Chapter 25: What’s the Use of Saving Face?

Half an hour later, the biopsy results came back: cancer.

"Holy crap, Brother Tian, you're incredible!"

"It's actually colon cancer!"

Wang Xiaobei stared at the report, eyes sparkling with awe as he looked at Xia Tian. If he wasn't afraid of getting smacked across the room, he'd have kissed him right then and there just to bask in his glory.

Zhang Ming shot Wang Xiaobei a glare and barked,

"Watch your mouth!"

"You're a doctor—always remember to carry yourself with some dignity."

Then he turned to Xia Tian, gave a big thumbs-up, and beamed.

"Xia, you're seriously impressive."

Wait a minute...

Isn't impressive just a polite way to say "badass"?

Wang Xiaobei looked a little confused.

Qian, the specialist, was visibly stirred as well, his sharp eyes fixed on Xia Tian.

"Young man, how did you determine it was colon cancer?"

"Her symptoms clearly pointed to appendicitis."

It just didn't add up.

How could an intern outdiagnose the department head?

Xia Tian spoke with calm precision:

"I based it on three key indicators. First, the severity of her abdominal pain—her appendix inflammation was mild at best, not nearly enough to cause her to pass out from the pain.

"Second, her white blood cell count was normal. That ruled out appendicitis, and the ultrasound didn't show any other complications.

"Third, her boyfriend told me she's had irregular bowel habits—frequent diarrhea and occasional constipation over the past three months. Those are classic early signs of colon cancer."

As Xia Tian laid out his reasoning, the emergency room fell completely silent.

Wang Xiaobei blinked.

"Brother Tian… how do you even know the early signs of colon cancer?"

"I learned it at med school," Xia Tian replied.

"We didn't learn that."

"Yes, you did. Almost every major disease has early indicators. For example—biting your tongue while eating may indicate a stroke or a pre-stroke condition.

Obesity increases the risk of tumors.

Excessive sun exposure doesn't just cause tanning—it can lead to skin cancer.

Holding in your pee? That's a great way to get bladder infections or urethritis."

"You guys didn't know that?"

Wang Xiaobei shook his head.

Fatty Yang shook his head too.

Zhang Ming and Dr. Qian exchanged glances—then both… shook their heads.

Ah crap…

Did I just flex again?

And right in front of two department heads, no less.

Embarrassed, Xia Tian quickly blinked and tried to look innocent and harmless.

"Well then."

Clap clap clap!

Dr. Qian broke the silence with a few loud, enthusiastic slaps on the table, his eyes shining.

"Impressive. No wonder you're a rising star online. You've earned every bit of that spotlight—not just popular, but truly skilled."

"Some of the things you mentioned I do know, especially those related to my field. But outside of colorectal issues? I was clueless."

"I used to think being a doctor meant mastering just one specialty. Now I realize—I've been too narrow-minded."

"Compared to you, I feel… old."

Laughter erupted.

Big, hearty laughter.

Zhang Ming was overjoyed, as if his own son had just been named valedictorian.

The pride lit up his face like fireworks.

This was legacy! Glory!

He clapped a big hand on Dr. Qian's shoulder and chuckled heartily.

"Tonight, we celebrate. Call up Lao Yu and Lao Wang, let's all get together. I'm treating—my mood's just too good."

Dr. Qian nodded repeatedly.

"It's been ages since we had a proper get-together."

"I'll ping everyone in the group chat later."

"Oh, and bring Xia Tian along! The kid's brilliant—I want to sing his praises all night long."

"Just a few days ago, Director Liu was asking about Xia Tian. Said he was promising. After today, I can say—he's not just promising, he's exceptional. Truly exceptional."

Zhang Ming was still smiling—until he heard that name.

The smile dropped off his face like a rock.

"That dog Liu Yu?!"

"If he's coming, count me out!"

Dr. Qian was stunned.

What happened? Weren't they close before? Always acting like brothers?

Rumor had it Liu Yu had divorced his wife and was now pursuing Zhang Ming's younger sister-in-law…

Could it be… that?

Qian's brain raced through a hundred romance drama plots.

He gave a sheepish smile.

"Alright then, no Liu. I'll call Lao Wang and Lao Yu instead."

"Introduce Xia Tian properly, Zhang—let everyone see what a top-tier intern looks like."

Suddenly—

Zhang Ming jumped back a step, pointed a finger at Xia Tian, and stared at Dr. Qian with narrowed eyes.

"You like Xia Tian?"

Dr. Qian froze.

"What? Of course. What doctor wouldn't like a smart intern?"

As a department head, he was always on the lookout for talent. Good doctors bring prestige—and more importantly, bonuses.

Xia Tian had tons of potential, and Qian wasn't about to let that slip away. He just wanted to invite the kid to dinner.

But Zhang Ming was already blocking Xia Tian like a human shield, his eyes full of suspicion.

"Dinner is fine."

"But Xia Tian's not going."

Wait, what?!

Dr. Qian blinked in confusion.

Zhang Ming's body language screamed "I'm fine with drinks, but touch my apprentice and I'll fight you."

He looked at Zhang, then back at Xia Tian.

Dr. Qian could only sigh.

All this… for an intern?

He chuckled and said to Zhang,

"Relax, Brother Zhang. I wouldn't dare steal your apprentice. We've known each other too long. I still care about keeping face."

"Fine then, we won't bring him."

"Now let's check on the patient."

With the cancer confirmed, it was time to stage it.

Cancer is classified into four stages.

Stages I and II are early and highly treatable.

Stage III is mid-stage—it depends on luck.

Stage IV is terminal—time to get affairs in order.

Xia Tian offered his assessment:

"Judging by the scan, I'd estimate it's Stage I."

Just from a glance?

So young… so bold.

Dr. Qian forced a polite smile.

"We'll run the tests. Results will be out in three days."

...

Three days later.

Diagnosis: Stage I colon cancer.

Early that morning, Dr. Qian strode into the emergency department.

He headed straight for Xia Tian.

"Heh, Xia, you've been interning for three months now. With your skills, there's no doubt you'll be offered a position here."

"Have you thought about which department you want to join?"

"I think you'd be a great fit for colorectal. With your talent, give it five years and I'll push for you to become associate chief."

Before he could finish—

A shrill voice cut through the room.

"Dog-faced Qian Feng! You trying to steal my guy? Shameless!"

Zhang Ming stormed in, face like thunder.

Dr. Qian was a little embarrassed, but honestly—how could he let a talent like Xia Tian slip away?

Face?

Please.

Money's what really matters.