Chapter 62: The Razor’s Edge

Hu Kan is known for his steady hand in surgery. To date, his success rate has remained a flawless 100%.

He is yet another surgical superstar whom everyone can only admire from afar.

Cardiothoracic surgery largely consists of major operations, and its risk factors are among the highest of all surgical fields.

Director Hu Kan has performed countless cardiothoracic surgeries without a single failure—an awe-inspiring feat.

Every surgery carries a risk of failure.

Otherwise, patients and their families wouldn’t need to sign all those consent and information forms.

Most celebrated doctors love to recount the high-difficulty operations they’ve tackled, yet they remain tight-lipped about their true success rates.

A surgeon with an unblemished record is truly one in a million.

This fact alone speaks volumes about Director Hu Kan’s formidable skill.

“I’m known for my speed. I once set national records for the fastest operation times and even broke world records on two major surgeries. I still hold the world’s top spot,” he declared.

Dr. Xu reminisced about his past glories with a wistful, almost defiant air.

Apparently, his greatest asset was his speed.

“Teacher, your surgical speed seems perfectly normal during procedures!” Zhou Can inquired, his tone driven by pure curiosity rather than doubt.

“Ever since I caused a medical mishap in the operating room six years ago, I’ve completely turned over a new leaf. I constantly remind myself never to chase speed at all costs.”

Clearly, Dr. Xu had indeed encountered trouble in his past.

Even after six years, the incident still fills him with remorse and regret.

“Little Zhou, you’re the most talented young doctor I’ve ever met. I’m almost pathologically strict with every junior—not because I have any issues, but to prevent you from repeating my mistakes. Back in the day, Hu Kan and I were locked in an endless duel. He pursued steadiness while I chased speed, and in the end, I was completely defeated,” he admitted.

At that, Dr. Xu’s voice caught in his throat.

Zhou Can quickly stepped forward and patted his teacher on the back.

In that moment, he truly grasped the bittersweet intentions behind Dr. Xu’s words.

“Six years ago, I fell from grace at Tuyu Hospital. Overnight, I became a pariah, shouldering a lifetime of disgrace and nearly facing a permanent ban from practicing medicine. Thanks to the hospital leaders—who, under immense pressure, worked tirelessly behind the scenes—I was saved. But my title was downgraded from Director to Attending Physician, and I can never be promoted beyond a mid-level rank. I’m only allowed to perform Level Two or below surgeries.”

The price was unbearably steep.

From being a top-tier Chief Physician to an Attending, he was even transferred from a prestigious department to the so-called ‘cold palace’ of the Emergency Department.

Such a drastic fall would shatter any doctor’s pride and self-esteem like a knife.

And if that wasn’t enough, being barred from higher-level surgeries extinguished his final spark of hope.

Despite suffering these heavy setbacks, Dr. Xu not only survived but remains passionate about his work—a true sign of rebirth from the ashes.

One can only trust that the resurgent Dr. Xu will be even stronger than before.

He is no longer the single-minded, speed-obsessed Xu Yidao of old.

Now, his steadiness and humble resilience shine through after weathering tremendous highs and lows.

“Teacher, I’m sorry for dredging up your painful past,” Zhou Can apologized.

He had never imagined his teacher had endured such hardship.

He quickly expressed his regret.

“No worries!”

Dr. Xu waved off the apology with a calm smile.

“In those first couple of years, I even wallowed in self-pity. Now, I’ve long emerged from that dark valley.”

He looked at Zhou Can with eyes full of hope.

“Over the years, I’ve pondered whether chasing speed in surgery was truly wrong. I believe that speed itself isn’t the issue—it simply demands a steady heart to control it. In you, I see a serenity that few young doctors possess. I think you should try the path I once faltered on.”

Dr. Xu had indeed stumbled badly in his pursuit of rapid surgical techniques.

After much painful reflection, he finally uncovered the source of his failures.

Yet, having been demoted to Attending, he can never ascend to a senior position—effectively losing the right to lead major surgeries.

He will never have another chance to pursue his true ambitions.

The only recourse left is to mentor a successor who can realize his unfinished dreams.

Zhou Can is precisely the promising talent he has been searching for.

The one most likely to help fulfill his long-held aspirations.

With his future specialty hanging in the balance, Zhou Can weighed his options very carefully.

“Teacher, may I have some time to think it over before giving you an answer?”

Nearly all resident doctors choose a specialty in their third year. Some focus on orthopedics and rheumatism, others on pediatric hematology, while some pursue cardiothoracic and vascular diseases.

After all, one’s time and energy are limited.

Biting off more than you can chew is a recipe for failure.

Doctors with average talent often choose a less challenging field, while the exceptionally gifted dare to venture into high-difficulty areas like oncology and neurology.

A very few exceptional doctors even handle two or three specialties at once.

But generally, one should not exceed three areas.

Otherwise, it’s easy to become a jack-of-all-trades but master of none—risking the chance to earn even a mid-level title, let alone become a Chief Physician.

Reaching such a point would be extremely embarrassing.

Time cannot be rewound. One can only watch as less capable doctors thrive in their chosen fields while being left far behind.

Zhou Can is still in the residency phase, several years away from being a fully licensed resident doctor.

Until he fully understands which diseases he excels in and feels truly passionate about, he won’t rush into a decision. When the time comes to choose his specialty, he’ll consider his personal growth, hospital needs, and even the national advancements in that field.

“Take your time. I’m merely offering a suggestion because I see potential in you to master rapid surgery. With your youth and remarkable calmness, you might want to give it a try. If you perform well, it could shape a long-term plan during your residency,” Dr. Xu advised.

Dr. Xu wasn’t forcing his opinion on him.

It was simply guidance from a seasoned teacher.

Having been through it all, he offered advice tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses.

“I will consider it seriously. My basic surgical skills are still weak, and I lack sufficient practical experience. Once I solidify my fundamentals, I’ll approach rapid surgical techniques more cautiously,” Zhou Can replied.

Zhou Can had always been a decisive individual.

He possessed a clear understanding and vision for his career.

His thoughtful words earned not only Dr. Xu’s admiration and approval,

but also silent cheers from Qiao Yu.

When she looked at him, her bright eyes sparkled with a unique gleam.

“Tsk tsk! To be so composed and self-aware at such a young age is rare. I’m increasingly confident in your future,” she mused.

After Zhou Can’s measured response, Dr. Xu’s belief in the young man only grew stronger.

“Alright, pack up and close the operating room for the day!”

“Teacher, may I stay for overtime? I want to continue assisting in surgeries,” Zhou Can pleaded.

Eager to elevate his three fundamental surgical skills to an attending level as swiftly as possible, he saw this as a chance to secure opportunities for Level Two procedures.

Such opportunities would further enhance his training.

Dr. Xu gave him a long, meaningful look.

“The night shift is covered by Dr. Fu and Dr. Lu. I can speak with Dr. Fu, but if you want to earn more hands-on experience during surgery, you’ll have to fight for it on your own.”

Dr. Xu boldly entrusted Zhou Can with leading a Level One surgery—a clear sign of his admiration and trust in the young doctor.

Other senior doctors might not be so lenient.

When involving junior doctors in operations, most superiors exercise extreme caution.

Because if something goes wrong, the senior doctor bears all the blame.

How many senior doctors would risk their careers and futures on a gamble?

Many residents complain that during their three-year training, aside from fetching supplies, they hardly ever get to hold a scalpel.

That’s not really the fault of the senior doctors.

It’s just that the resident never managed to earn their trust over those three years.

A rookie who neither learns diligently nor shows humility—and always overestimates his abilities—is hardly someone a senior doctor would allow to operate on a patient.

Just then, the doctor on duty for the handover had already entered the room.