C7 Perfect Operation

Immediately, the Divine Chef's Knife pivoted towards the Second Master's chest. Amidst the maze of blood vessels, Zhang Zhen always found the perfect spot to make his incision. The focus and intensity in his demeanor were unlike anything Qingge had ever witnessed. She could hardly believe that her husband, whom she'd considered useless, possessed such remarkable talent.

"Take over for the intubation and suturing," Zhang Zhen said, snapping Qingge out of her astonishment and yielding the lead position to her. Truth be told, performing the incision was just one part of the surgical process. While Zhang Zhen could deftly employ the Wing Breaker Saber Technique, he lacked proficiency in other fundamental steps.

The most challenging aspect of the operation had been conquered. With Qingge's skill set, she was more than equipped to manage the remaining tasks. As she took over the patient's care, she found herself deeply impressed by Zhang Zhen once again.

It's widely known that switching surgeons mid-procedure is highly discouraged. Although the technical steps remain consistent, each surgeon's individual approach can make it feel awkward for someone else to take over. It's akin to painting, where most would prefer to start afresh rather than pick up someone else's unfinished work. However, this situation was an exception!

After Zhang Zhen's precise incisions, the Second Master seemed like a flawless template. Qingge experienced no discomfort; in fact, the process felt even smoother than if she had made the initial cuts herself. Could this be the fabled synergy between spouses?

The thought briefly crossed her mind, but Qingge quickly shook her head, acknowledging the truth. It wasn't about synergy; Zhang Zhen's incisions were simply impeccable. Anyone stepping in would find the transition seamless. In Qingge's memory, not even her professor, a top-tier gold medal surgeon, could achieve such finesse!

With a "snip," the final suture was tied off. Qingge removed her gloves, looked at the Second Master, and exhaled deeply. The surgery was complete, and the patient was saved at last! Reflecting on the experience, it felt surreal to her.

Qingge cast a glance at Zhang Zhen, the man who was her husband in name only. He now sat resting on a nearby hospital bed, head bowed, wearing a goofy grin. He had reverted to his benign, affable persona. Had Qingge not witnessed it firsthand, she would have found it impossible to reconcile the fierce presence he commanded during a fight with the assured confidence he displayed in surgery.

No matter what expression he wore, Zhang Zhen always seemed at ease, as if it was his natural state...

"Do you know medicine?" Qingge approached Zhang Zhen, voicing the question that had been on her mind. Zhang Zhen, without any intention to conceal the truth, simply nodded.

"Just a bit." "You've never mentioned it!" Qingge's gaze sharpened. The man she hadn't fully understood in three years now made her feel a hint of unease.

"Was it worth mentioning?" Zhang Zhen lifted his hands, his fingers scarred and trembling. A pang of pain hit Qingge, and she suddenly understood.

He had been enduring so much...

As a fellow doctor, she could appreciate the significance of hands in surgery and couldn't help but feel a deep sympathy for Zhang Zhen's plight. The once despised despondency now became a reason for tenderness, and a peculiar emotion began to brew within Qingge.

"I've been cooking for many years, I handle a knife well. Don't worry, it's sterile." He preempted Qingge's concern, answering directly. Though it was hard for her to come to terms with, the reality was undeniable. Qingge nodded, attributing to Zhang Zhen a resilience and determination to overcome adversity and achieve greatness once more.

"Don't take such risks again!" Qingge admonished, though she lacked conviction. If Zhang Zhen hadn't been there today, the Second Master's life would surely have been forfeit.

Shaking her head to regain composure, Qingge opened the operating room door, only to be taken aback by the scene outside.

At the center, surrounded by a group, stood Meng Hu and several other subdued hoodlums, now handcuffed. The hospital had called the police to handle the disruptors.

Despite their notorious reputation, their unwavering loyalty to the Second Master was clear—they refused to leave without knowing the outcome. The police, not wanting to escalate the situation, stood by patiently.

The hospital's other doctors gathered around, their expressions grim. They were well aware of the surgery's difficulty and, despite the ongoing operation, had all but written off the Second Master. The Second Master had more than just Meng Hu's group under his command; any complications could spell serious trouble.

On one hand, they were relieved to have kept themselves out of harm's way, yet on the other, they couldn't help but mourn for Qingge. Such a wonderful girl, gone just like that.

As the notice light dimmed, Qingge emerged. Meng Hu rushed towards her with urgency, nearly breaking free from the police officers who struggled to restrain him. The other doctors hung back, too timid to approach.

"Hey, beautiful, how's my brother-in-law doing?" Meng Hu blurted out in a panic. "I was an idiot earlier, and I'm sorry for that, but my brother-in-law is innocent. You can't let him suffer for my mistakes!"

"He's stable for now, but we'll need to keep him hospitalized to monitor his recovery," Qingge finally revealed the outcome of the surgery. A wave of relief washed over Meng Hu, and a radiant smile broke across his previously menacing face, reminiscent of a blooming chrysanthemum.

"That's a relief, truly! You're an incredible doctor, not like those useless old timers who treated my brother-in-law like garbage!" He said, casting a pointed glance at the other doctors, who were visibly embarrassed and avoided his gaze.

"You've earned the gratitude of everyone on Zhongshan Third Street! If you ever run into trouble, just give us a shout, and three hundred of my brothers will have your back!" Meng Hu declared, heedless of the police standing by. The officer tightened the handcuffs in response, causing Meng Hu to wince in pain.

"Let's save the talk of Zhongshan Third Street for later. For now, you're coming with me to the station," the policeman said, gesturing to Qingge before escorting Meng Hu away, who surprisingly did not resist.

With the commotion settled, the doctors gathered around, buzzing with conversation.

"Xiao Mo, you acted on impulse, but thankfully, you knew how to adjust on the fly," one said. "Don't worry, the hospital will take care of the Second Master's situation. You won't be held responsible." They assumed Qingge had fabricated the surgery details to calm the gang, but thanks to her high standing in the hospital, she was afforded such leniency—a courtesy that wouldn't be extended to just any doctor.

"Alright, let's move him to the general care ward. Little Yang is attentive; she can oversee his post-op care. Make sure she keeps a close eye on him," Qingge instructed. The doctors paused, taken aback, then slowly registered her words, their expressions a mix of astonishment and respect.

"The ICU, not the morgue... Did the patient really make it?" "Could this be a joke?" Qingge was just as astonished, thinking to herself, 'What exactly are these people hearing? Didn't I make myself clear just now?'

The doctors snapped out of their daze and swarmed into the operating room. It took quite some time before they could come to terms with the reality, and they couldn't help but express their admiration.

"Little Mo, you did an outstanding job!" "You've really distinguished yourself this time. With this case alone, you've secured a spot for promotion this year!" "It wasn't just me..." Qingge began to clarify, but Zhang Zhen tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to keep it under wraps.

Performing surgery with a kitchen knife was something so unbelievable that even she had trouble accepting it, much less the other doctors.

Explaining it would be a hassle, and there was a risk that someone might start digging into the issue of unlicensed medical practice. Plus, Zhang Zhen's decision to keep things confidential was clearly well-considered.

"And who is this?" The crowd's attention turned back to Zhang Zhen. The memory of him single-handedly taking down a group of thugs was still vivid in their minds. Clearly, his connection with Qingge was no ordinary one.

"He is..." Qingge paused for a moment, then after exchanging a glance with Zhang Zhen, she confidently introduced him.

"My husband!"