Huo Yun motioned for everyone to be quiet. This time, as he looked at Wu Ting, he truly felt an appreciation for his talent.
"Wu Ting, it's clear you've put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes. To be so dedicated and down-to-earth on a project that isn't even yours is truly commendable. Cheng Feng, Luo Ming, you both should learn from Wu Ting."
Cheng Feng and Luo Ming were thoroughly ashamed, nodding their heads furiously.
Wu Ting blushed slightly. "Actually, the credit isn't mine. I'm just standing on the shoulders of giants. I also have Dr. Luo and Cheng Feng to thank."
'After all, I did absorb traits from all three of them.'
Seeing Wu Ting so humble and not trying to take credit, Huo Yun's appreciation for him grew even stronger.
Cheng Feng and Luo Ming also deeply respected Wu Ting's character. For days, they had been the ones benefiting from Wu Ting's help, yet he had never asked for anything in return.
[Ding! The Host has completed an in-depth study of the project with Director Huo, Cheng Feng, and Dr. Luo Ming. Acquired a new Trait from Dr. Luo Ming: Kirschner Wire Application (White). Kirschner Wires are a common fixation material in orthopedics, often seen in emergency treatment.]
[Recommended Trait Synthesis: Kirschner Wire Application (White) + Basic Tendon Suturing (White) = Modified Combined Kirschner Wire Tendon Fixation Suture Method (Yellow)]
[Modified Combined Kirschner Wire Tendon Fixation Suture Method: A Host-exclusive tendon suture method, applicable only in special situations.]
[Does the Host wish to synthesize? (Note: The original White Trait abilities will not disappear upon synthesis.)]
'I've gained another brand-new modified suture method!' Wu Ting chose to synthesize without a moment's hesitation.
[Congratulations, Host, you have acquired the Trait: Modified Combined Kirschner Wire Tendon Fixation Suture Method (Yellow)]
Huo Yun looked at Wu Ting, then back at Cheng Feng, his mind calculating. He had originally planned to give this research project to his student, Cheng Feng, intending for him to secure one of the hospital staff positions this time.
But at this moment, he suddenly wished Wu Ting could stay as well. The problem was, this young doctor had no competitive advantages—his academic credentials were lacking, and he had no published papers.
After some thought, Huo Yun decided to give Wu Ting a chance, while also serving a warning to Cheng Feng to temper his disposition.
"Our department has always been clear about rewards and punishments. I'm sure everyone has seen the results of this project's implementation over the past few days. I had originally intended for Cheng Feng to lead this project, but as things stand now, a more suitable candidate has emerged."
"Wu Ting, I am now putting you in charge of this project. Cheng Feng will assist you."
"As for Cheng Feng, I have other arrangements for you later."
Everyone was in disbelief upon hearing Director Huo's decision.
Cheng Feng, in particular, looked as if he had been struck by lightning. This project was supposed to be his, set in stone!
'How could this be happening!?'
Cheng Feng's face turned grim.
"What, you're not convinced?"
Huo Yun was not a soft-hearted man; he was famous for his iron-fisted methods.
"As your student, I'll follow all your arrangements."
How could Cheng Feng dare to express his dissatisfaction? Besides, this time he was genuinely outmatched; there was nothing to complain about. He felt a sincere admiration for Wu Ting.
'A man must turn shame into courage.' Cheng Feng was still confident in his own talent. 'Besides, I still have the upper hand for now.'
"Don't worry, I will arrange another project for you. But this time, do not disappoint me again."
Without giving Wu Ting a chance to refuse, Huo Yun gestured for them to proceed with the next patient's rounds.
Witnessing this sudden and dramatic turn of events, a stir went through the hearts of all the resident trainees.
'It seems that as long as we perform well, everyone still has a chance!'
The rest of the rounds proceeded smoothly and without incident.
After the rounds were over, Director Huo pulled Qin Donglai aside.
"Donglai, in the future, if there are suitable surgical opportunities, let Wu Ting participate more. Give the young man a chance."
"Understood, Director Huo."
Qin Donglai was inwardly stunned. It had been a long time since he'd seen Director Huo show so much concern and place such importance on a young doctor.
'I hope Wu Ting doesn't betray Director Huo's trust.'
...
...
After the rounds, everything returned to normal, but everyone could feel an undercurrent of turbulence stirring among this batch of resident trainees.
In the senior physicians' group chat, the betting odds sheet for the final staff positions was updated immediately.
"Everyone, after a few days of observation, I have updated the odds in real-time:"
"Latest Odds:"
"1. Cheng Feng 1.80 (A stumble from the front-runner, but still the favorite)"
"2. Mu Xi 2.00 (Steady and progressive, performance is as consistent as ever)"
"3. Qian Yun 11.0"
...
"7. Wu Ting 20.0 (This round's dark horse, one to watch)"
"..."
The doctors in the group chat were delighted to see the updated odds. It was a welcome distraction from the busy and exhausting work in the emergency department.
Those who hadn't placed bets before now put down a few according to the latest odds. A few doctors, seeing Director Huo's attitude toward Wu Ting, chose to back him.
Over the next few days, some of the previous patients were discharged, while others were transferred to general wards.
Zhang Li, the patient in bed 19 under Wu Ting's care, had responded remarkably well to the symptomatic treatment and was almost fully recovered.
After Luo Ming and Wu Ting finished their rounds with the patient, they were both delighted.
"Zhang Li, congratulations. All your indicators are back to normal. Once I've written your prescription, you can go through the discharge procedures."
"That's wonderful! Thank you, Dr. Luo, and thank you, Dr. Wu."
Zhang Li had been on the verge of depression, thinking she had some incurable disease. But thanks to Dr. Wu's keen diagnostic eye, the treatment was an instant success, and she was overjoyed.
"Dr. Wu, you're so skilled at such a young age. You have a limitless future ahead of you."
The more Zhang Li looked at Wu Ting, the more she liked him. It was just a pity her own daughter wasn't much to look at; otherwise, she would have definitely asked for his WeChat.
After a moment's thought, Zhang Li called her husband directly.
"Old Wu, I can be discharged at noon. Come to the hospital after work. Also, go and order a silk banner for me. Have it say:
"Thank you, Dr. Xiao Wu, for giving me hope. If it weren't for you, I would've been a goner!"
[Ding! The Host has formed a good doctor-patient relationship with Zhang Li and received a silk banner from the patient. Acquired a Trait from Zhang Li: Lamb Midwifery (White). Grants proficiency in delivering baby animals.]
Seeing this skill, dark lines appeared on Wu Ting's face. 'What am I supposed to do with a skill like this?!'
Still, seeing a patient with a difficult and complicated case recover and be discharged thanks to his diagnosis gave him a great sense of accomplishment.
While Wu Ting was busy with his regular patient consultations, Cheng Feng was holding his breath and studying like a man possessed.
The debridement project had been given to Wu Ting, so he began to research the topic of tendon suturing. As one of Huo Yun's graduate students, Cheng Feng's learning ability was impressive enough.
Compared to Wu Ting, Cheng Feng had another significant advantage: his English was better, and he had access to a superior network and platforms through his alumni. Therefore, in addition to domestic literature, he had also been studying numerous cutting-edge international papers on tendon suturing.
The City First Hospital Emergency Department admitted many patients who required tendon suturing. This time, Cheng Feng was determined to redeem himself!
As far as he knew, Wu Ting had never performed a tendon suture procedure on his own.
'Brother Ting, I'm well-prepared this time, hehe. I'm going to make you my subordinate for once. This time, it'll be my turn to teach *you* a few tricks.'
Cheng Feng was already picturing himself explaining the latest papers from international journals to Wu Ting, dropping a few English words to show off.