Chapter Nine: The Transformation of Knowledge – Xiao Zhang Becomes a Teacher

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The difficulty in Batur’s nephew’s surgery lay in the severe fracture of the femur, and his vital signs were unstable, already slipping into shock. Dr. Chen was reluctant to take over; success was expected, but if anything went wrong and the patient died on the operating table, it would cause a huge scandal. The Batur family wielded considerable influence in Quark County, with friends and relatives in the police, prosecutors, and courts. Besides being timid and petty, Dr. Chen was a decent person. After entering the operating room, he proactively began the preoperative preparations and sent Zhang Fan to study the X-rays.

Previously, Shilei had acted a bit superior toward Zhang Fan, assuming the role of deputy chief. Halfway through the operation, seeing no major issues, Shilei said, “Teacher Zhang, have you gotten used to life here in Quark County? We tend to eat more beef and mutton here. The other day, I asked my wife to cook some braised pork at home so we could have a good drink together, the guys.” Shilei had surpassed Tuxun to become deputy chief thanks to his people skills.

Zhang Fan was momentarily taken aback when Shilei called him “Teacher Zhang,” then quickly replied, “Director Shi, calling me teacher makes me blush. Asking your wife to cook is too much trouble.”

“Trouble? Your sister-in-law loves cooking but worries she won’t do it well. Teacher Zhang, you’re too polite. You were outstanding at university. I even did some advanced study at the provincial hospital, and honestly, I don’t think their PhDs are as good as you. It’s really not easy for you to come to our hospital.”

“When I was an intern, my mentor let me take charge and gave me many chances. I can’t compare myself to their PhDs.” Shilei’s praise made Zhang Fan’s face flush repeatedly, leaving him too embarrassed to speak.

“Doctor Zhang, do you have a girlfriend? I see other students coming in pairs, but you came alone.” Ma Lihua, noticing the surgery was going smoothly, began teasing Zhang Fan, who was quite the oddity among the cute crowd.

“Sister Ma, I’m single, not in a hurry.” This was a sore spot for Zhang Fan. In sophomore year, when youthful feelings stirred, he pursued a girl who was also active in the student union’s work-study program. When he confessed, she asked if he had money for a hotel room. Since then, Zhang Fan gave up on pairing off. Though harsh, her words were the truth.

“I can introduce you to someone. I have a cousin who just passed the court exam this year, very beautiful. Want to meet her?”

“Let me first ask if our little Teacher Zhang might secretly eat pork! Ha ha!” Before Zhang Fan could respond, Shilei’s joke made everyone laugh. Ma Lihua, considering it, also joined in the laughter.

The head nurse saw the cheerful atmosphere and took it as a sign of a successful surgery. She quietly left the operating room. Outside, Batur was waiting with his brother, sister-in-law, and a group of relatives. The department director on duty accompanied Batur. Everyone was mostly silent, especially Batur, who paced anxiously. His bad mood made others hesitant to disturb him; they kept a respectful distance.

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“You’ve worked hard!” Seeing the smiling head nurse, Batur’s heart finally relaxed. If the surgery hadn’t gone well, no matter how brave, she wouldn’t have come out with such a smile.

“The surgery was very successful. Doctor Zhang and the others will be out soon. They’re stitching up now. I came out early because I was worried you’d be anxious.”

“Good, good! Thank you all so much.” Batur’s brother held the nurse’s hand, nearly in tears, while his sister-in-law, overwhelmed with joy, clung to the nurse’s leg and cried like a child. In the face of life and death, all are equal, whether high officials or common folk. They had already prepared for the worst and even invited a lama. Now, the nurse’s words brought relief.

“Alright, brother and sister-in-law, keep your voices down. The surgery isn’t over yet, and family members shouldn’t disturb the doctors inside.” The nurse looked at Batur awkwardly. After helping his sister-in-law up, Batur calmed everyone. “Exactly, let’s keep quiet. Xiao Wang, quickly get some cigarettes and wine from the car. Today has been a hassle for the doctors and nurses.” His brother was a top official in the education bureau and kept fine cigarettes and liquor in the car.

“Director Shi and Teacher Chen, accompany the patient back to the ward. I’ll finish writing the orders in the operating room.” Zhang Fan let Shilei and Chen Qifa take the credit for this important task. Shilei greatly respected Zhang Fan’s character.

“You and Director Shi go out; I’ll finish the orders.” Chen Qifa was ready to become Zhang Fan’s disciple, insisting Zhang Fan take a break from such public tasks. Reluctantly, Zhang Fan left the operating room with Shilei and the circulating nurse, pushing the surgical trolley.

“My dear!” Batur’s sister-in-law saw her son’s pale face and heavily bandaged thigh. She grabbed the trolley and began to cry. His uncle also held the trolley, tears streaming down his face.

“Sister-in-law, Bayin’s anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet; he’s still unconscious. Don’t block the trolley; go to the ward quickly and start the IV.” Batur urged her.

“Yes, go back to the ward. The surgery was very successful. In half a month, he’ll be able to walk again, right, Doctor Zhang?” Shilei helped Batur calm the family.

Back in the ward, the nurses efficiently inserted needles and started IVs. “Alright, sister-in-law, quietly stay with Bayin. We’ll step outside to talk so he can rest well.” Batur led the group out. Shilei opened the director’s office and busily prepared tea. Zhang Fan wanted to help but was urged to sit down by Batur.

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Batur no longer spoke of the surgery but smiled kindly at Zhang Fan: “So, it’s been three months now. Are you comfortable with life here? If you need anything, just come find me. I notice the other university students often come to my office for a chat, but you’ve never been. You can’t just work hard—you have to stay close to the leadership too.”

“Ah! I was afraid you were busy, and honestly, I didn’t want to bother you.” Zhang Fan hadn’t expected such social tactics from others and felt a bit at a loss.

“Doctor Zhang, it’s obvious you’re a technician. Your mind’s all on work; otherwise, your skills wouldn’t be so excellent!” Batur’s brother was deeply grateful to Zhang Fan. When the ambulance encountered a snowstorm blocking the road out of the county, the despair was something he never wished to experience again.

“Our Dr. Zhang is always in the department, whether on or off duty. He’s either studying or helping with patients. He’s truly outstanding.” Shilei poured tea as he spoke. After preparing the tea, Shilei took out some Snow Lotus cigarettes to offer, but Batur produced a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes instead. “You’ve worked hard today. Director Shi, have a seat and smoke mine. Zhang Fan, do you smoke?”

Zhang Fan originally didn’t smoke, but since the department was full of heavy smokers and his roommate Li Hui occasionally offered him a cigarette, he had started. “I smoke a little. At first, I was learning from a few teachers,” Zhang Fan said shyly.

“Ha ha, if you don’t drink or smoke, life isn’t much fun. Have a smoke.” Just then, Batur’s brother’s driver knocked and entered carrying two black bags.

“Doctor Zhang, take this pack of cigarettes; Director Shi, take this one. The other is for Doctor Chen. We’ll have dinner later; seats are already reserved.” Batur’s brother stood, handing the cigarettes to Zhang Fan and Shilei, who politely declined. “Don’t think just because you’re the director, I’m still his brother. A pack of cigarettes isn’t bribery.”

“Take it. Not only was the surgery well done today, but you also saved face for me. Tonight I’ll drink to you properly.” Seeing their reluctance, Batur insisted.

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