Super Doctor - Chapter 151

Compared to Zhang Lide’s ugly expression, the other department heads of Internal Medicine were gradually sensing that something was off. They had, of course, reviewed last night’s physical examination report—which was why they had been so confident in letting Zhang Lide use it to undermine the Emergency Department.

But now, Xu Ze’s calm and self-assured demeanor was making them uneasy. They exchanged glances, a trace of unease flickering in their eyes.

Still, as proud department heads who never easily backed down, they kept their faces stern, betraying no sign of worry or fear. They simply watched Xu Ze’s movements closely, determined to catch any sign of trickery.

Xu Ze lightly held the stainless-steel percussion hammer upside down, nodded to the group, and signaled that he was about to begin.

Under the tense gazes of many, he used the specially designed needle at the end of the hammer to gently prick the patient’s left instep. With a soft smile, he asked, “Does this hurt?”

The patient frowned slightly and nodded. “A little.”

Xu Ze then pricked the right instep. “How about here? Does it feel the same as the other side?”

The patient nodded again. “Just a little. About the same on both sides.”

Satisfied, Xu Ze gradually moved the needle upward along the instep, toward the ankle and calf, pricking every few centimeters and comparing both sides.

“Does this hurt? How does it compare?”

“A little… just a little. About the same…” The patient cooperated fully.

When the needle reached about ten centimeters above the ankle, the patient winced and let out a soft groan.

Xu Ze looked up. “Does this spot hurt more?”

“Yes,” the patient replied quickly. “From here upward, it’s much more painful. Below, not so much.”

Xu Ze smiled, then pricked the same spot on the other leg. “And here?”

“Same. From this point up, it’s very painful on both sides.”

As the patient answered, everyone noticed the clear boundary of pain sensitivity just above the ankle. Slowly, they began to understand what “stocking-like hypoesthesia” meant.

By now, Zhang Lide’s face had turned ashen. He stared blankly at the patient, his expression shifting between disbelief and frustration. Behind him, the other Internal Medicine department heads also darkened their expressions. They realized things had taken a disastrous turn and silently cursed the doctor who had conducted the physical examination the night before for missing such critical details.

But they also knew that, given how rare this condition was, even they might have overlooked it—let alone the deputy chief physician who had sneaked into the Emergency Department to examine the patient. Nervous and wary of being caught, it was no surprise he had missed such subtle signs.

Still, they couldn’t help but pity the man. Zhang Lide had promised that if he succeeded in securing this research project for Internal Medicine, he would be promoted to head of Cardiology once the current chief retired in a few months. That was why the deputy chief had taken the risk.

Now, not only had he failed, but he had also humiliated Zhang Lide and might even be blamed for Internal Medicine losing the project. Forget the promotion—his days in the hospital would likely be miserable from now on.

While the department heads lamented, Xu Ze paid them no mind. He put the percussion hammer back in his pocket, then rubbed the patient’s legs with both hands. “How does this feel? Any unusual sensations?”

After a brief pause, the patient frowned. “The lower part feels numb, strange. The upper part is better… almost like the lower half is covered by a sock. There’s a layer between my skin and your touch.”

Hearing this, the crowd murmured in surprise.

Chief Qu, excited, clapped his hands lightly. “Stocking-like hypoesthesia—this is textbook stocking-like hypoesthesia!”

Dean Ou, standing nearby, nodded with a smile. “Indeed… truly remarkable. To identify such a characteristic sign—Dr. Xu’s attention to detail is truly impressive.”

Turning to Chief Qu, he added, “With this discovery, plus the treatment’s effectiveness, we might be able to apply for a ministerial-level research project in just a few days! Qu, push your team hard—we need to move fast before other hospitals beat us to it.”

Chief Qu, realizing Dean Ou had already decided to assign the project to the Emergency Department, quickly responded, “Don’t worry, Dean. We’ll work tirelessly to perfect this study. We won’t let you or the board down.”

Meanwhile, Zhang Lide’s face was still dark with fury. He glared at Xu Ze with undisguised resentment but, hearing Dean Ou’s words, coldly interjected, “Dean, how can you decide to hand the project to Emergency based on just this? And this kid hasn’t even finished all the tests yet!”

“Another test?” Dean Ou glanced at Zhang Lide’s rigid expression and sighed inwardly. This man’s pride is his downfall. At this point, he still refuses to concede. What’s the point of stubbornly fighting a junior doctor? Even if you win, as a department head, what glory is there in defeating a trainee?

Still, seeing Zhang Lide’s obstinacy, he turned to Xu Ze. “Dr. Xu, could you check for spontaneous pain or tenderness, just to be thorough?”

“Of course, Dean.” Xu Ze showed no trace of arrogance despite his victory. He nodded respectfully, then gently squeezed the patient’s gastrocnemius muscle.

“Ah—! That hurts! Dr. Xu, stop, it’s too painful!” The patient cried out instantly.

Dean Ou nodded, then looked at Zhang Lide. “Director Zhang… are you satisfied now?”

“Dr. Xu has been truthful. There’s no deception here.” With another sigh, Dean Ou turned and led the way out of the ward.

Zhang Lide’s face cycled between green and red. He shot Chief Qu a resentful glare, then followed Dean Ou out.

Chief Qu smirked coldly. You old fox. Good thing we had Xu Ze, or we’d have fallen right into your trap.

He gave Xu Ze an approving nod. “You’ve done well today. Let’s head back to the office before that old schemer tries anything else.”

Xu Ze agreed, then turned to the patient. “Rest well, Lao Wang. With continued treatment, you’ll recover in time.”

The patient exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Dr. Xu.”

Back in the office, everyone took their seats. Reactions varied as Xu Ze entered—Dean Ou wore an appreciative smile, while Deputy Dean Qian and Director Sun looked faintly amused. The Internal Medicine chiefs, however, were visibly displeased, especially Zhang Lide, who scowled at Xu Ze with undisguised hostility.

As the head of Internal Medicine, his status was too high for anyone in Emergency to openly challenge him, no matter how much they disliked him. And while Xu Ze had cleared his name, that was the extent of it—he couldn’t demand an apology from Zhang Lide without seeming unreasonable.

After all, Zhang Lide’s seniority and position meant that forcing him to apologize would reflect poorly on the entire hospital. Xu Ze had no intention of making a lifelong enemy, either. His resistance had been necessary to defend his integrity, but pushing further would only backfire. He still had months of training left at the hospital and might return for internships later—burning bridges with one of the most powerful figures in the hospital was unnecessary.

Once Xu Ze sat down, Dean Ou smiled. “Dr. Xu has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his work. His meticulous examination uncovered groundbreaking findings, making a tremendous contribution to this research project. On behalf of the board, I commend and applaud his efforts.”

He began clapping, and the others followed—some enthusiastically (like the Emergency Department), others reluctantly (like the Internal Medicine chiefs, except Zhang Lide).

When the applause died down, Dean Ou surveyed the room. “Since the Emergency Department has proven its competence, this project will now be—”

“Wait!” Zhang Lide suddenly cut in, his voice sharp.

Xu Ze’s eyes narrowed. This old man really has no shame. What else does he want?