Chapter Thirteen: Keeping Doctor Jiang Company

In the operating room.

Jiang Shiyi conducted her work methodically and calmly.

Of course, compared to her composure, most others were anxious and fearful. When they signed the surgery consent form earlier, they learned the identity of the elderly patient.

Xu Weiguo, a senior official at the commanding level.

Originally, none of them wanted to take on this surgery because Chen Wanzhou had previously treated the heart attack, leaving the elder very weak. Now, he simply could not withstand the risk of another operation.

Moreover, the people who brought the elder warned that if anything happened, they would pursue the matter to the end.

No one wanted to get involved in such trouble.

Just as they were about to back out, Lin Yu arrived. Knowing Lin Yu’s capability, some bolder doctors decided to join Jiang Shiyi and Lin Yu for the surgery.

Whether it was Jiang Shiyi’s incredibly steady demeanor or her skillful technique, watching her operate with such fluidity, everyone suddenly felt they had chosen the right person.

A few days later, news arrived from the inpatient department that the elderly patient was recovering well after surgery. The group who had brought him even wrote a letter of thanks to the hospital, specifically naming Jiang Shiyi and Lin Yu.

As for Chen Wanzhou, though no one openly mentioned her misdiagnosis, with so many involved in the rescue, some unpleasant rumors inevitably circulated.

For a while, the newcomers Jiang Shiyi and Chen Wanzhou became the talk of the Second Military District Hospital.

Some said Jiang Shiyi was like gold covered in dust; others claimed she was just a lucky cat catching a dead mouse.

Some argued that Chen Wanzhou only made a mistake anyone could make—after all, no one is perfect. Others insisted she was only fit to hide in the shadow of her grandfather, the hospital director's, reputation.

Jiang Shiyi didn’t pay much attention to these remarks. A doctor’s heart is like a parent’s love; even if the patient had been someone ordinary three days ago, she would still give her utmost effort in surgery.

Her indifferent attitude did not go unnoticed by Chen Wanzhou, who was so infuriated her face darkened.

Why did fate favor Jiang Shiyi so much, when she had already been given a face that could cause disaster?

At noon, Chen Wanzhou and a few colleagues she got along with were eating in the cafeteria, inevitably discussing the surgery Jiang Shiyi performed.

As the conversation went on, Chen Wanzhou noticed a flaw.

She pointed out that Jiang Shiyi had skipped an essential preoperative procedure, which explained how she managed to complete the rescue so quickly.

Hearing this, Chen Wanzhou’s jealousy intensified. Though she could use this flaw to report Jiang Shiyi to hospital administration, it only confirmed Jiang Shiyi’s formidable skill.

That woman had even successfully performed a blind thoracotomy!

***

In the afternoon, nearing the end of the workday.

Jiang Shiyi, the lead surgeon, and Lin Yu, the assistant, were summoned to the hospital director’s office.

The director was a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. After sipping his coffee, he looked at them calmly but without haste.

"Although the surgery on Director Xu was successful, have you considered that you risked the century-old legacy of our hospital?"

"If the operation had failed, and you had skipped the most crucial preoperative examination, the hospital would bear full responsibility. You treated lives like a game."

Jiang Shiyi chuckled lightly and shrugged. "Director, in your eyes, is the century-old legacy more important than human lives?"

"Then if you cherish tradition so much, why don’t you travel by horse-drawn carriage?"

The director was momentarily taken aback by her retort.

Later that afternoon, Chen Wanzhou specifically came to see him, complaining that Jiang Shiyi was arrogant and detrimental to internal harmony.

This caused Director Zhang to subconsciously label Jiang Shiyi as a troublemaker.

"Performing an open-chest surgery without a confirmed diagnosis not only violates hospital regulations but is also irresponsible to the patient’s life. If the operation had gone wrong, following hospital procedures would have shielded you from blame."

Lin Yu nudged Jiang Shiyi’s wrist with his elbow, signaling her to stay silent.

He then turned to the director and said, "Director, I fully support this. I was present at the time. The patient’s condition couldn’t have held up for that additional examination. The echocardiogram already showed fluttering of the endocardial valve leaflet, which was essentially a definitive diagnosis."

Jiang Shiyi looked at him in surprise—Lin Yu was willing to take responsibility on her behalf.

This matter could escalate or be resolved quietly.

The best outcome might be a fine; the worst could end her medical career.

Meeting her gaze, Lin Yu smiled gently.

The director was furious.

Lin Yu was a rare genius, often sent abroad for academic talks on behalf of the hospital, earning it considerable prestige.

If not for Jiang Shiyi, the usually composed and steady Lin Yu wouldn’t have acted this way.

In the end, beauty was a curse.

"Lin, surely you know how high the misdiagnosis rate is with echocardiograms?"

Lin Yu remained silent.

***

The director continued, "That’s why we have medical guidelines and protocols. Our hospital is full of chief physicians and expert professors—people with more seniority and experience than both of you combined. Who would dare swear they never make mistakes?"

Jiang Shiyi grew weary of his sermon. If the hospital truly wanted to hold her accountable, they wouldn’t be waiting until now. What had they been doing before?

Besides, she had noticed Chen Wanzhou visiting earlier. Soon after, she and Lin Yu were summoned.

She wasn’t naive—it was clear they were being targeted, and Lin Yu was dragged into it too.

Jiang Shiyi stood and said, "I was the lead surgeon in that operation. I accept full responsibility."

"Even if it means losing my medical license, I accept."

Without waiting for the director’s response, she walked away calmly.

After leaving, Jiang Shiyi bought fresh flowers and a fruit basket.

Just as she entered the ward, she looked up and saw a familiar figure sitting on the accompanying chair.

Wearing camouflage and combat boots, the cold light cast shadows over a deep, composed face that drew attention.

Jiang Shiyi paused.

At that moment, Xu Weiguo’s wife returned carrying a hot water kettle.

Seeing Jiang Shiyi, gratitude overflowed from her expression.

She had only later heard from the young men what a critical night it had been. Thanks to Jiang Shiyi’s heroic efforts, her husband had been pulled back from death’s door.

Jiang Shiyi handed over the flowers and fruit basket, smiling and asked, "How is Director Xu’s recovery?"

"Nothing serious," she replied. "Once the wound heals sufficiently, we’re preparing for discharge."

Jiang Shiyi nodded. "That’s good."

"Dr. Jiang, if you’re free next weekend, I’d like to invite you for a home-cooked meal."

Then Aunt Qiao added, "Xiao Huo, if you’re free, come along. The old man and I have a generation gap with you young people. It’d be good if you could keep Dr. Jiang company."

He was coming too!