All the interns turned their gaze toward Zhang Yang. These students, fresh out of school and not yet graduated, were still quite innocent; whatever they were thinking was written plainly on their faces.

Most of them looked on with envy. It was the first time they had seen an intern receive such high praise from Director Wang; usually, it was a considerable achievement just to exchange a few words with him.

Some, however, harbored only jealousy, thinking that the one praised by the director should have been themselves, and that they were clearly superior to Zhang Yang in every way. “Director Wang is absolutely right; Zhang Yang is definitely the most capable among us interns.

Even the Dean has praised him multiple times, saying he is certain to become a future pillar of our Third Hospital!” Liu Chaoqiang suddenly interjected, his face bearing an artless smile; someone unaware might genuinely believe he was praising Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang glanced at him, his smile hiding a knife.

He was intentionally trying to boost Zhang Yang only to set him up for a fall. Was it necessary?

These were just ordinary interns; whether any of them would secure a position at the Third Hospital was still uncertain, so saying such things to them was useless. Moreover, he only worked one day a week, meaning he wouldn't have much interaction with these interns anyway.

However, Liu Chaoqiang's words carried weight, sparking increased jealousy toward Zhang Yang. They were all medical students, and the most desirable post-graduation placement was naturally a hospital.

The Third Hospital held considerable renown throughout Changjing; securing a job here was equivalent to grasping an iron rice bowl, guaranteeing a lifetime free from financial worries. Liu Chaoqiang essentially declared that Zhang Yang was guaranteed a permanent position after his internship, naturally intensifying the envy of others—little did they know that Zhang Yang already possessed the qualifications to become a full staff member, a fact he had simply declined.

“Doctor Liu, Zhang Yang has arrived. Let him join the consultation; two heads are better than one!” Wang Guohai cast a faint look toward Liu Chaoqiang.

Everyone knew about Liu Chaoqiang’s petty nature, and Wang Guohai clearly understood the intent behind his recent remarks. This filled him with a renewed sense of dissatisfaction.

Zhang Yang was talent he had struggled to recruit; if other departments learned someone here was bullying him, they would immediately file reports to request his transfer. In Wang Guohai’s view, Liu Chaoqiang lacked any sense of the bigger picture.

“Well, he just got back and hasn’t officially started his shift yet, perhaps it’s not necessary!” Liu Chaoqiang frowned. The patient being discussed was under his care, and he instinctively resisted Zhang Yang’s inclusion.

“It’s fine, Zhang Yang is already in his scrubs, which means he’s started working!” Wang Guohai waved his hand dismissively, then said to Zhang Yang, “Take a look at her medical records first, and then we can discuss it. We’ll continue our debate for now!” Liu Chaoqiang’s opposition proved utterly futile.

At this moment, Wang Guohai displayed the authoritative nature of a director. I am the director, and my word is final.

Even if the patient is yours, it doesn't matter. The surrounding interns watched Zhang Yang with renewed envy.

This treatment wasn't for an intern; it was more commanding than that afforded to a regular doctor. They were gathered here merely to observe the attending physicians’ consultation and learn from their seniors’ experience; no intern was ever permitted direct participation.

Zhang Yang shook his head slightly, picked up the medical file, and began to read carefully. Since he was here, he might as well treat it as work, making up for the days he had been absent due to leave.

Any patient the others prioritized was worth his attention. He was a doctor.

Since he was brought into the consultation, he would take full responsibility for the patient's well-being. After reading for a while, Zhang Yang understood the case: the patient suffered from postpartum rectovaginal fistula complicated by a urinary fistula.

Simply put, a fistula means an abnormal channel formed between the rectum/bladder and the vagina, allowing excretory matter to exit from unintended places. Such conditions usually required surgical repair, which wasn't particularly complicated, but this patient’s case was peculiar: the channels were deep and multiple, involving both the rectum and the colon.

After reviewing the records, Zhang Yang recalled Liu Chaoqiang’s earlier comments. The proposed treatment was a staged approach: first, an end colostomy for the abdominal wall and repair of the urinary fistula, followed by a separation and repair of the rectovaginal fistula a month later.

This was a very prudent and safe surgical recommendation. Director Wang and the others resumed their discussion, focusing intently on the proposals made by the few doctors, with Liu Chaoqiang’s suggestion being central to deciding which treatment plan to adopt.

Most leaned toward Liu Chaoqiang's approach; though it required slower treatment, it minimized the risk of complications. “Zhang Yang, have you finished the records?

What is your assessment of this patient?” Wang Guohai turned back to look at Zhang Yang and asked abruptly. Zhang Yang possessed an unfathomably miraculous acupuncture technique, and his overall medical skill was exceptionally high, as proven in the previous case of Huang Ju.

“Based on the records, I concur with Doctor Liu’s treatment plan!” Zhang Yang paused for thought before saying quietly. Although Liu Chaoqiang was unpleasant, his proposed protocol was indeed better than the other doctor's.

Zhang Yang was being objective, focusing on the issue rather than the person. He wouldn't deny something correct just because Liu Chaoqiang was antagonistic toward him.

A hint of triumph flashed across Liu Chaoqiang’s face. Wang Guohai glanced at Zhang Yang and asked again, “Then do you have any alternative approach?” “Director Wang, didn’t he just say my plan was the best?” Liu Chaoqiang’s smug look vanished instantly, and he directly challenged Wang Guohai, feeling deeply uncomfortable being questioned by Zhang Yang, of all people.

“I am asking Zhang Yang!” Wang Guohai glared suddenly. Liu Chaoqiang froze, his face cycling through shades of green and white before he sullenly turned away, refusing to speak further.

Wang Guohai publicly slighting him like this clearly showed he was giving him no face whatsoever. However, Liu Chaoqiang failed to realize that by interrupting Wang Guohai's question, he had also failed to show respect to the Director.

“Zhang Yang, go ahead and tell us!” Wang Guohai asked once more. From his demeanor, it was clear he insisted on knowing Zhang Yang’s opinion.

After some thought, Zhang Yang slowly stated, “The initial abdominal wall colostomy and urinary fistula repair—yes, I personally feel there is no need to wait a month before repairing the rectovaginal fistula. The interval can be shortened significantly; one week should suffice.

This will reduce the patient’s suffering and allow for a speedier recovery!” “One week? That’s impossible!” Before Wang Guohai could speak, Liu Chaoqiang burst out, looking at Zhang Yang with disdain.

“He’s just an intern, doesn’t he know that a minimum of three weeks is required after an abdominal wall surgery before another procedure can be attempted? Adding preparation time, that requires four weeks.

I stated one month because it is the most secure timeframe!” Liu Chaoqiang spoke slowly, seemingly pleased with having corrected Zhang Yang so thoroughly. However, his words caused many of the surrounding interns to frown.

His statement verged on stereotyping everyone present, lumping all interns together. They were indeed interns and were still learning, but they were not to be casually belittled or treated with contempt.

Liu Chaoqiang’s remark clearly carried a tone of looking down on interns. “Zhang Yang, Doctor Liu is correct.

A one-week interval is impossible; it must be at least four weeks!” Zhang Yang turned his head and said softly to Liu Chaoqiang. The waiting period between sequential surgeries is basic common knowledge in surgery; he couldn't believe Zhang Yang didn't know this, which made his suggestion confusing.

“That’s for others. If it were in my hands, one week would be ample!” Zhang Yang gave a cold laugh.

This Liu Chaoqiang was truly sickening, constantly creating friction. When he said one week, he had absolute confidence in his ability, and his reasoning was purely from the patient's perspective, devoid of any selfish motive.

“One week? That can’t be right?” “Which school’s intern is he?” “Surely he isn’t just boasting!” The surrounding interns began to murmur amongst themselves.

While they were dissatisfied with Liu Chaoqiang’s condescending tone, they had to agree with the medical principle he stated. The optimal interval for two such repair surgeries was indeed about a month for thorough preparation.

“Zhang Yang, are you truly confident you can perform the second surgery in just one week?” Wang Guohai inquired again. Many interns looked at him in surprise.

Even those unfamiliar with Wang Guohai could tell he was genuinely intrigued by Zhang Yang’s proposal; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked. The most anxious was Liu Chaoqiang.

He stared blankly at Wang Guohai, shocked that the Director would believe such a statement from Zhang Yang, one that seemed to violate fundamental surgical principles. “When I operate, it is absolutely no problem!” Zhang Yang smiled confidently, radiating a vast assurance.

Dressed in his white coat, this confidence lent him an indescribable aura. Seeing Zhang Yang like this, many people found themselves starting to believe him.

“Director Wang, I am the physician responsible for this patient!” Liu Chaoqiang frowned, speaking up again immediately. Zhang Yang had taken over his patient last time, costing him a bonus—a reward of ten thousand yuan that should have been his.

This issue wasn't settled, and now Zhang Yang was trying to take credit for this patient, making him increasingly anxious. The man didn't stop to consider why he lost the previous patient, nor did he realize that the large bonus was partly a measure by Zhu Zhixiang to court Zhang Yang’s favor.

Since Zhang Yang wasn't a formal staff member, retaining his service required greater incentive. “The patient will remain under Doctor Liu’s responsibility; I will only handle the post-operative recovery,” Zhang Yang said with a light smile, shaking his head slightly.

He genuinely had no interest in fighting Liu Chaoqiang for the patient; such trivial matters were beneath his notice. Besides, as an intern, he couldn't be solely responsible for a patient without having a formal doctor sign off on the paperwork, which was a hassle.

Unfortunately, others didn't see it that way. Liu Chaoqiang, at least, appeared visibly tense.

The treatment plan was his, so why should he yield the patient? Healing this case would bring him credit, aiding not only bonuses but also future promotions.

His nervousness, contrasted with Zhang Yang’s complete nonchalance, was apparent to all the other interns. Comparing the two—one utterly unconcerned, the other clearly anxious—the difference in temperament was stark, leading many interns to the same conclusion.

How could this Doctor Liu possess less composure than an intern? He seemed far inferior to this trainee.

This thought wasn't unique to just one person, especially among the young women who had spoken with Zhang Yang earlier. They had initially suspected he was an imposter, only to find he was genuinely an intern—and a very exceptional one at that.

Eighth update; this chapter is a bit late. Xiao Yu couldn't hold on any longer and set an alarm to sleep through two 'eighth updates' in one go.

Xiao Yu's promise is finally fulfilled, and the stone in my heart is settled. I'll see if I can write more later; if not, I'll combine today’s guaranteed minimum with tomorrow’s update.

Finally, regarding monthly votes: Monthly votes are like rowing upstream; if you stop advancing, you fall back. Xiao Yu doesn’t have the energy for separate posts, so if friends reading this still have monthly votes, I sincerely hope you can continue to support Xiao Yu.

Time to rest a bit first; today was truly more tiring than yesterday!