What exactly had Zhang Yang said just now? He claimed he would first relieve the patient’s suffering, rather than following Wang Guohai’s cue to simply go and see the patient.

These two statements carried vastly different implications.

To merely see the patient meant offering a diagnosis, with the possibility of treatment—or lack thereof—depending on the observation of the illness. But to promise to relieve the patient’s suffering implied absolute certainty in the ability to help, even before knowing what the patient was suffering from. No wonder everyone wore that expression.

At this moment, a shared thought resided in nearly everyone’s mind.

This young man was simply too arrogant, immeasurably so. To speak such grand pronouncements so casually! If he proved utterly helpless after seeing the patient, he would be publicly humiliated.

However, many people were now poised to watch Zhang Yang make a fool of himself. The hospital placed such importance on an intern; it would be a lie to say those watching harbored no jealousy.

“Zhang Yang, this patient suffers from uterine prolapse, and it’s quite complicated!”

After a moment’s hesitation, Wang Guohai frowned and said softly, offering Zhang Yang a subtle warning. This patient’s condition was not simple; it was best to examine her first.

“I understand, Director Wang. Where is Bed 67?”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, seemingly ignoring Wang Guohai’s hint, and asked again.

“Very well then. Dr. Liu is in charge of Patient 67. Dr. Liu, take the medical records, and let’s go see the patient together. On the way, thoroughly explain the patient’s condition to Zhang Yang!”

Wang Guohai nodded helplessly and instructed Liu Chaoqiang. Liu Chaoqiang had deliberately ignored his subtle hints earlier and insisted on making trouble for Zhang Yang, which displeased him greatly. Since Liu Chaoqiang disliked Zhang Yang anyway, Wang Guohai decided to let him present the case—a small way to vex him.

Liu Chaoqiang blinked in surprise, but before he could respond, Wang Guohai had already turned away.

He could only glare venomously at Zhang Yang. The patient was technically under his care, so presenting the case wasn't the issue. Past experts who had visited always had him present the details. But Zhang Yang was just an intern. Liu Chaoqiang was a formally registered attending physician, soon to be promoted to associate chief physician. For him to brief an intern felt profoundly degrading.

Unfortunately, Wang Guohai had already departed, leaving him no chance to refuse. He could ignore Zhang Yang, but that would mean disrespecting Wang Guohai, potentially inviting petty retribution later.

With a cold snort, Liu Chaoqiang finally stood up to retrieve the medical charts.

Regarding Liu Chaoqiang, Zhang Yang merely shook his head without a word. He had encountered doctors like this in his previous life: narrow-minded and convinced of their own supreme superiority. Such people rarely achieved anything significant. A person constantly consumed with grievances about how others have wronged them, what they are owed, or who they suspect is targeting them, has no mental energy left to improve their own abilities. Naturally, they stagnate.

“Zhang Yang, Director Wang mentioned the patient has uterine prolapse. The main complication is that it was initially diagnosed as simple cervicitis, and she underwent two surgeries. Now, the uterus cannot be repositioned, and fluid has accumulated. Here are the records; look them over carefully!”

Liu Chaoqiang pulled out the patient’s file, gave a cursory summary, and tossed the file toward Zhang Yang. He had to obey Wang Guohai’s order, but he certainly wouldn't take the explanation seriously. He only provided the bare outline, as he didn't believe Zhang Yang could cure this patient anyway. They had been treating her for over half a year, and numerous specialists from other hospitals had already examined her without success. He hardly believed Zhang Yang was more capable than all those experts combined.

“Cervicitis turning into uterine prolapse? That doctor is quite something!”

Zhang Yang took the file, flipped through it briefly, and then chuckled.

Liu Chaoqiang’s face flushed crimson, and his body stiffened momentarily. The doctor Zhang Yang referred to was himself; it was his initial misdiagnosis that led to the current predicament. However, the subsequent surgeries were not solely his responsibility, and no one had blamed him later. Zhang Yang’s remark was clearly an intentional insinuation.

He shot Zhang Yang an angry glare and immediately walked toward the exit, paying Zhang Yang no further mind.

A slight smile played on Zhang Yang’s lips. The file listed the treating physician’s name, so he knew perfectly well it was Liu Chaoqiang. He had said that deliberately. Zhang Yang was not known for having an easy temper. If others showed him an inch of respect, he would return a foot. He treated those kind to him even better, but he wouldn’t respond to malice with magnanimity. If he caught an opportunity, Zhang Yang would certainly teach others a lesson.

They proceeded to the ward, a group of five including Zhang Yang and Wang Guohai. The others remained behind, as they had their own duties. One senior doctor was scheduled to assist in the surgery for Nan Nan’s mother later and needed time for pre-operative preparation. This older doctor possessed extensive experience, perhaps even superior surgical skill in that specific area compared to Wang Guohai, and Zhang Yang felt completely reassured leaving it in his hands.

Bed 67 was located in a private room. When Wang Guohai and the others arrived, the patient, a woman in her early fifties, was lying on the bed, cracking melon seeds and watching television. This room had been equipped with a television—a feature she had strongly insisted upon and agitated for repeatedly until the hospital acquiesced.

Seeing the group enter, the woman immediately sat upright, placing the melon seeds aside.

“Director Wang, you’re finally here! You’ve dragged out my illness for over half a year. Give me a definitive answer—when exactly will you cure me?”

The woman was thin, with sallow skin, yet she projected an air of shrewd calculation. Her tone toward Wang Guohai was far from respectful, unlike the deference most patients showed doctors. But it was understandable; she was in this state because of the hospital. It would be strange if she maintained a pleasant demeanor.

Wang Guohai looked somewhat embarrassed. If he had a solution, who would want to keep delaying treatment? But he couldn't say that in front of the patient, so he continued his attempts at comfort.

“Huang Ju, rest assured. The hospital isn’t shirking responsibility. See, several of us doctors have come specifically for a consultation regarding your case!”

The patient was named Huang Ju, fifty-three years old. Her husband had passed away years ago, and she had no children, living alone while running a small stall selling odds and ends to make a living. Most people wouldn't tolerate such a long hospital stay, but since she was alone and the hospital provided meals in the cafeteria, she could persist. Still, nobody enjoyed living in a hospital indefinitely; she could certainly support herself outside.

“A consultation?”

Huang Ju looked up, clearly skeptical and unconvinced. She examined each doctor in turn, finally letting her gaze rest on Zhang Yang for a few moments before dismissing him. She recognized the other doctors; they had consulted on her case many times. She didn't recognize the newcomer, but Zhang Yang was far too young, which further diminished her confidence.

While she observed them, Zhang Yang was observing her. Her complexion was an unhealthy yellow, indicating serious systemic issues. Her eye bags drooped severely, and both her teeth and tongue were yellow, suggesting she frequently suffered the torment of illness.

After a few glances, Zhang Yang stepped forward, standing directly in front of the woman.

Seeing Zhang Yang approach, Wang Guohai quickly interjected, “Huang Ju, this is Dr. Zhang, a new addition to our staff. He is very skilled in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has studied cases similar to yours. Let him examine you!”

As he spoke, Wang Guohai’s face flushed, an uncommon occurrence. Zhang Yang had only learned what the disease was today; how could he have studied it? Wang Guohai’s words were purely meant to reassure the patient and prevent her from having negative thoughts.

Huang Ju nodded, but her eyes still held clear disbelief. The reason was simple: Zhang Yang looked far too young. Although he carried the air of a physician, the immense hurdle of his age overshadowed everything else, drawing all attention away from his potential.

Zhang Yang paid little attention to these social dynamics. He had reviewed the medical history on the way over, giving him a foundational understanding of her condition. After this brief observation, he had a general picture.

Zhang Yang sat directly by the bedside, gesturing for the patient to extend her hand. He placed his fingers gently on her pulse points and slowly closed his eyes. After a little over two minutes, he stood up again and smiled at Huang Ju.

Having taken the pulse, Zhang Yang understood the patient’s condition quite well. The uterine prolapse was severe, yes, but it had not yet reached an irreversible stage. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position, with the external cervical os falling below the level of the ischial spines, sometimes even fully descending outside the vaginal opening. Typically, postpartum women are susceptible, as are women entering menopause. Early-stage prolapse is not difficult to treat; returning the uterus to its position usually resolves the issue. If it weren't for the initial misdiagnosis and subsequent surgical errors, her condition wouldn't have become so troublesome, causing headaches for so many doctors.

“Zhang Yang, well?” Wang Guohai asked quietly, suddenly realizing he was feeling quite anxious. Whether this patient could be cured—whether this persistent problem could finally be resolved for the hospital—his hope now rested entirely on this intern. It was bizarre, almost unbelievable, that a chief physician would nervously await the answer of an intern, yet it was happening.

“I have confidence. Let me ask a few more questions!”

Zhang Yang nodded with a smile. The condition was troublesome, but not overly complex. In fact, he found it simpler than Su Shaohua’s asthma. After his examination, he was indeed confident.

“Really? Good, ask away, ask away!” Wang Guohai’s eyes lit up, and he nodded excitedly. Zhang Yang’s confidence was a relief. Curing this patient would bring immense relief to the entire gynecology department. This patient was simply too much trouble, and difficult to deal with besides; no doctor wanted to keep her any longer than necessary.

Chapter Two!