Super Doctor - Chapter 54

Zhao Qilong was consumed with regret over what had just happened. He wished he could slap himself twice—not only had he ruined his own image, but he’d undoubtedly angered Old Man Zhang. If Zhang reported this to his mentor, the consequences would be disastrous.

Filled with remorse, Zhao quickly plastered on a contrite expression and turned to Doctor Zhang with feigned sincerity. “Doctor Zhang, I… I just—”

The old doctor sighed, looking at the usually arrogant young man now drowning in regret. “Doctor Zhao, go perform the ECG. Don’t delay the patients.”

“Y-yes, right away!” Seizing the chance to retreat, Zhao scurried off to the examination room without another word.

Nearby patients, familiar with the clinic’s dynamics, exchanged knowing glances. That doctor has no manners—shouting and bullying young Dr. Xu like that. Disgraceful.

Once Zhao disappeared into the exam room, Doctor Zhang turned to Xu Ze, who had already regained his composure. The old man sighed inwardly. This kid’s temperament is remarkable. I was far worse at his age.

Reassuringly, he patted Xu Ze’s shoulder. “Don’t take it to heart. Doctor Zhao is… impulsive.”

Xu Ze smiled faintly. With someone having stood up for him earlier, and Zhao now humiliated in front of Doctor Zhang, his resentment had already faded. “Don’t worry, Doctor Zhang. I’m fine. Your patients are waiting.”

Pleased, the old doctor nodded. “Good. Keep at it—just bring the prescriptions to me later for signing.”

As Doctor Zhang walked away, the elderly patient Xu Ze was treating chuckled approvingly. “Young Dr. Xu, you’re remarkably poised for your age. Unshaken by praise or blame—rare traits for a future physician.”

Xu Ze shook his head modestly. “You flatter me. Doctor Zhao and I are both young—tempers flare sometimes. Since we work together, mutual understanding helps.”

The old man sighed deeply. “What a difference… truly, what a difference.”

Other patients nearby chimed in: “Exactly! Dr. Xu’s skills and attitude are miles ahead of that other so-called doctor!”

The clinic remained busy until nearly 10 p.m. As the last patients trickled out, Doctor Zhang packed up, glancing at Zhao Qilong—who had been visibly deflated all evening. He’d intended to reprimand him further, but another sigh escaped instead. “Doctor Zhao, mind your words in the future. Understood?”

Zhao, now stripped of his usual arrogance, nodded eagerly. As long as he doesn’t report this to my mentor, I’ll endure the lecture. “I understand, Doctor Zhang. It won’t happen again.”

“Good.” The old man studied him. “Also, Xu Ze isn’t ‘just a helper.’ He assists with injections, prescriptions, and cleaning out of respect for the clinic—and for me. Remember that.”

Zhao’s head dipped lower, eyes flashing with resentment. If not for that brat, I wouldn’t be scolded like this. Just wait—I’ll settle this later.

But his voice oozed contrition. “Of course, Doctor Zhang. It won’t happen again.”

Satisfied, the old man nodded. “Get some rest. It’s late.”

Zhao nearly sagged in relief. After a hasty goodbye, he shrugged off his white coat, grabbed his bag, and marched out—only to pause at the doorway, shooting a venomous glare at Xu Ze, who was mopping the floor. A quiet snort later, he climbed into his silver Honda and sped off.

Watching the taillights fade, Xu Ze sighed. He’s definitely holding a grudge now. More trouble ahead.

He muttered under his breath, “All I wanted was to earn a living here. Why does everything have to be so complicated?”

…

Basketball Blues

A week into the “Soaring Cup” tournament, Luo Zi’s Medical Department team had secured two victories—against Law and Social Sciences. Two more wins would guarantee their spot in the quarterfinals.

Yet Xu Ze hadn’t set foot on the court for either match. Between clinic shifts, he’d only joined the team for light maintenance training, deliberately avoiding standout performances. With rival teams scouting aggressively—and Medical Department already under scrutiny after Luo Zi’s bold radio boasts—Xu Ze’s role as their “hidden ace” demanded discretion.

But not everyone was pleased.

“Hey, Xu Ze,” a familiar, teasing voice rang through his phone. “Don’t tell me you’re chickening out? Two games in, and you’re nowhere to be seen. Luo Tianzhu hyped you up like some superstar—if you flop, you’ll embarrass the whole department.”

Xu Ze laughed dryly. “Relax, President Sun. Aces are saved for the finals. Why the rush?”

He countered, “Shouldn’t you, as Sports Deputy Director, be busy with tournament logistics? Or is Art Department’s struggle to reach the top eight too painful to watch?”

Sun Lingfei huffed. “Ungrateful! I’m concerned about you. If not for owing you a favor, I wouldn’t bother. Fine—dinner tonight. My treat. Consider the debt repaid. Six o’clock, UBC Coffee. Don’t be late.”

The line went dead, leaving Xu Ze staring at his phone in amused bewilderment.