Chapter 383: Between Hunger and Duty

Not everyone is willing to work hard—let alone set aside their own interests to serve patients.

Some medical students, because of how they were raised, have been doted on their entire lives, treated like royalty. They’ve never experienced real hardship; at school, they’re just princes and princesses locked up in their ivory towers.

They have no clue what real suffering looks like.

They don’t know why salt tastes salty, or what makes vinegar sour.

Expecting them to truly step into the patients’ shoes is simply asking too much.

It’s a bit like the story of Emperor Hui of Jin, who, when hearing his people were starving for lack of food, naively asked, “Why don’t they eat porridge?”

That single clueless question turned Emperor Hui into a perfect bad example for future generations.

Right now, Luo Shishen is just interning at the hospital—barely half a foot in the real world. He can’t understand the pain and hardship of patients, can’t imagine how much they suffer, anxious and helpless while waiting for treatment.

Otherwise, I believe he’d make a great doctor, like Zhou Can.

Zhou would rather eat late if it means relieving a patient’s pain sooner.

Soon enough, a new surgery patient was brought in. Zhou Can kept his focus on the operation, moving to help the patient without comment.

A bit after noon, Dr. Xu walked in.

He watched Zhou Can perform the procedure in silence. Even just standing by, Dr. Xu’s presence made Luo Shishen noticeably more cautious.

Once Zhou Can finished the most delicate part, Dr. Xu finally said, “Zhou, after you’re done with this surgery, you and your team go eat. I’ll stay here and keep watch for the afternoon.”

Luo Shishen was quietly overjoyed.

Once this operation ended, he’d finally get to eat and rest.

“Have you eaten yet? We younger folks don’t mind a late meal. Why don’t you eat first? After you finish, you can come back and we’ll switch off.”

Zhou Can paused and looked up at Dr. Xu.

“I’m not hungry. You all go eat.”

But Dr. Xu wasn’t a young man anymore. He’d operated all morning—skipping lunch wasn’t a good idea.

Zhou Can didn’t insist. Instead, he bowed his head and quickened the operation.

In just over ten minutes, he completed the surgery.

“Your wound is stitched up now. Since it’s on your face, I used invisible suturing. Be sure to keep the area dry. While it heals, you may feel some itching or mild pain—don’t scratch at it, no matter what. If you do, you could irritate the wound edges and end up with ugly scars. Just use erythromycin ointment at home as directed…”

After giving the patient instructions, Zhou Can glanced at Luo Shishen.

“Dr. Luo, please escort the patient out.”

The patient thanked Zhou Can, then followed Luo Shishen out of the OR.

Zhou Can turned to Qiao Yu. “Do you mind if we eat a bit later?”

“Doesn’t bother me one bit.”

Qiao Yu gave a good-natured shrug.

With her agreement, Zhou Can headed to the outer surgery room—sure enough, Dr. Xu was still there.

“Sir, I know why you don’t have an appetite right now. I already lost a mentor once, so I can’t stand the thought of losing another. Please, go have some lunch. I’ve worked out the timing—if you’re back in an hour, I can finish all the emergency surgeries outside just before then.”

There was real sincerity in Zhou Can’s eyes as he spoke.

It was also the first time he’d addressed Dr. Xu with the tone of a responsible adult rather than a student.

“Alright then.”

After hesitating a moment, Dr. Xu agreed.

“Remember, surgery isn’t just about speed—safety always comes first. Don’t forget that.”

“Understood. You can go eat without worry. I heard from Hu Director’s son this morning that the memorial will be the day after tomorrow. He said they’re keeping everything simple, just as Dr. Hu would’ve wanted.”

Zhou Can delivered the news to Dr. Xu with a deeper meaning.

Dr. Xu was still grappling with Hu Kan’s sudden passing—he couldn’t even bring himself to eat. When the time comes, he’ll surely attend the memorial to see his old colleague off.

Telling him the date ahead of time was just to help him prepare.

“Sigh…”

Dr. Xu left with a heavy sigh.

Though his face remained stoic, Zhou Can could sense how deeply saddened Dr. Xu must be inside.

Who’d have thought—the two men spent half a lifetime as rivals, almost like enemies.

Yet after they finally shook hands and made peace, they found mutual respect.

Human emotions are endlessly complicated.

“Luo Shishen, bring in the next patient!”

Zhou Can called out to the waiting area.

“O-okay!”

Luo’s answer sounded like someone ready to drop from hunger, voice thin and weak.

But with Zhou Can as his superior, he dared not complain.

Little did he know, his behavior was not lost on Zhou Can and Dr. Xu—and it would surely affect his evaluation.

Even interns get assessed here. If he doesn’t improve his attitude, the department’s feedback won’t be kind.

Once the new patient arrived, Zhou Can jumped right into his work, completely unfazed by Luo Shishen’s negative energy.

He’d finish one case, then immediately call for the next.

“Dr. Zhou…they say people are made of iron, food is steel—with no food, you’re running on empty. It’s already twelve thirty-six. Maybe we should eat now, rest a bit, then come back to continue?”

After surviving two surgeries together, Luo Shishen screwed up his courage at last and voiced his protest.

“Let’s finish the rest of the patients before we eat. We’re young; a little hunger won’t hurt.”

Zhou Can just couldn’t get it. Why did this intern seem to think eating on time was the most important thing in the world?

Shouldn’t medical students care most about gaining real clinical experience?

Sure, interns aren’t managed as strictly as residents, and the demands are a lot lighter. But the skills you pick up—that’s for yourself!

“There have to be doctors on call in the ER around the clock. The others are eating now. We can wait until Dr. Xu gets back—it’s the same either way.”

Once more, Qiao Yu stepped in to smooth things over, easing the tension.

Women are like water—smart women know how to win with gentleness.

“Alright, we’ll wait, then.”

Luo Shishen’s voice softened after Qiao Yu spoke.

“It’s just, when I was with Dr. Xu before, interns always ate first. Now it’s a habit, I guess. Sorry for complaining—didn’t mean anything by it!”

He clearly wanted Zhou Can to know he meant no offense.

“Go call in the next patient, then.”

Zhou Can nodded without much reaction.

As soon as Luo Shishen left, Zhou Can and Qiao Yu exchanged a look. She smiled.

He could only shake his head helplessly.

If only every team member worked as selflessly as Qiao Yu.

But that kind of dedication isn’t something you see every day.

That’s why building a strong surgical team takes so much time. Everyone’s different. Only by working together can you figure out who your real leaders are and build unity.

That’s the only way to get everyone moving in the same direction.

…

Around one in the afternoon, Dr. Xu returned.

With his last case finished, Zhou Can finally went to eat with Qiao Yu and Luo Shishen at the cafeteria.

“Ms. Qiao, thanks for helping me out today. Lunch is on me—you’ve earned at least a chicken leg for all this!”

Luo Shishen slid over by Qiao Yu as he spoke.

“Oh, it was nothing, Dr. Luo. No need to be so polite!”

She was never one to accept invitations lightly.

Back when Dr. Lu pursued her, he kept asking her to dinner or for milk tea—and every time, she turned him down flat.

The only one who’d ever felt special to Qiao Yu was Zhou Can—she even once wrangled a milk tea from him herself.

“There’s a lot I don’t know. Your advice has been a huge help. It’s just a chicken leg—if that’s not enough, let me treat you to coffee or dinner after work!”

This kid was nothing if not ambitious.

He went straight for an invitation after work with Qiao Yu. Did he think she was that easy?

With her looks and skills, if she were that simple, she’d have been off the market long ago. She wouldn’t still be single.

The more outstanding the woman, the higher her standards, and the prouder her heart.

They’re always extra picky when choosing a boyfriend.

Guys with no real talent stand no chance.

Instead, it’s often the pretty but average girls who get wooed through persistence.

Like the guys who show up right after work to drive them home, rain or shine.

Or those who rush over as soon as they’re needed, never minding the trouble.

Sometimes a guy will step in if a girl gets harassed—even pick a fight with street punks—just to win her heart.

Those girls often think they’ve married for love, but it rarely ends well.

Men who chase women with cheap gestures learn to repeat it with the next target, and the next. That’s a classic warning sign for a cheater.

Men like that nearly always have those patterns.

Girls like Qiao Yu or Yang Chan are different: talented, capable, fiercely proud, their standards sky-high. If a guy doesn’t catch their eye, all the ‘nice guy’ moves in the world won’t work.

Honestly, they don’t even give those guys the chance to try.

They reject them outright the very first time.

That’s why such women usually go on to marry for love—and their marriages tend to be much happier.

They’re successful themselves, and anyone who wins their heart is likely even better. At the very least, it takes a man with substance to get their attention.

Both have real strength and accomplishments, so as a couple, they’re unlikely to fail.

Their economic situation just keeps getting better, too.

Plus, they care about the quality of their relationship and value loyalty to a fault. With these women, cheating is a deal breaker.

They’ll file for divorce, no hesitations.

As for the girls swayed by cheap tricks, their hearts soften too easily. All it takes is a few tears, an apology, maybe a written promise or even kneeling, and they’ll forgive—setting themselves up for heartbreak.

In the end, they’re bound to get hurt.

Qiao Yu’s smile faded a bit. She turned to Luo Shishen, serious now. “There’s really no need to thank me, Dr. Luo. I help every new doctor as much as I can—because I’ve been there myself, and I know it can be tough, that’s all.”

This time, her refusal was crystal clear.

“Alright then. I’m still grateful to have met such a kind, beautiful colleague before I officially start my career—it let me see a brighter side to the world.”

Luo Shishen didn’t push further.

He knew if he kept going, things would only get awkward.

After that, Qiao Yu would definitely keep her distance.

He wasn’t clueless, after all.

“You’re too kind.”

Qiao Yu answered dryly, all warmth gone.

Zhou Can noticed everything, but his own expression barely changed. After three years apart, Qiao Yu was still the same as before.

“Dr. Zhou, what do you want for lunch today? I’ll get it for you!”

“Let’s just line up together. Honestly, I don’t really feel like eating anything.”

The grief from losing his mentor still weighed heavily on Zhou Can. But as an adult, he had no choice but to push his feelings aside for work.

Crying his heart out wasn’t even an option.

At that moment, he actually envied the carefree innocence of children.

“Is it because of Dr. Hu Kan’s passing?”

She looked at him with genuine concern.

“Yeah.”

Zhou Can nodded.

“It’s hard to believe such a good man could be here one day and gone the next. I heard that eating vegetarian can ease grief. If you’d like, I’ll eat vegetarian with you at lunch.”

She offered, understanding as always.

“No need to change your plans just for me! You’re an OR nurse—you need your nutrition. So eat whatever you want. As for vegetarian food easing sadness, I’ve never heard that before, but I’ll give it a try.”

Now that Zhou Can had a girlfriend, he wouldn’t dare get too close to Qiao Yu in daily life.

Especially anything even a little ambiguous—he knew better than that.

If he let Qiao Yu fall deeper, it would only hurt her more.

So from the start, he’d always kept his boundary clear.

In three years of knowing each other, he’d never crossed the line. Qiao Yu probably liked him, but Zhou Can had made it known early on that he was already taken.

A smart woman like her didn’t need everything spelled out.

Saying something like, “I have a girlfriend, you should find someone else,” would sting more than help.

Girls with good emotional intelligence just hand out “nice guy” cards to men they aren’t interested in.

“I read about it in a US medical journal. A famous nutritionist did a clinical study and concluded eating vegetarian could help ease anxiety and grief.”

She explained.

“No wonder you’re so good at your job! You even read international medical journals—very impressive.”

Hearing this, Luo Shishen looked at Qiao Yu with admiration all over again.

No wonder he was so inexperienced at work.

If he had a bit more emotional intelligence, he would’ve known not to butt in. Anyone could see he was a glaring third wheel right then.

“You’re studying nutrition now?”

That piqued Zhou Can’s interest.

She’d mentioned wanting to study abroad for advanced nursing before.

Now it seemed she was already making preparations.

“I started learning about it at the end of last year, mostly for work. In the ICU, I see over ninety percent of the patients have malnutrition issues. If their nutrition was better managed, I’m convinced many would recover faster. Some who could’ve pulled through ended up passing away because of poor nutrition support. It’s such a shame.”

She explained to Zhou Can.

She all but ignored Luo Shishen’s praise.

Since he brought up coffee after work, she’d grown much colder toward him.

That was the mark of her intelligence.