like siblings. Could we merge these two into a single Thyroid and Breast Department?”

Mr. Liu was shrewd. Merging would prevent talent from being spread too thin.

Combining the subspecialties would give them an edge over others.

It was an inherent advantage.

This would greatly benefit the department’s growth.

“Approved!”

After a quick discussion with other hospital leaders, Deputy Director Ye granted Mr. Liu’s request on the spot.

“Congratulations, Director Liu! You’re now the leader in both thyroid and breast fields!”

A slightly stout chief physician approached with a warm greeting.

Though this man outranked Mr. Liu by half a grade, his face was all smiles.

Mr. Liu had finally made his mark.

The hospital would surely assist with his promotion to a senior title. With all conditions met, it was practically a done deal.

“Haha, Director Mo, you flatter me!”

Mr. Liu didn’t dare slight him either.

“Uh… I’ve had some success in the thyroid field. Could I lend a hand in your subspecialty?”

Director Mo, in his fifties, was a respected figure in General Surgery.

Yet here he was, awkwardly asking a lower-ranked associate chief physician for a spot. It was a bit embarrassing.

But when it came to his future and the fate of his entire team, he had to swallow his pride and speak up.

“Having Director Mo join us is more than I could ask for. You’re most welcome!”

Mr. Liu’s grin was so wide he could barely close his mouth.

“Thank you! My team includes an associate chief physician, two attendings, and three residents. Could they join with me?”

Director Mo seemed a decent sort, ensuring his team’s future after securing his own.

With so many helpers coming aboard, Mr. Liu had no reason to refuse.

Especially since Director Mo’s team wasn’t weak by any means.

“We welcome their addition! Here’s to a fruitful partnership!”

Mr. Liu extended his hand for a handshake.

“A fruitful partnership!”

They shook hands firmly. Director Mo waved over his team to get acquainted.

From now on, they’d all be colleagues in the same department, needing to work closely together.

After wrapping up business, Director Mo and Mr. Liu’s gazes naturally shifted to Zhou Can.

“This must be Dr. Zhou Can! Truly a standout talent with an impressive presence!”

A chief physician lowering himself to chat up a trainee spoke volumes about Director Mo’s emotional intelligence.

Zhou Can had made monumental contributions in this team competition. His standing within the group was undoubtedly high.

Building rapport with Zhou Can would help Director Mo integrate into Mr. Liu’s team.

“You’re too kind! I’ve heard of your reputation, Director Mo. That complex case of hypothyroidism causing immune deficiency and multiple symptoms left a deep impression. It showcased your vast medical knowledge and meticulous diagnostic approach.”

Zhou Can never resorted to shallow flattery when praising others.

Saying things like ‘You’re amazing!’ or ‘Your skills are incredible!’ often felt insincere and could leave a hypocritical impression.

Praising someone to their face often means criticizing them behind their back.

That’s the risk of generic, over-the-top compliments.

“Haha, I didn’t expect Dr. Zhou to remember that case! Figuring out the cause took quite some effort. I look forward to working with you and witnessing your brilliance in diagnosis and surgery.”

Director Mo extended his hand.

“Working alongside you is my privilege, Director Mo. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot. Please guide me in the days ahead.”

Zhou Can sighed inwardly. His training rotation in General Surgery was ending soon.

Originally, he was supposed to leave for Internal Medicine four days ago.

But his departure would’ve heavily impacted Mr. Liu’s team, so Zhou Can delayed his transfer.

Both Internal Medicine and the hospital understood his decision.

Director Tan from Internal Medicine even praised Zhou Can’s loyalty and sense of duty.

He assured Zhou Can he could join any department in Internal Medicine for residency training whenever ready. They’d provide all necessary support.

As the conversation continued, other teams approached, eager to join Mr. Liu’s Thyroid and Breast Department.

As long as a team specialized in thyroid or breast diseases, Mr. Liu generally welcomed them. If their expertise didn’t align, hiring them would drag down the department’s medical standards. In such cases, Mr. Liu tactfully turned them away.

A somewhat familiar figure shuffled over hesitantly.

“Director Liu, congratulations on securing qualifications for two subspecialties. That’s a unique achievement in this room!”

The man forced a fawning smile as he spoke first.

Smooth operators often lead with flattery.

To quickly win favor, they’ll toss out a couple of compliments, hoping to make the other party feel good.

“Ah, it’s Dr. Hong Zhengbo. What can I do for you?”

Deputy Director Liu’s tone carried a noticeable chill.

Back when the hospital announced the team-based competition, Attending Physician Song Ze and Resident Doctor Hong Zhengbo were the first to jump ship. They ditched Mr. Liu without hesitation, joining other teams.

Now, the irony was palpable. The team they abandoned and underestimated—Mr. Liu’s—emerged victorious, while their new teams flopped.

Two words: poetic justice.

Or if you prefer four: reaping what they sowed.

“Leaving your team back then was a moment of madness on my part. I was blind and foolish. I’ve regretted it ever since but lacked the courage to explain. Could you give me another chance? I swear, if I return, I’ll work hard and never forget your mentorship.”

Hong Zhengbo wasn’t here to apologize. He saw Mr. Liu’s team thriving with a bright future and wanted back in.

Mr. Liu didn’t outright reject him.

After all, many eyes were watching.

As a department leader, appearing too petty would reflect poorly.

If new members got a bad impression, it could hinder future collaboration and talent recruitment.

Mr. Liu’s gaze turned to Zhou Can, carrying a hint of plea and suggestion.

“I can’t make the call on this. You’ll need to ask Dr. Zhou Can’s opinion. Our team’s victory owes much to him. Deciding who joins us should consider Dr. Zhou’s input.”

Experience speaks. Mr. Liu was a seasoned player.

Hong Zhengbo and Song Ze’s betrayal back then nearly broke him.

Now this guy had the gall to return, begging to join. Mr. Liu could finally vent some of that frustration.

He wanted to refuse but couldn’t do so directly due to his position.

Passing the decision to Zhou Can was a perfect move.

Zhou Can didn’t mind playing the bad guy.

“Dr. Zhou, can you agree? I often recall the times we performed surgeries together and managed the wards. Those are my fondest memories. I knew back then you were exceptional, and now you’ve truly made your mark…”

Hong Zhengbo pulled out all the stops to rejoin Mr. Liu’s team.

He played the nostalgia card first, then piled on flattery for Zhou Can.

Unfortunately, he was dealing with Zhou Can—a seasoned heir who’d seen through the darker sides of human nature.

Hong Zhengbo’s tricks didn’t faze him.

“Dr. Hong, if those memories of working together were so precious, why did you leave without a second thought on the very first day of the team competition? Never even looked back. Is walking away without hesitation a natural skill for those born with a rebellious streak?”

That single line turned Hong Zhengbo’s face crimson with embarrassment.

“Traitors are never forgiven, though rivals can be respected. So, it’s better if you remain our opponent. If you knew it would come to this, why act as you did back then?”

Zhou Can delivered the final verdict without hesitation.

He made it clear such a person wasn’t welcome.

“You’re just a trainee! You’ve got no right to judge a superior physician’s choices!” Hong Zhengbo snapped, his shame turning to anger.

With so many watching, being branded a traitor by Zhou Can was a blow to his pride.

“Justice lies in people’s hearts. My mentor and parents often taught me that lacking knowledge or skill is fine—you can learn. But if someone’s character is flawed, they’re done for. They won’t be welcomed anywhere. You betrayed Director Liu without so much as a word back then. For the right price, you’d likely betray anyone else just as easily.”

Zhou Can’s high emotional intelligence didn’t mean he shied from confrontation.

He wouldn’t go easy on someone like this.

“Just like now, betraying your current team to crawl back to Director Liu’s. That self-serving nature is etched into your very bones. I’m not saying it’s wrong, but someone who flips sides so easily won’t ever be truly welcomed by any team. After all, medicine is a field that values responsibility and professional integrity above all.”

Those words hit hard.

They laid bare Hong Zhengbo’s shameless behavior for all to see.

Principles and boundaries sometimes need to be upheld.

Otherwise, one isn’t human but a beast.

“You… you… fine!”

Hong Zhengbo’s face turned ashen. Mr. Liu’s team wouldn’t take him, and his old team would likely view him with suspicion now.

His situation had become dire.

“Here’s eight words for you: mountains may change, but nature rarely does.”

Zhou Can’s expression remained indifferent.

Since the bridge was already burned, there was no point in holding back.