Chapter 419: Building Ties in the Surgical World

Among all the big names in Orthopedics, Zhou Can is closest to Chief Resident Shen.

He’s half a disciple to Shen, trusted and favored more than most.

Sometimes, the bond between mentor and student brings a natural closeness. Even after years apart, it still feels like old friends meeting again.

This time Zhou Can chose not to ask Chief Resident Shen for help—a carefully considered decision. Seeing the new talent rising in Cardiothoracic Surgery made him realize every era has its stars, each generation replaces the last.

By building solid relationships now with people like Dr. Dan and Chi Hanqiu, once the older generation steps down, Zhou Can’s network at Tuyu Hospital will still stand strong.

If you think of Tuyu Hospital as its own little world, each department is like an independent nation.

And even the big countries need a support network of allies.

As for the Emergency Department where Zhou Can works—it’s like a tiny weak country, even more desperate for good friends.

Just look at the present. He’s been leading a surgical team in Emergency for nearly two months—clearly that must have affected the other surgical departments. Yet no one’s tried to stop him. Why?

Think back to when he first joined Emergency for his residency. His skills weren’t anywhere near today’s level.

After just a few extra surgeries, Director Xie openly pushed back during a hospital-wide morning meeting, grinding Zhou down until he could only do simple level 1 and 2 surgeries in Emergency.

Even hitting a thousand surgeries a month back then, the gains were small.

There was barely any effect on the other surgical departments.

After all, Tuyu is a high-profile hospital. Their reputation alone brings in plenty of patients.

Some specialized departments would even tell the simpler surgical cases to seek treatment closer to home.

In the end, Zhou Can was just picking up what they cast aside—yet they still made moves to keep him down.

Now, not only can he do level 3 surgeries, he knocks out two or three a day with consistent results. Level 1 and 2? He hasn’t had a day with fewer than twenty cases.

And it’s not just surgeries—he admits and manages his post-op patients too.

That’s basically running his own team, going head-to-head with the specialized departments and threatening their bottom line.

Even so, not one person has stepped up to object.

Don’t think it’s because Director Lou has so much clout.

When it comes to real interests, Director Lou only holds sway within Emergency. Outside, that means nothing.

So why are all the surgical departments staying quiet, not speaking up against him?

It all comes down to one thing: relationships.

Zhou Can may still be a junior resident, but he made a name for himself across multiple departments during his residency. He built genuine friendships with department heads, doctors, and nurses alike.

With that web of connections, his return to Emergency leading a surgical team barely raised an eyebrow.

That’s why maintaining a strong social network matters so much.

It’s the foundation for Zhou Can’s future at Tuyu Hospital—whether he’ll rise to the top or not.

He dialed Chi Hanqiu’s number. After several rings, someone picked up.

“Dr. Zhou! Good to hear from you!”

Chi Hanqiu still had Zhou Can’s number saved in his phone.

Sometimes, it pays to spot real talent early—those connections can go a long way.

Chi Hanqiu figured Zhou Can was destined for greatness. Who knew when he might need Zhou’s help down the road? So he kept Zhou’s number in his contacts as a quality connection.

“Honestly, I worried you might not remember me, Dr. Chi! I was a little nervous calling, but I guess that was silly. Thanks for keeping me in your memory all this time.”

Zhou Can laughed, genuinely pleased.

“We may have only worked together for less than two months, but I’d say our friendship will last, don’t you think?”

Chi Hanqiu definitely knew how to read the room.

He seized the opportunity and jumped straight into familiar territory.

Zhou Can liked that about him.

“I couldn’t have put it better myself! As long as you don’t mind, Dr. Chi, you’ll always be a mentor and friend on my journey. I still feel so lucky to have met you in Orthopedics—to work together was a privilege. Sometimes, fate brings people together at just the right moment, and a connection forms naturally.”

【By the way, if you’re looking for the best audio-reading app, try huanyuanapp—make sure to get the latest version.】

But Zhou Can was being completely sincere, not just making small talk.

He truly admired Chi Hanqiu.

Dr. Chi is a gifted surgeon and an outstanding person—the kind of friend you hang onto.

With their mutual understanding, their friendship quickly took another step forward.

“Life’s a long road ahead—having a genuine friend to walk with is a rare blessing. I assume you have something you need, right? Go ahead!”

Chi Hanqiu was quite a bit older than Zhou Can.

Once the social pleasantries were over, Chi took the lead in getting down to business.

He was probably worried Zhou wouldn’t want to ask for help directly.

“Actually, there is something I’d like your help with. Do you remember Han Changqing, the patient in Bed 57 with the right arm fracture?”

Zhou Can asked.

“Yes, of course! He’s that Emergency Department doctor who was assaulted by a patient’s family, right? I do feel for him. Are you two close?”

Chi Hanqiu fired back.

The implication was clear.

If Zhou and Han were close, Chi would help out. Otherwise, it’d just be handled by the book.

Orthopedic doctors, especially good ones, have this same attitude—even with department heads from Cardiac or General Surgery.

“Not especially close, but…over a year ago my uncle was hospitalized at Tuyu; Han helped him out a lot. And as colleagues in Emergency, he’s looked out for me too. I just checked on him—if I can help, I will. To be straight with you, I’m hoping you can get his surgery scheduled as soon as possible so he can recover and go home. I owe you for this, and I’ll repay the favor when I get the chance. If not, just put it on my tab.”

When it comes to friends, Zhou Can is always open and honest.

Only sincerity leads to lasting friendships.

If you lie, no one’s fooled. Once discovered, they’ll think you’re just playing them—and start keeping their distance.

“Didn’t expect you to be so grateful, Dr. Zhou! No problem—I’ll get it arranged for tomorrow morning.”

Chi Hanqiu promised quickly.

He genuinely admired Zhou Can’s sense of gratitude.

Helping someone who knows how to say thanks is always a smart move.

…

With that settled, Zhou Can made a quick stop in the cafeteria to grab a meal.

Then he headed for Cardiothoracic Surgery to assist Director Xueyan with some operations.

He checked the time—the first scheduled surgery was set to start at seven on the dot. If things went well and there was still time, they’d go straight into the second case.

Basically, it was going to be a night shift under the operating room lights.

What this really showed was that Director Xueyan had changed her outlook—she’d finally taken Zhou Can’s “three excellent strategies” to heart. She stopped chasing quick wins or trying to beat other hospitals; now she focuses on steady work and treating every patient with care.

At 6:50 p.m., Zhou Can arrived ten minutes early.

He planned to review the files for both surgical patients before heading in—at least that way he’d know what to expect.

Level 4 surgeries were still a tough challenge at his current stage.

Back when Dr. Hu Kan was alive, he often arranged level 4 surgeries for Zhou, but always stood by his side, guiding every step—someone was there to catch him if need be.

Now, that safety net was gone. Everything rested on their own shoulders—the situation was entirely different.

Any problem that came up during surgery, they’d have to solve on their own.

He was just about to reach the operating room when he bumped into Director Le.

Cardiothoracic Surgery was in a tough spot. Director Xueyan’s support was dropping fast, and Director Le was one of the few still backing her all the way.

“Zhou Can!”

Director Le’s smile was huge—he looked truly happy, maybe even a little excited.

“Director Xueyan called me in to assist with two level 4 major surgeries. I didn’t keep you waiting, did I?”

Zhou Can grinned.

“Not at all, not at all—the first lobectomy is scheduled for 7 p.m., ten minutes from now! I’m so glad you’re here. Honestly, it gives me peace of mind.”

No doubt the failed cardiac surgery a couple days back had left Director Le rattled.

Even if he and Director Xueyan didn’t shoulder any legal blame when that patient died on the table, losing someone in surgery does leave a mark.

Every patient who goes under the knife puts their life in their doctor’s hands.

Any doctor with a conscience will give everything they have, hoping the patient returns to the ward safe and sound—and ultimately walks out of the hospital healthy.

No one ever wants anything to go wrong.

“You’re giving me too much credit, honestly. I’m just here to learn from you both,” Zhou Can said, deflecting Director Le’s compliments with humility.

After all, Director Le outranks him by title and experience.

To accept flattery wholesale from a superior would just be tacky.

Any hint of arrogance in front of your boss will breed resentment.

Even if they never say a word, their opinion of you will quietly drop.

Director Le glanced around, made sure no one was listening, and lowered his voice. “You know, this lobectomy was supposed to have Associate Director He helping out—but he flat-out refused. He’s just trying to embarrass Director Xueyan, pushing her in front of the whole department. If this surgery fails again, it’ll seriously damage her standing. Right now, there’s a growing chorus of voices against her inside the department.”

He knew Zhou Can and Director Xueyan were close.

He also counted Zhou among his friends, so he didn’t hold back with the inside scoop.

“Wherever there are people, there’s politics—and backstabbing. If no one helps, then we’ll show them what we can do ourselves. If we get through these surgeries, those who doubted will see that you and Director Xueyan can handle anything just fine without their so-called expertise.”

After hearing this, Zhou Can’s impression of Associate Director He dropped even lower.

The best way to deal with people like that is to quietly build your skills—then prove yourself with results that leave them speechless.

Once Associate Director He sees the department thrives without him, he’ll have no choice but to fall in line.

Inside the OR, the anesthesiologist was already at work.

Usually, surgical nurses enter the OR first—they need to get the temperature and lights just right to create the perfect environment.

If anything’s off, the Attending Nurse reports it straight to the lead surgeon.

From there, they’ll try to switch ORs if needed.

Cardiothoracic Surgery has its own dedicated operating rooms, and they set their own surgical schedules.

There are lots of advantages to that.

It’s easier to swap rooms and get things done without red tape.

In an emergency, the department head can solve things with a single call.

Today’s anesthesiologist wasn’t Director Feng, but another chief physician—a big deal for two level 4 surgeries.

Anesthesiologists actually wield a lot of influence in surgery.

They even have the authority to cancel a procedure.

If they assess the risks as too high, they can ask the lead surgeon to change the treatment plan or call off the surgery entirely.

They also contribute to how the operation’s carried out, offering their suggestions.

When planning a surgery, anesthesiologists join in the discussion—and if, say, the lead surgeon prefers an anterior chest incision, but the anesthesiologist believes an intercostal approach is safer, they’ll explain their reasoning. In most cases, the surgeon will listen.

If they refuse, the anesthesiologist can withdraw from the surgery.

At that point, they’d need to find another person or compromise.

Circulating nurses have a say in things, too. When discussing the procedure, their voices matter.

Throughout the entire operation, the Attending Nurse knows exactly what comes next.

They prepare every step ahead of time before the surgery even starts.

A successful major surgery is never the work of just the lead surgeon.

It relies on the intense cooperation of the whole surgical team—like a perfectly tuned machine, each step fitting seamlessly into the next. Otherwise, something’s bound to go wrong.

One last point: in the OR, circulating nurses are important, but their position doesn’t outrank the surgical assistants.

Even if they often give the first and second assistants a hard time, barking orders like they’re novices.

Those assistants just smile along and keep things running smoothly, even after getting scolded.

But the fact remains—circulating nurses don’t outrank the assistants.

For level 4 major surgeries, the first and second assistants are usually attending physicians or above, so it’s pretty rare for a nurse to speak harshly to them. Their status speaks for itself.

Just like tonight—both assistants for these two major surgeries are director-level physicians.

A nurse would have to be out of their mind to scold a doctor at that level.

Zhou Can thoroughly reviewed both patients’ files. The first was a thoracic case—removing a large section of lung along with the tumor, a high-risk operation during and after surgery.

The second was a heart procedure—tricuspid valve repair, another deeply challenging level 4 operation.

With two tough battles ahead tonight, Zhou felt a little tense, but more than that, he was excited—even a bit eager.

It was like a legendary sword finally seeing action again after years in its sheath.

Men are born with an adventurous spirit—craving risk, excitement, and challenge.

For Zhou Can, level 1 and 2 surgeries had become almost boring; he could do them in his sleep. Even level 3 had turned routine—two or three a day.

Only level 4 operations posed a real challenge anymore—and after returning to Emergency, he’d rarely gotten the chance to do them.

Dropping in as a guest in Cardiothoracic Surgery from time to time sounded pretty great to him.