Chapter 565: Dragged Away, Turning the Tables

With things settled in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department for now, Zhou Can returned to the Emergency Department to continue performing surgeries, no further mention needed.

Around six-thirty in the evening, Zhou Can and the members of the surgical team emerged one by one from the operating room.

“Dr. Zhou, could I have a word with you for a moment?”

A well-built middle-aged man, spotting Zhou Can, immediately stood up and approached him with purpose.

This man was none other than Zhang Mingxing, the Vice Director of the Third Hospital.

“Director Zhang, just say what’s on your mind.”

Zhou Can mused to himself that the Third Hospital’s resilience seemed far weaker than he’d imagined.

It was clear they couldn’t withstand the pressure from Tuyu Hospital, which explained why they were approaching him again so soon.

They must have learned through their informants that Zhou Can was the key to conquering tough cases in Tuyu’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Department. If they could poach him, Tuyu’s department would no longer pose a threat.

At least, that’s what the decision-makers at the Third Hospital believed.

“Speaking here might not be the best idea. I’m fine with it, but I wouldn’t want this to affect you negatively.”

Zhang Mingxing put on a face of concern, as if he truly had Zhou Can’s best interests at heart.

Zhou Can wasn’t about to fall for that act.

“No worries. I’m just a small-time doctor with nothing to hide. Go ahead, Director Zhang, speak freely.”

“Well… alright then. I’ll be direct. Have you reconsidered the offer I made last time? I’m a man who values talent, and I can’t bear to see a promising young doctor like you get ruined.”

The offer Zhang Mingxing referred to was likely the five million he’d proposed in the car to lure Zhou Can over.

“There’s no need to reconsider. I won’t agree to it. If there’s nothing else, Director Zhang, please excuse me. I need to grab some dinner.”

Zhou Can didn’t even hesitate, rejecting the offer outright.

Hearing the confidence in Vice Director Zhang’s tone, a faint smirk curled at the corner of Zhou Can’s lips.

Who had the upper hand here wasn’t so certain yet!

Zhang thought he had dirt on Zhou Can, but he had no idea Zhou Can was already prepared. Though the exact nature of the Third Hospital’s attack wasn’t clear, the only real leverage they could use was the issue of unauthorized high-level surgeries.

It wasn’t a big deal.

Not to mention that Zhou Can had already turned Jiang Wei, the mole, to his side, and she’d confessed everything to him.

Even if he hadn’t discovered Jiang Wei’s true identity, he still wouldn’t fear the underhanded tactics of the Third Hospital.

Every level-three or four surgery he performed in the hospital was under the ‘guidance’ of Dr. Xu or another chief physician. Procedurally, everything would hold up under scrutiny.

Besides, he was now one of the most outstanding up-and-coming doctors at Tuyu Hospital. The hospital wouldn’t let external forces sabotage his future so easily. The middle and upper management at Tuyu Hospital held a strong sense of justice.

It was this very force that had always protected the hospital’s medical ethics and integrity.

Their tolerance and protection of their own doctors were unwavering.

When Dr. Xu had faced trouble years ago, the entire hospital had rallied to shield him. Otherwise, forget continuing to practice medicine—he might have even ended up in prison.

After all, the patient he’d injured came from a family with immense power and influence.

Even now, years later, Dr. Xu still trembled whenever he spoke of it.

Zhou Can had once thought that after advancing his surgical skills like anastomosis and suturing to level six, he’d be able to help Dr. Xu heal that patient. But now, that goal seemed a bit out of reach.

The reason was simple: his surgical prowess hadn’t yet reached the peak he’d imagined.

Given the patient’s status and delicate condition, they wouldn’t easily allow him to attempt treatment.

If he were to operate on the patient now, there might be a sliver of hope, but it was far from a sure thing.

He figured that once his key surgical skills reached level seven, success would be guaranteed.

For now, he was working hard to improve his credentials, titles, and reputation.

All of this was to gain access to that patient and earn the trust of their family.

Zhang Mingxing hadn’t expected Zhou Can’s response to be so resolute.

His expression darkened noticeably.

“Dr. Zhou, you’re a rare young talent with impressive medical skills. But when it comes to handling people and situations, you’ve still got a lot to learn. I suggest you think this over carefully. Otherwise, you’ll regret it later.”

Every time Zhang Mingxing had approached him, he’d been all smiles and pleasantries.

This time, though, he resorted to thinly veiled threats.

There was a hint of frustration and anger in his tone as well.

After all, Zhou Can had consistently refused to budge, no matter the approach.

“I don’t know if I’ll regret it later, but if Director Zhang doesn’t leave now, I’m pretty sure you’ll regret it soon.”

Zhou Can flashed a nonchalant smile.

“You…”

Zhang Mingxing was so furious he couldn’t find the words.

Before he could say more, several stern-faced security guards strode over quickly.

The head of security practically sprinted toward them.

Their urgency made Zhou Can chuckle under his breath.

It was likely the hospital leaders had caught wind of the situation and feared losing a talent like Zhou Can to the Third Hospital. So, they’d hurriedly sent the Security Department to intervene.

A hospital is a public place, and in theory, anyone can enter.

But if someone causes trouble or disrupts medical order, security has the right to ‘escort’ them out.

“What are you doing here, harassing one of our hospital’s doctors? Come on, let’s have a chat in the office.”

The head of security, acting on orders from hospital leadership, showed no courtesy to Zhang Mingxing.

“I’m here to consult with Dr. Zhou. Isn’t that allowed? This is a public place. I can come and go as I please. What right do you have to interfere?”

Zhang Mingxing’s temper flared today.

He barked questions at the security team repeatedly.

In response, the head of security gave a sharp order, and several guards pounced like wolves, grabbing Zhang Mingxing and holding him fast.

“Security guards are here to maintain peace. Wearing this uniform means we have authority in this hospital. Take him away.”

The head of security sneered with disdain.

Zhang Mingxing was dragged off by two burly guards, with another pushing him from behind.

This was truly a case of a scholar meeting a soldier—reason wouldn’t get him anywhere.

Security guards relied on physical strength for their livelihood. They weren’t about to debate with him.

“Let go of me! Let go, I say! I’ll file a complaint against you!”

“Go ahead and complain. We’re not scared.”

The head of security smirked coldly, completely unfazed by the threat.

They were acting on orders from hospital leadership. Any complaint filed with the Medical Department would simply disappear without a trace.

“You… you lot! Wearing those uniforms, acting like you’re the lowest of the low, do you really think you’re the police? You’ve got no right to detain me. Let me go, or I’ll call the authorities!”

The esteemed Vice Director of the Third Hospital, dragged away like a common criminal in front of everyone—where could he possibly hide his face after this?

Zhang Mingxing roared and threatened the whole way.

All he got in return was rougher treatment.

No one hit him, but the force twisting his arms increased subtly, making him howl in pain.

Zhou Can watched Zhang Mingxing being hauled off and merely shook his head with a sigh.

It was about time someone put the Third Hospital in its place.

They’d screwed over so many doctors and nurses who jumped ship to join them. Of all the hospitals Zhou Can had encountered, this one had the worst reputation.

Other hospitals, when poaching talent, were polite and made good on their promises as much as possible.

After all, it was supposed to be a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Third Hospital, on the other hand, made empty promises left and right, couldn’t even pay basic salaries, and worst of all, tricked defectors into signing exploitative contracts.

They schemed against everyone who joined them.

It was practically a nightmare for anyone who switched over.

Zhou Can walked over to Su Qianqian, who was waiting nearby with a thermal lunch box in hand.

“Honey, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Can’t say the same for that guy, though.”

Zhou Can shrugged and took the lunch box from her. Opening it, he found it filled with all his favorite dishes.

“You made so much delicious food for me again! Thanks, darling!”

He couldn’t wait to dig in.

After a busy afternoon of physically demanding work, he was starving.

“Hehe, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you love my cooking, you won’t stray.”

She laughed, her smile bright and cheerful.

Seeing Zhou Can enjoy her food so much gave her a deep sense of accomplishment.

“Even if you didn’t win over my stomach, I’d never stray. But now that my stomach’s happy, my joy is through the roof.”

“Eat slowly. No one’s fighting you for it! Eating too fast isn’t good for you. Don’t you know that?”

Su Qianqian’s beautiful eyes were fixed on him, full of affection.

This kind of love was etched into her very bones.

Since falling for Zhou Can, the two had been through a lot together. Their bond was deep and unshakable.

The next morning, Zhou Can received a message from Jiang Wei.

“The money’s in hand. Get ready.”

He hadn’t expected the mastermind behind the scenes to pay up so quickly.

Fifty thousand wasn’t a small sum by any means.

As Zhou Can had suspected, the mastermind could only be the Third Hospital.

Zhang Mingxing had come to Tuyu Hospital yesterday to deliver an ultimatum, only to be thoroughly dealt with by hospital security.

He must have been fuming.

It was likely he’d struck a deal with Jiang Wei overnight, intent on bringing Zhou Can down.

“Got it!”

Zhou Can replied with just two words.

Sometimes, things really did happen by chance. Yesterday’s unexpected provocation of Zhang Mingxing had pushed the Third Hospital to speed up their plans and finalize the deal with Jiang Wei.

And they’d paid upfront, no less.

That was no small feat.

After all, the Third Hospital had a reputation for being deadbeats.

Their funding had started drying up months ago, and they’d been barely hanging on. Coming up with fifty thousand wasn’t exactly easy for them.

At noon, after stepping out of the operating room, Zhou Can received a court summons.

He’d been sued by a patient’s family.

This family was none other than the relatives of the patient he’d saved that night at the First Hospital.

The classic tale of the farmer and the snake played out in real life.

The lawsuit cited multiple reasons, including the issue of unauthorized high-level surgery.

After rejecting Vice Director Zhang yesterday, a court summons arrived today. Retaliation sure came fast.

“This family’s true colors are showing. I performed the surgery at the First Hospital, yet they’re not suing them—they’re coming after me.”

If Zhou Can hadn’t been prepared, who knows how this would have turned out.

Long ago, Dr. Xu had warned him that taking external cases carried risks.

If money wasn’t an issue, it was best to avoid external consultations and private work.

Upon receiving the summons, Zhou Can didn’t panic. He directly handed it over to his company’s legal team to handle.

At the same time, he personally called Zhong Ming, inviting him to dinner that evening.

That night, in a private room at a restaurant, it was just Zhou Can and Zhong Ming. Zhou Can explained the lawsuit filed against him by the patient’s family and asked if Zhong Ming would stand up for him when the time came.

Zhong Ming agreed without a second thought.

Even setting aside the thousand yuan Zhou Can had shared from his consultation fee the day after the external case, Zhong Ming would still have been willing to help.

In court, Zhou Can took a leave of absence from the hospital to attend the hearing.

Since this issue stemmed from private work, he didn’t feel right asking the hospital for help.

Instead, he chose to handle it on his own.

On the plaintiff’s side, the patient had recovered significantly.

The esophageal fistula had nearly healed after a month of recovery.

In the audience seats below, both directors from the Third Hospital were present in person. Their expressions were fierce, determined to ruin Zhou Can today.

Both sides soon began their arguments.

The patient and their family claimed that after the first surgery, the esophageal fistula could have healed faster. However, for caution’s sake, the First Hospital sought a renowned doctor from another hospital to assist.

They hired Zhou Can for a second surgery.

But Zhou Can allegedly hid the fact that he was only a resident doctor and performed an unauthorized jejunostomy, while also suggesting conservative treatment for the fistula, causing significant financial loss and physical harm to the patient.

The First Hospital and the family had already coordinated their story.

They claimed that when Zhou Can was hired, he misrepresented himself as qualified, deceiving them for a hefty consultation fee by concealing the truth.

They also brought in Jiang Wei as a witness.

As Zhou Can’s surgical nurse, Jiang Wei was considered a third-party witness, and her testimony carried significant weight.

When it was her turn to testify, she glanced at Zhou Can.

Clearly, she was still a bit uneasy.

Zhou Can gave her a subtle nod, signaling her to go ahead and testify for the plaintiff.

During her testimony, she chose her words carefully, trying to minimize the damage to Zhou Can. She even held back the secretly recorded conversation with Qiao Yu.

“Jiang Wei, as the defendant’s surgical nurse, can you confirm that the defendant indeed performed an unauthorized high-level surgery?”

“I can confirm it. That night, I served as the instrument nurse for Dr. Zhou. He also brought a colleague from Tuyu Hospital as an assistant. I saw with my own eyes that Dr. Zhou performed the entire surgery as the lead surgeon.”

Her answer was firm.

“Good! Thank you for your cooperation.”

At this point, Zhou Can was essentially pinned with the charge of unauthorized surgery. There was no escaping it.

“Defendant, do you have any objections to the above statements?”

“No objections.”

Zhou Can shook his head, acknowledging Jiang Wei’s testimony.

The two Director Zhangs sitting in the audience couldn’t hide their gleeful smiles.

This Zhou kid was about to take a massive fall today. No doubt about it.

“Honorable Judge, I have something to say.”

At this critical moment, Zhou Can spoke up calmly, his tone measured.

“Please proceed.”

“My instrument nurse, Jiang Wei, mentioned that during the surgery, I brought a colleague from Tuyu Hospital to assist. I’d like to request that he also take the stand to testify. May I have your permission?”

Zhou Can asked politely.

In court, one must always show respect to the judge and jury. Otherwise, it could negatively impact sentencing or other rulings.

Judges have considerable discretion in such matters.

For instance, under the law, a certain crime might carry a sentence of one to three years.

There’s a lot of room for interpretation in that range.

Even in cases involving the death penalty, creating favorable conditions during the trial could result in a suspended sentence.

“The court grants the defendant’s request to have another witness testify.”

The judge approved.

The two Director Zhangs in the audience felt a sudden pang of unease. Zhou Can had been remarkably composed from start to finish. Now, suddenly calling another witness to the stand raised the possibility of an unexpected turn.

Zhong Ming walked into the courtroom from the back and took the witness stand.

“It’s him!”

Zhang Mingxing’s face changed drastically the moment he recognized Zhong Ming.

When they’d tried to poach Zhong Ming, Zhang Mingxing had spared no effort. Naturally, he recognized him at a glance.