Chapter 566: Overcome by Frustration, the Team is a Small Family

“Greetings, Your Honor! Hello to all the media friends here! I’m honored to testify on behalf of Dr. Zhou Can today. I thank Your Honor for this opportunity and Dr. Zhou for his trust. I assure you that every word I speak will be the truth, and I’m willing to bear legal responsibility for it.”

Zhong Ming glanced at the usually quiet man, surprised to see him so eloquent in court, his words flowing effortlessly.

After giving her testimony, Jiang Wei stepped down from the stand.

Watching Zhong Ming take the stage, a sense of understanding seemed to dawn on her. The worry on her face noticeably faded.

Zhong Ming’s indifferent gaze swept over the two Director Zhangs sitting below.

Enemies meeting face-to-face, their mutual resentment was palpable.

“First, I must clarify something publicly. That afternoon, Dr. Zhou approached me saying there was a patient at First Hospital who had undergone esophageal repair surgery. On the third day post-op, they developed an esophageal fistula, a serious complication. He wanted help from an external hospital’s doctor to resolve it. Honestly, hardly any doctor wants to take on a case with post-surgical issues. The risks are sky-high. If the initial surgery went wrong, it only gets trickier for the next doctor.”

The judge and jurors nodded in agreement.

Indeed, patients needing a second surgery are like hot potatoes—nobody wants to touch them.

People naturally shy away from trouble, and no doctor wants to get tangled in a mess.

“Dr. Zhou told me that First Hospital couldn’t handle the patient anymore. Transferring them to another hospital was nearly impossible. It just so happened that Song Qian, the Deputy Chief of the Medical Department at First Hospital, was classmates with Jiang Wei, Dr. Zhou’s surgical nurse. Hearing about Dr. Zhou’s exceptional surgical skills and knack for handling tough cases, they reached out through Jiang Wei to ask for his help. At first, Dr. Zhou hesitated. His own workload was already overwhelming. But after Jiang Wei’s persistent pleas, and considering that no one else would likely step in, he agreed.”

“With the heart of a true healer, he came to me for assistance. Though Dr. Zhou’s surgical skills are impressive, his rank is low. Out of responsibility to the patient and to strictly follow legal guidelines, he wanted a qualified Associate Chief Physician like me to guide him through the surgery.”

Zhong Ming laid out the entire story with a steady, unhurried pace.

His words moved many in the courtroom.

At that moment, the family members and the patient in the plaintiff’s seat grew restless.

No matter how shameless they might be, under the weight of such moral judgment and public scrutiny, shame burned in their hearts.

“I can confirm that what Dr. Zhong Ming described is mostly accurate. I was the one who begged Dr. Zhou to help, and he finally agreed. Moreover, he didn’t take on this surgery for money. From what I know, his family is well-off. He doesn’t lack funds.”

Jiang Wei did her best to speak in Zhou Can’s favor.

Having received the fifty thousand, she fulfilled her agreement by testifying in court.

Slipping in a few fair words for Zhou Can was no issue at all.

“Witness Jiang Wei, you weren’t asked to speak. Please refrain from interjecting.”

The plaintiff’s lawyer, seeing the tide turning, felt a chill in his heart.

He quickly moved to stop Jiang Wei from saying anything more in Zhou Can’s favor.

“Witness Zhong Ming, based on your statement, am I correct to understand that after Dr. Zhou Can took on the surgery, he actually requested you to oversee it? This includes formulating the surgical plan, treatment, diagnosis, and so on, with you leading and him performing the second surgery under your guidance?”

Zhou Can’s lawyer seized the favorable moment to ask.

He aimed to build on this advantage, steering the thoughts of the judge and jurors.

“Exactly. After Dr. Zhou took on this private case, he immediately sent me the patient’s details. The entire process was conducted under my supervision to ensure the patient’s safety during surgery. However, during discussions about the patient’s condition and surgical plan, Dr. Zhou actively participated in the consultation and offered incredibly valuable suggestions. I must admit, though I’m a more experienced Associate Chief Physician, Dr. Zhou surpasses me in diagnostic thinking, surgical approach, and the flexible application of medical knowledge. When it comes to talent, I have to acknowledge he’s far ahead of me.”

Zhong Ming took the chance to sing Zhou Can’s praises.

The two Director Zhangs’ faces darkened with frustration.

The plaintiff’s lawyer interrupted, “Objection! Please ask the witness Zhong Ming to refrain from discussing matters unrelated to the case.”

“Honorable Judge, I believe Zhong Ming’s statements are relevant to the case. They help everyone better understand Dr. Zhou Can’s actions during the surgery.”

Zhou Can’s lawyer was no pushover.

“Witness Zhong Ming’s testimony is valid. Please continue.”

The judge maintained a stern air of fairness.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, like a defeated rooster, fell silent.

“To the patient and family members, let me say this. If you’re unhappy with the surgery’s outcome, you shouldn’t be suing Dr. Zhou Can. You should sue First Hospital and me. I was the one overseeing that surgery. As a medical consultant, I guided Dr. Zhou throughout the entire procedure. According to regulations, I am the primary responsible doctor.”

Zhong Ming turned to face the family and patient.

He boldly took all responsibility upon himself.

Little did he know, this small act made Zhou Can see him as one of the most trustworthy people in his life.

In the future, Zhou Can would undoubtedly do everything in his power to help Zhong Ming regain his standing at Tuyu Hospital.

And Zhou Can certainly had the ability to do so.

“To the family and patient, there’s one more thing I want to tell you today while testifying. The original surgical plan was to simply repair the esophageal fistula by debriding the area and suturing it. This approach is straightforward and convenient for the surgeon. But Dr. Zhou Can, thinking of your future quality of life, strongly advocated for a more complex, challenging, and labor-intensive plan. That’s the jejunostomy procedure used on you, allowing nutrition intake through a jejunal fistula.”

“If we had stuck to the initial plan of directly repairing the esophageal fistula, success wasn’t guaranteed. Even if it worked, the area around the fistula would become extremely narrow. In the future, even drinking water would be a struggle. Normal eating would be impossible. You’d be stuck on a liquid diet for the rest of your life, sipping tiny amounts like a baby.”

“So, whether it’s to encourage doctors to exhaust every effort for their patients’ sake, or to uphold fairness, justice, morality, and conscience in this world, I urge you to withdraw the lawsuit. Dr. Zhou and I did everything to cure you. If you can’t be grateful, fine. But to sue Dr. Zhou directly? If you have any conscience at all, it must be aching right now.”

Zhong Ming’s words plunged the courtroom into silence.

Reporters snapped photos of him relentlessly.

Without a doubt, by speaking out for Zhou Can, Zhong Ming had stepped into a shining moment of his life.

“Objection! I object! Witness Zhong Ming is deliberately swaying public opinion and putting mental pressure on the plaintiff. His words should be stopped and disregarded.”

The plaintiff’s lawyer broke the silence, shouting in desperation.

He resembled a cornered beast with nowhere left to turn.

“Honorable Judge, esteemed jurors, the witness is promoting the noble ethics of medicine to uphold public order and morality. There’s nothing improper about it. I believe it should be considered. The purpose of a courtroom is to maintain justice and law in this world, guiding people to abandon evil and embrace good. If the plaintiff were to see the error of their ways and withdraw the suit, it would be a beautiful outcome.”

Zhou Can’s lawyer flashed a smile of assured victory.

When it comes to lawsuits, the legal team from an entertainment company is unmatched.

“We will now take a brief recess. I, as the judge, will facilitate mediation between both parties.”

Such mediation during a trial is quite common.

Though the final verdict isn’t out yet, it’s already clear that the plaintiff has little reason to persist with the lawsuit.

Continuing would only earn them the infamous label of repaying kindness with enmity.

In essence, the plaintiff has already lost.

After the recess, Director Zhang Qilian of Third Hospital wore a face so grim it could drip water.

Without a word, he stood and left.

Barely two steps out, he stumbled, nearly falling to the ground.

Zhang Mingxing, quick on his feet, caught him just in time.

“Director, why don’t you sit and rest for a moment before leaving?”

He could feel Zhang Qilian’s body trembling fiercely.

Typically, a Vice-Director addresses the Director as ‘Director’ or ‘Secretary.’

In most larger public hospitals these days, the Deputy Secretary often doubles as the Director.

The days of a Director wielding absolute authority are mostly gone, though their power remains immense.

“Let’s go. Help me get out of here now! I don’t want to stay another second!”

Zhang Qilian’s voice was icy, his teeth clenched tight.

With his sharp mind, he knew this attempt to undermine Zhou Can had failed.

Instead, Zhou Can had turned the situation into a publicity win.

Money spent, tactics exhausted, yet it all ended in this bitter result. Frustration gnawed at him.

But what could he do?

In the world of adults, it’s all about competing in skill, strategy, connections, and wealth.

Despite his higher status, in this fight against Zhou Can, he’d been utterly defeated.

The hype around Third Hospital’s Japanese Heart Surgeon had been shattered by Zhou Can.

And now, this lawsuit had ended in failure too.

At Zhang Qilian’s level, it wasn’t the fifty thousand, the under-the-table benefits to the patient and family, or the pricey lawyer fees that stung most. It was his pride—trampled under Zhou Can’s feet.

Swallowing this humiliation was nearly impossible for him.

The difference between big shots and small fry is this: small fry fight for scraps of food or petty gains. Big shots, already secure in wealth and comfort, fight for face, for dignity and prestige.

After returning to the hospital from court, Zhou Can dove straight back into work.

To him, this lawsuit was just a minor hiccup.

It also taught him a valuable lesson.

From now on, he’d be far more cautious to avoid being exploited for his kindness.

Jiang Wei was supposed to be off today, but she showed up at the hospital, volunteering to assist Zhou Can in the operating room.

This could be seen as a form of atonement on her part.

They worked straight through until past eight in the evening. Zhou Can’s surgical team finally wrapped up, having skipped dinner entirely.

“Thanks for the hard work today, everyone. Because of my personal issues, we’ve all stayed late. How about I treat you all to some late-night street food? You guys in?”

Zhou Can looked at his medical staff.

“Yay, we’re in for a treat tonight!”

Ma Xiaolan was the first to clap and cheer.

“Dr. Zhou’s treating us? I’m definitely in! Time to feast on the big boss. I’m thrilled!”

Qiao Yu chimed in with enthusiasm.

Seeing Zhou Can turn a crisis into safety after facing a lawsuit with no repercussions, she was genuinely happy for him.

“Even if the boss wants to drink till dawn tonight, I’ll keep up no matter what.”

Yang Zhi and Pu Dingdong nodded in agreement too.

With someone treating—especially the team leader—everyone was naturally overjoyed.

Jiang Wei, though, seemed subdued, a stark contrast to her usual self.

Testifying in court, even with Zhou Can’s consent, still weighed heavily on her heart, like a lash of guilt.

“Jiang Wei, everyone’s going. You can’t be the one to spoil the fun!”

Ma Xiaolan grabbed her hand with a grin.

“Yeah, exactly. Our team isn’t complete without every single one of us.”

Qiao Yu, the team’s second-in-command, echoed the sentiment.

“I…”

Jiang Wei hesitated, glancing timidly at Zhou Can.

“Our team is like a family, and you’re part of it. No second thoughts—let’s go together.”

Zhou Can spoke to her directly.

“Thank you!”

Her words carried a double meaning, one only Zhou Can would catch.

After testifying, she felt she no longer deserved to stay on the surgical team, which was why she hesitated to join the gathering.

Little did she know, Zhou Can had seen through her thoughts. That’s why he suggested the late-night meal—to include everyone.

When Zhou Can said she was part of the family, he was reassuring her that this incident wouldn’t push her out of the team.

At a street food stall, Zhou Can and his medical crew gathered around a table, ordering a hearty spread.

Ma Xiaolan bit into a spicy crayfish and turned to Zhou Can. “Boss, can I pack some to take home?”

“Sure, grab a box and take whatever you want. If it’s not enough, we’ll order more. Just remember, this kind of food doesn’t keep well overnight. If you like it, I’ll treat you again next time.”

Zhou Can nodded readily.

“Xiaolan’s not eating it herself! I bet she’s taking it back for Dr. Du.”

Qiao Yu teased with a laugh.

“You and Du Leng are moving that fast? Already living together?”

Zhou Can looked at her, surprised.

He’d heard Du Leng was quite the playboy, leaving a trail of broken hearts among female doctors and nurses in double digits.

After learning Ma Xiaolan was dating Du Leng, Zhou Can had warned her not to trust a man’s sweet talk so easily.

But his advice fell on deaf ears. Now, the two were already living together.

Women, once in love, often seem to lose all sense of reason.

Men aren’t much different, though. Love can ensnare even sixty-year-old folks with its irresistible pull.

Plenty of middle-aged and elderly men have fallen for romance scams, losing their homes and savings, ending up penniless and homeless.

“We’ve been together for over a year now! I think the pace is pretty normal. He’s really good to me.”

Ma Xiaolan said with a shy smile.

“As long as he treats you well, that’s what matters. Waiter, could you bring us two boxes, please?”

Zhou Can spotted a server passing by a nearby table and called out.