Chapter 536: Unyielding Rules and Miraculous Healing Speed

“Zhou Can, when you visit later, please take five hundred yuan on my behalf to donate to Lu Xiangbei. Pass along my regards and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Director Zhu still maintained a cautious stance on rehiring those who had jumped ship to other hospitals.

His attitude mirrored the one he held during yesterday’s face-to-face discussion.

Zhou Can let out a quiet sigh.

“No problem, I’ll make sure your concern reaches him.” After agreeing, Zhou Can paused for a couple of seconds before sighing again. “To be honest, what Director Lu truly hopes for is a chance to turn things around. The other staff who left for Third Hospital are also yearning for an opportunity to make amends.”

He mustered his courage to say this.

He wasn’t sure if Director Zhu would lose his temper and lash out over the phone.

A suffocating silence lingered on the other end.

After four or five agonizing seconds, just as Zhou Can braced himself for a scolding, Director Zhu sighed instead. “Zhou Can, you’re an outstanding young man. You act with principle and wisdom, and your heart is full of kindness. However, from my position and that of the other hospital leaders, we must remain resolute and unyielding. Every nation has its laws, every family its rules, and justice is impartial. These people are in a pitiful state right now, and they deserve sympathy. But if the hospital shows leniency, it would only encourage such unhealthy trends.”

“So, I’m fine with privately donating some money, but publicly agreeing to let them return to Tuyu Hospital is out of the question. Even if their return would benefit Tuyu Hospital and help them personally, I still can’t agree to it. I hope you understand the difficult position I and the other leaders are in. It’s not that we’re heartless, but our roles demand that we uphold the rules without exception.”

The patience with which Director Zhu explained his reasoning showed just how much he valued Zhou Can.

He didn’t want Zhou Can to feel disheartened.

After all, Zhou Can was a rising star at Tuyu Hospital.

If Zhou Can felt the hospital leadership lacked compassion, it could breed thoughts of leaving. That would be a significant loss for Tuyu Hospital.

“I understand the reasoning behind it. If rules are broken, it’s like a nation falling into chaos—the consequences would be disastrous. But while laws are unyielding, people have hearts. I still want to plead with you to find a middle ground, to give these people a helping hand. If someone is driven to the point of attempting suicide, they must be in utter despair. Offering them a way out means giving them a chance at life and hope.”

Zhou Can continued to advocate for them.

When he first received the desperate call from Deputy Director Lu, Zhou Can shared Director Zhu’s view that traitors couldn’t be forgiven.

But in the end, these were living, breathing people—individual lives.

Behind each of them might be entire families depending on them.

“If you truly want to help them, there’s only one way: intervention from higher authorities. If the order comes from above, there won’t be any obstacles on our hospital’s end.”

Director Zhu offered Zhou Can a subtle hint.

“Understood! Thank you, sir. On their behalf, I’m deeply grateful!”

Zhou Can was sharp and well-versed in navigating human dynamics.

With just a nudge, he immediately grasped how to assist them.

The hospital couldn’t proactively agree to take them back, but if the supervising authority stepped in, the situation would be entirely different.

This was a matter that rightfully warranted the involvement of the higher authorities.

“I’ll send someone with the five hundred yuan shortly.”

With that, Director Zhu ended the call.

This conversation with Director Zhu deepened Zhou Can’s understanding of the art of leadership.

Some sophisticated interpersonal skills were hard to grasp on one’s own, but a little guidance made all the difference.

…

After finishing a surgery at noon, Zhou Can headed to the cafeteria for lunch when Head Nurse Niu Lan from the Emergency Department Nurse Station called out to him.

“Zhou Can, Zhou Can, take this five hundred yuan. Sign here for me.”

Zhou Can walked over, signed the receipt, and accepted the five crisp hundred-yuan bills.

“Thanks!”

“No need to thank me. I never would’ve guessed you’d quietly build such a close connection with Director Zhu! Hurry up and eat—don’t starve yourself!”

Head Nurse Niu Lan chuckled as she made the remark.

Though it was just five hundred yuan, the fact that Director Zhu had someone deliver it to Zhou Can spoke volumes to those around.

Speculations, of course, were bound to be off the mark.

Head Nurse Niu Lan only knew that Zhou Can and Director Zhu must have a tight relationship. Private financial exchanges like this wouldn’t happen without deep trust.

Zhou Can naturally didn’t bother to explain.

Let them guess—it was a good thing.

Sometimes, a vague sense of powerful backing could be a tremendous asset. It could help with his work, promotions, and more.

Normally, Head Nurse Niu Lan was polite to him, but never this attentive.

That was the power of an unspoken background.

After eating, Zhou Can requested leave from Dr. Xu and hurriedly drove to Provincial People’s Hospital.

Under normal circumstances, he should be able to return to Tuyu within two hours.

After all, the Emergency Department handled a heavy surgical load. Without him as a key player, some patients might not be treated in time.

The surgical volume directly affected the income of many in the Emergency Department and the department’s overall revenue—a core interest for everyone.

He drove straight to Provincial People’s Hospital.

At the Critical Care Department window, he spotted a lone, slender figure sitting there from a distance.

“Lu Fen!”

Zhou Can strode over.

All her relatives had left. Everyone had their own jobs, and unless they were immediate family, no one could stay by her side indefinitely.

When something happened, people coming together to help was already more than enough.

“Dr. Zhou!”

Seeing Zhou Can, she brightened up.

She quickly stood to greet him.

“Have you eaten lunch?”

“I don’t feel like eating.”

She shook her head lightly.

“How can that be okay? Your dad needs care right now. If you collapse, who’s going to look after him?”

Looking at the young girl, Zhou Can felt an inexplicable pang of sympathy.

She was quiet, especially her eyes, which carried a mix of sorrow, confusion, and helplessness.

“Please don’t be upset. I’ll make sure to take care next time.”

Sensing a hint of frustration in Zhou Can’s tone, she grew flustered.

“What do you like to eat? I’ll order some takeout for you.”

Zhou Can pulled out his phone and opened a familiar food delivery app.

There were plenty of delivery platforms in China, making ordering food incredibly convenient.

When leading surgical teams, Zhou Can often ordered meals for everyone, so he was quite adept at it.

“I… I can buy it myself. You don’t need to get it for me.” She waved her hands repeatedly.

“Do you know what your dad wrote in that letter? He said if anything happened to him, I should take care of you. I’m a few years older, so from now on, think of me as your big brother. You have my number—if anything comes up, just call me.”

As Zhou Can said this, she didn’t seem surprised.

“After my dad woke up, he told me the same thing. He said if he’s not around, I should listen to you and discuss anything with you.”

Lu Fen lowered her head, nervously fidgeting with her sleeve.

“Even if your dad is around, you can still see me as a brother. I’m an only child, and you’re the only kid in your family too. Let’s stick together for support. What do you like to eat? Tell me now, or I’ll really get upset!”

Zhou Can urged her.

“Then… just get me some egg fried noodles. Not too oily, please. And a seaweed soup on the side.”

She ordered the simplest meal.

“It’s done. The delivery address is here, and the contact number is yours. Grab it when it arrives.” Zhou Can swiftly placed the order and showed her the phone screen.

“Why did you buy strawberries too? They’re so expensive—cancel them quick!”

Her eyes were sharp.

The screen only flashed before her for a moment, yet she caught it.

“I’ve just gained a little sister. I’ve got to show some gesture, right? If you like them, I’ll buy more next time.”

Zhou Can said with a smile.

“I’m not just some cheap little sister! That day, to save my dad, thank you for doing so much. I heard many critical steps in the surgery were handled by you personally. I’ll remember this kindness for the rest of my life.”

She must have heard the news from somewhere.

There’s no wall that doesn’t let some wind through.

Anything done will eventually be known by others.

Zhou Can never intended to hide it anyway.

“If you really want to thank me, stop calling me ‘sir.’ It sounds awkward. From now on, call me brother, or Can Bro, or just Zhou Can—whatever works.” After saying this, Zhou Can remembered the donations from Director Zhu and Director Xue.

He first handed her the five hundred yuan in cash.

“This five hundred yuan is from Director Zhu of Tuyu Hospital. He entrusted me to pass it to you. He’s too busy to visit in person, so I’m conveying his regards to Director Lu. He hopes for a swift recovery.”

“Thank you so much! Tuyu Hospital truly shows compassion… sob…”

As she took the money, tears of gratitude streamed down her face.

Only after experiencing the cold harshness of society could one truly appreciate the warmth of a helping hand in desperate times.

The stark contrast between Third Hospital’s indifference and the caring concern from Tuyu Hospital, her father’s old employer, was striking.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry!”

Zhou Can dreaded seeing girls cry. All he could offer was simple comfort.

Despite being a second-generation rich kid, he wasn’t the playboy type at heart.

“Only in hardship did my dad and I realize who truly cares for us. Back then, my dad jumped to Third Hospital to gather funds for my studies abroad. We were wrong to do that.”

Her conscience must be tormenting her.

“Everyone makes mistakes. Recognizing them and correcting them is what matters. This thousand yuan is from Director Xueyan of Tuyu’s Cardiothoracic Surgery. I’ll transfer it to you via WeChat.”

Zhou Can sent her a thousand yuan through WeChat.

This time, she didn’t cry as hard. She just sniffled quietly.

“By the way, how’s Director Lu doing now?”

Seeing her emotions spiral, with her constant crying drawing curious stares, Zhou Can shifted the topic. Some onlookers might think he’d done something to upset her!

Changing the subject was a quick way to stop her tears.

Sure enough, when Zhou Can asked about her father’s condition, she wiped her eyes with a tissue and stopped crying.

“My dad’s condition is stable for now, and he’s awake. The doctor said he’s improving. They’re considering fracture treatment in the next couple of days. Since he just had major surgery, with multiple organ displacements and severe injuries from the fall, they’re opting for manual reduction and plaster fixation for the fractures.”

She explained the situation.

“Given Director Lu’s current state, another major surgery isn’t advisable in the short term. Conservative treatment for the fractures is the best choice for now. If recovery isn’t ideal later, surgery can be considered then. The priority right now is preserving his life.”

Hearing this, she felt more reassured.

“You’re my brother now. From here on, I’ll consult you on major decisions regarding my dad’s treatment. You won’t find me bothersome, will you?”

She adapted to the new dynamic quickly.

Receiving Zhou Can’s care and support during her most helpless time, coupled with her father’s trust in him, allowed her to emotionally accept Zhou Can as a brother with ease.

“If anything comes up, just reach out to me. Whether it’s decisions about your dad’s treatment or issues in your work or life, I’m here. When the time comes, I’ll tell my wife about recognizing you as a sister. If there’s anything you’re uncomfortable discussing with me, you can talk to her.”

Bringing up Su Qianqian at this moment carried a deeper intent.

Zhou Can and Lu Fen were both young, and her gratitude and respect for him could easily morph into a young girl’s crush on an older brother figure.

If things developed that way, their relationship would take on a different tone.

Mentioning Su Qianqian now acted as a safeguard, naturally preventing Lu Fen from entertaining such thoughts.

Since Director Lu’s condition was stable, Zhou Can didn’t enter the ward to visit this time.

After chatting with Lu Fen for a while, he went to find Director Xiang Fei.

He had come with a mission in mind.

Luck was on his side—Director Xiang Fei was in his office.

“Hey, Dr. Zhou! Come in, take a seat!”

Director Xiang Fei had been frowning over a patient’s treatment plan. Seeing Zhou Can knock and enter, he was pleasantly surprised.

He stood up to welcome him.

Two students in the room gazed at Zhou Can with envy.

Not many people received such a warm reception from Director Xiang.

“I’m not interrupting your work, am I?”

Zhou Can asked.

“Nah, work is never-ending. A short break won’t hurt. That patient surnamed Lu has been getting better day by day since the surgery. The heads of Thoracic Surgery and Neurosurgery checked his surgical incisions and recovery progress, and they’ve been singing your praises!”

Director Xiang Fei couldn’t stop complimenting Zhou Can.

Ru Yaji, one of his subordinates, had long shed her arrogance and now looked at Zhou Can with admiration.

She had witnessed Zhou Can’s skills firsthand during the surgery that day.

His abilities were astonishingly impressive.

Her own skills, which she once took pride in, paled in comparison to Zhou Can’s.

Pang Houzhong also held deep respect for Zhou Can.

He was eager to befriend Zhou Can, hoping to learn from him.

“I only did what I could. I wouldn’t dare take credit. How’s the patient’s wound healing coming along?”

Zhou Can inquired.

“It’s healing remarkably well. For a patient his age, wounds typically take at least seven days to start closing up. Yet his incisions are nearly healed in just two days. There’s no redness, swelling, leakage, or signs of infection—it’s almost unbelievable. Director Wu Yongming from Thoracic Surgery reviewed it and said it’s because your suturing and debridement were executed at an exceptionally high level.”

Director Xiang Fei couldn’t help but marvel at Director Lu’s condition.

Zhou Can, however, remained unfazed.

To be frank, in the Emergency Department, any patient Zhou Can operated on, especially those he personally sutured, typically showed such results.

If the patient’s physical condition was good, they could often reach the point of stitch removal in about two days.