Chapter 98: A Lesson in Surgical Fate

Based on Zhou Can’s understanding of Dr. Xu, there was no way he’d be struck down with one blow just because Jin Mingxi caused a mishap during yesterday’s surgery.

Dr. Xu always left room for growth when giving them a chance to improve.

Even if an accident occurred during surgery, he was capable of cleaning up the mess.

Several times, when high-risk Level-Two surgeries arose, Zhou Can shamelessly begged for a chance to learn—but Dr. Xu always turned him down.

This clearly showed that Dr. Xu only granted surgical opportunities when the risk was controllable.

“Dr. Xu, please give me one more chance. I promise to be extra careful and no longer act recklessly,”

Jin Mingxi pleaded desperately.

He was in deep regret, his guts aching with remorse.

Had he known the consequences would be this severe, he would never have taken that risk.

“You’ve got it all wrong! I’m not denying you further practice in Rapid Knife Fundamentals because of yesterday’s mistake. It’s simply because you’re not cut out for this path. To use an odd analogy – men naturally have strength suited for heavy labor, while women’s nimble hands are more apt for sewing. Do you know why you made that mistake yesterday?”

Dr. Xu fixed his gaze on him and asked.

“The patient’s membrane was a bit unusual. I felt powerless during the tissue separation and, despite my doubts, I pressed on – and that’s when I slipped up. I’ve learned my lesson,”

Jin Mingxi had replayed the incident a hundred times in his mind.

So his answer came out almost automatically.

“That’s only part of it. I dare say even if you hadn’t erred yesterday, you’d have made a mistake next time, and the time after that as well.”

Dr. Xu stated with absolute certainty.

Such prophetic words left Jin Mingxi looking utterly dejected.

“I’ve said before, if you want to pursue the path of Rapid Knife technique, you need a calm mind. Although you’re mature and steady, you lack the level-headedness and inner calm that Zhou Can possesses. In theory, these qualities can be cultivated later through disciplined practice and personal insight. But human nature is hard to change after the age of eleven.”

A person’s character is mostly formed at birth.

Some say character is inherited from one’s parents, but scientists have been surprised to find that it isn’t.

For example, absent-minded parents may raise a meticulous child.

What’s called inheritance is really the parents’ influence and guidance on the child.

Many believe that only after a child is born can parental influence take hold.

In truth, from the moment a mother conceives, influences from parents and the outside world begin to shape the child.

Before the age of eleven, a child’s character can still be molded.

The younger a child is, the more malleable they are.

With exposure, guidance, and deliberate cultivation, a child’s character can be steered in a positive direction.

After eleven, a child’s character is generally set; they become opinionated with their own way of thinking, making parental influence much less effective.

Jin Mingxi was already 35. His character was long cemented.

Old habits die hard.

It was unlikely he’d ever change.

“You lack the calm necessary. Continuing to practice Rapid Knife Fundamentals would only intensify the restlessness and aggression in your heart. During surgery, your competitive spirit and impatience would take over. That’s why I say, even if nothing went wrong yesterday, trouble would still come your way in the future.”

Dr. Xu was a seasoned veteran with rich experience and wide insight.

His analysis carried its own weight of truth.

After a moment’s thought, Jin Mingxi sighed deeply, “It really does seem that way. So, what should I do?”

He felt a surge of panic.

Who would have thought that practicing Rapid Knife Fundamentals could be harmful?

Frequent mishaps alone were alarming.

“Didn’t you ask me before whether you were more suited to a ‘steady’ or ‘precise’ surgical style? Now I can answer: you are built for steady, not rapid. Your character, talent, and temperament are all in tune with a more measured approach. You could adopt Dr. Hu Kan’s method. Keep your arm raised for long periods, holding two strands of hair without moving. This practice, much like Zen meditation, can help cultivate steadiness and inner calm.”

“Not only will it steady your hand, it will also nurture the calm and focus you need.”

Dr. Xu had shown him the right path.

The best road is the one that suits you best.

“I understand. Thank you for your guidance.”

At that moment, Jin Mingxi finally realized that Dr. Xu hadn’t thrown him to hell out of anger over his mistake.

Instead, it was because he truly wasn’t suited for the Rapid Knife path.

He resolved to adopt a steadier surgical style instead.

Dr. Lu had been eavesdropping the whole time.

Along with three female nurses, he quietly listened to Dr. Xu’s profound insights.

Insights into advanced medical techniques like these can’t be learned from books.

Listening in broadened their perspectives and sharpened their skills.

It was enormously beneficial for them.

“Dr. Xu, then am I suited for Rapid Knife practice?” Dr. Lu asked, a hint of envy in his tone as he admired Zhou Can and Jin Mingxi, both of whom had learned the advanced techniques from Dr. Xu.

Especially Zhou Can – no wonder he was so formidable.

It turned out that he had received the Rapid Knife inheritance from Dr. Xu.

Dr. Xu shot a few glances at Dr. Lu.

Dr. Lu straightened up in a very cooperative manner, looking every bit the obedient student.

“If you can just kick your laziness to the curb, that alone is a major victory.”

That remark had everyone laughing heartily.

Fortunately, there were no patients in the operating room.

Only a handful of familiar medical staff were present, so no one minded.

While they were talking, Dr. Fu and Dr. Lin arrived to take over the shift.

“Hey, isn’t it rare for surgery to finish so early today?” Dr. Fu greeted with a smile.

“Since it’s nearly quitting time and we had no emergency cases, I didn’t call the nurses to bring any new patients in,” Dr. Xu replied, clearly in a better mood than his outburst yesterday.

Dr. Fu’s eyes turned to Zhou Can. “I heard Dr. Zhou achieved quite a feat today!”

Their relationship had been distant for a while, and Dr. Fu was clearly eager to mend fences.

Now that matters had been smoothed over and Zhou Can was performing better than ever, Dr. Fu was keen to bridge the gap.

It wasn’t every day that a senior doctor would show kindness to a junior colleague; Zhou Can was likely the first in the Emergency Department to receive such special treatment.

“Dr. Fu, you sure are well-informed! How did you hear about this?” Dr. Xu laughed in reply.

“The moment I stepped into the Emergency Department, Director Lou was talking about it. Apparently, a foreigner was invited to tutor a student’s family in English about two weeks ago. During the visit, he found the family’s little white dog incredibly cute and clingy, so he reached out to pet it. He might have had a small cut on his hand, but he didn’t think much of it at the time.”

“It wasn’t until a few days later that he developed a slight fever and tremors. We assumed it was a cold until today when, while riding his bike to get some exercise, he inexplicably took a bad fall. The injury was severe enough that his colleagues at school rushed him to Tuyu Hospital,” Dr. Fu recounted what he’d overheard in the office.

According to him, Mr. Chloe had fallen off his bicycle. It seemed that the rabies had struck, affecting his cerebellum.

In the mid-stage of rabies, the virus multiplies rapidly in the central nervous system, invading the spinal cord and brain – particularly targeting the neurons in the brain and cerebellum.

Thus, in mid-stage rabies, patients may inexplicably lose balance, drop objects like cups or bowls, or shatter them in hand.

This loss of control stems from the cerebellum being attacked by the virus.

“That dog, carrying the rabies virus, must be reported. The student’s family needs to be notified immediately so the dog can be euthanized and every family member vaccinated and tested,” he continued.

Upon hearing this, Dr. Xu felt regret for the unfortunate foreigner while also realizing that the dog could pose further risks.

That was the instinctive reaction of a doctor.

A doctor’s heart is naturally concerned for others.

“The Infectious Diseases Department is already on it. I bet the hospital will commend our Emergency Department – Dr. Zhou, you truly are our guardian angel!”

Dr. Fu once again lavished praise on Zhou Can.

“You’re too kind! I merely stumbled upon the discovery by chance. Handling Mr. Chloe’s wound was all Dr. Lu and Nurse Tian Tian’s; everything that followed was under Dr. Xu’s command. My role was minimal.”

Zhou Can remained notably humble.

Both Dr. Lu, Nurse Tian Tian, and Dr. Xu were visibly pleased.

Especially Dr. Lu, whose eyes no longer held any hostility toward Zhou Can.

“Haha, looks like the operating room in the Emergency Department is really united! Dr. Zhou, are you staying late for overtime today?” Dr. Fu once again extended his goodwill.

“I’ve got to go home and practice the fundamentals my teacher taught me, so I won’t be staying late.”

Zhou Can had by now developed a comprehensive method to enhance his medical skills. Performing surgery in the operating room and practicing at home were equally important.

Besides, overtime with Dr. Fu yielded far fewer learning opportunities than working with Dr. Xu.

It felt like a waste of time, so he declined.

“Alright then! If you ever feel like putting in overtime, you know where to find me. I’ll make sure you get a chance for a Level-One surgical practice.”

“Alright, thank you for your mentorship!”

Zhou Can nodded and left with Dr. Xu and the others.

After changing, as he stepped out, Dr. Lu was waiting by the door.

It was rare for him not to pester Qiao Yu today.

“Dr. Zhou, thanks for today.”

“It’s nothing at all,” Zhou Can replied with a smile and a wave.

“How about grabbing a quick meal? We’ve had our fair share of misunderstandings in the past. I owe you an apology,”

clearly revealing Dr. Lu’s true purpose for waiting.

Dr. Lu had his faults, but he also had redeeming qualities.

He wasn’t a smooth talker, but he generally got along well with everyone.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but no need to dine. Let’s just let bygones be bygones.”

Even though Dr. Lu apologized, Zhou Can, displaying admirable magnanimity, accepted it.

“You really won’t hold it against me?” Dr. Lu asked, still a bit uneasy.

“Not at all!” Zhou Can replied with an open, sincere look.

“Thanks! Next time you’re free, let me treat you to a meal and a couple of drinks. See you tomorrow!” Dr. Lu waved cheerfully as he left.

How unpredictable human nature can be.

Who would have thought that a rabies patient’s incident could thaw the relationship between two people?

Dr. Lu proved to be a man who could both yield and stand tall.

Zhou Can recalled a philosophical saying – existence is inherently justified. For Dr. Lu to survive at Tuyu Hospital, he must have his own merits.

Such a person was not likely to become a deep friend.

Maintaining surface harmony and unity at work was enough.

…

Around five in the afternoon, while practicing Rapid Knife techniques in his apartment, Zhou Can’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen – it was a call from Mr. Cui, the heart-attack patient he had saved last time.

“Hello, Dr. Zhou! I’m the heart-attack patient you saved. Do you remember me?”

“Of course, I saved your number!” Zhou Can replied with a smile.

“I’ve fully recovered now and would like to treat you to a meal as thanks. Are you free sometime soon?”

“No need for dinner!” Zhou Can demurred.

Was today an auspicious day? Dr. Lu had offered dinner, and now Mr. Cui was inviting him as well – it all seemed to conspire for a good time.

“Absolutely! I love making new friends. Since our meeting was fate, let’s get together for a meal. How about coming to my place? My wife and I will cook. Tell me your favorite dishes,” Mr. Cui said with genuine enthusiasm.

With his earnest invitation laid out, turning it down now would seem ungrateful.

It was a good chance to mingle with a successful man like Mr. Cui.

After all, a wide circle of friends opened many doors.

“Hehe, your invitation is hard to resist! How about this Saturday night?”

Zhou Can agreed with a smile.

There’s an old saying about last-minute invites being just a way to fill seats or foot the bill. An advance invitation was both polite and respectful.

Mr. Cui’s invitation reflected his respect toward Zhou Can.

“Saturday works great. I’ve got plenty of time. What dishes do you like? I’ll prepare in advance,” Mr. Cui inquired.

“I’m not picky—I enjoy everything. I’ll leave it in your capable hands,” Zhou Can replied, his tone shifting as he addressed Mr. Cui more familiarly.

Since he accepted the invitation to dine at Mr. Cui’s home, he was now open to forging a new friendship.

Mr. Cui was at least twice his age.

Normally, he’d call him ‘uncle,’ but nowadays everyone prefers a youthfully casual address.

Calling him ‘brother’ felt closer.

“No trouble at all. Knowing you’re coming has already made me and my wife very happy! Shall I drive over to pick you up?”

“No, no need. Just send me the address. Don’t worry—I can find my way,”

Zhou Can replied.

“Haha! Alright then!”

Mr. Cui was amused by Zhou Can’s reply.

After the call ended, Mr. Cui sent him a map coordinate via WeChat.

Zhou Can checked it – unbelievably, it was in the Jiangxin Garden Villa District.

This was the most upscale riverfront property in town.

All the houses were built on an island in the middle of the river, accessible only by a single road.

In earlier years, it was said that the island was home to scavengers and a few local fishermen, owing to the inconvenient transport.

Until a visionary developer acquired the entire island and transformed it into the city’s most exclusive villa district. With only around thirty villas built on the island,

its natural advantages in security and privacy were unmatched.

Residents could enjoy endless river views from their balconies and stroll in their private gardens – a true luxury.

These thirty or so villas quickly became a hot commodity among the rich and powerful.

Even the most modest villa on the island once sold for over a hundred million. Now, prices were likely even higher.

Mr. Cui’s residence was clearly an abode for the very wealthy.

Having a friend of his caliber would surely benefit Zhou Can, although being born into affluence himself made him quite unperturbed.

Soon enough, he got lost in his Rapid Knife practice.

Around eleven at night, after showering and sitting on his bed reading while listening to a record from Su Qianqian, his phone rang again.

He rarely received more than two calls a day – his social circle was very simple, with hardly any frivolous companions.

At this late hour, a call would mean either a genuine emergency, a family member, or spam.

Seeing an unknown number, Zhou Can hesitated before answering.

“Hello, who is this?”

“Is this Dr. Zhou?” a young female voice asked timidly.

“Su Qianqian?”

Zhou Can recognized her instantly – her voice was unique, soft and sweet like no other.

Having listened to her songs countless times, he was well acquainted with her tone.

“I didn’t expect you’d remember me, Dr. Zhou,” Su Qianqian said after a brief pause. “Could I trouble you with something?”

“Go on,” he replied, curious about what might be wrong at this late hour.

Was there a leak? Or a power outage?

Only these kinds of problems would prompt Su Qianqian to call him.

“I, um, accidentally locked my keys inside my apartment. I was out buying things and when I got back, I realized I forgot my access card and keys. I don’t have the landlord’s number. Could you possibly give it to me? I’d like to call him to bring the keys over. I know it’s late, and this is an unreasonable request…”

“Just wait at the community gate. I’ll come and let you in,”

Zhou Can replied, exasperated.

Women’s minds tend to be simpler, and such a basic mistake was all too common.

It was very unsafe for such a beautiful girl to be locked out late at night.

There was no alternative but to help.

Being a landlord collecting rent wasn’t easy either.

Zhou Can grabbed his spare key and access card and left.

At this hour, he had to take a taxi.

Fortunately, the city streets were quiet at night, and the cab sped along unimpeded.