Chapter 1422: Chapter 566: Paralyzed with Anger, a Team Is Like a Small Family (Part 2)

"Because if we follow the original surgical plan and directly repair the esophageal fistula, it’s hard to say whether it will succeed. Even if it’s successfully repaired, the area of the esophageal fistula will become extremely narrow. In the future, even drinking water will cause difficulty in swallowing. Normal eating will be impossible, and you’ll only be able to eat liquid food for the rest of your life, consuming small sips like a baby."

"So, whether it’s to encourage the noble medical ethics where we doctors exhaust every effort for the patient’s well-being, or to uphold fairness, justice, morality, and conscience in this world, I suggest you withdraw the lawsuit. Dr. Zhou and I went to great lengths to cure your illness, and not only are you ungrateful, but you’re also suing Dr. Zhou. I think if you have a conscience, it must be feeling guilty."

Zhong Ming’s words brought silence to the courtroom.

Reporters were taking photos of him non-stop.

Undoubtedly, he stood up for Zhou Can, marking a highlight in his life.

"I protest, I protest! The witness, Zhong Ming, is intentionally guiding public opinion to create mental pressure on the plaintiff. It should be stopped immediately and not accepted."

The plaintiff’s lawyer broke the silence, yelling furiously.

They resembled a trapped beast at the end of its line.

"Honorable judge, esteemed jurors, the witness is advocating for noble medical ethics to uphold public order and good customs. There’s nothing inappropriate about it. I believe it should be accepted. The court’s purpose is to uphold justice and legal principles, guiding people to refrain from evil and promote goodness. If the plaintiff finds their conscience and voluntarily withdraws the lawsuit, it would truly be a good deed."

Zhou Can’s lawyer was already wearing a triumphant smile.

Winning a lawsuit requires the most capable legal team in an entertainment company.

"Now announcing a temporary adjournment, the court will organize mediation between the parties."

Such mediation during trial is quite common.

Although the final result hasn’t come out yet, it’s already foreseeable that there’s little significance in the plaintiff’s side persisting with the lawsuit.

They would also bear the stigma of biting the hand that feeds them.

Thus, the plaintiff’s side has basically lost.

After the adjournment, the dean of the Third Hospital, Zhang Qilian, left with a face so dark that water could drip from it.

Without a word, he stood up and left.

After just a couple of steps, he staggered and almost fell to the ground.

Zhang Mingxing quickly supported him.

"Dean, would you like to sit and rest for a bit before leaving?"

He could feel how violently Zhang Qilian was trembling.

The deputy dean usually calls the main dean either "Dean" or "Secretary."

Nowadays, most large public hospitals have a deputy secretary serving simultaneously as the dean.

The days when a dean had absolute authority have mostly passed. Yet, despite this, the dean’s power remains significant.

"Let’s go, help me get out of here quickly! I don’t want to stay here even a moment longer!"

Zhang Qilian’s voice was icy, his teeth clenched tightly.

With his intelligence, he naturally knew that this attempt to frame Zhou Can had failed.

Instead, Zhou Can took advantage of the situation for a wave of publicity.

Money was spent, means were exhausted, yet this was the final outcome. Indeed, his heart felt oppressed.

But so what?

In the world of adults, it’s about competing in ability, means, networks, financial resources, and so on.

Despite his status being much higher than Zhou Can’s, at this point in the fight, it’s basically a complete defeat.

The Japanese cardiac surgery expert gimmick of the Third Hospital has been mostly crippled by Zhou Can.

And now, this lawsuit still ended in failure.

At the level of Zhang Qilian, what hurts him isn’t the fifty thousand in money, nor the silently promised benefits to the patient and their family, nor the expensive lawyer fees. It’s his face being stepped on by Zhou Can.

He’s having a hard time swallowing it.

The difference between the big people and the small people is that small people fight for a bite to eat, for a little bit of personal gain. Big people always have food and clothing security; they fight for face, for dignity and reputation.

...

After returning from the court to the hospital, Zhou Can went directly back to work.

For him, the lawsuit was just a minor interlude.

It also taught him a lesson.

He will definitely be more cautious and careful in the future, to prevent someone from using his kindness against him.

Jiang Wei was originally off today, but she rushed to the hospital, doing voluntary overtime in the operating room to assist Zhou Can.

This can be understood as a form of atonement on her part.

They were busy until past eight o’clock in the evening before Zhou Can’s surgical team finished the operation. They had been so occupied that they hadn’t even had time for dinner.

"Thank you, everyone, for your hard work today. Because of me, you ended up leaving work so late. Let me treat everyone to some night snacks at a food stall! Are you all coming?"

Zhou Can looked at the medical staff under his lead.

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

Ma Xiaolan was the first to clap and cheer.

"With Dr. Zhou treating, of course we’re going! It’s a feast on the boss’s tab, we’re so happy."

Qiao Yu also joined in affirming.

Seeing Zhou Can pull through the lawsuit and come out fine, she was genuinely happy for him.

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

Yang Zhi and Pu Dingdong also quickly agreed.

With the boss treating to a meal, everyone was naturally delighted.

Jiang Wei, however, seemed a bit downcast, noticeably different from her usual self.

Testifying in court, even though Zhou Can had agreed to it, remained a psychological torment and punishment for her.

"Jiang Wei, everyone’s going, you can’t dampen the spirits!"

Ma Xiaolan tugged at her hand and said.

"Yes, yes, among our team, we can’t miss anyone."

Qiao Yu, the second-in-command of the team, also chimed in.

"I..."

Jiang Wei hesitantly turned to look at Zhou Can.

"Our team is like a family, and you’re a part of this family. Don’t hesitate, come along."

Zhou Can said to her.

"Thank you!"

She spoke meaningfully, only Zhou Can could understand.

After testifying, she already felt too ashamed to remain with the surgical team, so she was reluctant to attend the gathering.

Little did she know, Zhou Can had seen through her thoughts, which is why he suggested everyone go out for snacks together.

Just moments ago, Zhou Can had stated that she’s a part of this family, assuring her that this incident wouldn’t lead to her being excluded.

...

At a table in the food stall, Zhou Can and several of his medical staff sat around, having ordered plenty of food.

Ma Xiaolan had just eaten a spicy crawfish and said to Zhou Can, "Boss, can I pack some to take home?"

"Sure, just grab a box and pack as much as you want. If it’s not enough, we’ll order more. But these snacks won’t taste good if left overnight. If you like them, I’ll treat you again next time."

Zhou Can agreed readily.

"Xiaolan’s not taking them for herself! I bet she’s packing them for Dr. Du."

Qiao Yu laughed from the side.

"Have you and Du Leng progressed so quickly? Already living together?"

Zhou Can looked at her in surprise.

He had heard that Du Leng was quite the heartbreaker, with a record of many flings with female doctors and nurses.

Knowing Ma Xiaolan was dating Du Leng, Zhou Can had advised her against easily believing a man’s words.

But to no avail, the two had already moved in together.

Ah, women, once they’re in love, their intelligence is practically zero.

But men aren’t much different; the allure of romance affects even sixty-year-olds strongly.

Plenty of middle-aged and older men, swayed by love, end up selling their homes, spending their money, and becoming destitute.

"We’ve been together over a year! The rate of progress is quite normal, right? He’s really good to me."

Ma Xiaolan said somewhat shyly.

"As long as he’s good to you. Waiter, could you bring us two boxes, please?"

Zhou Can happened to see a waiter pass by at the next table and called out.