Zhang Yang not vying for the patient surprised Liu Chaoqiang. He had actually suspected Zhang Yang’s request was a ploy to steal his patients and all the credit, deliberately antagonizing him.

“Alright then, the patient remains under Dr. Liu’s care.

Zhang Yang, if you have methods to ensure the patient recovers swiftly after surgery, you may assist,” Wang Guohai stated softly, effectively concluding the consultation. The director’s authority was considerable; the other doctors raised no further objections, though all eyes turned curiously toward Zhang Yang.

Post-operative recovery was never simple; incisions were made, blood was drawn. Furthermore, surgery severely depleted one's Yuan Qi (vital energy), a key reason why older patients faced higher risks—their underlying health was weaker, and their Yuan Qi was already diminished.

And the replenishment of Yuan Qi was the most troublesome aspect, impossible without prolonged recuperation. “Agreed, I have no issues!” Zhang Yang raised a hand first.

Seeing the matter settled, Liu Chaoqiang had no choice but to nod in agreement. As long as the patient remained under his purview, he cared little for the rest; he certainly didn't want to concede his achievements, still believing Zhang Yang was trying to usurp his credit.

The consultation ended, and the interns dispersed from the large office, though they lingered nearby, eagerly gathering news about Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang had taken an unusually long leave, and since he hadn't been highly visible recently, the newer interns didn't even know his name.

With numbers, information spread quickly. Most of these interns had acquaintances or familiar faces elsewhere in the hospital.

Zhang Yang wasn't exactly a secret at the Third Hospital, and soon they pieced together his entire history. Every person who heard the news widened their eyes in shock.

This Zhang Yang, an intern just like them, was no ordinary intern. He was actively recruited by the hospital, entering through official channels, reportedly requiring immense effort and concession from the Director to secure his presence, yet even so, Zhang Yang only worked one day a week at the hospital.

An intern working just one day a week was previously an unbelievable fantasy. That wasn't all; they also dug up details of Zhang Yang’s few documented medical interventions at the hospital.

Misdiagnosis, massive hemorrhage—he had used only acupuncture to staunch the bleeding and save the patient’s life. Later, a specialist from the Provincial Hospital had deemed a case terminal, one supposedly beyond help in the country, yet he had brought that patient back to life, with a robust recovery to boot.

Crucially, the person he saved was the father of the Director of the Health Bureau. The Health Bureau Director—connecting with him made securing a permanent position at the hospital seem effortless.

This realization filled countless people with envy. If only they knew Zhang Yang had refused to become a permanent staff member; learning that would surely have provoked accusations of sheer idiocy for wasting such an opportunity.

He didn't want it; others certainly did. However, these facts helped them understand that while Zhang Yang was technically an intern, he possessed privileges far beyond theirs.

Knowing this cleared up any confusion about why Director Wang had insisted on bringing him into the consultation. “Incredible, Liu Cheng, how did you not know someone this skilled was from your school?” Those who had earlier confronted Zhang Yang, suspecting him of impersonation, now clustered around Liu Cheng, who could only offer a wry smile.

“I haven’t been back to school for nearly half a year; I’ve been consumed by job hunting. I know nothing of what’s happening there.

Besides, he’s a year below me; he’s in his third year!” Liu Cheng felt genuinely deflated. He hadn't realized his alma mater harbored such a prodigy.

He now harbored regret; had he known Zhang Yang was this capable, he should have cultivated a better relationship. Someone who saved the Health Bureau Director’s father—tapping into that connection could surely grease the wheels for his own job placement.

For students on the verge of graduation, securing a suitable job meant stabilizing their entire future; it was a matter of lifelong importance. “Wang Ying, don’t single out Liu Cheng.

Zhang Yang is clearly not in the same league as us. He won't worry about employment; we still need to focus on our own efforts,” a girl interjected.

Liu Cheng shot her a grateful look; she had managed to smooth over his embarrassment. In truth, they weren't the only ones feeling vexed.

An intern as unique as Zhang Yang—even if they couldn't become close friends, they certainly shouldn't make enemies. Yet, several of them had just openly doubted his legitimacy, and now they worried intensely that Zhang Yang might hold a grudge.

The buzz from the Obstetrics and Gynecology department soon rippled into other wards. Many interns hailed from the same universities, sharing friends despite being assigned to different departments.

Zhang Yang’s name spread rapidly among all interns, quickly making him the most discussed person in the entire Third Hospital. Many senior doctors became involved too.

Those with more knowledge about Zhang Yang’s history, especially the few who had witnessed his medical feats firsthand, now recounted them enthusiastically to their younger colleagues. In a short span, virtually every intern and even many nurses working at the Third Hospital knew of Zhang Yang’s existence.

Zhang Yang, the subject of intense scrutiny, remained oblivious to his sudden celebrity status as he exited a patient room with Director Wang and others. Their purpose in visiting the room was to allow Zhang Yang to personally examine the patient and assess the condition firsthand.

Relying solely on medical charts, after all, could never substitute for direct observation. After seeing the patient, Zhang Yang felt even more confident.

He possessed excellent prescriptions to accelerate wound recovery and could use acupuncture to assist; in short, healing would be swift. For post-surgery Yuan Qi replenishment, ginseng was paramount.

Zhang Yang had access to millennia-old ginseng, but he decided against using it this time; the patient’s condition didn’t warrant such a potent reserve. Even ordinary, hundred-year-old wild ginseng would suffice to counteract the depletion caused by the surgery.

The main difficulty with ginseng in restoring Yuan Qi lies in absorption. For Zhang Yang, this posed no issue.

He could maximize the patient's absorption rate, quickly restoring the vitality lost during the operation and enabling her constitution to withstand further procedures in a short time. After confirming the patient's post-surgery plan upon returning to the hospital, Zhang Yang brought up the issues of withdrawing his leave and making up the missed shifts with Wang Guohai.

These matters, however, proved simple. Director Wang wielded considerable authority; a single word settled everything for Zhang Yang.

He was now free to work makeup shifts daily, with the duration entirely at his discretion. No one else in the entire Third Hospital—not even the formally appointed doctors—received treatment comparable to this.

Quitting time arrived quickly, by which point everyone in the hospital knew who Zhang Yang was. Such an exceptional intern had become the hospital’s foremost topic of conversation.

Many expressed envy, wishing they too could command such privileges. Alas, it remained just a wish; none of them possessed Zhang Yang’s preternatural medical skill.

As he left for the day, Zhang Yang distinctly felt numerous eyes fixed upon him. Aside from the interns in Obstetrics and Gynecology, those from other departments had never seen him, but that was irrelevant; those who had seen him pointed him out, and some others had specifically come to the department just to catch a glimpse of what Zhang Yang looked like.

Being covertly watched by so many made Zhang Yang uneasy, but since they kept their distance, he felt awkward approaching anyone to ask what the commotion was about. “Wow, a BMW!” “Dr.

Zhang is so wealthy!” “Young, rich, and capable—a true prince charming!” Zhang Yang headed straight for the parking lot. A few young women gasped softly upon seeing him enter the BMW.

Those unfamiliar with cars immediately asked about it, their eyes widening in astonishment once they learned the vehicle's value. Capable, rich, and handsome—Zhang Yang instantly became the most sought-after topic among all the female interns at the Third Hospital.

Some dreamy young women began plotting ways to engineer a chance encounter, hoping to catch his eye and spark a monumental romance. Their aspirations sparked jealousy among many male interns, who muttered curses at Zhang Yang under their breath.

Soon, news spread that Zhang Yang already had a girlfriend, dashing the dreams of countless young women and bringing secret relief to many young men. It was better that he was taken; if he had a partner, they wouldn’t have to compete for him.

Among the interns, the gender ratio was highly skewed, and many hoped to settle their lifelong partnership during their internship. “Zhang Yang, you’re back!” As soon as he stepped inside, a figure rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight hug.

Mi Xue launched herself at him, smiling sweetly. Zhang Yang glanced around the living room, a smile spreading across his face as well.

“Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey in front of the rest of us? We’re about to eat!” Hu Xin said somewhat tartly from the sofa.

Besides Hu Xin, Gu Cheng, Xiao Dai, and Nan Nan were all present. They had rushed over as soon as they heard Zhang Yang and Mi Xue were back.

Nan Nan and Xiao Dai had even specifically taken time off and spent the afternoon with Mi Xue. “So we’re affectionate, what about it?

Do you have a problem with us cooking for you? Do you want to go hungry instead?” Mi Xue immediately turned and huffed at Hu Xin, who instantly raised his hands in surrender.

They had been surviving on takeout boxes for days and were sick of them. Hearing of Zhang Yang and Mi Xue’s return, they flocked over for a free meal.

“Mi Xue, you keep them company; I’ll start cooking!” Zhang Yang said with a slight smile. His classmates were gathered together again.

It was a pity Xiao Bin had gone home for the break, or it would have been even livelier. “Just waiting for you to say that!

I bought beef and red wine—tonight is East meets West!” Mi Xue grinned slyly, untying her apron, revealing that they had all planned this in advance, waiting for their unpaid laborer to return. “A Chinese-Western feast!

Awesome! Zhang Yang, make extra!

Chengzi and I skipped lunch knowing you two were coming back!” Hu Xin shouted enthusiastically. Zhang Yang paused, his body stiffening slightly, and he shook his head gently.

The others all laughed, and an inexplicable warmth and joy surged within Zhang Yang. This was true camaraderie.

When they were together, there was never any pressure—only ease and happiness. The monthly votes aren't looking good tonight, so Xiao Yu is forcing himself to write one more chapter; this is the guaranteed first chapter for today.

Xiao Yu is updating so diligently, isn't it just to ask for more votes and prove himself on the monthly ticket chart? Could friends with monthly tickets offer a little more support, letting Xiao Yu know that all this hard work hasn't been in vain?