Cao Chong was an emergency doctor at Jiang'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. He was also the mentor for interns like Zhu Zixiao.
Although Fang Zhiyan had started a bit late, he was assigned to Cao Chong's team by Deputy Director He Dongfang. On Fang Zhiyan's first day, Cao Chong intended to wait and see what this intern, personally recruited by the deputy director, could do. However, he was caught off guard when the new recruit arrived late on his very first day!
This infuriated Cao Chong. He was someone who held himself to high standards, and time was of utmost importance in the medical field.
Often, if rescue measures were initiated just one minute earlier, many patients could have been saved. Those few minutes could mean life or death.
Now, here was Fang Zhiyan, late on his first day of work. How could he be trusted to handle critical patients or perform surgery?
Cao Chong's anger was compounded by Zhu Zixiao's earlier remarks, and he was about to voice his frustrations to Deputy Director He regarding the newly hired doctor when suddenly, the sound of an ambulance blaring outside cut through the tension.
Cao Chong narrowed his brows and hurried outside. Another emergency patient was arriving, and he couldn't afford to be careless.
Zhu Zixiao and the other interns followed closely behind.
As the paramedics jumped out of the ambulance, one particular figure caught Zhu Zixiao's eye.
He stared in disbelief. "Fang Zhiyan? What are you doing on the ambulance?"
"Zhihao, I found this girl on my way to work. She was knocked out by falling glass, so I called for emergency help and provided first aid," Fang Zhiyan explained breathlessly.
He referred to Zhu Zixiao as "Zhihao," and that instantly put the intern on the spot.
Wait, brother? Just a moment ago, I was badmouthing you to our instructor—what's with calling me brother now?
Zhu Zixiao felt awkward as he looked at Fang Zhiyan.
Fang Zhiyan pushed the stretcher inside, asking, "Which instructor is on duty today?"
With Fang Zhiyan's sudden friendly demeanor, Zhu Zixiao felt embarrassed.
He quickly pointed at Cao Chong nearby. "It's Teacher Cao Chong; he's our mentor."
Fang Zhiyan glanced up at the middle-aged man in a lab coat and mask. Although he couldn't see the man's face clearly, he noted his square jaw, thick brows, and commanding eyes.
"Teacher Cao, this girl has a severed jugular vein and exhibits signs of a rare traumatic pneumothorax," he reported succinctly.
"I've created a one-way valve to temporarily alleviate her symptoms."
Cao Chong didn't speak, quickly taking over responsibility for the patient.
As they wheeled the stretcher toward the emergency room, he examined the girl's condition.
Once inside the resuscitation room, Cao Chong turned to Fang Zhiyan. "You did well."
He displayed a look of appreciation before entering the room.
Fang Zhiyan let out a sigh of relief; since the patient was in Cao Chong's hands, she was likely in good hands now.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zixiao followed him, feeling a bit awkward standing beside Fang Zhiyan.
Since Fang Zhiyan had violated hospital rules yesterday by independently treating a patient, Zhu Zixiao had been preparing to undermine him in front of their mentor.
Yet here he was, now calling him brother, which shifted the dynamics entirely.
Zhu Zixiao cleared his throat and pulled Fang Zhiyan aside. "Teacher Cao is busy treating the patient, and we need to observe. This is a great learning opportunity; we shouldn't miss it."
Saying that, he took the initiative to lead Fang Zhiyan into the resuscitation room.
Watching Zhu Zixiao's actions made Fang Zhiyan chuckle inwardly.
It was apparent the other intern was looking to take advantage of the situation for personal reasons.
However, Fang Zhiyan was here to be a doctor, not to engage in petty internecine fights with other interns.
His primary focus was to gain recognition at the hospital and obtain his medical license.
Fang Zhiyan was well aware of Zhu Zixiao's intentions, as he possessed not only exceptional surgical skills from his previous life but also the knowledge and the ability to navigate social dynamics.
Using the friendly title "brother" had easily diffused Zhu Zixiao's hostility.
Furthermore, it encouraged him to integrate Fang Zhiyan into the group.
As far as observing Cao Chong's methods, this was invaluable experience for interns.
However, for Fang Zhiyan, it felt a bit redundant.
He quietly observed from behind Zhu Zixiao, getting a good sense of Cao Chong's capabilities.
The approach was correct, but the techniques were a bit outdated.
As expected of this era, there weren't many alternatives.
For example, when it came to suturing, Fang Zhiyan noticed that Cao Chong's methods could indeed be more refined. Given that the patient was a girl, he would opt for cosmetic suturing to prevent any unsightly scars upon healing.
Though Cao Chong would likely be aware of the cosmetic concerns, it was doubtful he would employ the more advanced technique.
Fang Zhiyan remained quietly among the interns.
After a period of watching, they eventually exited the resuscitation room.
A while later, after changing his clothes, Cao Chong appeared in his office, where Zhu Zixiao had brought Fang Zhiyan along.
In the office with them also was another female intern.
The group represented all the interns under Cao Chong's supervision.
Cao Chong settled into his chair, took a sip from his teacup filled with strong tea, and then addressed Fang Zhiyan. "You must be Fang Zhiyan."
"Yes, Teacher Cao. I'll be following your guidance moving forward; thank you for your help," Fang Zhiyan replied, nodding politely.
His attitude prompted a smile from Cao Chong.
"I reviewed your emergency procedures, and you did quite well. That incision you made was very neat."
"The patient should recover without significant scarring."
Cao Chong evaluated Fang Zhiyan's actions and expressed his satisfaction.
Moreover, he appreciated the intern's humility and politeness.
Initially, he had been quite displeased with Fang Zhiyan's tardiness earlier but had let it slide upon realizing he had been helping a patient.
After all, what kind of doctor wouldn't lend a hand when faced with someone in distress?
"Starting today, you will be working closely with me," Cao Chong announced.
The other interns began to introduce themselves to one another.
In addition to Zhu Zixiao, the female student introduced herself as Yin Jing.
Under Cao Chong's leadership, they began their rounds.
Fang Zhiyan followed along, becoming more familiar with the layout of the TCM Hospital.
In general, interns did not receive a salary and only got minimal living allowances.
However, due to recent reforms at the TCM Hospital, there was a significant shortage of Western medical talent, especially in the emergency department.
As a result, Fang Zhiyan's stipend would be higher than most.
Even so, it wasn't enough to satisfy him.
The Fang family was in dire need of money, and he needed to find a way to pass the licensing exam to transition from intern to a full-fledged doctor.
At that time, residency certificates weren't a requirement in the early 21st century.
As Fang Zhiyan contemplated his future direction, a sudden flurry of leaders entered the emergency department, catching everyone off guard.
Even Cao Chong appeared surprised.
Particularly, when he saw the figure leading the group was the hospital director, he became even more unsettled.
"Director, why are you here?"