My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points Chapter 1422 - 566: Paralyzed with Anger, a Team Is Like a Small Family (Part 2)

"Because if we persist with the original surgical plan to directly mend the esophageal fistula, success is uncertain. Even if it’s mended, the afflicted area of the esophagus will become severely constricted. In the future, even swallowing water will be challenging, and normal eating will be impossible, leaving you with a lifetime of consuming liquids like an infant."

"Thus, whether it’s to champion the noble medical ethos of doctors striving relentlessly for patient welfare, or to preserve fairness, justice, morality, and conscience in this world, I propose you retract the lawsuit. Dr. Zhou and I exerted considerable effort to cure your ailment; not only are you unappreciative, but you’re also initiating legal action against Dr. Zhou. I believe your conscience, if you possess one, must be tormented by guilt."

Zhong Ming’s pronouncements cast a profound silence over the courtroom.

Reporters’ cameras flashed incessantly, capturing his every move.

He had unequivocally defended Zhou Can, marking a significant moment.

"I object! I object! The witness, Zhong Ming, is deliberately manipulating public perception to exert psychological pressure on the plaintiff. This must cease immediately and his testimony rejected."

The plaintiff’s legal counsel shattered the quietude with a furious outcry.

They appeared like a cornered beast at its wit’s end.

"Esteemed judge, respected jurors, the witness is advocating for noble medical ethics to maintain public order and virtuous conduct, which is entirely appropriate. I contend it should be admissible. The court’s objective is to administer justice and uphold legal principles, encouraging good deeds and discouraging wrongdoing. If the plaintiff finds peace with their conscience and voluntarily withdraws the suit, it would indeed be a commendable act."

Zhou Can’s lawyer already sported a look of assured victory.

Securing a legal win often hinges on the most skillful legal team, particularly within an entertainment company’s context.

"The court will now declare a temporary recess to facilitate mediation between the involved parties."

Such mid-trial mediations are fairly common occurrences.

While the final verdict remains unannounced, the outcome increasingly appears unfavorable for the plaintiff to continue their case.

They would also face the societal disapproval of acting against their benefactor.

Consequently, the plaintiff’s side has effectively conceded.

Following the adjournment, the dean of the Third Hospital, Zhang Qilian, departed with an expression so grim it seemed capable of exuding negativity.

Without uttering a word, he rose and left the premises.

Mere steps away, he faltered, nearly collapsing.

Zhang Mingxing swiftly moved to support him.

"Dean, would you care to sit and regain your composure before departing?"

He could discern the intense tremor coursing through Zhang Qilian.

Typically, a deputy dean addresses the main dean as either "Dean" or "Secretary."

In contemporary large public hospitals, it’s common for a deputy secretary to also hold the position of dean. The era of a dean wielding absolute authority has largely passed, yet their influence remains substantial.

"Let’s go. Help me leave this place immediately! I have no desire to linger here another moment!"

Zhang Qilian's voice was frigid, his jaw set tightly.

With his astute understanding, he recognized that the scheme to incriminate Zhou Can had crumbled.

Instead, Zhou Can had artfully leveraged the situation for significant positive exposure.

Despite the expenditure of resources and the deployment of various tactics, this was the ultimate result. His heart indeed felt burdened.

But what recourse was there?

In the adult arena, success is determined by one's capabilities, strategies, connections, and financial standing.

Although his own standing far surpassed Zhou Can’s, at this juncture, the confrontation had resulted in an unequivocal defeat.

The Third Hospital’s reputation, bolstered by its purported Japanese cardiac surgery expert, had been substantially undermined by Zhou Can.

And now, this lawsuit had also concluded in failure.

For someone of Zhang Qilian’s stature, the sting wasn't from the fifty thousand monetary sum, nor the quietly promised benefits to the patient and their family, nor the considerable legal expenses. It was the humiliation of being outmaneuvered by Zhou Can.

He found this deeply unpalatable.

The fundamental difference between the influential and the ordinary lies in their pursuits: the latter strive for sustenance and minor personal gains, while the former, possessing security in food and shelter, contend for honor, dignity, and reputation.

...

Upon returning to the hospital from the courthouse, Zhou Can resumed his duties without delay.

For him, the legal proceedings were merely a fleeting distraction.

It had also served as a valuable learning experience.

He resolved to exercise greater prudence and diligence moving forward, ensuring his benevolence wasn't exploited.

Jiang Wei, who was scheduled to be off duty, hurried to the hospital, volunteering additional hours in the operating theater to assist Zhou Can.

This could be interpreted as her form of making amends.

It was past eight in the evening before Zhou Can’s surgical team concluded their operation. So engrossed were they in their work that not a moment was spared for dinner.

"Thank you all for your hard work today. Because of my situation, you've had to stay so late. Allow me to treat everyone to some late-night snacks at a food stall! Will you all join me?"

Zhou Can surveyed the medical staff under his command.

"Hooray, we get to enjoy a good meal tonight!"

Ma Xiaolan was the first to enthusiastically cheer.

"With Dr. Zhou footing the bill, of course, we're going! A feast paid for by the boss; we're thrilled about it."

Qiao Yu chimed in her agreement.

Seeing Zhou Can successfully navigate the lawsuit and emerge unscathed, she felt a genuine wave of happiness for him.

"Even if the boss wants to go on a drinking spree tonight, I will bravely accompany him."

Yang Zhi and Pu Dingdong quickly added their assent.

With the boss offering to pay, everyone was naturally in high spirits.

Jiang Wei, however, appeared somewhat dejected, a noticeable departure from her usual demeanor.

Her testimony in court, despite Zhou Can's prior agreement, remained a source of psychological strain and distress for her.

"Jiang Wei, everyone is going, you can't bring down the mood!"

Ma Xiaolan tugged at her hand, saying.

"Indeed, among our team, we can't have anyone missing."

Qiao Yu, the second-in-command of the team, also added her voice.

"I..."

Jiang Wei hesitated, glancing towards Zhou Can.

"Our team is like a family, and you are a valued member of this family. Don't hesitate, come along."

Zhou Can said to her.

"Thank you!"

Her words carried a deeper meaning, understood only by Zhou Can.

After her court testimony, she felt too ashamed to continue being part of the surgical team and was therefore hesitant to join the celebratory gathering.

Unbeknownst to her, Zhou Can had perceived her inner turmoil. This was precisely why he proposed that everyone go out for snacks together.

Only moments before, Zhou Can had explicitly stated that she was part of their family, reassuring her that this incident would not lead to her exclusion.

...

Seated at a table in the bustling food stall, Zhou Can and several of his medical staff were engrossed in conversation, a generous spread of food laid out before them.

Ma Xiaolan, having just savored some spicy crawfish, asked Zhou Can, "Boss, may I pack some to take home?"

"Certainly, just grab a box and pack as much as you like. If it's not enough, we'll order more. However, these snacks might not taste as good if left overnight. If you enjoy them, I'll treat you again next time."

Zhou Can readily agreed.

"Xiaolan isn't taking them for herself! I suspect she's packing them for Dr. Du."

Qiao Yu chuckled from beside them.

"Have you and Du Leng progressed so rapidly? Are you already living together?"

Zhou Can inquired, looking at her with surprise.

He had heard that Du Leng had quite the reputation as a playboy, with a history of numerous fleeting relationships with female doctors and nurses.

Aware that Ma Xiaolan was dating Du Leng, Zhou Can had previously advised her against readily trusting a man's words.

Yet, his advice had proven ineffective; the couple had already moved in together.

Ah, women, once smitten, seem to lose all sense of reason.

However, men are not much different; the intoxicating pull of romance affects even those in their sixties quite profoundly.

Numerous middle-aged and elderly men, ensnared by infatuation, have been known to sell their homes, deplete their fortunes, and ultimately face destitution.

"We've been together for over a year! The pace of our relationship is quite normal, wouldn't you say? He treats me exceptionally well."

Ma Xiaolan replied, a hint of shyness in her voice.

"As long as he treats you well. Waiter, could you please bring us two boxes?"

Zhou Can happened to notice a waiter passing by their adjacent table and called out.