Chapter 378: Passing the Torch in the Cardiac Surgery Department

As long as you’re better than the person you were yesterday, that’s progress—and that’s something worth celebrating.

“Alright, it’s getting late. Everyone head home and get some rest! We have a mountain of new patients waiting for us tomorrow. You know, ever since we chose this path as doctors, we’ve been destined for a lifetime of hard work. Every time I think about taking a real break, I can’t help but wonder—can our patients really afford to wait?”

Dr. Hu Kan’s words made everyone fall silent, each lost in thought.

“The answer’s obvious. Of course patients can’t wait! So that’s how I’ve spent most of my life, rushing from one thing to the next. It was only when my health gave out that I finally slowed down.”

His words were plain and simple, but they struck a chord deep in everyone’s heart.

Being a doctor means living a life of constant toil.

Dr. Hu Kan is the perfect representation of most medical professionals’ lives.

“Dr. Hu, you know, even now you’re still a guiding light for all of us! I can’t imagine what we’d do in Cardiothoracic Surgery without you holding things together.”

That was the truth.

If Dr. Hu had walked away from the hospital after falling ill, who knows what shape Cardiothoracic Surgery would be in by now.

“Ever since I joined Cardiothoracic Surgery, I knew I’d give this department everything I had. But hey, don’t go spreading that around, or people will say I’m just showing off!”

Dr. Hu smiled and waved, letting Zhou Can and Director Xueyan support him as he slowly made his way outside.

Usually, when Zhou Can was around, he would take Dr. Hu to the car himself.

Dr. Hu is a sensible man, and he raised his son with the same qualities. Every day his son would be there, waiting in the car right in front of the Surgical Building, always on time.

Whenever Zhou Can showed up, his son would greet him with a friendly smile.

He’d jump out of the car right away, open the door early, and help Dr. Hu into the back seat.

“Zhou, Xueyan—you two look so much like real siblings!”

Dr. Hu settled into the car, then squinted at the pair and spoke in a genuinely earnest tone.

“Ah… really? Maybe it’s because Zhou and I do look a little alike!”

Director Xueyan touched her own face, laughing in surprise.

“It’s not about your looks. It’s your personalities—you’re both kind, but when the situation calls for it, you know how to stand your ground. You’re clever and adaptable, never too rigid. Even the way your tempers match up, it’s almost like you really are siblings.”

Dr. Hu gently corrected Xueyan, taking her answer seriously.

“If I ever truly can’t go on, Xueyan, I hope you’ll take on the responsibility of leading this department. I’ve already spoken with Director Xie and had a word with Associate Director He. It should all be straightforward. Zhou, I know this little fish pond here won’t keep you forever, but I hope you’ll do your best to support Xueyan, help her settle into the role of department head, and keep Cardiothoracic Surgery on track. The two of you—treat big decisions like a family would, and always talk things through.”

Dr. Hu seemed to have a lot more to say tonight than usual.

Even though he was out of breath and exhausted, he pushed himself to finish every word.

It sounded almost like he was saying his final goodbyes.

“Xueyan’s always looked out for me. If she’s leading Cardiothoracic Surgery, I’ll give her everything I’ve got,” Zhou Can promised, his words weighty.

Because Zhou’s status in Cardiothoracic Surgery was unique—everyone knew he was Dr. Hu’s personal disciple, his true successor.

Look at Director Le, Jin Mingxi, and the others—they were also Dr. Hu’s students, but the difference in treatment was clear.

There’s a big gap between close and distant ties.

True successors, ordinary disciples, and those who tagged along for a few months as ‘registered trainees’—they’re not the same.

First, Zhou Can carries the identity of Dr. Hu’s true successor, and everyone recognizes his special status.

No matter if it’s royal inheritance or passing down martial or medical traditions, true legitimacy is everything.

In terms of medical skill, Zhou Can is widely acknowledged as Dr. Hu’s legitimate heir.

Plus, Zhou’s surgical and diagnostic skills are on full display. Even though he’s only just finished his residency, he’s a match for many associate chief physicians in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Real ability is always the foundation for building authority and securing your place.

With him backing Xueyan as department head, there’s bound to be a lot less controversy.

“Teacher, I’m too new. My medical skills and management aren’t up to scratch yet. I really don’t think I’m qualified to be department head. You should consider Director Le or Director He instead!”

Director Xueyan was clearly lacking confidence.

Handing such a big department over to her made her feel unsure of herself.

“Nonsense. The department head leads the whole direction of the department—you can’t hand that role to just anyone! Sure, Associate Director He’s experienced and capable, but his speciality is thoracic surgery. Our core is heart surgery. On that alone, he can’t be head of this department.”

A rare trace of anger appeared in Dr. Hu’s voice.

Even if a couple of sentences left him winded and shaky, needing support to walk, his outbursts still carried the force of a tidal wave, making everyone’s heart skip a beat.

That’s the kind of authority a true department head has.

Cardiothoracic Surgery is made up of heart and chest specialities. If you take heart surgery out, thoracic surgery is barely even a supporting role.

Director He’s actual status in Cardiothoracic Surgery wasn’t as high as people assumed.

At least among the heart surgery folks, he didn’t have much recognition.

“Please, Teacher, don’t be upset! If Associate Director He isn’t suitable, what about Director Le? He’s more senior than I am, and his medical skills are as good as mine.”

It was obvious Director Xueyan had little interest in taking over as department head.

Anyone else in her shoes would have leaped at the chance.

No one would try to push an opportunity like this away!

“Director Le’s medical potential isn’t as strong as yours, and he lacks the bigger picture—he doesn’t see far enough and isn’t decisive when it counts. He’s not fit to run the department, not even as associate director. If you ever need to pick an associate, weigh everything carefully—don’t settle or let personal feelings sway you.”

Dr. Hu spoke in a logical, insightful way, showing his mind was as clear as ever despite everything.

These decisions were likely the result of plenty of thoughtful and secret consideration lately.

“You need a tough hand to command troops, and strictness doesn’t work in business. The head of a department can’t be just anybody.”

Not everyone is cut out to lead a department.

You need outstanding medical skill and top-notch management and coordination—not just one or the other.

That’s why the head of a department isn’t always the chief physician. Sometimes a truly capable attending takes the role.

It’s not that chief physicians are all obsessed with pure academia or too immersed in research—it’s that some technical experts just aren’t equipped for management jobs.

Many researchers and academics are best as specialists—they simply can’t handle the management side.

“Right now, you are the best candidate to take over Cardiothoracic Surgery! If I really die someday, I can leave knowing the department is in your hands.”

Dr. Hu looked at Xueyan, and there was even a touch of pleading in his eyes.

This was an old man’s earnest request, all for the stability and future prosperity of the department.

“Alright, I’ll do it. I can live with some more hardship and exhaustion—it’s just, I’m scared I’ll let you down.”

Moved by Dr. Hu’s pleading gaze, Director Xueyan finally agreed.

She was kindhearted at her core.

Dr. Hu was her mentor. There was no way she could refuse him.

“Work hard—I know I chose the right person. For anything big, talk it through with others. Especially seek out Zhou’s thoughts.”

Dr. Hu trusted Zhou Can far more than anyone had expected.

He respected Zhou not just for his medical talent, but for his character and reliability.

“I’ll remember your advice!”

Xueyan nodded solemnly.

“You should all get home and rest. That’s all!”

Dr. Hu waved goodbye as the car started up and slowly disappeared down the road.

None of them had expected such important matters to be settled while seeing Dr. Hu off tonight.

“Don’t worry about being department head, Xueyan. If you ever need me, just ask—I’ll always help. Even without being asked, I’d do what I can. The only thing is, when I’m busy running my own surgical team in the Emergency Department, I might not always hear about Cardiothoracic Surgery’s news right away.”

Zhou Can was fully behind Xueyan taking on the department head role.

Personal feelings aside, this was the outcome Zhou hoped for—he genuinely wanted to see her succeed.

“Mhm. I won’t stand on ceremony with you.” She nodded. Their eyes met, and they both smiled—a silent agreement passing between them.

……

Zhou Can headed straight for the garage. Lately, he almost never went back to the dorm, always returning to Baying Lake to live with Su Qianqian.

Back home, Su Qianqian was waiting for him on the sofa in the living room.

Thanks to Zhou’s influence, her workload had eased up a lot recently.

After all, Zhou was her boss. Making arrangements for her wasn’t exactly difficult.

Li also understood.

No mature talent agency relies on just one artist. As Su Qianqian gradually stepped back, resources for promotion and publicity were shifted to others, and new stars naturally rose up.

The only difference was these newcomers just weren’t as popular as Su Qianqian.

The world never stops for anyone.

People are the most precious and adaptable creatures out there. If you look closely, you’ll see—no matter who leaves, we manage just fine.

Whether it’s a childhood sweetheart or the parents who raised us.

Sure, there’s sadness at first.

But after a while, the grief fades, and life goes on.

“Honey, I saved you some dinner! It’s still warm in the insulated box!”

As soon as Su Qianqian heard him come in, she set down her lyrics and sheet music and ran over to greet him.

This kind of sweet welcoming is really only common in Japan.

Zhou’s relationship with her was strong, and since her work wasn’t as demanding now, seeing him come home made her especially happy.

That’s just how it goes with couples.

Even on days when Zhou was exhausted and finished work at midnight, he’d drive forty minutes back to their home by Baying Lake—just to see her.

He knew she’d be home, waiting for him.

“I already ate at the hospital, but how could I resist my wife’s cooking? I have to eat a little more.”

Truthfully, he’d already had some fried rice noodles before clocking out.

But he could never bring himself to turn down her thoughtfulness.

He sat down, took a few bites.

But the food was so good that once he started, he couldn’t stop.

“No, no, if I keep eating like this I’ll end up seriously overweight. Qianqian, next time I tell you I’m not coming home for dinner, please don’t save food for me, alright?”

While Zhou tidied up the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, he brought it up with Su Qianqian.

“Hmm… I’ll see about that! Honestly, all the dinners I make for you are healthy and won’t make you gain weight. And cooking is only fun when I know you’re coming home to eat. That’s why I hope you’ll come back for dinner every night. When we have kids, a warm family atmosphere matters even more.”

Her body was finally showing real improvement after Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments.

She was starting to look forward to their wedding and even raising a child together.

With their savings, they could buy a villa anywhere in the provincial capital.

But people are strange like that.

Now that she had money, she wasn’t in any rush. This home was where their love began—it held special meaning for her.

Plus, the apartment itself was high-end.

The community and nearby facilities were all excellent.

So she really liked living there.

“I’d love nothing more than to eat dinner with you every night, to cherish every second together. But you know how my job is—when I’m saving someone’s life, there’s just no time to think of anything else. Maybe when I’ve spent a few more years working, built up my reputation, and have a stable surgical team, I can finally make that simple wish come true.”

Zhou Can always had a clear plan for his life.

This wasn’t the time to chase comfort—he needed to work hard right now.

“Alright! You already work so hard to come home to me, and that alone makes me happy.”

She wasn’t the clingy type—she understood and let things go.

She knew when to step back and when to compromise.

“You have to be at the hospital a little after seven tomorrow morning, so go shower and get some rest!”

She’d already set out pajamas for him.

Having a girlfriend really was a blessing.

……

In the middle of the night, Zhou Can was sleeping deeply when his phone just wouldn’t stop ringing.

Struggling to stay awake, he grabbed it. “Hello, who’s calling?”

“Dr. Zhou, hurry to the hospital! Dr. Hu Kan’s had an emergency.”

Zhou’s sleepiness vanished at once.

“What happened to Dr. Hu?”

He clearly remembered seeing Dr. Hu home safe and sound last night.

“I’m not sure of the details. The family rushed him in in the middle of the night, and the ambulance brought him back. Maybe his heart condition flared up again. Right now, we’re rescuing him in Operating Room Two in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Please get here as soon as you can!”

“Okay, I’ll come right away. I just live a bit far, so it might take an hour or so.”

Zhou ended the call and scrambled out of bed to get dressed.