Chapter Eighteen: Could This Be What Power Truly Is?

After knocking and entering, Old Ba pulled Zhang Fan to sit down. "Don't listen to Old Gao's nonsense. Even his position as director isn't certain yet. Before the announcement, any of the senior doctors in their department could take the post. You don't have the staff quota or the seniority now. If Old Gao doesn't become director, he won't be able to survive in the city hospital, let alone look out for you. Just stay here and steadily improve your skills. Having solid skills is what's most important. After the New Year, the prefecture plans to send a group of doctors and teachers to Qingniao City for advanced training. You'll be assigned to the External Medicine Department II then. The hospital in Qingniao City is one of the best in the entire northern region, not inferior to Old Gao's. After that, come to me every month, and I'll give you an extra three thousand yuan hardship allowance."

"Just one drink, and benefits fall from the sky? Should I learn from Nu’er then?" Zhang Fan was a bit stunned.

Seeing Zhang Fan’s expression, Ba Tu knew he had him. Then he added, "Be more attentive when treating patients from K County lately. Report any situations promptly." Zhang Fan was still dazed, so Ba Tu nudged him and said, "You look so unambitious, already happy just to go to Qingniao City for training. If you went to the capital, you'd go crazy! Did you hear what I said?"

Zhang Fan wasn’t daydreaming about training; he was calculating how much money he could make in a month. He couldn’t help but be wary of money. "I understand, Director. I’ll focus on work."

"No, I meant about K County," Ba Tu said, a bit anxious. They were never on the same wavelength.

"Oh, yes, yes. I’ll report immediately if anything comes up."

"You need to be more attentive. How’s your driving coming along? Can you hit the road?"

"I’ve learned. I’ve driven the ambulance on the highway a few times already. Old Zhou says I can graduate," Zhang Fan said happily. He really enjoyed driving.

"Bring two passport-sized photos tomorrow. Take a nap while you’re not in surgery; you look flushed. Don’t force yourself to drink if you can’t," Old Ba said, still harboring resentment over Old Gao trying to poach Zhang Fan.

Entering the doctors’ duty room, Zhang Fan saw chubby Li Liang practicing tying knots. Seeing Zhang Fan, Li looked a bit embarrassed. "Brother Zhang, I just can’t get faster. Teacher Chen has reminded me several times."

Zhang Fan had told him many times not to call him brother, but Li kept doing it. Zhang Fan could only let it slide.

"Practice a hundred knots every night before bed. After a week, you’ll have it down solid."

"Can I go on stage with you someday? Teacher Chen looks down on me. He won’t even let me suture—just pulling stitches."

"No problem. Teacher Chen’s a bit impatient but a good person," Zhang Fan said.

Li Liang was devastated. Good person? He acted like he owed him money every day with his sarcastic tone.

---

Though Zhang Fan only had one drink, his tolerance was three cups, so he felt a bit dizzy and lay down for a nap. After securing Zhang Fan, Ba Tu felt relieved. He had been hospital director for ten years; if he didn’t move soon, something might happen. He had long coveted the position of health bureau director, and now that he had made a deal with a standing committee member, his hopes for a transfer rose.

"Yang, what are you busy with? No events lately. I want revenge. There’s something I need—a relative of mine wants to get a driver’s license," said the county vehicle management office director.

A few words later, Zhang Fan had his license. Now all that was left was a car. Compared to the license, getting a car was simpler and required less connections.

"Manager Li, do you have any spare cars? Nothing fancy, just lend me one for a few days," Zhang Fan asked.

Manager Li was a medical equipment dealer; many hospital devices came through him. He was apparently related to a bigwig in the county. That bigwig had recently been transferred, leaving Li in a bind. But after one call from Ba Tu, he immediately arranged a car. Ba Tu said it didn’t have to be too good, but what he meant was "not too bad."

The next day, Zhang Fan took his photos to the vehicle management office to finalize the license. Just after noon, a white Prado 2700 pulled up to the county hospital.

"Director Ba, here’s an 80% new Prado. If you’re in a hurry, take it. If we wait a few days, I can get you a better one."

"Uh, this is a bit too nice," Ba Tu said. He just wanted a car for Zhang Fan to get around, not a Prado. He wanted one himself but didn’t dare. Even the county chief had just gotten a Prado. Driving one himself would be reckless.

"No, no, these are all used cars. You can make do with this. If the car’s too good, it wouldn’t be convenient for you to drive, right?" The man sighed in relief seeing Ba Tu was satisfied. It was better to have a passion than none at all.

"Alright, I’ll borrow it for a few days. I’ll return it when done."

"No rush, Director Ba. When you’re free, I’ll invite you for tea."

At the vehicle management office, a young policeman was already waiting at the door. Very polite. In less than half an hour, Zhang Fan had his license.

"Now I’ve got connections!" Zhang Fan half-joked. Back then, he envied classmates with connections. Now he had some himself, but it still felt strange.

Back at the hospital, he reported to Ba Tu. Ba Tu wanted reports on everything, big or small. He said “Don’t bother me with trivial matters,” but if you took it seriously, you might end up with trouble someday. Since Ba Tu had helped get this license, it was only proper to report.

"Got it?" Ba Tu looked at the license and said, "You’re quite handsome, kid. Lucky you. See that white car? It’s temporarily yours. Remember, don’t drink and drive. But you don’t drink much, so I’m at ease. Just be careful on the road as a new driver." He pointed to a car in the yard by the window.

"Oh, it’s big," Zhang Fan said, not knowing much about cars but recognizing this was high-end.

"This is a fuel card. Remember, don’t go driving around recklessly every day. This is to make it easier for you to treat patients in K County."

"Understood, Director. I’ll do my best and report regularly."

"Go on, get to work."

---

That day, Zhang Fan barely got through it. He had never wanted to finish work so badly. Once off duty, seeing no one watching, he jumped into the car and left immediately. He was starting to get addicted to driving the ambulance. Driving gave him a feeling like performing surgery—like he controlled everything—but it was a different kind of fulfillment. For one, the interior of this car was far superior to the ambulance, which was just a small van with very basic facilities.

Just as he arrived at the hotel, Old Ba called. "Have you gotten to the hotel yet?"

"Just arrived, Director. Are you here too?"

"I didn’t come. I was worried you’d forget to treat patients on your first day driving. Just reminding you—since you’re there, go quickly."

Old Ba wasn’t an easy man—one hospital director who constantly worried about a junior doctor’s whereabouts.

Zhang Fan’s rehabilitation massage was a refined technique from the national medical system, with impressive treatment effects. Kang Hua, a county standing committee member and someone who had seen the world, was in charge of culture, education, and health. After a few days of treatment, her back pain was gone.

"Dr. Zhang, your skills are superb. This can’t just be from university training, can it?" After the treatment, feeling physically and mentally refreshed, she chatted with Zhang Fan.

"An old expert in Su Province taught me a bit. I’ve also practiced on my own. It seems to work."

"Oh, no wonder. Dr. Zhang, can the treatment be paused?"

"It’s best to have continuous treatment within one course."

"Alright, got it. I’ll have Xiao Tang accompany you to dinner. I have a document to approve."

"No need, leader. I’ll just eat back at the unit."

"No, it’s not just eating. Xiao Tang, take Dr. Zhang to eat. Have the master chef prepare some specialties." Secretary Xiao Tang smiled warmly as she led the sweating Zhang Fan to the restaurant.