Chapter 52: Mastering the Double-Slap Game

As the director of the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Zhao Jun rarely performed minor surgeries. For major surgeries, he certainly wouldn’t ask a resident if they could handle it. Zhang Fan found following Zhao Jun incredibly dull. Typically, when assisting in surgeries, it was just a quick hook to the abdomen; the abdominal suturing was fiercely contested among rotating doctors, so Zhang Fan never got involved. Several rotating doctors, previously forcibly assigned to internal medicine, saw new hope when Ouyang took office and introduced new regulations. They became increasingly eager, each more motivated than the last.

Moreover, emergency cases in hepatobiliary surgery were relatively rare, so hanging around the emergency department was useless. When nothing was happening all day, everyone in the department was busy except Zhang Fan, who was bored out of his mind. Even helping others change dressings was off-limits because the rotating doctors were so diligent they finished their own tasks early, afraid of losing this rare opportunity.

Every day, Zhang Fan spent his time at work reading books or attending outpatient clinics. After work, he treated Li Xiao and then had nothing else to do. He regretted not booking a ticket home earlier; now, even if he wanted to, there were none left. Just as he finished morning outpatient clinics, he received a call from Wu Yanchao, the physical education teacher.

“Dr. Zhang, remember me? I’m Wu Yanchao, Guli’s teacher. Are you busy lately? If you have time, come visit the school.”

Coincidentally, Zhang Fan was bored to death. He recalled having promised someone but never actually went to the school. He hurriedly replied, “Hello, Teacher Wu, of course, I remember you. I just got back a few days ago after a rural medical trip. I’m free this afternoon; would it be okay if I come by?”

“That’s great. I’ll wait for you at the school gate. What time will you arrive?”

After agreeing on a time, Zhang Fan hurried to the cafeteria to eat. That afternoon, with Zhao Jun out consulting at another hospital, Zhang Fan drove straight to the sports school.

The sports school in Chasu City was modest in scale. In Huaguo, excelling academically and getting into a good university was the proper path. Pursuing professional sports training was supported by few parents because it was grueling and uncertain.

Led by Wu Yanchao, Zhang Fan parked the car, and the two headed toward the training room. Along the way, Wu Yanchao explained, “The kids here are mostly eleven or twelve years old; the older ones rarely exceed fifteen. Those with talent and results are often selected by the provincial sports school early on. Those who don’t perform well look for other paths sooner.”

The school offered several specialized sports programs—boxing, basketball, soccer—but swimming wasn’t possible due to the high cost of infrastructure. Since there were few teachers, each took on multiple roles.

Guli was still resting at home, not fully recovered and unable to train. Zhang Fan observed their training session; honestly, it was tough. For these children to persevere was truly admirable.

“Come on, everyone, gather around. Let me introduce you to Dr. Zhang from the city hospital, an orthopedic specialist. Guli had surgery performed by him. Dr. Zhang will visit regularly from now on. Let’s welcome him,” Wu Yanchao called the students over and introduced Zhang Fan.

“Hello, everyone,” Zhang Fan greeted the children, unsure what else to say.

The kids were enthusiastic, almost in unison shouting, “Hello, Dr. Zhang!” Athletes often had bright personalities—perhaps a benefit of their physical fitness. Have you ever heard of an athlete suffering from depression?

After the introduction, Wu Yanchao organized the young athletes into a line for individual checkups by Zhang Fan. Though young, their muscles were already well-defined. Zhang Fan mainly checked for joint wear and lingering muscle strains.

After an hour and a half, the results were not optimistic. Almost all had suffered injuries to varying degrees, and some obvious scars were already affecting their development. “Among these kids, very few will become professional athletes. Most will wait until they’re older to obtain a national second-level athlete certificate. When tested, their scores tend to be lower than others, so many will likely become physical education teachers in the future.”

Then Wu Yanchao took Zhang Fan to see the infirmary. “We used to have an external nurse here, but she left to have a baby, so it’s been empty. Here are several promising talents; I hope Dr. Zhang can also get involved and offer professional advice and assistance.”

“No problem,” Zhang Fan agreed.

He began treating symptomatic children with massages, medications, and immobilization. The entire afternoon passed this way. For several children with sequelae, Zhang Fan suggested rehabilitation exercises. Though recovery would take time, their young age made them highly adaptable—there was hope they could fully recover.

The principal, having heard that Wu Yanchao invited a specialist for the children’s rehabilitation, hurried over.

“This is our principal, and this is Dr. Zhang from the city hospital,” Wu Yanchao introduced. Though young, Zhang Fan’s association with the city hospital carried weight locally.

The principal was a burly man in his forties who clearly worked out regularly. Shaking Zhang Fan’s hand, he said, “Thank you so much, Dr. Zhang. Our school has limited resources. Injuries happen often during training. I heard from Teacher Wu that you’re an orthopedic specialist. We’re truly grateful you could come.”

With limited funding, he hesitated to mention it, but soon returned with a bright red certificate. Zhang Fan opened it, half amused, half embarrassed: “Appointing Zhang Fan as our school’s health consultant.” It seemed to be a formality to encourage Zhang Fan to visit regularly. The principal rubbed his hands awkwardly and explained, “Our kids are those the education bureau picked up. As long as they don’t starve, that’s enough. Our funds get redirected often. This building was even constructed by the Soviets. I have no choice. Please bear with us.”

“No worries. I like sports too. Don’t worry about it; I’ll come whenever I have time.”

After school, Wu Yanchao wanted to invite Zhang Fan for a meal, but Zhang Fan had to refuse due to Li Xiao’s ongoing treatment. After a few more treatment cycles, Zhang Fan decided Li Xiao should rest, take a CT scan, and then determine the next steps.

His sister called, asking if he would come home for the New Year. Learning he wouldn’t, she was disappointed; they hadn’t seen each other for over a year and missed him terribly. She also understood that her tuition and living expenses were all covered by her brother’s earnings.

She was obedient and never dropped out of the top three in her grade. Though attending a county-level high school, with her grades, she still had hope for admission to one of Huaguo’s top schools.

The New Year was approaching again. Last year he spent it in Quark County; this year, he was in Chasu City. His standard of living had improved significantly, and he no longer felt the urgency he had upon first arriving.

Driving to the city’s largest mall, with this year’s income doing well, he bought clothes for his parents and sister and sent his sister over five thousand yuan. Last year, Wang Qian had given him a large package of gifts; this year, she even had them delivered to Zhang Fan’s residence.

“The house is clean and tidy, but it lacks things like a TV and washing machine. Later, I’ll take you to Wanxianghui, and I’ll get you some stuff. After all, it’s New Year; it needs a fresh look. Besides, your Sister Dong might thank you!”

“Wang Jie, you don’t need to trouble yourselves. I’m at the hospital almost all day, so I don’t use a TV or anything. As long as you’re both well, that’s enough. No need to be so polite.”

“You silly boy, your Sister Dong got promoted and went to Chark County as acting county chief.”

“No need to thank me for that either.”

Wang Qian smiled mysteriously, then joked, “It’s because you’re good at double-deduction cards. I bet you don’t know about Li Xiao’s background yet.” Then she quietly explained Li Xiao’s identity to Zhang Fan.

“Oh, that explains it. No wonder Li Xiao called Director Ouyang, who specifically called me into his office for a talk.”

“You got that right. Enough chit-chat; let’s hurry. It’s the New Year, and there are crowds everywhere.” Wang Qian, with her status, paid mostly by shopping cards when buying things.