The next morning, at eight o'clock, Guan Xing had just finished his jog and morning routine in the residential area. He was about to step out when his phone rang.
It was Director Zhang again. Excitedly, he reported that the patient had safely passed the long three-day critical period. She had even woken briefly last night—a sign that the most dangerous phase was over. The dual-organ cancer surgery, the so-called "sacred journey," had its first successful step, a feat that aroused envy among peers.
Director Zhang continued, explaining that the patient's family wanted to thank him in person. Guan Xing initially refused such excessive formalities—he treated healing as his duty, nothing more. But after persistent coaxing from the director, he agreed to visit the hospital at nine, both to check on the patient and fulfill his professional responsibility. Visiting later at the company wouldn't cause any issues.
Arriving at the hospital, he realized he had been deceived: Director Zhang had someone escort him through a side entrance. Outside the main gates, reporters from newspapers, radio, and magazines were already waiting. News of the "sacred journey" surgery had leaked.
Facing Guan Xing's cold impatience, the director smiled like a mischievous old man. "Dr. Guan, I know you dislike this, but since you were the main surgeon, you'll have to deal with the reporters."
Guan Xing could only sigh. "Director Zhang, please handle it. Let's call it a favor I owe you."
"Then consider this—come work at our hospital—" the director tried again, undeterred.
Guan Xing shook his head. "I'll sneak out the back, Director Zhang. Your affections are misplaced."
Though frustrated, the director finally relented, promising to manage the reporters and thinking up ways to make Guan Xing repay the favor. Guan Xing could only smile wryly.
With the reporters driven off, the group proceeded to the patient's ward. The woman was still weak, but the surgery had gone perfectly. No post-operative complications appeared, and her body was rapidly recovering. Among the patient's family and Fang Jie's countless words of gratitude, Guan Xing quietly withdrew.
Du Juan, however, hurried to catch up. They had been apart for three days, but in Guan Xing's eyes, Du Juan had become more elegant and charming. Her gaze at him carried the flutter of a young girl's emotions—was it admiration, affection, or both? He wasn't sure.
"Dr. Guan… I still can't believe the surgery succeeded." Her rosy cheeks were like clouds drifting in a spring sky. Three days ago, she had been reserved; now, she was vibrant and open, her beauty undeniable.
When Guan Xing merely nodded, Du Juan spoke again, this time with a flush of shyness. "Dr. Guan… Director Zhang asked me to join the hospital as an intern. He said I could work part-time while studying, and still receive a formal salary."
Guan Xing understood immediately: the old director, failing to tempt him, now focused on Du Juan. She possessed natural medical insight, but lacked formal training. A high school student self-taught in medicine could be an ideal assistant, even superior to some medical school graduates.
He asked, "Have you decided? This is a rare opportunity."
Du Juan's voice trembled with emotion. "Dr. Guan… my greatest dream has always been to be a doctor. In our village, you had to travel thirty miles to the town to see a doctor. My father… he died from heatstroke… I was only eight."
That explained everything.
"I understand it's a rare chance," she continued, "but I can't bear to leave you. In these past days with you, I've learned more than in all my previous years."
Guan Xing was moved. Her words were sincere, born of pure human feeling, not romance.
"Don't worry. Take this opportunity. I'll help you. Your dedication to medicine… I believe one day, you can become a modern master doctor."
Du Juan's heart leapt. "Really? Dr. Guan… will you be my teacher?"
"We're friends. No matter where I am, one call and I'll teach you everything I know, if you are willing to learn."
Her hand trembled in his, soft yet urgent. Without Guan Xing, her dream might fade with time. In just a few days, he had ignited her latent potential and insatiable curiosity for medicine.
Seeing her smile through tears, Guan Xing finally allowed himself a smile. He gently stroked her face. "Little one, don't cry. Opportunities are yours to seize. I only hope you surpass me, but never forget me."
"I won't!" she said, eyes shining. "From now on… I'll call you Brother Guan. Thank you, Brother Guan!"
"No need to thank me. I should thank you. I tend to be lazy; I move only when necessary. With a doctor like you, there will be fewer patients bothering me—just what I want."
Du Juan paused, then with a clear, ringing voice said, "Brother Guan, I know you are a good person, an outstanding doctor… a remarkable master."
※※※
Back at the company, many employees came to congratulate him. Those familiar with Du Juan all ran to offer their regards. The little assistant, Xi Lian'er, acted as Guan Xing's proxy, answering questions on his behalf. She basked in the glory as if it belonged to her, which, surprisingly, reduced some of Guan Xing's hassles.
In a rare gesture, he poured her a glass of water. Xi Lian'er blushed immediately before drinking.
"Little Assistant, such a blush for a glass of water? Consider it an engagement ring. Looks like our little princess is experiencing the stirrings of spring," Guan Xing teased.
Naturally, young women discussed such things openly. Guan Xing, handsome and aloof, had a natural charm, making women shy, yet he still teased freely.
Finally, Xi Lian'er excused herself. With her gone, other female employees surrounded him, chattering nonstop—Du Juan could not prevent it.
Unlike Xi Lian'er's brazen boldness, Du Juan remained pure and kind, never embarrassed by such attention.