Chapter 642: A Wedding, A Proposal, and New Beginnings

Su Qianqian threw the bouquet with all her might.

It just so happened to land right where Jiang Wei was standing.

Next to her stood a suave middle-aged man.

Almost on instinct, the man jumped up and grabbed the bouquet out of the air.

Zhou Can caught a good look at the man and paused in surprise.

Because it was Lin Jinzhi—the father of little Lin Ai Xi, the five-year-old girl—and also the director of the Health Bureau. He divorced his wife years ago.

Out of sympathy for Lin Ai Xi, Jiang Wei had gone above and beyond to care for her while she was sick.

Over time, that led to sparks between Jiang Wei and Lin Jinzhi.

She’d mentioned all this to Zhou Can before.

Zhou Can had been wary, since Lin Jinzhi was a divorced man, and even tried advising Jiang Wei to get to know him better first. But now, seeing them stand together, it seemed Lin Jinzhi had brought his daughter along to attend the wedding.

And naturally, they spotted Jiang Wei, who was serving as a bridesmaid, and came over to say hello.

“Could the gentleman who caught the bouquet come up and say a few words?”

“Sure!”

Lin Jinzhi took his daughter’s hand and stepped right up on stage.

“Dr. Zhou, Miss Su, I wish you both a joyful marriage and everlasting happiness!”

“Thank you, thank you!”

Zhou Can used to feel a little pressure whenever he saw Lin Jinzhi.

But now, Zhou Can himself was among Tuyu Hospital’s senior management, serving as Deputy Director of Quality Control. While the Quality Control Office wasn’t an official hospital department, it held real influence.

Being able to serve as Deputy Director meant Zhou Can now had significant authority.

It also made it much easier for him to eventually move up to the hospital’s executive ranks.

So standing here today, Zhou Can was calm and at ease in front of Lin Jinzhi.

“May I ask your name, sir?”

The emcee had already started interacting with Lin Jinzhi.

“The name’s Lin, Lin Jinzhi.”

“Mr. Lin, is this your daughter?”

“Yes, this is my daughter.”

“Auntie, you’re so beautiful!”

The little girl looked up at the emcee.

“Haha! Looks like you know how to make people smile, little one!” The emcee’s face lit up at the compliment.

“But I think Auntie Jiang Wei is even prettier.”

Children always say what’s on their mind.

The emcee’s smile froze for a split second.

But being a professional, she quickly regained her composure.

“Sweetheart, which one is Aunt Jiang Wei?”

“That pretty lady right there! She’s my favorite!”

The little girl pointed straight at Jiang Wei in the audience.

The emcee followed her finger.

“Wow, she’s stunning—so graceful, elegant, and poised.” The emcee turned to Jiang Wei with sincere admiration.

Jiang Wei, in the crowd, was blushing hard.

After the praise, the emcee looked back to Lin Jinzhi.

“Mr. Lin, are you married or single? If you’re married, I’d ask you to toss the bouquet to an eligible guest. But if you’re single, you can give it to the lady you admire.”

“I’m divorced and single. May I invite Miss Jiang Wei up here?”

Lin Jinzhi glanced at Jiang Wei in the audience.

She hesitated for a moment but eventually made her way onto the stage.

“Ever since my daughter was hospitalized, you’ve cared for her with such patience. Both my daughter and I have grown deeply fond of you. I love your beauty, your kindness, your gentleness, your wisdom—I love everything about you. Jiang Wei, will you marry me?”

After pouring his heart out, Lin Jinzhi suddenly dropped to one knee, holding the bouquet aloft to her.

Watching all this, Zhou Can felt a mix of emotions.

Honestly, Jiang Wei could have married a man with fewer complications.

A divorced man with a child—there’s a real risk of family strife after marriage. It takes a big heart and immense patience to handle it.

“Auntie Jiang, I really, REALLY like you!”

What a clever girl, lending Dad a hand at just the right moment.

Faced with this sudden proposal, Jiang Wei was clearly caught off guard.

Still, after ten seconds or so of hesitation, she accepted the bouquet.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Human nature is kind at heart.

Everyone loves to see lovers get their happy ending.

“You said yes! You finally said yes! Haha—”

At this moment, Lin Jinzhi was no longer the dignified official, but just an excited man overcome with joy.

He was over the moon.

He scooped Jiang Wei into his arms and spun her around on stage.

After a few dizzying turns, he finally let her go.

The three stood together hand-in-hand, looking every bit the picture of a happy family.

“This is the luckiest couple I’ve ever seen! The happiness of our newlyweds, Mr. Zhou Can and Miss Su Qianqian, is spreading to every guest here. Those already married will find even more joy at home. And single folks—both guys and gals—soak up this good fortune, and may you all find your own happiness soon!”

“Mr. Lin, Miss Jiang, I wish you all the best! And if you ever need an emcee for your own wedding one day, just think of me!”

Got to hand it to the emcee—always working the crowd.

Even at a time like this, she didn’t forget to drum up business.

“We’ll definitely hire you when the time comes!”

Having won the heart of his beloved, Lin Jinzhi was delighted. Hand in hand with Jiang Wei, he led Lin Ai Xi down from the stage.

Next up, the wedding officiant would take the stage.

Zhou Can had asked Director Zhu to act as the witness.

Director Zhu was especially well-dressed today as he stepped up to preside over the ceremony.

…

After the ceremony, the banquet began.

Zhou Can and Su Qianqian made the rounds, toasting each guest in thanks.

Many of the guests were former patients of Zhou Can who traveled from near and far.

Some even came all the way from Magic City and Imperial Capital.

These weren’t ordinary people—some had parents in big business or government, others were from families with high-ranking officials.

The fact that they crossed hundreds, even thousands of miles just to offer their blessings says a lot about how grateful they were after Zhou Can saved them.

When Zhou Can reached the later tables, he spotted his childhood friend, Cheng Dazhuang.

At the same table was Director Lu from their hometown’s County People’s Hospital.

Director Lu had come all this way just to celebrate Zhou Can’s wedding, bringing Cheng Dazhuang along.

Seeing the high caliber of guests, Director Lu suddenly felt as insignificant as a speck of dust. He’d always figured, as a hospital director, he’d have at least some standing here in the provincial capital.

Yet only now did he realize—there’s always someone higher up the ladder.

He also felt just how powerful Zhou Can’s social circle had become.

He was grateful he’d come to offer his congratulations—maybe one day, he’d need Zhou Can’s help too.

Cheng Dazhuang looked at his old friend, now someone almost out of reach, and his feelings were complicated.

“Dazhuang, work going okay?”

“Pretty good actually. With your help, I earned my Physician’s Certificate and the hospital’s really focusing on training me. Director Lu’s been watching out for me, too.”

That last part was the real point.

And why was Director Lu looking out for Cheng Dazhuang?

Wasn’t it all because of Zhou Can?

“Glad to hear things are going well.” Zhou Can nodded, then turned to Director Lu. “Thank you for coming to congratulate us today, and for taking care of my friend. This toast is to you.”

“Ah, yes—thank you!”

Director Lu stood up quickly and clinked glasses, tossing back his drink in one go.

After finishing with that table, Zhou Can moved on to the next.

One by one, he made his way around the room.

“Qian Qian, congratulations! You married such a handsome, capable prince—you’re truly the winner in our class!”

At two tables, both men and women looked stunning.

One glance at their style and you could tell they worked in the entertainment industry.

They were all classmates of Su Qianqian.

Wealth runs deep—even in distant mountains, you’ll find relatives.

Now, Su Qianqian wasn’t just a minor shareholder in Golden Entertainment—she was also the wife of the company’s second-largest shareholder.

Her status was undeniable.

And in recent years, the company poured resources into promoting her. Even if her workload didn’t seem hectic, her popularity never really dropped.

She’d simply matured a bit more compared to the past.

“No wonder even Wu Qiang made the trip from Imperial Capital to pursue you and you still turned him down! Honestly, if it were me, I’d do the same!”

“Mr. Zhou, there were plenty of guys in our class — even our whole school — who had a crush on Qian Qian. You’d better keep an eye on her!”

Zhou Can laughed, “I’m truly lucky to have married Qian Qian, and I’ll cherish her always. Here’s to all of you—thanks for coming to our wedding!”

Zhou Can wasn’t bothered at all by this Wu Qiang.

When you’re truly capable, you don’t worry about rivals. Besides, Su Qianqian’s heart belonged solely to Zhou Can—no other man could ever win her over.

After the toasts, Su Qianqian’s cheeks were flushed.

She’d had more than a few drinks and was showing a slight hint of drunkenness.

Right now, with those dreamy, slightly tipsy almond-shaped eyes and soft pink cheeks, she was the very picture of a beautiful woman in her cups.

“Zhou, I didn’t even know Wu Qiang was coming, we haven’t kept in touch at all—are you mad?”

“Why would I be mad? It’s not your fault!”

“He was a year above me back at school and always came to our class to sit in, trying to get close. I never paid any attention but I can’t believe he showed up at our wedding to make trouble. I was honestly scared you’d be upset.”

“Do you really think your husband is that petty?”

Zhou Can pulled her into a seat.

“We still have to see the guests off. Here, let me peel some shrimp for you.”

A heaping plate of cooked kiwi shrimp was waiting for them in a side room—their own private little space to rest.

They’d reserved the whole hotel.

Any guests needing a room could stay the night—Zhou Can picked up the tab for everyone.

“Zhou, you’re so good to me! Thank you!”

She smiled with happiness.

“Time to change that—call me ‘husband’ now, you little foodie. Open wide!”

Zhou Can popped a peeled shrimp into her mouth.

“Thank you, hubby!”

Her first time saying it—she was a little shy.

“By the way, how did your aunt get here? Did you leak our wedding address to her?”

“No way! Honestly, I was terrified when she showed up—I thought she might ruin the whole day. Thank goodness the psychiatric hospital’s van arrived in time.”

Su Qianqian pulled out her phone as she spoke.

“Look, I’ve blacklisted all their numbers—but somehow, they keep changing phone numbers on me, it’s exhausting!”

Her blacklist was over a hundred numbers long.

Seeing just how many numbers she’d blocked, Zhou Can couldn’t help but wince.

“Your aunt’s family must be really persistent to go through a hundred numbers.”

“Well, not all are from them. Some are from male fans who somehow got my private number and kept messaging or calling me—so I had to block them too.”

She explained.

Being a celebrity comes with its share of headaches.

You get so many spam calls yet can’t change your number so easily.

And even if you do, somehow they still find it.

Whoever invented the blacklist function deserves a medal.

“I’m thinking of getting your aunt thrown in jail to teach her a lesson. What do you think? Some people will stop at nothing for money or personal gain. If you always turn the other cheek, they’ll just get worse.”

“Part of me feels bad, but it’s your call! I’m your wife now—what you decide, I support!”

“Haha, okay—leave it to me. Anyway, since they did raise you for a while, I’ll show some restraint. Just want to make sure they leave you alone, that’s all.”

“I’ll do whatever you say, hubby.”

“That include tonight too?”

“You’re impossible!”

…

After the big day, Zhou Can quickly got back to his busy work life.

The wedding had boosted both his reputation and standing.

Soon after, he successfully wrapped up his graduate studies as well.

He now held a real master’s degree, not just one earned while working.

That made a real difference.

Now, for promotions or introductions, he finally had solid credentials.

These days, if a specialist’s resume only lists a bachelor’s degree, they’re already falling behind.

The industry standard keeps rising.

At this point, the minimum is a master’s.

With competition only growing fiercer, in a decade or so, master’s and doctoral degrees might be a must for all top doctors.

Director Zhu announced his retirement, and the new hospital director was as expected, parachuted in from above.

But he wasn’t an outsider—he was local talent from the province.

Just forty-two, with a master’s degree, his name was Gao Zongyou, and rumor had it he’d been promoted up the ranks.

Being director of Tuyu Hospital was a respectable posting.

Gao used to work at the Health Administration Department, so this sort of promotion made sense.

Whenever people hit a bottleneck in their careers, they start looking for ways to break through.

Sometimes, that means taking a hospital post, proving yourself, and then moving back up the ranks later.

Director Zhu could have been promoted himself, but that incident with the Security Department ruined things.

They say a new boss always shakes things up, but Director Gao made no waves after arriving.

Across the hospital, from management to the front-line departments, everything was smooth sailing.

Zhou Can just kept doing his job as usual.

But sometimes, when tasked with investigating medical incidents with Hospital Assistant Qin, Zhou could sense something unusual about him.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Lately, every time Assistant Qin spoke, it felt a bit like he was making last requests—it left Zhou Can speechless.

To Zhou, Qin just seemed too stressed out.

The hospital’s clinical departments were steadily working through their reforms. Most had finished or were deep in the process.

But the management reforms never really took shape because Director Zhu never got around to implementing them.

He’d only ever proposed a general outline or some ideas.

Looks like the new director will have to handle that.

In the blink of an eye, more than three months had passed, yet Tuyu Hospital stayed as calm as ever, and Zhou Can’s medical skills kept advancing.

Every day, he made time to learn neurosurgical techniques and experience from Wu Baihe in the neurosurgery department.

There’s always more to learn.

Neurosurgery turned out to be far more complex and profound than he’d even imagined.

Still, with his strong foundation and work ethic, plus natural talent, his skills improved rapidly day by day.