Chapter 87: A Surgeon’s Breakthrough

By the time Zhou Can had changed his clothes and come out, Dr. Xu had already left.

Stepping out of the operating room, he was already planning to buy ten more white mice to practice his surgical skills at home.

He aimed to elevate his incision technique to the level of a resident doctor.

In fact, his tissue separation skill had already gained 520.2 out of 1000 experience points at level three – just about 80 points shy of reaching the resident level.

This medical technique is even more crucial than incision.

It’s essential for stripping away various diseased tissues and tumors.

Jin Mingxi caught up from behind.

“Dr. Zhou, we’ve known each other for so long and I’ve never treated you to a meal. How about I pick up the tab tonight?”

Zhou Can turned his head to look at him.

“What’s with the sudden invitation? Afraid I won’t stick around for more than a couple of days?”

Living together with Jin Mingxi, their banter flowed without any barriers.

“Haha, you sure have a unique way of thinking. I was just happy to see you return safely, planning to celebrate, and you… I’m at a loss for words! Still a virgin, aren’t you?”

Jin Mingxi smacked his forehead and burst into laughter.

“Believe me, I’m not the only one with such a quirky mind. And what does my virginity have to do with it?”

Zhou Can racked his brain, unable to grasp the connection.

“If you’re still a virgin, then you’re pure as a child. Of course, just innocent talk!”

After hearing that, Zhou Can suddenly understood.

He couldn’t help but laugh along. “Haha, in this day and age, clinging to feudal superstitions! Don’t worry, I’m long past that phase. I’m not leaving in two days!”

He noticed that despite Jin Mingxi’s usually quiet demeanor, he could be quite humorous once he loosened up during a chat.

Glancing at his phone, Zhou Can said, “It’s a bit early now. I’ll buy a few white mice and practice surgery back at the apartment for a bit. How about meeting for dinner around six?”

“Can’t you take it a bit easier? We resident trainees from the same batch are under a lot of pressure!”

Jin Mingxi considered himself competent, yet compared to Zhou Can, a real prodigy, he could only watch as he left everyone in the dust.

“No pain, no gain! You lot either have ample work experience or high qualifications – I have neither. If I don’t work hard, I’ll just be eliminated.”

Those words were far from exaggeration.

The recruitment for resident training at Tuyu is getting increasingly rigorous each year. Especially this year – the competition is fierce.

Many seasoned professionals with over a decade of experience and even postgraduate degrees couldn’t break into the top twenty.

There were even three or four graduates and MDs who got eliminated.

Zhou Can has the lowest academic background.

He has virtually no work experience.

In such a field of strong competitors, if he doesn’t work hard, even a medical experience system won’t help him.

“Dr. Zhou, Dr. Zhou, there’s a patient and his family waiting specifically for you – they’ve been waiting for nearly two hours,” a nurse rushed over to inform him, gesturing toward the waiting area.

Turning his head, Zhou Can saw a middle-aged couple sitting on the chairs designated for patients.

He didn’t recognize the well-dressed middle-aged woman.

But he instantly recognized the man in hospital attire.

He was the acute myocardial infarction patient from the resident training exam last time.

Seeing this patient’s recovery filled him with deep satisfaction.

He immediately strode over quickly.

The middle-aged man also recognized him, and with the help of the woman, he stood up, smiling gratefully at Zhou Can.

“Dr. Zhou, do you remember me?”

“Of course! You’re the myocardial infarction patient! How’s your health now?”

Zhou Can asked with concern.

“I had surgery, and thanks to timely treatment, the attending said my recovery was excellent. I was discharged today and now plan to rest at home.”

Typically, patients who leave within three to five days after a heart attack surgery are in good condition, meaning there was no massive myocardial necrosis.

More severe cases usually require a two-week hospital stay.

If the conduction isn’t restored post-surgery, a pacemaker might be necessary, prolonging the hospitalization even further.

“Being discharged so soon is ideal. Once you get home, please follow the doctor’s orders and rest well,” Zhou Can said, genuinely pleased for his patient.

“I owe you my life – and this swift recovery is thanks to your help! As soon as I got out, my wife and I wanted to thank you in person.”

After the middle-aged man finished speaking, his wife nodded gratefully at Zhou Can.

“The chief surgeon told me that if you had been delayed by three minutes more, my life could have been at risk. Even if they had saved me, the prognosis would have been grim. My husband, Mr. Cui, wasn’t familiar with the hospital procedures and is pretty stubborn. If you hadn’t rushed him to the Emergency Department, he would have foolishly queued in the outpatient hall – the consequences would have been disastrous.”

The middle-aged woman spoke calmly, exuding elegance and grace.

Her smile was as comforting as a gentle spring breeze.

“Dr. Zhou, on behalf of Mr. Cui and our entire family, we thank you!”

She pressed one hand against her collar as a gesture of bowing on behalf of her husband.

“I was only doing what a doctor should do. No need to be so formal! Speaking of gratitude, I must thank you for informing the hospital leadership promptly – it cleared up my tardiness issue. If you hadn’t, I would have lost my chance at this year’s resident training recruitment.”

Zhou Can was equally grateful for their kindness and appreciation.

Kindness to the right person breeds blessings.

But if misplaced, it only brings harm.

“Regarding that matter, I was completely unaware at first. Mr. Cui had instructed the nurse before surgery to tell me about it so I could clarify things with the hospital leadership promptly.”

She explained.

Mr. Cui then looked at Zhou Can and added, “I hope you aren’t too affected by that delay during your exam – it wasn’t a big deal, right?”

“Initially, the examiner wouldn’t let me into the exam room. Later, when the Medical Department intervened and clarified the matter, I was allowed in. The hospital even added extra points for medical ethics,” Zhou Can recalled the event with mixed emotions.

He mused on that day with deep emotion.

Good deeds eventually bring rewards.

“Those extra ten points were well deserved. You, an intern, risked being late for your exam to save a stranger – that kind of golden character deserves high praise.”

Mr. Cui was delighted to hear that the outcome was favorable.

“Oh, by the way, Dr. Zhou, would you mind sharing your personal phone number? Since fate brought us together and you saved my life, I hope we can keep in touch.”

Mr. Cui and his wife clearly demonstrated a refined upbringing and courtesy.

Zhou Can was happy to make friends with such people.

He gladly exchanged numbers with them.

“If you don’t mind a little hassle from me, let’s also connect on WeChat for easier chats later,” Mr. Cui added with a smile.

Phone calls are typically used for urgent or work-related matters, which can feel formal.

WeChat, on the other hand, provides a more relaxed communication space.

It makes conversations more casual.

“Alright!”

Zhou Can readily agreed.

Being approached for friendship was a clear compliment.

After exchanging WeChat IDs and phone numbers, their bond had grown considerably closer.

“I originally planned to treat you to a meal, but since I’m still recovering and can’t drink, it wouldn’t be much fun. Once I’m fully recovered, I’ll definitely treat you,” Mr. Cui added, clearly hinting that his request for his number was just a pretext to invite him for dinner later.

Mr. Cui’s request for his number was clearly a setup to treat him later.

“Alright then, I won’t keep you any longer. I run a Foreign Trade Company. Now that I’m ill and with my son overseas, everything is run solely by my wife.”

A well-run Foreign Trade Company can earn a lot of money.

And it’s all foreign money.

“So your wife is quite capable! No wonder she exudes the aura of a strong, independent woman,” Zhou Can complimented with a smile.

He praised her warmly.

As the saying goes, giving a rose spreads its fragrance.

A little praise not only benefits others but also wins their favor.

“Hehe, are you praising me or mocking me? ‘Strong woman’ has become a double-edged term nowadays,” she giggled softly, covering her mouth.

“Of course it’s praise! With a woman as gentle, considerate, and capable as you, no negative label could ever stick,” he replied, adjusting his tone to keep the conversation light.

Sometimes conversation must be spontaneous; otherwise, silence or even disaster looms.

“Haha, Dr. Zhou, not only are you compassionate and skillful, but you also excel at giving compliments! We should head out – see you later!”

The nurse waved cheerfully as she supported Mr. Cui while leaving.

……

On his way back to the apartment with eight white mice, Zhou Can felt an unusually bright mood.

The clouds had parted, bringing new hope.

After weathering this storm, his life seemed destined to shine even brighter.

Knowing that Jin Mingxi’s dinner invitation would likely delay him, he deliberately bought two fewer mice.

At the apartment, Zhou Can greedily absorbed continuous surgical experience points from the white mice.

Meanwhile, Jin Mingxi stubbornly practiced knot tying.

He ruthlessly destroyed piece after piece of white tofu-like tissue.

Even as a surgeon, each one’s main surgical focus varied.

If Zhou Can didn’t have an experience system, he might have ended up like Jin Mingxi – mastering the four basic techniques and then specializing in one or two procedures.

Don’t underestimate knot tying – master it and you too can become a renowned surgeon.

Around 6:40, after Zhou Can had used his third white mouse, Jin Mingxi treated him to a modest dinner at a small restaurant. Over the course of the meal, the two downed about seven or eight bottles of beer.

The last time he’d seen Jin Mingxi at a class reunion, he was utterly wasted. Zhou Can had thought his drinking tolerance was low, but it turned out he had greatly underestimated him.

After five bottles, Jin Mingxi still carried on as if nothing had happened.

Zhou Can later learned that at the reunion, because he had helped a classmate named Yezi fend off a few too many drinks, three male classmates were displeased and teamed up to give Jin Mingxi a hard time, insisting he drink a “white with red” mixed cocktail.

In the end, Jin Mingxi nearly got his stomach bleeds from the onslaught, knocking all three out while Yezi eventually took him back to his apartment when he was completely wasted.

That incident revealed that though Jin Mingxi had a gentle demeanor, he also had a fiery side.

By the end of that dinner, their relationship had grown even closer.

Back at the dorm, Zhou Can immersed himself in further surgical practice.

Around 8:20, he received a message.

He opened it.

It was from Yang Chan.

“Just finished surgery – glad you’re alright!”

He had thought she would be too aloof to reply, but even her message still carried a cool detachment.

“Thank you for everything you did for me! (Rose)”

Zhou Can knew well that she had played a major part in today’s events.

Director Zhang Bihua even stepped forward to defend him – all out of respect for her.

When it came to influence, the two Director Lo’s might not compare to Director Zhang Bihua.

And why would a respected obstetrics department director care so much about an intern with only an undergraduate degree like Yang Chan? Only the person involved knows.

“You’re welcome!”

She replied briefly – truly sparing with words.

Zhou Can, who knew her well, felt that the conversation had naturally come to an end.

He then threw himself back into his relentless practice of surgical skills.

By the time he had exhausted all eight white mice, his incision and tissue separation skills had both reached the resident level, and his ligature experience was at 894 out of 1000 at level three – far ahead of his suturing.

If he could buy ten more white mice tomorrow night to practice, his ligature skill would surely reach level four, making it his second main procedural strength.

The pace of his progress was utterly staggering – remember, he’d only been in resident training for a few days!

His incision skill had finally reached the resident level; if possible tomorrow night, he’d ask Dr. Xu for an anatomy opportunity in a level-one surgery to showcase his skills.

However, such opportunities were scarce in the Emergency Department.

The General Surgery department offered the most practice for incisions – from lipoma removal to hemorrhoid surgery, the options were endless.

……

The next day at work, Zhou Can deeply felt what it meant to be disillusioned by the world.

Only Ye Tingting and Dr. Luo – a few at best – greeted him warmly, while many colleagues from the Emergency Department kept their distance.

That sort of distancing was intangible yet palpable.

This was the real world of adulthood.

He wasn’t too affected; after all, they were just colleagues in the same department – not everyone was required to fawn over him.

A few days ago when he suddenly became popular in the Emergency Department, everyone was eager to be on his good side, hoping for favors in the future.

Doctors and nurses who had long navigated this system knew well who would rise and whom they would have to look up to, and who would simply get by with an average life.

Then, rather unexpectedly, Zhou Can was abruptly suspended by the Medical Department, and rumors spread by Dr. Lu through grapevine chatter made many colleagues believe he had seriously offended a major hospital leader.

It was only natural for everyone to steer clear of him.

Little did they know that Deputy Director Bai now owed Zhou Can a favor.

Their relationship wasn’t particularly close, but it certainly wasn’t bad.

Any talk of enmity was absurd.

Deputy Director Bai not only continued to pressure him but also provided as much help as he could.

If these people knew the truth, they’d probably grovel at his feet.

Yet Zhou Can had long seen through and dismissed such flattery – it wasn’t something he needed.

Growing quietly and quickly stronger suited him just fine.

Entering the operating room, it was Dr. Lin and Dr. Xu on duty today.

“Good morning, Dr. Lin!”

“Morning!”

Dr. Lin nodded, his tone lukewarm – already a cut above those who avoided Zhou Can.

Naturally, Zhou Can didn’t need to overly ingratiate himself; simply clinging to Dr. Xu was enough.

Dr. Lin and Dr. Lu would probably still be interns at forty. With a little luck, they might be demoted to the Second-Level Affiliated Hospital; without it, they’d likely jump to a city hospital.

“Xiao Zhou, are you performing the surgery solo today or as my assistant?”

Dr. Xu inquired.

Zhou Can was probably the first resident trainee to be given such a privilege.

Other trainees would be thrilled just to get one or two opportunities to suture under a senior doctor.

“I’ll do it solo!”

For now, his goal was to elevate all four basic medical skills to the attending level.

Then, by assisting Dr. Xu, he’d be eligible to participate in more significant parts of secondary surgeries.

“Call in two more instrument nurses and let’s start the surgery!”

Dr. Xu, who ranked just below Director Lou in the Emergency Department, was essentially the boss in the operating room, as Director Lou rarely presided over surgeries.

Thus, Dr. Xu was effectively in charge.

He could easily call in two instrument nurses to work the whole day – something Dr. Fu would never be allowed to do.

For Dr. Xu, it was as simple as that.

This difference clearly illustrated that even among attending physicians in the same department, rank varied.

Before long, two instrument nurses arrived.

One was Nurse Tian Tian, and the other was his favorite partner, Qiao Yu.

Nurse Tian Tian exchanged a look with Zhou Can before quickly heading over to Jin Mingxi.

At work, she appeared stiff and clumsy, but when dealing with people – whether colleagues or patient families – she was shrewd and calculating.

Now, by hurrying over to Jin Mingxi, she was seemingly trying to avoid trouble as an assistant to Zhou Can.

That suited him just fine.

Jin Mingxi’s expression soured – clearly, his collaboration with Nurse Tian Tian the previous day hadn’t gone well.

He deeply understood what it meant to have a teammate as useless as a pig.

It became clear why surgeries with Nurse Tian Tian saw a significant drop in completion numbers, while operations with Qiao Yu seemed divinely aided.

People really do differ.

Though both are instrument nurses, their professional capabilities couldn’t be more different.

“Dr. Zhou, congratulations!” Qiao Yu said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you!”

Zhou Can’s gratitude was genuine.

As she approached, he whispered, “Aren’t you worried that being my assistant might cause trouble?”

Qiao Yu playfully rolled her eyes.

“Don’t say things that sting! I practically begged the head nurse for an early shift yesterday just to be here to assist you!”

The early shift – also known as the day shift – is the key group in the inpatient department. They are fixed, working every day.

Night shift and late shift nurses rotate; they’re the on-call nurses who aren’t as professional as the day shift.

In the Emergency Department, most nurses are on rotating shifts.

Everyone wants the day shift, and as a newcomer, Qiao Yu had little competition.

Getting the head nurse to reschedule her day shift wasn’t easy – she must have said many sweet words and pleaded extensively.

“Don’t be mad – how about I treat you to ten cups of milk tea as an apology? Deal?”

Zhou Can quickly apologized.

“That’s more like it!”

Her scolding turned into laughter.

Not far away, Nurse Tian Tian, who had been keeping her distance from Zhou Can, perked up upon hearing that he’d treat Qiao Yu to ten cups of milk tea.

“Someone as generous as you, Dr. Zhou, shouldn’t treat just Qiao Yu!”

Most women love a good bargain.

Nurse Tian Tian, too, hoped to snag some of those treats.

“Dr. Zhou only earns so much a month. Having already treated everyone at the Emergency Department Nurse Station to milk tea, don’t you dare charge him extra! We were just joking – I never really expected him to treat us!”

Qiao Yu quickly defended Zhou Can, not wanting him to lose face and give in to Nurse Tian Tian’s demands.

“No, no – a man keeps his word. If I say I’ll treat, then I’ll treat. As for Tian Tian and the others, I’ll treat them when I’m well-off,” Zhou Can replied coolly – he wasn’t made of money.

The last time he promised to treat all the nurses was merely to build camaraderie and get familiar faces on his side.

It seemed Nurse Tian Tian had mistakenly pegged him as a pushover – clearly the wrong choice.

And to think she expected the same treatment as Qiao Yu – pure delusion.

While his words were smooth, in his mind he thought, “Does she really deserve it?”

“Alright, alright! Then I wish you, Dr. Zhou, all the best in becoming rich!”

Seeing that she couldn’t pinch him, Nurse Tian Tian finally gave up.

Qiao Yu, enjoying this special treatment, beamed as if she had just tasted honey.

Her smile shone even more brilliantly.

“What flavor do you like?”

Zhou Can asked.

“Really treating me? Then I’d love a cup of jasmine milk tea,” she answered after a thought.

Sometimes, people are just so curious.

Those like Nurse Tian Tian who try too hard for freebies often end up empty-handed, while someone like Qiao Yu, who isn’t greedy, finds it easier to receive.

“No problem!”

How could Zhou Can possibly treat her to just one cup?

He would certainly treat her to ten.

Before long, patients in need of surgery began to be wheeled into the operating room.

Another busy day had begun.

With Qiao Yu as his ‘golden partner’ in the operating room, everything proceeded smoothly and efficiently – it was truly satisfying.

Meanwhile, Jin Mingxi’s expression was so downcast that even his mask couldn’t hide his inner collapse.

His inner turmoil was evident – Zhou Can had completed three surgeries while he had only finished one.

The gap was just too enormous.

“Qiao Yu, keep an eye on Dr. Xu’s side. If you notice any simpler excision procedures, let me know,” Zhou Can ordered.

After all, his incision skill had only just reached the resident level and he was itching for an opportunity to hone his craft.

He was practically burning with eagerness.

He had lost count of how many white mice he’d dissected, yet he hadn’t yet tried it on a real patient.

In fact, once his incision reached even the lower resident level, he could participate in minor excision procedures,

like removing subcutaneous foreign objects or simple hemorrhoid surgeries.

Patient after patient was brought into the operating room, operated on, and then wheeled out.

Yet the chance he had been waiting for never came.

Near the end of the day, a middle-aged woman with a swollen, bulldog-like face was escorted into the operating room.

At that moment, Zhou Can no longer had any scheduled surgeries.

Jin Mingxi’s operation was wrapping up.

Since Dr. Fu was about to come for the shift change – and, given his reluctance to get too close for fear of being implicated – Zhou Can chose not to call in any new patients to avoid an awkward scene.

Leaving early to go home and practice on white mice was just as good.

“Hey, here’s your chance for a surgery!”

Qiao Yu whispered to him.

Zhou Can’s spirits lifted as he saw a woman with a massive bump on her face. Judging from the look, it appeared to be a fatty tumor.

“What’s been done? Has the exam been completed?”

Dr. Xu asked.

“All the tests are in. It turns out that after using a comedone extractor on her pimples, her face turned this way. Dr. Luo examined her and noted that there’s an abscess inside.”

The nurse briefly described the situation.

Pimple extraction itself carries risks.

Since pimples are usually on the face, an area rich in blood circulation, with interwoven vessels within the facial muscles…

and no valves in the facial veins to prevent backflow, when the muscles contract, blood can reflux into the cranial cavity, then the heart, and eventually affect all the organs.

Many have heard of the so-called danger triangle of the face.

For example, the area from under the nose to the upper lip is particularly prone to inflammation, rashes, blisters, and pimples.

If someone forcefully extracts them, pus can seep into the bloodstream and, via the veins, reach the heart.

That outcome would be disastrous.

Doctors have repeatedly warned against squeezing lesions in the dangerous triangle, yet some people ignore the risks.

Zhou Can recalled a case: a nineteen-year-old guy once squeezed a pimple on his upper lip, ended up in the ICU, and ultimately could not be saved.

Overconfidence can be deadly.

At last, the opportunity for his incision procedure arrived.

He was thrilled.

However, he had dealt with Dr. Lin before – Dr. Lin always snatched such operations for himself.

If Dr. Fu were on duty, Zhou Can would have no chance at all.

But now, with his own teacher on duty, it was a golden opportunity.

Once Dr. Xu was convinced of his genuine surgical ability, he would hand over this training chance.

As for Dr. Lin, he would likely only watch from the side.

After all, there were distinctions based on closeness.

“Teacher, this case calls for a superficial tumor excision!”

Zhou Can boldly stepped forward to review the test results and propose his surgical plan.

Dr. Xu, having observed him for several days, was already familiar with his approach.

Usually, Zhou Can wasn’t this enthusiastic.

Dr. Xu shot him a look and said, “Let’s hear your plan.”

“Based on the imaging, there’s definitely an abscess inside. We start by making a small incision to drain the pus, then widen the cut to strip the tumor from surrounding tissue and finally excise it. After that, we debride and suture.”

Zhou Can had watched several similar surgical videos online.

During his internship in General Surgery, he observed Chief Resident Dr. Fang perform a similar operation.

But back then, he was just a small intern, unable even to assist.

He had no choice but to stand by and learn.

Dr. Xu looked deep into Zhou Can’s eyes, as if seeing the determination there, and said flatly, “The drainage incision is yours – but first, mark the incision line.”

He wasn’t entirely comfortable; if a vessel or important facial nerve were accidentally severed, it could result in facial paralysis – a grave mistake.

“Got it!”

Zhou Can almost wished he could hug Dr. Xu out of sheer gratitude.

This was the first time he had the opportunity to perform an incision on a patient.

Even if it was just a sub-2 cm cut, it was a crucial step forward.

The patient was prepped and lying on the operating table.

Seeing such a young doctor performing surgery, she clearly showed some reluctance in her eyes, though ultimately remained silent out of her own concerns.

After all, in a prestigious hospital like Tuyu, even a young doctor was assumed to have decent skills – far better than in a small local clinic.

“This line is for drainage – after the pus is drained, we enlarge the incision to remove the tumor inside.”

Zhou Can carefully drew the incision lines.

Dr. Xu examined them and nodded approvingly.

The lines avoided major vessels and nerves, reflecting a cautious and safe approach.

Dr. Xu’s priority for safety was evident.

“The incision is good. Let’s begin!”

Yet Zhou Can hesitated before starting.

“Could I have Qiao Yu as my instrument nurse? I have built great rapport with her, and it would ensure a smoother surgery,” he requested from Dr. Xu.

This opportunity was invaluable for Zhou Can, and equally so for Qiao Yu, who rarely got to work in the operating room except as a Attending Nurse.

Usually relegated to handing instruments, her role was hardly given a chance in these minor surgeries.

Qiao Yu clearly needed this chance.

Her eyes sparkled with surprise and delight.

Unprepared for Zhou Can’s support, she replied, “Alright!”

Dr. Tang Ling, naturally following the lead of the lead surgeon, stepped aside with a smile, “Qiao Yu, stand here! If you’re unsure of anything, just ask me.”

Dr. Tang Ling was known for her sincerity, kindness, and thorough work ethic.

Those were her strengths.

“Thank you!”

Qiao Yu smiled appreciatively.

It was her first time in the roles of lead and first assistant at the operating table.

A skilled instrument nurse can be as essential as the first assistant.

After disinfecting the patient’s surgical area, she drew anesthetic into a syringe, expelled the air, and handed it to Zhou Can.

Zhou Can’s injection technique had long reached level three, steadily advancing toward the resident level.

Because the surgical area was extensive, Zhou Can opted to inject anesthesia from six different points.

“Can you still feel any pain?”

He paused, waiting for the anesthetic to take effect as he began a small test.

“No pain!”

The patient’s speech was slightly slurred – a side effect of wide-ranging facial anesthesia.

A sharp scalpel was then handed to Zhou Can.

The collaboration with Qiao Yu was always so in sync.

Taking the scalpel, he carefully enlarged the incision to about 4.5 cm, then glanced up at Dr. Lin.

“Dr. Lin, could you pass me the flat retractor?”

“Sure!”

Dr. Lin readily complied, handing over the retractor to widen the cut further.

Inside, the scene was revealed.

The abscess wasn’t severe – just a slight superficial infection. The real cause of her facial swelling was a tumor with an estimated diameter of over 3 cm.

It didn’t look like a typical sebaceous cyst.

It was uniformly pale yellow, reminiscent of chicken fat.

The exact nature would only be confirmed after pathological examination of the excised tissue.

“The pimple extraction might’ve just triggered the issue. This tumor might have been present for a long time, only to enlarge quickly after being stimulated and infected,”

Dr. Xu observed with a slightly grave expression.

Whenever he encountered more complicated cases, his expression would turn somber.

“Dr. Zhou, explain your surgical plan.”

He needed to ensure the plan was safe before allowing Zhou Can to proceed.

“We’ll start with a simple debridement, then identify the blood vessels at the tumor’s base. Once clamped with a hemostat, we’ll gradually separate the tumor from the surrounding tissue and then excise it,” Zhou Can explained.

“Alright, I’ll help clamp the vessel,”

Dr. Xu replied.

The incision was small, so the three of them were a bit cramped.

Perhaps that’s why Dr. Xu felt the need to personally assist by clamping the vessel, ready to call a halt or guide Zhou Can at any moment.

Zhou Can’s hemostasis skills were at the attending level, a great asset in locating the vessel.

After debridement, he quickly located the vessel at the tumor’s base.

Generally, any growing tumor requires a blood supply.

This tumor, uniquely situated on the face, was otherwise just a minor growth compared to massive liver tumors that can exceed 20 cm.

For benign liver tumors under 5 cm, doctors usually advise simple observation.

“Teacher, please help me clamp this vessel,”

Zhou Can exposed the vessel deliberately.

“Wow, you pinpointed the tumor’s base vessel so quickly – impressive!”

Dr. Lin couldn’t help but compliment him, clearly lacking that ability himself.

“Thanks for the praise!”

Zhou Can replied modestly.

When it came to hemostasis, even Dr. Fu couldn’t match him. Dr. Lin’s skills were at best average compared to Zhou Can’s.

“You really have talent,” Dr. Xu nodded approvingly.

After clamping the base vessel with a hemostat, he also took the time to instruct several junior doctors.

“When clamping vessels to preserve them, be careful not to apply excessive force – you might damage the vessel tissue.”

Many novices tend to over-clamp out of nervousness.

The clamped portion destined for excision wasn’t an issue.

But if a vessel meant to be saved was clamped too hard, it would be ruined.

Dr. Lin waited quietly as Zhou Can located the vessel at the tumor’s base – only the first step.

This surgery’s complexity far exceeded that of a level-one procedure – it was essentially level-two.

Dr. Lin doubted that a newcomer like Zhou Can could handle the subsequent tumor separation, something even he, as a veteran resident, wasn’t entirely sure about.

At most, he would only attempt it cautiously.

That was why he had fought so hard for this surgery opportunity.

In the past, Dr. Xu might not have allowed Zhou Can to participate in such high-risk surgery.

Perhaps that incident yesterday spurred him on.

If it weren’t for several department heads defending Zhou Can, he might still have been suspended – or worse.

With Dr. Xu’s limited authority, Zhou Can’s situation seemed dire.

So, he accelerated Zhou Can’s training, wanting him to grow stronger and gain more influence quickly.

Zhou Can then took the scalpel and began steadily separating the tumor from the surrounding tissue.

Each precise cut was measured and steady.

When separating normal tissue, his movements were brisk and efficient; when dissecting around vessels, he advanced slowly, perfectly controlling force, angle, and progress.

“Kid, you’re really something! Your separation skill is already at an above-average resident level,”

Dr. Xu exclaimed, watching Zhou Can maneuver the scalpel with precision – he was happier than ever.

This young man was truly extraordinary.

Originally, Dr. Xu had only intended to test Zhou Can’s incision skill and see his potential for tissue separation.

He was ready to take over the operation if Zhou Can faltered.

But Zhou Can hadn’t given him a chance to stop – he had delivered a tremendous surprise.

A prodigy like him was a blessing indeed.

Dr. Xu felt that risking everything to support Zhou Can had been absolutely worthwhile.

Dr. Lin, who had been waiting eagerly, was left in awe, his eyes comically wide and his heart sinking.

Zhou Can’s tissue separation was so masterful that excising the tumor was more than within his capabilities – Dr. Lin no longer stood a chance.

At that moment, Jin Mingxi had finished his surgery and stood nearby to watch.

His expression was priceless – as if he’d seen a ghost.

Despite decades of surgical experience and self-assurance in his skills, Zhou Can’s remarkable tissue separation made him feel utterly defeated inside.

This young newcomer was just too phenomenal.

Tissue separation, a far more challenging technique than incision, had evidently been honed to perfection by Zhou Can.

How on earth had he managed that?

Jin Mingxi, who lived with Zhou Can, had only observed him dissecting countless white mice – no other practice was visible!

At the time for the shift change, Dr. Fu, Dr. Lu, and Nurse Liu Xia came in.

Upon entering the operating room, they saw several doctors around a patient on the table.

Looking closer, they were astonished – Dr. Xu was acting as a helper!

“Damn, why is he on the lead surgeon’s seat? Attending physicians and senior residents are all assisting him – this kid clearly gets exceptional treatment!”

Dr. Lu’s face twitched with a mix of envy and disbelief.

He glared at Zhou Can, who was diligently performing the surgery.

This was treatment he had never experienced.

Then he noticed something new.

The much-coveted Qiao Yu was serving as Zhou Can’s instrument nurse, and the two worked in perfect sync.

Dr. Lu’s heart ached as if a thousand ants were chewing inside him.

If only he were the one in the lead role!

Of course, all he could do was fantasize.

Even though Qiao Yu had assisted him a few times, it had always been strictly professional – never as intimately as with Zhou Can.

That made it even more painful for Dr. Lu.

His heart twisted in agony.

Dr. Fu, curious about why the surgery wasn’t over at shift change, stepped forward and greeted Dr. Xu with a smile, “Dr. Xu, it’s rare to see you working late on surgery!”

“It’s a superficial subcutaneous tumor excision,” Dr. Xu explained briefly, his eyes returning to Zhou Can’s focused movements.

He couldn’t afford any laxity.

He monitored every move.

At first, Dr. Fu didn’t think much of it, but as he observed Zhou Can’s work – his eyes widened in astonishment.

It was downright terrifying!

A resident trainee, barely a few days into training, skillfully separating a facial tumor with such calm, smooth, and surprisingly effective technique – it was truly shocking.

Zhou Can had nearly finished separating the tumor from surrounding tissue.

He was now working on the critical vessel area.

Each cut was as if dancing on the tip of a blade – one wrong move could sever a vessel.

Yet, not a single slip – every incision was perfectly precise. Infuriating, isn’t it?

Dr. Lu, noticing Dr. Fu’s exaggerated expression after seeing Zhou Can’s work, edged closer to take a better look.

“Is this kid some sort of demon? He handles tissue separation like it’s nothing!” Dr. Lu’s face resembled a cartoon – his eyes were round and his mouth formed an ‘O’.

Even though Dr. Lu was known for his laziness, his eyesight wasn’t lacking. In one glance, he recognized that Zhou Can’s tissue separation outclassed his by far.

The shock on his face was unmistakable.