Chapter Sixteen: The Rhythm of Poaching

Gao Shijun felt a bit frustrated. He had never encountered such a talented university graduate—fresh out of school and already performing surgeries faster than him. The orthopedic department in Quark County was so formidable that his own presence seemed almost redundant. Although Zhang Fan’s surgeries were a bit quicker than Gao Shiming’s, it didn’t necessarily mean Zhang Fan was superior to Gao Shijun. Yet, the news of the competition quickly spread throughout the hospital the very next day, carried by the nurses and the ever-talkative Chen Qifa.

“Heh, not bad at all. Even when up against Gao Shijun, you hold your own. Just don’t get too proud,” Batu said, trying to caution Zhang Fan. But his expression betrayed him—he was clearly proud and delighted.

Seeing Batu so cheerful, Zhang Fan remained silent, letting him enjoy the moment a little longer. “Tonight, we’re going to see K County. She’ll probably need treatment. Prepare whatever’s necessary in advance. Don’t rush to eat after work; we’ll go together first.”

“Understood, Director,” Zhang Fan replied.

With the arrival of city-level experts, the patient load surged, and the Surgery Department was no exception—operations were almost daily. After several days of working together, Gao Shijun grew increasingly fond of Zhang Fan. “Skilled hands, natural talent, diligent in research, and modest and cautious as well.”

“You can’t insert screws here anymore. Though it’s not technically wrong, it risks metal fatigue. If the quality isn’t up to par, the plate might fracture.” During recent surgeries, Gao Shijun assisted throughout, occasionally giving pointers to Zhang Fan. “This kid is improving fast. Once corrected, he doesn’t repeat the mistake. His talent is enviable.” Although Zhang Fan had the system’s support, he lacked some subtle practical experience, having mostly worked in isolation. Even so, Gao Shijun was more than satisfied and began to cherish this promising talent.

While assisting together in surgery, Gao Shijun hooked his pinky with Zhang Fan’s and said, “Little Zhang, surgeries are scarce at the county hospital, right? One operation a day isn’t very fulfilling, is it?”

“Director, these past few days, the patients have been coming for you. Before you arrived, we barely managed one operation every few days,” Zhang Fan said more casually now that they were familiar.

“After all, it’s just a county hospital. But if this continues, it’s a waste of your talent. Have you thought about moving to a higher-level platform?”

“Heh, I don’t have my medical license yet. Besides, the atmosphere here is quite good.” Zhang Fan certainly wanted to join a bigger hospital with better equipment and more cases, but without a license, he’d just be an assistant. It was better to be in Quark County, where he had more autonomy.

Gao Shijun understood—this kid didn’t want to be an assistant. Since he still had a few weeks left, Gao planned to talk him into reconsidering.

After work, Zhang Fan and Batu went to the Quark County Hotel. Kang Hua’s family lived downtown; her husband was a school principal there. She usually stayed at the hotel in Quark County. The portly manager spotted Zhang Fan and Batu from afar and called out, “Director Ba, Dr. Zhang, any engagements tonight? Have you booked a private room? If not, I’ll arrange it.”

“No engagements today. We’re here to report to K County. Not sure if she’s back yet,” Batu replied, shaking the manager’s hand.

“She’s back, just arrived around the same time as you. After your report, let’s have a proper drink. Since she was discharged, there’s been a mountain of things to handle. We haven’t properly thanked Director Ba and Dr. Zhang yet. Today, you must let me show my appreciation.”

“Not tonight. Maybe next time. We’ll definitely drink then.”

“All right, then. You two head inside; I won’t keep you.”

Kang Hua’s female secretary opened the door, and Zhang Fan and Batu entered a suite with a reception room. After serving tea, the secretary left for the adjacent room. Since the new thoroughfare opened, inspections and meetings had been nonstop. Kang Hua’s back was struggling; she trusted Zhang Fan enough to try treatment first.

“These past few days, work has been hectic, and my lumbar spine is rebelling. Today, Dr. Zhang, I need your help. This is a CT scan from a recent checkup at the city hospital.” She handed over the image, which showed no worsening but no improvement either.

“I’ll examine you first,” Zhang Fan said after reviewing the scan.

“All right. Whatever you say, I’ll follow. I trust the doctor’s guidance. Right, Director Ba?” She acknowledged Batu as well.

In the bedroom, Zhang Fan performed a lumbar examination, identifying clear points of tenderness. “K County, I’ll start with rehabilitation massage. See how you feel afterward.”

Following the muscle fibers, he first smoothed and stimulated the muscles. Jumping straight to the spine could cause injury, so he adjusted posture, stretched, and separated vertebrae. After over forty minutes, sweat on his brow, Zhang Fan said, “Try standing up.”

“Ah, warm…and it doesn’t hurt as much. Wow! It’s really better,” Kang Hua said, visibly surprised. Treatments at the city hospital, including acupuncture and moxibustion, hadn’t been as effective.

“Go sit outside for a bit. I’ll be out shortly.” As Kang Hua tidied up, she called her secretary, Xiao Tang. “Xiao Tang, book a private room. Tonight, treat the county hospital director and Dr. Zhang to dinner.”

“How is she?” Batu whispered to Zhang Fan as he emerged.

“Not bad.” Zhang Fan was cautious—such conditions can only be cured surgically, and even then, results aren’t guaranteed.

“Is there really any effect?” Batu pressed anxiously. “Can’t this kid understand others’ feelings?”

Before Zhang Fan could reply, Kang Hua came out smiling warmly, much more enthusiastic than when they arrived. “Dr. Zhang’s skill is excellent, and the treatment helped a lot. Thanks also to Director Ba for your dedication. You brought Dr. Zhang here, didn’t you?”

“That’s my duty. Leadership’s satisfaction is the best recognition of my work,” Batu said, his spirits soaring.

“You came straight after work and surely haven’t eaten. Tonight, I insist on treating you both properly.”

In the private room, Kang Hua raised a glass of red wine to Batu and Zhang Fan. “I’m a light drinker, so Xiao Tang will keep you company. Thank you both for your hard work. I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t get to the hospital, and even if I did, it wouldn’t have been convenient. It’s gotten to this point because of the delay. Without Dr. Zhang, I’d have had to request leave with the secretary soon.”

“Leaders must take care of their health. Set a time, and have Dr. Zhang treat you. That way, it won’t affect your schedule,” Batu advised.

“Won’t it affect Dr. Zhang’s work?” Kang Hua glanced at Batu, then added, “I can’t go to the hospital daily. I’ll have Xiao Tang coordinate times with you.” She was still climbing the ladder and didn’t want others to know about her health issues.

“Rest assured. Ensuring our leaders’ health is a primary responsibility of our county hospital. Little Zhang not only has superb medical skills but is also reliable. He’s one of our hospital’s key talents,” Batu assured her, perceptive enough to understand her concerns immediately.