Chapter 434: A Night of Revelations: Where Rumors Fade and Hearts Speak

After the whole situation was finally cleared up, all of Zhou Can’s bad luck seemed to vanish at once.

His coworkers no longer shot him any strange looks.

Some colleagues he was especially friendly with even messaged him to congratulate him on crushing the rumors. There’s never a shortage of people willing to add flowers to a brocade.

Zhou Can responded to each message with a smile.

“Xiao Zhou, come to my office for a moment.”

As everyone headed out at the end of the day, Director Lou called out to him.

Once Zhou Can entered the office, before he could say a word, Director Lou exclaimed, “The court’s verdict was truly satisfying! I never would’ve guessed Dr. Lu would do something like that—so stupid and so vile.”

“There are all kinds of people in this world. Honestly, this was a lesson for me too—helped me grow,” Zhou Can said, calm as ever.

He took it all in stride.

Ever since Dr. Lu was taken away by the police, Zhou Can had already let things go.

“You’re right—blessing in disguise, as they say. After this trial, at the very least it proves your character is upright, your medical ethics strong, and your work style unproblematic. By the way, the hospital shared some news today. Remember that patient you saved with a severe leg burn and festering wound? Well, the hospital actually hired a TV crew to film a documentary about it. They’re planning some major external publicity.”

Director Lou let him in on this big news.

Zhou Can couldn’t help but get excited.

This would be the first time the hospital officially promoted him.

Over a year ago, the hospital had just kind of tried him out, like testing the waters.

And afterwards, Zhou Can really did prove himself.

He was now something of a name in the Pediatrics Department, having made a real difference in pediatric care. According to several young nurses and front desk staff, Zhou Can’s popularity in Pediatrics was rivaling that of some attending chiefs.

Reaching this level in just over a year was impressive.

But making Zhou Can more famous than those veteran pediatricians and old experts in just one year? That’s just not realistic.

Those renowned pediatricians and senior specialists all had real skills, and their medical research had been refined for decades—twenty, thirty, or even fifty years.

No way could Zhou Can, as a newcomer, compare to all that accumulated experience.

“Don’t get too excited just yet. For you, this publicity is practically a matter of life and death.”

Seeing Zhou Can all fired up, Director Lou quickly poured some cold water on his enthusiasm.

“Hospital publicity isn’t a good thing for me?”

Zhou Can asked in confusion.

“Getting a big opportunity for publicity is definitely a good thing for a doctor. Many go their whole careers without getting even one. But have you considered, with fame comes attention from all directions. Any tiny mistake or flaw of yours could be blown out of proportion—suddenly everyone’s gunning for you. Being a celebrity doctor isn’t as easy as it looks!”

Director Lou’s meaning was clear.

“I get it. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, right? Getting famous means you have to withstand all sorts of scrutiny.”

But Zhou Can was never one to fear a challenge.

Becoming a renowned doctor was his dream.

In today’s medical world, being a top doctor helps you build a team, get better research and academic resources, and makes everything twice as easy.

Look at any major hospital—all the ambitious doctors are cranking out papers and projects.

That’s just the reality.

No research, no status. No papers, no authority.

“Since you understand, I’ll skip the speech. Let’s talk about your own weaknesses: mainly, your education is average, and you lack high-quality research papers—no real research achievements to your name yet.”

Normally, you need at least a master’s degree to get real research opportunities.

Like Zhou Can, with just a bachelor’s and no research background or doctoral-level papers, he was at a clear disadvantage.

That’s exactly why hospitals love getting PhD grads.

“But don’t be too hard on yourself. Even though you lack credentials and publications, your surgical talent and judgement are top tier—even foreign PhD holders would envy them. You can pick up the degrees and papers in time.”

Even though Director Lou didn’t say it outright, it was obvious that the overseas PhD he meant was probably Du Leng.

“I’ll give it my all. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go check on the wards.”

Every evening after work, Zhou Can never misses his rounds.

Thanks to his thoroughness, ever since the Emergency Department opened inpatient wards, there hasn’t been a single problem.

Left to Dr. Lu, the Emergency Department might’ve collapsed multiple times by now.

“Go on! But be extra careful these days—mind your behavior and reputation. If the publicity goes well, the ER will consider scheduling you for outpatient consultations. Work out the timing, but you’ll need to take at least one outpatient slot a week.”

Director Lou gave him a heads-up.

The Emergency Department was a bit special that way.

Unlike other specialties where you need to be at least an attending physician to do outpatient shifts, here you just needed two years’ experience as a resident.

Sometimes they even let excellent trainees cover night shifts.

Some say interns get shifts too, but honestly, that sounds nuts. Even when Tuyu was short-staffed, that never happened—at most, the intern’s mentor might step out for a bit and let the student hold the fort.

But actually letting interns run the ER? Too risky—no one’s willing to take that responsibility.

Director Lou would rather sacrifice a day of Zhou Can’s surgery time to have him work the ER—clearly, there was a bigger strategy at play.

Plus, sitting for ER duty was great experience.

The ER had a crazy workload and required doctors to handle cases fast. Everyone called it a mini all-specialties department.

What did that mean?

It meant you could see patients from every possible specialty.

And you had the authority to treat them all.

Zhou Can was still in the middle of rounds when Mu Qing called.

“Reporter Mu! Did your reminder about that dinner I owe you pop up because my scandal was just cleared?”

He figured her connections were sharp as ever.

She had probably known the court’s outcome already.

“I was starting to think you—now practically a billionaire—were going to stiff me, since it’s been so long! I just texted you the address—don’t be late.”

“Hey, wait…”

Before Zhou Can could say anything else, she’d hung up.

He’d actually planned on doing a surgery in Cardiothoracic Surgery tonight, so now he had to rush.

“If you’re hungry, grab a snack. I still have an operation and might be a bit late.”

He sent her a message.

But when he checked the location she gave him, his brows creased.

It wasn’t some fancy five-star hotel—it was a Western restaurant.

He pulled up reviews for the place on the map.

It was a popular date spot for couples.

Was she up to something?

His scandal had just been cleared up—Zhou Can had no intention of leaping from the wolf’s den straight into the tiger’s jaws.

But he’d already promised her. Backing out wasn’t an option.

Showing up single for this dinner screamed ‘trap’.

A thought suddenly came to him. Zhou Can called Su Qianqian and asked her to get ready—she’d be coming along to the dinner.

…

Forty minutes later, Zhou Can left the hospital. The crucial part of the surgery in Cardiothoracic was done.

With Director Xueyan, Director Le, and others handling things, he was confident they’d wrap up the procedure without issue.

Honestly, lately, both Director Xueyan and the rest had improved their surgical skills at lightning speed.

Especially Director Xueyan—since she’d gotten pointers from Zhou Can during that surgery, her Steady Scalpel Technique had leveled up. After practicing and refining for a while, her surgical ability was on a whole new level.

Gradually, she was really starting to show an amazing gift for steady scalpel work.

Looks like Director Hu Kan really picked the right person to lead the department.

It’s worth mentioning that Jin Mingxi was improving fast in surgery, too. However, he started at a lower base and was just starting to catch up.

Give him another three to five years, and he’d become a real force in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Zhou Can looked at how his friends were leveling up and honestly felt happy for them.

He drove home, picked up Su Qianqian and Wei Fang, then headed straight for the Western restaurant.

Inside, couples were lost in their romantic candlelit dinners.

There was no shortage of beautiful people.

Mu Qing had clearly put extra effort into her makeup that night. She’d reserved a booth and was sipping tea alone.

As soon as Zhou Can entered, she raised her hand and waved him over with delight.

But her smile froze a bit when she spotted Su Qianqian walking in with him.

Su Qianqian was an A-list celebrity—she’d seen every kind of high-profile event.

When they left for dinner, Zhou Can hadn’t specified who they’d be meeting.

He only said it was a dinner party.

At first, she figured it was just some work or class reunion.

But now, seeing the atmosphere and the pretty girl waving at Zhou Can, she immediately got the picture.

She coolly walked over to Mu Qing’s booth and smiled, “I remember you. You came to my company for an interview once at Jin Yu Interactive. When I heard there was Western food tonight, I shamelessly tagged along. Hope you don’t mind?”

The showdown between the two women was over in a flash.

Mu Qing realized she just couldn’t match Su Qianqian’s poise or presence, though both were stunning in their own way.

They were both top-tier beauties.

“Why would I mind? I’m thrilled—for a star to dine with me, it’s my pleasure! Miss Su, please have a seat!”

Mu Qing recovered quickly.

She bounced back in less than three seconds.

She graciously invited Su Qianqian to sit down.

The booth could fit four in total, with seats on either side.

If a couple was on a first date, they’d usually sit facing each other; if they were close, they might share the same side.

Now, with Wei Fang there too, seating arrangements suddenly mattered.

If Su Qianqian and Wei Fang sat together, Zhou Can would be left seated with Mu Qing.

Even if the dinner went smoothly, he’d probably be kneeling on a washboard at home tonight.

With both IQ and EQ working overtime, Zhou Can hurriedly said to Su Qianqian, “Qianqian, you and Reporter Mu hit it off so well—why don’t you sit with her?”

Wei Fang was just the driver and Mu Qing was the distinguished guest tonight.

Putting the guest next to the chauffeur would be awkward for Mu Qing.

Honestly, just showing up with his girlfriend already put Mu Qing on the spot.

Everyone knew the game, and she understood too.

As long as Zhou Can treated her with warmth and respect tonight, she wouldn’t feel put out.

After all, Mu Qing had picked this kind of place to stir up trouble—she was up to no good.

“Of course! I’ve always heard that every top reporter is wise and worldly. Perfect chance for me to learn from you, Reporter Mu.”

Su Qianqian showered Mu Qing with praise.

“My little bit of knowledge is like a grain of rice next to your brilliance, Miss Su. Now that the host has arrived, can we order? I’m actually starving.”

Mu Qing knew the night was a lost cause.

May as well just enjoy the food and drinks.

A table full of dishes arrived soon enough. To vent her frustration, Mu Qing ordered two pricey bottles of red wine.

When it came time for a toast, Su Qianqian couldn’t drink—her kidneys had issues.

Zhou Can stepped in to drink for her.

As a result, Zhou Can was soon feeling a bit tipsy.

But Mu Qing was drinking in silence too, and she got drunk even faster—her cheeks already glowing pink.

She looked strikingly beautiful in that moment.

“Qianqian, I envy you. Dr. Zhou is such a good man. Seeing how carefully he looks after you, it’s clear he’s the kind of husband who cherishes his wife. These days, jerk guys are a dime a dozen—a snap of the fingers and they come running. But men like Dr. Zhou—who’s successful, upright, loyal, and knows how to love—are just so rare!”

Mu Qing slurred her words while speaking.

She was definitely drunk.

Zhou Can worried she might blurt out something that would sting Su Qianqian.

He hurriedly set his fork down. “Mu Qing, you’re drunk. Where’s your place? Want us to drop you off or call your family?”

“No, I’m not drunk. I like you, you know? I’ve liked you for a long time!”

Mu Qing’s sudden confession left Zhou Can in a cold sweat.

Su Qianqian’s expression clearly shifted, too.

“You’re drunk, no more wine for you! Time to head home,” Zhou Can said, holding down the bottle.

“Don’t worry, Qianqian. After seeing tonight how faithful Dr. Zhou is to you, I promise I’ll never bother him again. Once I’ve finished my work, I’ll leave.” Mu Qing looked over at Zhou Can as she spoke.

“There are 80,000 words in the world, but love is always the most painful one. I knew from the moment I started liking you that there’d be no happy ending. But I just can’t help it. I still want to see you. Does that make me pathetic?”

She gave a sad, wistful smile.

“No, I never thought that. If anything, you’re exceptionally kind—a good person with a strong sense of justice,” Zhou Can said softly.

Mu Qing wasn’t just beautiful and talented—she was gentle and righteous.

But love… well, that’s always beyond words.