Chapter 421: A Midnight Bargain in the Cardiothoracic Ward

At that moment, Associate Director He must have gotten the news and rushed over from the on-call room.

His lab coat buttons were even done up wrong in his hurry.

If Zhou Can guessed right, Associate Director He had probably been napping in the on-call room. After all, he’s up there in years and now it’s already past midnight—he just couldn’t stay up any longer.

Zhou Can and Director Xueyan hadn’t been in the ward for more than five or six minutes.

Associate Director He got woken up and made it to the ward so fast—that alone showed his influence in the department.

You have to realize, it was the dead of night. There were far fewer doctors and nurses on call than during the day.

The nurses split between short and long night shifts.

Short night runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The long night is from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. the next day.

It was right around the night shift handover, but the long-night nurses wouldn’t arrive that quickly. So apart from the on-duty doctors, the only one who could’ve tipped off Associate Director He was a nurse working short night.

But really, there’s no point chasing down who notified him.

It doesn’t matter much anyway.

Zhou Can just used this little detail to deduce that Associate Director He holds amazing sway in the department.

Old ginger is spicier than young after all.

Even though Director Xueyan had secured her position thanks to Dr. Hu Kan’s last words, it was still shaky. Associate Director He had been eyeing that seat for a long time.

This isn’t something he could ignore—he’d have to help her out somehow.

Otherwise, if Associate Director He really took over as department head, it would spell trouble for Cardiothoracic Surgery.

It’d be way harder for Zhou Can to get things done through the department in the future.

“Director Xue, the patient’s drainage output seems to be increasing again. What do you recommend we do about it?”

After greeting Xueyan and Zhou Can, Associate Director He wasted no time trying to pass the problem off to Director Xueyan.

“Let’s step outside and talk,” Zhou Can suggested.

Associate Director He wasn’t thrilled about Zhou Can taking charge of the conversation or stepping over him, but he didn’t argue. Only a flicker of anger in his eyes gave away his displeasure.

Once they left the ward, the three of them didn’t stand in the hallway to discuss. Instead, they headed for the office.

“Director Xue, you were Dr. Hu Kan’s top student. You’re an expert in cardiothoracic surgery, highly skilled and experienced. Do you think you could take on this patient? In the future, if there’s ever a difficult lobectomy, I’ll make sure to help, no matter how busy I am.”

Associate Director He was trying to strike a deal with Director Xueyan.

Hand the patient over, and in return he’d help with challenging lobectomy cases.

Just shows how much he overestimates his own surgical skills.

His ability and experience in thoracic surgery weren’t bad, but definitely not top-tier. Among the senior attending physicians, he was mediocre at best.

Zhou Can had watched him operate before. Aside from being slow, Associate Director He was rigid and careless during procedures—his improvisation was lacking, and his higher-level surgical technique just wasn’t there.

“Director He, the hospital insists on the attending physician system for good reason. You’re the first doctor to admit the patient, and you’re the chief surgeon—you know their situation better than anyone. So it’s best for you to continue managing the case personally.”

Director Xueyan’s answer put Zhou Can completely at ease.

It was like drinking iced tea on a scorching June day.

He’d been worried Director Xueyan might give in and agree.

Thank goodness—she’d truly matured, already showing the calm ruthlessness and subtlety of a seasoned department head.

Shot down, Associate Director He was a bit stunned.

He quickly added, “Any time there’s a tough thoracic surgery, I’ll be there, no excuses. Will that do?”

He was openly trying to up the offer and negotiate.

“It’s great that you’re stepping up, Director He. But—” she deliberately drew out her words, “my surgical team is very capable. We’re confident taking on any thoracic procedure. You just need to do what you’re comfortable with—take cases you can handle. If it’s not your area, pass them on. No problem.”

Times had changed.

With Zhou Can’s full support, Director Xueyan had successfully completed that complex lower lobectomy earlier. It gave her a surge of confidence.

She’d finally freed herself from Associate Director He’s grasp.

Any tough surgeries from here on? She could always consult Zhou Can.

“This… this…” Associate Director He was at a loss.

He’d just been rejected twice, and Director Xueyan was more assertive each time, full of confidence.

He couldn’t help but wonder—how had Xueyan changed so much in just a few short hours?

His eyes drifted over to Zhou Can.

Could it be because of this kid?

“Why don’t we talk about the patient’s condition first?” Zhou Can said, a playful glint in his eye.

“I’m all ears.”

Associate Director He had literally slept at the hospital because he was terrified the patient would deteriorate and he’d be tagged for neglect or dereliction of duty.

He was already in his late fifties—just a few more years until retirement.

If something went wrong with this case and he got written up by the authorities, it’d ruin his final years on the job. The outcome wouldn’t be pretty.

At the very least, he’d lose any hope of becoming department head.

He might even have to give up his position as associate director.

“I went through the nursing records and the patient’s chart earlier. Since returning to the ward post-op, the drainage output was almost 700ml yesterday. Today, it’s still rising—at least 900ml by now. You know what this rapid increase means, right?”

Zhou Can’s expression turned serious.

“Please enlighten me,” Associate Director He asked.

But Zhou Can kept drawing things out, making him nervous and frustrated.

Still, everyone knew Zhou Can was a brilliant diagnostician—even the late Dr. Hu Kan used to praise his knack for solving tough problems.

So despite his annoyance, Associate Director He had to listen to Zhou Can’s opinion.

“It means the patient is suffering a major postoperative bleed.”

Zhou Can’s words were heavy.

It was like a hammer slamming into Associate Director He’s chest.

“Can you tell which area is bleeding?”

Associate Director He’s face turned pale, panic and fear flickering in his eyes.

Massive postoperative bleeds, postpartum hemorrhage—both are terrifying omens.

This was the rhythm of disaster.

He had every reason to be on edge.

“The surgical field was pretty large, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where. But if I’d been the operating surgeon, I’d probably be able to figure it out. Maybe Director He can recall if there were any wounds that weren’t well handled. And one more thing—don’t even think about using hemostatic drugs on the patient right now. If the patient goes into hypercoagulation, it’s certain death.”

Zhou Can had studied under Dr. Hu Kan for a long time.

Dr. Hu Kan had taught him and Xueyan practically everything—Steady Scalpel, thoracic surgery techniques, the lot.

Now with a serious post-op complication, as experienced as Associate Director He was, he just couldn’t cope.

First, he lacked the flexibility with medical skills that Zhou Can had. And second, his diagnostic skills had always been weak.

On top of that, his habitual carelessness during operations hadn’t changed.

Who knows what hidden issues he left during surgery—he’d struggle even to find them now.

He probably didn’t even notice at the time.

“Dr. Zhou, I know you inherited Dr. Hu Kan’s skills and have top-notch diagnostic ability. Please, you have to help me find the source of the bleeding. When this is over, I’ll treat you to dinner. If you ever need my help with anything, just ask.”

The situation truly rattled Associate Director He.

If the patient died from post-op bleeding, the fallout for him as chief surgeon would be severe.

These days, patient families aren’t pushovers.

If a patient dies in the hospital or soon after surgery, the family will still make a fuss—even without solid grounds. And if this really was because of carelessness during surgery, once the family requests an autopsy, Associate Director He would be in a very vulnerable position.

Given all this, swallowing his pride and asking for Zhou Can’s help wasn’t such a big deal.

Zhou Can being able to diagnose post-op bleeding suggested he might already have some clues.

“Actually, I do need a favor from you.”

Zhou Can’s eyes glinted.

“Go on, I’m listening.”

Associate Director He’s face grew stiff. This Zhou kid really didn’t hold back.

Right now, with no options left, he had to be polite.

“It’s nothing major. I’m sure you can handle it, and honestly, it’ll be good for you. Nothing to lose.” Zhou Can said lightly.

“What exactly is it?”

Cautious by nature, Associate Director He wouldn’t agree to anything rashly.

He had a reputation—promising something and then backing out would look bad.

People in his position valued their credibility highly.

An adult over thirty with no credibility, always making promises and never keeping them, gets nowhere in society—no true friends, and only pity at the end.

No one trusts someone like that, not family, not colleagues. No leader would ever put them in charge of anything important.

In the end, people like that end up at the bottom of society.

“I want you to put all your grievances aside and genuinely support Director Xue from now on—work together to build up Cardiothoracic Surgery.”

Zhou Can was completely serious as he spoke.

Dr. Hu Kan had made it clear to him before passing—internal strife in Cardiothoracic Surgery was tearing the place apart. External pressures were only growing.

If infighting wasn’t stopped, the department would collapse or decline, bleeding talent until it was second-rate.

Zhou Can had to act to stop the feuding.

At the center of the chaos was Associate Director He. He refused to accept Director Xue in charge and kept forming his own clique.

He would try to trip up Director Xue at every opportunity.

These actions were harmful—but as long as he didn’t break hospital rules, no one could really touch him.

This was just like those public hospital employees with tenure who’d hit a dead end after crossing the higher-ups and just drifted through their jobs.

Even the director found people like that a headache.

But there wasn’t much he could do about it.

Director Xueyan never expected Zhou Can to openly demand that Director He submit to her like this, plainly and directly.

She felt touched and also a little awed by Zhou Can’s boldness.

If it were her, she’d never dare to lay it all out like that.

Sometimes, saying things outright takes more than courage—it means being ready for a major falling out.

“You’re asking for such a big promise, just for helping find the bleeding source?” Disdain was plain on Associate Director He’s face. This Zhou kid was so naive… still too young.

It was obvious the two sides of the deal weren’t equal. Why would he agree?

But Zhou Can nodded, completely serious.

“I’ll do more than find the cause of the bleeding; I’ll help treat the patient, get them through the crisis. If the patient dies, our gentleman’s agreement is off. But if the patient pulls through and goes home safe, you must put your grudges aside and work with Director Xue for real.”

Zhou Can’s face stayed stern.

He wasn’t some workplace rookie—he’d thought this through.

“And if I say no?”

Associate Director He still wasn’t willing to give up his ambition for the department head job because of this.

“You’ll agree. The patient already has classic signs of anemia—your window to save them is closing fast. If this patient dies, you’ll be facing a lawsuit, and I’ve seen their family—not your average folks. Once the autopsy finds surgical negligence caused a fatal bleed, you’ll lose your reputation, your future, your money—and maybe your family will even suffer along with you.”

Zhou Can spelled out just how high the stakes really were.

Clinical doctors fear nothing more than a medical accident.

Getting forced by the family to kneel in the outpatient hall burning spirit money is minor—there are doctors who’ve been driven to jump off hospital rooftops.

Sweat beaded on Associate Director He’s forehead. The fear was real.

Everyone has fear deep inside—he was no exception.

“Dr. Zhou, are you sure any bleeding is my fault during surgery? I followed all the proper steps—there are always risks. Even if the patient dies, the family signed off. Let them raise a fuss if they want.”

Associate Director He’s words sounded strong, but there was real weakness underneath.

Inside, he was far from confident.

“The family’s signature means they chose to trust the hospital and its staff. That doesn’t mean doctors can afford to be sloppy with a human life on the line.”

Zhou Can cut through his last excuse.

Normally, Associate Director He would’ve gotten angry and cursed at him.

Right now, after taking such a blow, he was too stunned to reply. His little eyes darted around anxiously.

Sweat kept pouring down his forehead.

He wiped it away with his sleeve again and again.

Director Xueyan just stood by, looking at Zhou Can with a complicated expression, occasionally glancing at Associate Director He but staying silent.

Seeing Associate Director He’s resolve begin to crack, Zhou Can pressed harder.

“Director He, you’re what—56 now? With all due respect, even if you were made head of Cardiothoracic Surgery, you’d only have about four years before retirement. You’d inherit a mess that’s nothing but stress. Isn’t being associate director now so much easier? In life, people fight and scrap, but in the end, there’s nothing left—it’s really not worth it.”

It did feel a bit awkward, a young guy saying this to someone much older.

Yet weirdly enough, Associate Director He actually took his words to heart.

“Alright, I agree,” he said at last.

After much internal struggle and weighing the pros and cons, Associate Director He chose to say yes.

“That’s more like it! Why get hung up on titles? Cardiothoracic Surgery is in a tough spot right now, with problems inside and out. If you take over, you’d be inheriting a mess.”

Finally managing to win over such a stubborn old bone, Zhou Can made no effort to hide his relief.

“One last thing—when you said a couple days ago that I had health issues, what exactly did you mean? Tell me straight,” Associate Director He demanded.