Chapter 543: Unclear Motives, The Veteran’s Gradual Retreat

“I’m done eating, take your time!”

Jiang Wei tackled everything with precision and never dawdled.

Her sense of time was razor-sharp, always chasing efficiency. If something could be done in a minute, she wouldn’t waste a second more.

“Want some milk? My treat.”

Qiao Yu offered Jiang Wei with a smile.

As the most senior member of Zhou Can’s team, second only to Zhou Can himself, her gesture of buying milk raised a few curious eyebrows.

Every word and action of an adult often carried hidden motives, tailored to serve their own interests.

“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t drink anything right after a meal. I’d suggest having water or milk fifteen minutes before eating—it’s better for your health.” She politely declined Qiao Yu’s gesture.

Drinking water immediately after eating could dilute the enzymes in your stomach, hampering digestion and absorption, sometimes even leading to constipation.

This was basic knowledge in nutritional care.

“Sorry, I didn’t think it through.”

Qiao Yu froze for a moment before quickly apologizing.

“No need to be so formal!” Jiang Wei flashed a warm smile, rinsing her lunch tray spotless and setting it back in place.

She even washed a stray plate someone had tossed carelessly into the sink and returned it neatly.

Zhou Can also noticed how she always ate every last bite.

Achieving a ‘clean plate’ was easier said than done, especially consistently.

In Zhou Can’s team, most left a bit of food behind. When faced with a dish they disliked, forcing it down felt like torture. Few could push past that mental barrier.

Most preferred comfort over suffering.

Jiang Wei, however, displayed many admirable traits worth emulating.

…

By evening, as work wrapped up, Dr. Xu announced that Jiang Wei had passed her interview.

A cheer erupted from Zhou Can’s team.

Everyone seemed to take a liking to this humble and pragmatic overseas PhD. Adding such a talented member to the surgical team elevated their strength, benefiting everyone.

“Jiang Wei, congratulations! Welcome to our team!”

Zhou Can shook her hand warmly.

“Thank you!”

Her grip was soft yet firm, brimming with strength.

It hinted at a woman with strong execution, grounded in practicality and driven by efficiency—a true go-getter.

“Congrats!”

Qiao Yu and the others stepped forward with smiles, offering their welcomes.

“I’m hosting dinner tonight. Since Zhou Can has to head to Cardiothoracic Surgery for overtime soon, let’s pick a nearby hotel or restaurant. Thank you all for giving me this chance to grow and for making me feel the warmth of this team.”

Jiang Wei’s unique way of addressing Zhou Can as ‘Big Boss Zhou’ felt fresh and endearing.

Not Dr. Zhou, not just Boss, but Big Boss Zhou.

Of course, Zhou Can welcomed all such nicknames with open arms. These affectionate terms reflected everyone’s fondness for him.

“I’ve only got about an hour to spare. Qiao Yu, why don’t you take Jiang Wei and the gang to find a spot and order food? Send me the location on my phone. I’ll head over right after rounds.”

Zhou Can didn’t want to dampen Jiang Wei’s enthusiasm.

A newcomer treating the team was also a chance to strengthen their bond.

“Got it!”

Qiao Yu agreed readily.

“Oh, I’ll go invite Dr. Xu as well.”

Jiang Wei thought of everything, clearly well-versed in social graces.

Just then, Dr. Xu emerged from the Operating Room. Jiang Wei approached him with an invitation, but as expected, he waved it off with a stern face. “I’ll pass. You young folks go ahead. Zhou Can, if you’re operating in Cardiothoracic Surgery tonight, no drinking.”

Dr. Xu’s primary concern was always Zhou Can.

He didn’t want his prized student taking any risks.

There’s no rule against doctors drinking after hours. But if alcohol’s in your system and an emergency call comes from the hospital, you’re expected to return.

Practicing medicine while intoxicated could lead to serious errors.

It also violated hospital regulations.

So even off-duty, doctors often exercised strict self-discipline and abstained from alcohol.

Hospital leaders were an exception. Many male leaders enjoyed inviting pretty nurses or female interns to dinners, pushing drinks on them with intentions everyone understood.

“Boss, looks like Sis-in-law is here!”

Yang Zhi whispered.

Though older than Zhou Can by a few years, out of respect, Yang Zhi referred to Su Qianqian as Sis-in-law.

Zhou Can and Su Qianqian’s wedding plans were already in motion.

They just needed Zhou Can to take leave and accompany her back to her old home to meet her elders, mainly her uncle and aunt who raised her. Their kindness couldn’t be overlooked.

Zhou Can turned and spotted Su Qianqian sitting quietly with a thermos bucket in hand.

He hurried over with a grin.

“Qian Qian!”

Seeing Su Qianqian always lifted his spirits. After years together, their bond ran deep; she was an integral part of his life.

“Aren’t your colleagues hosting a dinner? Should I take the food back home?”

She asked considerately.

“No way! You put so much effort into making this for me. Taking it back would be such a waste. Home-cooked meals are way tastier and healthier than anything outside. I’ll just swing by the dinner to keep up the vibe.”

Zhou Can took the thermos from her hands.

He couldn’t bear to let his girlfriend’s hard work and affection go to waste.

It was also a way to show her respect.

Jiang Wei quietly asked Qiao Yu and the others.

“Is Big Boss Zhou married? His wife is stunning!”

“Not yet, but I hear it’s happening soon. Their love story is something to admire.” Qiao Yu’s tone carried a faint wistfulness.

“With our boss being so outstanding, of course his partner would be just as amazing!”

Yang Zhi chimed in from the side.

“Does she bring him food every day?”

Jiang Wei’s gaze lingered in Zhou Can’s direction.

“Pretty much! A lot of us in the department envy their relationship. It’s become quite the legend around here.”

Ma Xiaolan answered.

She was in a relationship too, with an equally impressive boyfriend—a doctoral graduate from abroad. So among the team, Ma Xiaolan was probably the least envious of Zhou Can and Su Qianqian.

When you have something of your own, envy tends to fade.

Jiang Wei strode over to Zhou Can and Su Qianqian.

“Hi, I’m a new surgical nurse on Dr. Zhou’s team. My name is Jiang Wei. I just heard about the beautiful love story between you and Big Boss Zhou, and I’m truly touched and a bit jealous. Can we get to know each other?”

Jiang Wei greeted Su Qianqian with a friendly smile.

“Hello! Nice to meet you!”

Su Qianqian responded graciously, extending her hand for a shake.

In terms of presence, beauty, and poise, no one could outshine Su Qianqian. Even someone as formidable as Jiang Wei seemed to pale a little in comparison.

“I’m hosting a team dinner tonight. Would you like to join us, Sis-in-law? I can tell you’re not only a successful woman but also amazing at managing a family. I’d love to learn from you and hopefully find my own soulmate soon.”

Jiang Wei unleashed a barrage of sweet compliments on Su Qianqian.

Unlike others, she didn’t focus on Su Qianqian’s looks but praised her as a successful woman who excelled at family life.

These words clearly struck a chord with Su Qianqian, making her beam with joy.

When a woman’s beauty is often praised, she’s heard it all since childhood.

At that point, looks matter less to her. What she values more is not being reduced to just a pretty face—a mere decoration.

Jiang Wei’s praise of her career success and family management hit exactly what Su Qianqian wanted to showcase, aspects others rarely noticed.

Without a doubt, Jiang Wei’s words landed right in her heart.

Instantly, Su Qianqian’s impression of Jiang Wei skyrocketed, leaving a fantastic first impression.

“Is it okay for me, a family member, to join a colleague’s dinner?”

Su Qianqian rarely attended such gatherings, yet this time she surprisingly softened her stance.

Jiang Wei was indeed impressive.

“Not only is it okay, but it’ll also let everyone satisfy their curiosity about you! It just depends on whether you’re free, Sis-in-law.”

Jiang Wei seamlessly adopted the term Sis-in-law.

“Alright then, I won’t stand on ceremony!”

Su Qianqian nodded in agreement.

“Zhou Can, are you okay with me joining?”

In public, she was always shy and reserved. At home, she’d sweetly call him ‘dear,’ but outside, she stuck to his full name.

“Big or small, all decisions at home are yours. No need to ask me.”

Zhou Can was already digging into his meal with gusto.

His girlfriend tailored the dishes to his tastes, making every bite pure comfort.

“Hehe, looks like Sis-in-law holds a solid position at home! I’ve got to learn this skill.” Jiang Wei covered her mouth with a light chuckle.

She and Su Qianqian hit it off quickly, chatting like old friends.

Zhou Can, on the side, focused on eating while listening in.

Sometimes, clicking with someone doesn’t mean you share the same interests or personalities. It could be that one person’s depth and understanding far surpass the other, allowing them to accommodate effortlessly.

It’s often called being ‘downward compatible.’

Jiang Wei was clearly an exceptional woman with profound insight.

Her experience, perspective, knowledge, demeanor, and grasp of human nature visibly outshone Su Qianqian—and even Zhou Can.

Such an outstanding woman choosing to join Zhou Can’s team made him question if he truly had that much charisma.

If Jiang Wei had ulterior motives, what could they be?

A 300,000-yuan annual salary? She could easily earn that or more at another hospital.

“I’m done eating. Jiang Wei, why don’t you and Qiao Yu head over to order food first? Qian Qian and I will join you soon.” Zhou Can handed the thermos back to Su Qianqian.

“Sure!”

Jiang Wei nodded while glancing at Su Qianqian.

“Sis-in-law, why don’t you come with us? I felt an instant connection the moment I saw you, like we’ve known each other forever. I’d love the chance to chat more!”

“No problem!”

Su Qianqian agreed with a smile.

At this point, Zhou Can couldn’t object.

Su Qianqian didn’t have many close girlfriends. Letting her interact more with others wasn’t a bad idea.

Still, in Zhou Can’s mind, his girlfriend was kind and innocent. Jiang Wei’s background was still a mystery, and her overwhelming warmth on their first meeting raised some suspicions about her intentions.

Of course, it was also possible she genuinely felt an instant bond, as she claimed.

Zhou Can headed off to check on the wards, no further mention needed.

The patient in bed 21, following Jiang Wei’s dietary therapy advice, showed a noticeably faster recovery.

Their spirits lifted, and a hint of color returned to their face.

The family also reported increased intestinal gas expulsion from the patient.

This was a positive sign.

Enhanced intestinal movement expelling waste gas aided recovery and maintained gut function.

This was especially crucial for patients who’d undergone intestinal repair surgery.

Based on Zhou Can’s clinical experience, for gastrointestinal surgery patients, fasting beyond two days required extra attention to the gradual loss of intestinal function. Like an adult lying idle too long, willpower and physical strength wane.

The gut worked similarly—intestinal fluid secretion dropped, villi atrophied, and peristalsis slowed.

All of this weakened post-surgery digestive function.

It posed certain hurdles to a patient’s recovery.

For ICU patients unable to eat for extended periods, relying solely on IV nutrition to survive, protecting gut function became even more critical.

Seeing the clear improvement in bed 21’s condition, Zhou Can couldn’t help but hold Jiang Wei’s nursing skills in even higher regard.

Having such a high-caliber nurse on the team was a blessing for the patients.

After finishing rounds, he rushed to the restaurant location Qiao Yu sent, just under 200 meters from the hospital. They’d ordered a lavish spread.

The nutritional balance of the dishes was meticulously planned.

It was obvious this was Jiang Wei’s doing.

Su Qianqian sat beside Jiang Wei, and Wei Fang had been invited to join. Qiao Yu, Ma Xiaolan, and the others also seemed to take a shine to Jiang Wei, chatting animatedly.

Jiang Wei had effortlessly become the center of attention.

This ability to subtly command a room wasn’t something just anyone possessed.

“Big Boss Zhou is the head of our surgical team and deserves the seat of honor. We saved this spot just for you! Come, sit! Sis-in-law manages the home so well, allowing Zhou to focus fully on work. Her contribution is invaluable. I’d like to toast you both. Given our line of work, let’s use drinks instead of alcohol.”

Right off the bat, Jiang Wei raised a toast to Zhou Can and Su Qianqian.

The table buzzed with cheerful conversation, the atmosphere warm and lively.

If circumstances allowed, Zhou Can would’ve loved to get Jiang Wei drunk to uncover her true intentions.

“Dr. Zhou, now that our surgical team has gained such an exceptional nurse, I’d like to make a request.”

Qiao Yu turned to Zhou Can.

“Go ahead.”

Zhou Can’s heart skipped a beat, fearing Qiao Yu might announce her resignation.

“I’ve never dared to ask for time off before, worried my absence would affect your surgical efficiency. Now that we have someone who can fill in, I’d like some time to chase my dreams. Could I have at least two days off a week?”

Qiao Yu had been diligently studying advanced nursing knowledge and English, preparing for overseas studies.

But her tight work schedule meant she could only carve out study time after hours.