The sudden effort by the School of Clinical Medicine to exonerate the student left Bai, the head of the Political Education Section at the First Affiliated Hospital of Star City University, rather stunned.
When it came to students who had seriously violated regulations, the School of Clinical Medicine had never acted like this before. They usually handled such cases quite severely. After all, this wasn’t like other matters—it concerned medical and teaching safety. Typically, after mutual notification between both sides, there wasn’t much disagreement regarding the disciplinary action.
But today, Head Bai found it odd. What was going on with Zhang Qijiang? They had agreed earlier, so why was he suddenly changing his tune?
However, he quickly realized that Zhang Qijiang had started to shift his stance as soon as he heard the student’s name. Head Bai immediately began to speculate: for Zhang Qijiang to help exonerate the student like this, the student either had some influential backing that made Zhang wary or had some personal connection with him.
Frowning, Head Bai thought that while this violation was serious, if the student truly had powerful connections, he needed to be cautious. Moreover, if the student was somehow connected to Zhang Qijiang, he would have to show some consideration. But regardless, while he might need to save face, principles still had to be upheld. Otherwise, it would be difficult to manage things in the future.
After weighing the situation briefly, Head Bai said straightforwardly with a smile, “Lao Zhang… you’re not usually like this… Is there something about this student that makes you hesitant?”
“Haha… it’s not about hesitation!” Hearing the other’s blunt words, Section Chief Zhang chuckled, knowing that his thoughts were probably already understood. He replied with a smile, “This student, Xu Ze, is excellent. He’s one of the most outstanding students at the university and highly admired. Even the university leadership keeps an eye on him… So, I was hoping to minimize the disciplinary action against him as much as possible…”
Hearing Section Chief Zhang’s explanation, Head Bai roughly understood the situation. A student whom the school’s teachers were so keen to protect couldn’t be a bad sort. The kid was indeed a bit reckless, but it hadn’t led to any severe consequences. After a moment’s thought, Head Bai decided to agree with the School of Clinical Medicine’s stance. After all, the final decision rested with them…
As for what his final punishment would be, Xu Ze wasn’t too concerned. Seeing Tao Yiyi’s curious and worried expression, he smiled and explained, “During my clinical placement, I helped save someone, but it was considered a serious violation of regulations. So, my placement has been temporarily suspended pending further action…”
“Ah… that serious? Will it affect you?” Tao Yiyi’s face was full of concern. If it was a serious violation, Xu Ze could be in real trouble.
Seeing the worry on Tao Yiyi’s lovely face, Xu Ze shook his head with a smile. “Don’t worry, it’s fine. This won’t affect me.”
Initially, Tao Yiyi was very worried, but seeing Xu Ze’s confident demeanor, she relaxed. If Xu Ze said it was fine, then it must be fine…
The disciplinary notice posted across the campus soon caused a huge uproar. Xu Ze was given a demerit—not a major demerit as he had imagined!
Regardless, it shocked fellow students and underclassmen alike. It was hard to believe that Xu Ze, an idol-like senior, could receive a demerit.
Crowds gathered around the bulletin board, reading the notice: Due to serious misconduct during his clinical placement, Xu Ze is hereby given a demerit. All students are advised to learn from this and exercise caution…
Instantly, Xu Ze’s phone rang countless times. Dozens of calls came in—some probing for details, others offering sympathy. Even Li Yuxuan, the president of the student union, called to express his concern.
Sun Lingfei, however, was the last to know. She only found out when Li Xiaorui told her.
Lately, the two hadn’t been as close as before. Due to threats from Sun Lingfei’s father, although they missed each other terribly, they only managed to sneak occasional dates. They no longer dared to be together openly as they used to, much to Xu Ze’s frustration.
“Xu Ze… what happened? How did you get a demerit?” Sun Lingfei asked with concern and a hint of reproach.
“It’s nothing… I just saw that the hospital was short-staffed during a rescue, and the patient would have died if no one acted. So, I secretly performed a minor surgery on the patient and got caught… Hmph… being a good person really doesn’t pay!” While Xu Ze appeared indifferent in front of others, he showed his true feelings to Sun Lingfei, venting his frustrations.
“Ah… you! I know you’re capable, but you can’t just go around performing surgeries secretly. If you get caught, the school will naturally have to take action…” Sun Lingfei chided him gently. “It wasn’t your responsibility. Why did you have to get involved? Now you have a demerit… and it’ll go on your record…”
“Sigh… I didn’t want to either, but seeing someone about to die, I couldn’t just stand by…” Xu Ze sighed regretfully, then smiled. “Forget it… as long as the person was saved, a demerit isn’t a big deal. It doesn’t matter much.”
A demerit truly wasn’t a big deal to Xu Ze. His record was no longer a concern for him. With his abilities, even if his file were filled with all sorts of issues, he wouldn’t have to worry about his future…
However, having his clinical placement suspended was frustrating. Section Chief Zhang from the Student Affairs Office specifically sought him out and gave him the inside scoop: due to this incident, the Political Education Section at the First Affiliated Hospital had indicated that no department would likely be willing to accept such a student for placement.
So, Section Chief Zhang kindly suggested an alternative: perhaps Xu Ze could transfer to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Star City University. Although it was farther from campus, it was still a good option.
But Xu Ze didn’t want the hassle. He just needed a place to complete his placement—for him, the clinical requirement was purely a formality for the university.
However, he wasn’t willing to travel several kilometers daily to the less familiar Second Affiliated Hospital just for that. So, he declined Section Chief Zhang’s offer, saying he would find a way to resolve the issue himself.
Seeing Xu Ze so confident, Section Chief Zhang didn’t press further. However, he knew that if the Political Education Section had made such a statement, it would be difficult for Xu Ze to continue his placement at the First Affiliated Hospital. He just patted Xu Ze on the shoulder and said, “If you need help, you can always come to me.”
After Section Chief Zhang left, Xu Ze took out his phone, thought for a moment, and dialed the number for Jiang Zhibo from the Emergency Department of the First Affiliated Hospital.
The phone rang a few times before it was answered. Jiang Zhibo’s cheerful voice came through: “Xu Ze… you rascal, you disappeared in a flash. Where did you run off to?”
Hearing Jiang Zhibo’s words, Xu Ze smiled wryly. Aside from Director Qu, no one else knew his true identity. Seeing no reason to hide it now, he replied with a laugh, “School started. I’m back taking classes.”
“What? What did you say?” Jiang Zhibo was stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, “Back to what school? Did you resign and go back for your master’s?”
“No…” Xu Ze chuckled and explained, “I’ve always been a student. I’m still an undergraduate. I was just doing a clinical placement at the hospital earlier, not a formal rotation.”
“What? Huh?” Jiang Zhibo was taken aback by Xu Ze’s words. It took him a while to process it, and he asked incredulously, “You… you’re still an undergraduate?”
“Yes… I’m still a fourth-year student.” Xu Ze had expected this reaction and could only smile wryly in response.
“Fourth year…” Finally accepting that Xu Ze was indeed still an undergraduate, Jiang Zhibo held the phone, completely dumbfounded. After a moment, he said with a bitter laugh, “If I didn’t know you weren’t the type to talk nonsense, I’d think you were pulling my leg…”
“But are you really still a student? The things you pulled off in our Emergency Department—outdoing Zhang Lide, handling five patients single-handedly during that car accident—with skills like that, even in the entire hospital, few can match you… Are you really not kidding me?” Although he believed Xu Ze, Jiang Zhibo still couldn’t quite wrap his head around it.
Hearing Jiang Zhibo’s words, Xu Ze could only sigh helplessly. The things he had done were indeed hard to believe. He hadn’t intended to make a big deal of it, but now, with his placement at the First Affiliated Hospital terminated, he had no choice but to seek help.
Since some things were bound to come out anyway, he might as well come clean and resolve this issue first.
“Why would I lie? I need to do my clinical placement at the First Affiliated Hospital, but I’ve run into some trouble… So, could you get me Zhang Lide’s number?”
“Clinical placement?” Jiang Zhibo paused, then suddenly remembered the rumors circulating quietly in the hospital lately. He exclaimed in surprise, “Xu Ze… that incident in the Respiratory Medicine Department—was that you?”
“Yep… and because of that, I need to find Zhang Lide. Otherwise, I’ll have to switch to the Second Affiliated Hospital for my placement, which would be a hassle.” Xu Ze didn’t hide anything and explained the situation honestly.
“So it really was you… I was wondering how a student could be so impressive. But if it’s you, that makes sense… Still, you’re unlucky—doing a good deed and getting caught… Tsk tsk… I heard you even got a demerit.” Jiang Zhibo couldn’t help but chuckle on the other end of the line, teasing him lightheartedly.
“Stop laughing. What’s so funny? I got a demerit, and you’re happy about it… Hurry up and get me the number. I need to find Zhang Lide.” Hearing Jiang Zhibo’s gleeful tone, Xu Ze pouted and grumbled.
“Alright, alright… Haha… But, why don’t you just come back to our Emergency Department?” Jiang Zhibo wasn’t worried about Xu Ze’s demerit at all. In his eyes, it meant nothing to someone with Xu Ze’s extraordinary abilities.
“No, I’m not coming back. Who does their clinical placement in the Emergency Department? I don’t want to make an exception. It’s better to go find Old Zhang—he’s more reliable.” Xu Ze shook his head with a smile.
Seeing an unfamiliar number on his phone, Zhang Lide frowned but set aside the medical record he was reviewing. Nodding to the other department heads gathered for the consultation, he waited for everyone to quiet down before answering the call.
“Hello? Who is this?” Zhang Lide asked calmly.
“Director Zhang… hello, this is Xu Ze.” Hearing Zhang Lide’s somewhat arrogant tone, Xu Ze replied with a smile.
“Xu… Ze…” Zhang Lide paused, quickly recalling the voice and the young, handsome face that had once frustrated him so much. Clearing his throat, he replied with a hint of displeasure, “Dr. Xu… What brings you to call me today? Are you planning to rotate to our Internal Medicine Department?”
Hearing Zhang Lide’s words, Xu Ze couldn’t help but laugh. “Director Zhang… I actually need your help this time. I do want to come to your department.”
“Really coming?” Remembering his earlier promise, Zhang Lide couldn’t help but recall how this kid had once left him embarrassed. He snorted lightly, “Dr. Xu… you really think highly of our department… I thought you’d given up on the idea.”
“Haha… Director Zhang, you’re magnanimous. Don’t hold that against me. I really do need your help.” Facing Zhang Lide, Xu Ze wasn’t intimidated at all. During their previous encounter, he had found the old man to be stubborn and proud, but not a bad sort.
Hearing Xu Ze soften his tone, Zhang Lide felt rather pleased. He replied with a snort, “If you want to come, just come. Why do you need my help? Just get a note from the Medical Administration Department, and you’re good to go.”
“Uh… if I could handle the Political Education Section, I wouldn’t need the Medical Administration Department… That’s why I’m coming to you.” Xu Ze pouted inwardly but chuckled dryly, “Well… Director Zhang, I actually need to deal with the Political Education Section…”
“The Political Education Section? What do you need them for?” Zhang Lide asked, puzzled.
“Director Zhang… well… heh… I’m here for a clinical placement.” After stammering for a bit, Xu Ze finally blurted out his purpose.
“Clinical placement?” Zhang Lide was confused. What did a rotation have to do with a clinical placement? And why involve the Political Education Section?
“Um… Director Zhang… I’m here for a clinical placement, not a rotation.” Xu Ze swallowed hard.
……
“What? You’re still a fourth-year student? That incident was you?” After a lengthy conversation, Zhang Lide finally understood the situation. But like Jiang Zhibo, he was stunned by Xu Ze’s revelation.
The other department heads waiting for Zhang Lide watched in curiosity as his expression shifted dramatically—his eyes wide with shock, as if he’d seen a ghost. They wondered who could make the usually stern and unflappable Director Zhang react like this.
After a long moment, they saw Director Zhang take a deep breath, his expression gradually returning to normal.
“You’re not lying to me?” Zhang Lide asked, trying to process the information. After receiving Xu Ze’s confirmation, he finally let out a word after a long pause: “Hmm… you kid… you’re a monster.”
Hanging up the phone, Zhang Lide looked at the curious faces of the department heads around him and sighed. He turned to Qian Zhixun and asked, “Lao Qian… that student named Xu Ze in your department—he’s a clinical placement student, right?”
“Uh… yes, the crazy kid who performed an unauthorized tracheotomy on a patient… But I sent him back.” Qian Zhixun looked at Director Zhang, confused about why he was bringing this up.
Zhang Lide nodded and said, “I’ll speak to the Political Education Section later. He’ll return to your department for his placement tomorrow.”
“Ah?” Qian Zhixun was taken aback. “Director… this student seriously violated regulations…”
“Forget it, Lao Qian. He just performed a tracheotomy. Damn it… even if that little rascal wanted to do an exploratory laparotomy, as long as he dared, I’d let him.” Recalling Xu Ze’s confident demeanor and his own helplessness against him, Zhang Lide snorted, “That old fox Qu Zhiyuan… damn it… he tricked me…”
Remembering how he had been outsmarted by a fourth-year undergraduate, Zhang Lide couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh. “That little rascal is still a fourth-year student. It’s just too unbelievable… A monster, damn it, he’s really a monster.”
Hearing Director Zhang mutter these words in frustration, even cursing, the other department heads looked at him in astonishment. However, a few of them recognized the names he mentioned and began to recall certain memories…
“Xu Ze… Qu Zhiyuan… Could it be?” The heads of Neurology and General Internal Medicine, who had accompanied Zhang Lide to the Emergency Department to compete for a research project, suddenly remembered Zhang’s mention of a clinical placement and a “little rascal still in his fourth year.”
A thought so shocking it made them want to scream crossed their minds: Could this Xu Ze be the same Xu Ze who was rotating in the Emergency Department back then? The three of them gasped sharply in unison.
Qian Zhixun, who hadn’t been involved in the research project competition, was still confused by Zhang Lide’s words. Noticing the drastic change in his colleagues’ expressions, he wondered, “What’s going on with everyone?”
“Director… you mean… it’s that kid?” Neurology Department Head Li Huaming asked Zhang Lide nervously, his tone uncertain.
Nearly half of the department heads present stared at Zhang Lide with shock and disbelief, waiting for his answer. The possibility they were considering seemed too far-fetched, yet Director Zhang’s words seemed to point directly to it.
The other department heads, unfamiliar with the incident, watched curiously, wondering what had caused such a reaction.
Seeing the stunned expressions on the faces of his colleagues, Zhang Lide knew the situation was hard to believe. But it seemed to be true—after all, the kid had called specifically about the clinical placement.
With a grim and frustrated expression, he slowly nodded.
“Ah… it really is him!” Seeing Zhang Lide’s confirmation, the department heads widened their eyes and took another sharp, collective breath.
