Chapter 47: Connections of Trust

“Kid, you’re really something. I’m Cao Zhengguo. Here’s my card. If you don’t mind, call me anytime to chat. And if you ever run into trouble, you know where to find me,” he said.

The old man handed him a plain black business card.

It simply bore the name Cao Zhengguo along with two phone numbers.

Zhou Can accepted it with both hands and tucked it into his pocket.

How you address someone is truly an art.

Call them young if possible; avoid sounding too old. Otherwise, you may easily rub them the wrong way.

“Thank you, Uncle Cao, for your kindness. If I get the chance, I’ll be sure to trouble you,” Zhou Can replied with humility.

Generally, the more impressive a person, the simpler their business card.

After all, their very name speaks louder than any title.

In contrast, charlatans and those without true skill often clutter their cards with a bunch of fancy titles.

Something like ‘President of So-and-So Association’ or ‘Manager at So-and-So Company.’

They may appear impressive, like self-made success stories.

In reality, they lack any weighty qualifications.

Cao Zhengguo was an old superior of Director Zhu. Just this connection promised Zhou Can endless advantages.

Future promotions, important training opportunities at the hospital, and when reporting to Director Zhu, seeing Zhou Can would almost certainly secure special treatment.

Being a doctor really is a noble profession.

Besides the satisfaction of saving lives, it often brings unexpected connections.

These ties are priceless networks indeed.

No wonder chief physicians at major hospitals wield such high social status. The important people they meet while treating patients already set them apart from ordinary elites.

Society is like an enormous web woven by all of us.

Each individual is a node on this expansive network.

Building relationships means connecting your own node with others to form a network centered on you.

The larger and sturdier your network, the better you can navigate society.

“Xiao Zhou, my old subordinates rarely hand out business cards. You must treasure this,” Director Zhu hinted with a smile.

The director’s warm hints did not go unnoticed by Zhou Can.

Even without a reminder, Zhou Can understood the weight of that card.

“I will, Director Zhu. Thank you!”

Zhou Can remained modest and courteous.

“Hehe, you’re quite polite for a young man. Today, you’ve truly earned commendation. Keep it up. Tuyu Hospital needs talented individuals who embody the spirit of both excellent medical ethics and skill,” Director Zhu praised him, using the term ‘exemplary in both virtue and skill.’

That phrase was a tremendous honor.

It was also a strong recognition of Zhou Can’s outstanding performance.

Du Leng, Gao Jian, Yang Chan, and the others watched Zhou Can’s praise with envy.

Opportunity is equal for all, but only those who seize it get ahead.

In the future, whether it’s promotions to resident, attending, leadership roles, or even joining research teams and external training, Zhou Can would always hold an advantage.

After praising Zhou Can, Director Zhu scanned through all the medical staff in the emergency room.

“Excellent work on this rescue mission, everyone. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Of course, of course!”

Several department heads chimed in.

In such settings, ordinary doctors and nurses seldom have much say.

“Old friend, in a bit I’ll arrange a ward for your daughter to stay in for observation for two days. Once her vital signs stabilize, she’ll be discharged. How does that sound?”

Director Zhu made a considerate arrangement.

It has to be said, having the right connections is so important.

Bed availability at Tuyu Hospital was extremely tight, with many patients waiting for surgery in line.

With a broad gesture, Director Zhu gave Mrs. Cao the green light without hesitation.

“I trust you to handle everything.”

Cao Zhengguo, always a master of leadership, affirmed Director Zhu with a nod—more effective than empty praise a hundred times over.

“Thank you for your trust, old friend.” Director Zhu’s smile was as radiant as a blooming flower.

“Alright, get back to work! Thank you for your hard work today!”

Cao Zhengguo waved his hand, signaling that Director Zhu need not accompany him any further.

From their conversation, it was clear that Director Zhu always regarded himself as a subordinate to Cao Zhengguo, a stance the latter accepted without fuss.

One couldn’t help but wonder about Cao Zhengguo’s true background.

It certainly didn’t seem like he was the former head of Tuyu Hospital.

With this old man’s card in hand, Zhou Can would have ample opportunities to learn more over time.

After Director Zhu left, the experts and department heads who had come for consultation—each a busy soul—began to depart.

Director Xie ended his day looking a bit bedraggled, casting a complex glance at Zhou Can as he left.

That lingering, wistful look was intriguing.

Whether it was regret over not choosing Zhou Can back then or because Zhou Can’s stellar performance challenged his belief in high academic credentials, no one was quite sure.

Du Leng, however, was clearly the worst off.

During the first half, he shone brilliantly; during the second, he was reduced to tears.

At first, Director Zhu admired him through his twinkling eyes. But after hearing that he nearly caused a misdiagnosis, Director Zhu’s attitude toward him turned icy.

He didn’t even spare him a glance until he left.

Director Tan left with three colleagues from the Internal Medicine Department.

“Dr. Zhou!”

He looked at Zhou Can with a warm, fatherly expression.

“Please, call me Xiao Zhou!” Zhou Can replied, lowering his stature.

“Hmm, not bad at all. Just after such a great feat, you remain humble. I have high hopes for you. As Director Zhu just mentioned, Tuyu Hospital needs talents with both high ethics and excellent skill. Since residency involves rotations through various departments, you’re welcome to join the Internal Medicine training. I can personally mentor you,” Director Tan extended an olive branch.

This offer made Director Lou, standing nearby, very anxious.

“Director Tan, you should have mentioned earlier—Xiao Zhou was selected by our Emergency Department for residency. You can’t just snatch someone away from us!” Director Lou protested, hurriedly trying to protect his own turf.

“Look at you; aren’t we all doctors at Tuyu Hospital? We’re all family. Besides, do you really think your emergency department, with its limited resources, can nurture top-tier doctors? I see potential in Xiao Zhou: he’s sincere, kind, and grateful. No matter how successful he gets, he won’t forget where he came from,” Director Tan replied with a smile as he glanced at Zhou Can.

“Right, Dr. Zhou?”

“You’re absolutely right. The Emergency Department will always be my first home,” Zhou Can’s response seemed to put Director Lou a bit at ease.

“Internal Medicine is the foundation of all medical practice. Master it, and you’ll build a solid base for future growth. I suggest you extend your residency in Internal Medicine a bit. Even the most talented can only scratch the surface in three months. Of course, this is just my advice—you make the final call,” Director Tan advised sincerely.

“Thank you for your wise words. I will definitely pursue Internal Medicine training, and I look forward to learning from you and the team,” Zhou Can responded gratefully, joining his hands in a slight bow.

“Once you’re in Internal Medicine, Neurology is a must-take course! You’re welcome to consult me anytime,” Director Yin, who was known for his brevity and had even scolded Zhou Can not long ago, declared.

Now seeing Zhou Can’s potential—as a humble, genuinely good-hearted individual—Director Yin felt a newfound fondness.

Gaining the guidance of this top-notch Neurology expert was exactly what Zhou Can needed.

“Thank you, Director Yin, for putting the past behind us. I’ll come seek your advice—just promise not to give me too much grief,” Zhou Can joked with a smile.

“Haha, I must warn you, my reputation for strictness with my students is well known. Brace yourself for a few scoldings,” Director Yin chuckled, clearly amused by the young man’s attitude.

“No worries—I’ve got thick skin. If you touch my cheek, it’s probably as thin as the sole of your shoe!”

During his internship, Zhou Can had endured his fair share of scoldings.

Almost every doctor has grown through such trials.

Bridging differences with Director Yin, despite the occasional harsh words, brought Zhou Can immense joy.

After all, being able to consult this top Neurology expert whenever needed made any reprimand seem trivial. Even if Director Yin gave him a good thrashing, it would be well worth it.

“Cheeky!”

Director Yin couldn’t help but laugh as he mock-scolded him.