Chapter 160: Pride, Rivalry, and the Price of Excellence

“Dr. Du, don’t go around flaunting that overseas PhD like it makes you impressive. A diploma is only your ticket—true ability is what counts!”

Zhou Can shot back.

“You… cough, cough, cough!”

Du Leng clutched his chest, coughing violently as his face reddened.

Clearly, Zhou Can’s words had struck a nerve.

“Dr. Du, please calm down. I’m merely stating facts, not targeting you,” Zhou Can explained, worried the man’s heart condition might invite disaster—and an ensuing legal mess.

At that, Du Leng’s coughing only worsened.

It was like beating someone half to death and then saying, ‘Sorry, it was an accident.’

Who wouldn’t be incensed after hearing that?

“You think you’re so great!”

After holding back for a long moment, Du Leng managed to hiss out those two words before storming off, his face set in a scowl.

In every clash with Zhou Can, Du Leng seemed to come up short. Though they maintained a polite façade, their rivalry was unmistakable.

This time, Du Leng lost face in front of his colleagues and tried to salvage his pride by flaunting his credentials—only to be shot down.

Defeated and humiliated, he would surely be eager to go toe-to-toe with Zhou Can again.

Zhou Can had never feared a challenge; he met Du Leng’s with calm indifference as he watched him leave.

“What’s so impressive about an overseas PhD? I can’t stand his sanctimonious air!”

Tang Li sneered with disdain.

“Hehe, daring to mess with our own Dr. Zhou—he’s just begging for trouble. Nice comeback!”

Dr. Zou had grown remarkably close to Zhou Can.

When you’re outclassed, it’s natural to adapt and accept a new role.

Initially, Dr. Zou had bristled as the newcomer repeatedly outshined him, challenging his long-held status. But soon he recognized that Zhou Can’s raw talent eclipsed even Du Leng’s abilities, and he slowly came to terms with it.

Before long, he found himself craving Zhou Can’s help during surgeries.

With Zhou Can around, he felt an unfamiliar sense of security.

After two months of close work, the two had grown remarkably comfortable with each other.

When Du Leng openly taunted Zhou Can, both Dr. Zou and Tang Li quickly united in his defense.

“Dr. Zhou can hold his own against Du Leng because his potential and skills are on par with his. However, you two would do well not to antagonize him. With Director Xie’s high regard for Du Leng and our Surgical Department’s need for academic talent, his career path isn’t in jeopardy. Cross him at your own risk.”

Director Wen intervened, attempting to soothe his two proteges.

A seasoned veteran, his judgment and foresight were unparalleled—even by Dr. Zou or Tang Li.

“We just can’t stand his pompous attitude. All day long he brags about the advanced medical theories he learned abroad, yet he still gets outclassed by Dr. Zhou, doesn’t he?”

Tang Li pouted, acting with a touch of childish defiance.

She mumbled, revealing her deep-seated contempt for Du Leng.

“Western medicine did originate in the West, and indeed their research is far ahead of ours. We must acknowledge that. But we Chinese possess inherent advantages—a profound historical legacy and a diligent, intelligent, and eager nature. In a couple of decades, our research in Western medicine might even overtake that of the West.”

Director Wen’s expression grew serious as he addressed the trio.

He declared that the two most intelligent ethnic groups in the world were the Han and the Jews.

As for the surrounding island nations, they were populated largely by Han descendants—even in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

In the days when China was a global powerhouse, nations paid tribute and the world bowed in submission.

They truly revered China.

How exceptional the Han bloodline is might even be beyond many Han themselves.

Throughout history, since the era of Yan and Huang, nearly every institutional regulation and major invention has been credited to the Han.

The Han have always cherished peace, upholding Confucian ideals and balance.

I may be humble and treat you cordially, but that does not mean I am any less capable.

The Han excel not in one field alone, but in every possible arena.

Be it agriculture, politics, infrastructure, innovation, or warfare—they reign supreme.

In olden times, China’s core territory was quite small.

Surrounded by fierce nomads and barbarians who frequently raided its borders, China was under constant threat. Yet, over time, those rebellious tribes transformed into vibrant, hospitable minorities.

History is both just and ruthless.

The Chinese nation has repeatedly come close to extinction, yet in its darkest hours, heroic figures emerge to turn the tide.

Take the chaos of the Five Barbarians, for instance—it nearly wiped out the Han.

In modern times, the humiliations inflicted by world powers on China were severe. Due to the isolationist policies during the Ming and Qing eras, China lagged behind for over a hundred years, suffering countless indignities, massacres, and atrocities against its people.

But in the end, China rose again like a colossus.

It won’t be long before the great revival of the Chinese nation sees us reclaim the pinnacle of world power.

Thus, every Chinese person should be proud—we represent the strongest bloodline in the world, bar none.

Director Wen predicted that in another twenty to thirty years, China’s achievements in Western medicine would surpass those of the West—a very conservative estimate.

The only regret is that Traditional Chinese Medicine has fallen so far; reviving it would require ten or a hundred times the effort.

Many ancient TCM formulas, pulse diagnostics, and acupuncture techniques have been lost.

…

As the day drew to a close, Zhou Can and nineteen other trainees were summoned to the office.

Chief Surgeon Wu Baihe appeared in person.

Today marked their final day in General Surgery; tomorrow, they’d rotate to other departments.

Zhou Can’s next assignment was in the Intensive Care Unit.

Some county-level tertiary hospitals consider it a success to have one or two ICU rooms.

But in a provincial-level facility like Tuyu Hospital, the Intensive Care Department was expansive—boasting specialized ICUs for burns, respiratory issues, neonatology, general surgery, emergency care, nephrology, and more.

Most trainees spent about a month in Intensive Care during their rotation.

At the rotation’s end, an attending physician would deliver a brief speech. Having Chief Surgeon Wu Baihe present was a rare honor.

Many trainees in General Surgery had only caught glimpses of Wu Baihe during their two-month rotation.

At that moment, the sight of the renowned surgical master from Tuyu Hospital thrilled everyone.

“Everyone, please be seated!”

Wu Baihe gestured with both hands, inviting everyone to sit down.

“Before you know it, your two months in General Surgery are over. On behalf of the department, I thank you for your contributions. More than that, I hope you’ve acquired priceless medical knowledge and surgical skills that will serve you well in your careers.”

General Surgery is truly a compulsory subject.

Whether it’s diagnosing patients, performing surgeries, or managing wards, expertise from General Surgery is essential.

“Over these two months, you’ve all performed exceptionally. But there is one person we must single out for his outstanding contributions in endoscopic surgery, ward safety, critical consultations, and emergency rescues.”

As soon as Wu Baihe finished speaking, several perceptive trainees instinctively turned their gaze toward Zhou Can.

Nearly everyone knew that Zhou Can’s performance in General Surgery was extraordinary.

Many had often seen Director Wen and Zhou Can chatting like old friends while walking side by side.

During operations, Zhou Can confidently took the lead as a trainee, performing procedures with unwavering focus.

Chief Physicians and Attending Doctors quickly rallied around him—either assisting or observing.

In consultations, Zhou Can rarely spoke.

But whenever he did, his insights were consistently brilliant.

Almost every suggestion of his was adopted by the senior doctors.

Calling him a legend among trainees wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

“Please welcome our Dr. Zhou to the front!”

At Wu Baihe’s signal, spontaneous applause erupted for Zhou Can.

Cheers and exclamations filled the room.

In truth, Zhou Can wasn’t fond of such high-profile attention—he found it a bit too showy.

But with Wu Baihe calling his name, he had little choice but to join in.

He stood promptly and made his way to stand beside Wu Baihe, as everyone’s eyes—admiring, envious, even resentful—tracked him.

Wu Baihe also rose, smiling as he regarded Zhou Can.

“That patient with heart failure is now out of danger. Thank you for helping our team avert a potentially disastrous medical error.”

The patient had been under Wu Baihe’s care, with his team always managing the case.

Had an incident occurred, Deputy Director Ye’s top protégé, Dr. Kuang Shenfeng, would likely have been ruined—making it nearly impossible for him to secure a top position in the future.

A medical mishap is like a criminal record; once it happens, it leaves a permanent mark.

Such an incident can even hinder one’s children from landing key positions or civil service roles.

For a doctor, it’s best if the crisis doesn’t extend to family.

After all, misfortune seldom spares loved ones.

But a stalled career is a fate hard to reverse.

“As long as the patient is safe, that’s what matters. I’ve only played a small part—no need for excessive thanks, Director Wu.”

Many listened intently, eavesdropping.

It seemed that the exceptional Dr. Zhou had once again accomplished something remarkable.

No wonder Chief Surgeon Wu Baihe was present for today’s trainee rotation—it was all for Zhou Can!

It was clearly his moment to shine.

“To recognize your extraordinary contributions to General Surgery, after discussions with the Chief Physicians, we’ve decided to award you a special medal—the Best Trainee Award of Tuyu Neurosurgery!”

Wu Baihe fastened a metal medal around Zhou Can’s neck.

The inscriptions were precisely carved, a process that couldn’t be rushed.

This medal had most likely been prepared in advance.

“This is the only trainee award issued by the General Surgery Department. It bears your name and training dates, and your account on our intranet has now been upgraded to Chief-level access. You can review all General Surgery cases. We welcome any valuable diagnostic suggestions you might have.”

This reward was far more prestigious than a cash bonus.

It upgraded his intranet privileges to Chief-level access—no small feat for just a trainee.

They had clearly recognized his exceptional diagnostic capabilities.

Perhaps Zhou Can could help identify oversights in case reviews or even propose better surgical plans.

Or offer superior diagnostic advice.

“Thank you! I’m truly honored.”

Zhou Can bowed respectfully to Wu Baihe.

“Don’t be too hasty with your thanks—the door to General Surgery is always open. Whether you come for further training or a transfer, you’re welcome to apply anytime.”

Well, it seemed Wu Baihe couldn’t resist extending an olive branch—he had finally taken the opportunity to recruit him.

This reward was undoubtedly enticing to the other trainees.

The prestige of the medal was exceptionally high.

But for Zhou Can, it was just another convenient doorway.

During the trainee exams, other departments had coveted him. Now, having proven his talent, strength, and enormous potential, he could choose any department.

Even the most revered surgical departments seemed unimpressive to him.

“Thank you, Director Wu and all the Chief Physicians of General Surgery, for your overwhelming support. When the time comes, I’ll definitely apply to join General Surgery.”

Zhou Can’s words were nothing more than polite formalities.

Everyone could see he had no real intention of joining the department.

“Alright, everyone, please return to your seats!”

Wu Baihe appeared unsurprised by the outcome.

He showed no hint of disappointment.

His only regret was that Director Xie hadn’t chosen Zhou Can when scouting for talent.

That decision now meant this exceptional talent was determined to repay the Emergency Department’s trust.

It was undeniably a huge loss for Neurosurgery—and for the entire surgical field.

…

Wu Baihe’s remarks were brief. After the award ceremony and a few formal words, he quickly departed.

A man always on the move.

As many trainees had suspected, Wu Baihe seemed to appear solely for Zhou Can.

“You’re incredible!”

Jin Mingxi gave Zhou Can a thumbs-up.

During the two months in General Surgery, thanks to Zhou Can’s support when Jin Mingxi injured his back, he never encountered further trouble.

Dr. Ou even made it a point to mentor Jin Mingxi.

Much of that was due to Zhou Can’s impressive reputation.

Despite receiving such high honors and rewards, Zhou Can remained unruffled, unaffected by praise or criticism.

“My next department is Intensive Care. What about you?”

Zhou Can asked Jin Mingxi.

“Hehe, I’m also heading to Intensive Care. But this will be the last department we train in together,” Jin Mingxi replied with a mischievous smile.

A subtle hint that if Zhou Can succeeded, Jin Mingxi hoped to ride on his coattails.

…

The next day, Zhou Can and Jin Mingxi reported to the Intensive Care Department’s office together.

Unlike other specialty departments,

the Intensive Care Department was an umbrella term; its units were spread across various departments, with each managing its own ICU staffing.

A total of 32 trainees reported in.

Both hospital trainees and visiting scholars crammed into the already small office.

The head of the Intensive Care Department had them fill out forms and meticulously reviewed every submission.

“Who is Zhou Can?”

He looked up and asked.

“I am!”

Zhou Can quickly raised his hand.

A chill ran down his spine—was this another one of those belittling moments like Director Xie’s?

“I hear your reputation precedes you. Deputy Director Ye has personally instructed that the hospital focus on your development. Your Intensive Care rotation is set for only a month, which isn’t enough—how would you feel about extending it by two months?”

The head inquired publicly.

Zhou Can nervously rubbed his nose; with growing fame came increased pressure.

He had seen the ICU firsthand, where a patient’s death came without ceremony.

Originally, he thought a month would suffice to learn the basics from senior doctors. Now, with a three‐month rotation, they clearly expected him to be ready to handle emergencies on his own.

Frankly, the thought made him apprehensive.

What if things went wrong and a fatal error jeopardized his future?

“If you need more time to decide, you can reply tomorrow. But remember, the duration of your training will dictate my arrangements.”

The head said in a gentle tone.