"Why didn't you step forward earlier?" Luo Dongqiang scrutinized the young doctor standing before him. Fang Zhiyan lifted his head, "Well, I couldn't stand up to them. I'm just an intern who started two days ago."
Luo Dongqiang nodded, and beside him, Tang Ya acknowledged with approval—he seemed like an honest man. "I had someone confirm at the pharmacy. It was indeed you who saved my daughter, which is why I called you here to properly thank you." Luo Dongqiang said slowly. "Tell me, what do you want?"
A series of question marks flashed through Fang Zhiyan's mind. What kind of question was that? How should he answer? Ask for money? Power? Or feign modesty and decline?
According to Yin Jing, the girl he saved, Luo Yun, was the mayor's daughter. The man in front of him hadn't revealed his identity—how was Fang supposed to ask for anything?
To be honest, assessments of doctors these days weren't as stringent. Gifts and perks were commonplace. Fang Zhiyan hesitated briefly before asking, "And you are?"
Luo Dongqiang remained silent while the woman beside him stood. "I'm Luo Yun's mother, Tang Ya, also part of Jiang'an City's health department. You saved my daughter's life, so if you need anything, just ask."
Fang Zhiyan blinked, his expression puzzled. Really, that direct? It felt like something straight out of a urban novel—heroic and wish-fulfilling.
Yet, he didn't need any such tropes.
Drawing from his previous life's experience as a surgical maestro, Fang Zhiyan believed he could ensure a good life for his family. It was just a matter of time. However, there was indeed a flaw with his past life's capabilities: he was merely an intern without a medical license.
Suddenly, Fang Zhiyan had an idea. "Are you really part of Jiang'an City's health department?"
"Yes," Tang Ya confirmed, her eyes giving away nothing of her thoughts.
"Could you help me skip the one-year work experience requirement so I can take the medical licensing exam this year?"
The licensing exam required a year of internship as a fixed rule, severely limiting Fang Zhiyan's capabilities derived from his surgical expertise. If he could bypass this period and directly take the exam, he would face fewer limitations.
For others, this might be a tall order, but for Tang Ya, it wasn't much trouble. Especially since he wasn't asking her to cheat—just to skip the internship year. The request seemed almost absurdly small.
Tang Ya raised an eyebrow, "That's all?"
"That's all," Fang Zhiyan nodded.
Whether she'd agree or not was still uncertain.
However…
"Alright, I promise you." Fang Zhiyan wasn't even done pondering when Tang Ya readily agreed. "In acknowledgment of you saving my daughter, I will help you register for the exam."
Joy spread through Fang Zhiyan's heart. As long as he could take the exam smoothly, he was sure to pass and transform from an intern into a resident doctor—a leap compared to his current status.
"Thank you."
Fang Zhiyan beamed, then glanced at Luo Yun. A scar sat on her forehead from Cai Chong's stitching. Though Cai Chong had tried his best, his technique was rougher compared to Fang Zhiyan's.
"Don't worry about the scars on your forehead or abdomen." Fang Zhiyan assured her. "That incision on your abdomen—I made it myself, I know it well. Once stitched up, it's virtually invisible. As for the scar on your forehead, after the stitches are out, you can use scar removal ointments and more care to meet your satisfaction."
Luo Yun's face lit up with joy. "Really? I won't have scars?"
"Of course not, young people heal faster," Fang Zhiyan explained.
This young girl might not say it, but the matter clearly concerned her. An abdominal scar might lead to misunderstandings—people might think she had a C-section, for instance.
Of course, this was a joke Fang Zhiyan kept to himself; saying it aloud would surely land him in trouble with the pair before him.
Once he'd reassured Luo Yun, Fang Zhiyan left the ward. The night shift had gone smoothly—aside from a few emergency cases, there were no other patients. Fang Zhiyan took the opportunity to study, preparing for the exam. Should Tang Ya genuinely help him to register, he'd need to brush up on his foundational knowledge.
Finally, at two in the morning, it was time for the night shift handover. Fang Zhiyan finished his duties and exited the hospital. At home, it was still early morning. His mother and younger sister were sleeping, so Fang Zhiyan settled quietly on the sofa to sleep.
Next morning, both Jiang Xu and Fang Zhixia quietly went about their tasks, not disturbing him. One went off to school, the other began work.
Fang Zhiyan slept until noon, waking to the sound of voices outside.
"Keep the broth for yourself, no need to be so polite."
"Dr. Fang saved my brother's life, it's the least I can do."
The voices halted abruptly as Fang Zhiyan appeared at the door.
"Ms. Xu?" Fang Zhiyan exclaimed in surprise. Why was Xu Qiushuang at his place?
"Dr. Fang, I've come to thank you," Xu Qiushuang said, a flash of uncertainty in her eyes as she raised a small container. "This broth was for my brother, but with his esophagus injured, he can't have it now. So I brought it for you."
"Thank you for last night. If it weren't for your approach, he would've needed thoracotomy surgery."
Hearing this, Fang Zhiyan blinked. Knowing the broth wouldn't be beneficial for her brother, why prepare it? Was it wasted effort?
Yet, he coughed softly, expressing politeness. "It's no trouble—saving people is my duty."
"No, I've seen your dedication during night shifts, so this broth is specially made to nourish you."
As she spoke, Xu Qiushuang shot Fang Zhiyan a furtive glance, their eyes locking for a moment. Her face blushed crimson. She quickly placed the container down and turned to leave.
"Thud!"
Turning around abruptly, she collided with a table leg.
"Ow." She gasped, her face whitening in pain, stumbling to steady herself.
Fang Zhiyan reached out promptly, holding her steady. "Ms. Xu, are you alright?"
Supported by Fang Zhiyan, Xu Qiushuang's face turned even redder. She waved her hands awkwardly, standing with effort, embarrassment and shame evident. She wished the earth would swallow her whole. Clumsy enough to bump into a table? Ridiculous.
Glancing at Fang Zhiyan, she couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes and dashed out hurriedly. Leaving Fang Zhiyan bewildered in place. Gone just like that?
Jiang Xu chuckled beside him, "Zhiyan, what do you think of Ms. Xu?"
"Mom?" Fang Zhiyan rolled his eyes, knowing full well what his mother had in mind. But his primary goal was to ensure a good life for his family, not to pursue romantic relationships.
Shaking his head, Fang Zhiyan carried the container into his room. The aroma of the broth was enticing—something he'd savor. Someone personally offering such a delicacy was a blessing.
Seeing Fang Zhiyan enter the room, Jiang Xu followed, wearing a teasing smile. "My son has grown into a handsome man, no wonder he's getting attention."
Fang Zhiyan didn't reply, and just then, footsteps sounded from outside.
Did Ms. Xu drop something? Fang Zhiyan looked up in curiosity. But as the door swung open, he saw someone he was deeply irritated by—his brother, Fang Bei.