"I was blinded by my own prejudice and couldn’t see the progress being made."
Zhou Yan sighed deeply and continued, "Mr. Yan, Dr. Qiu, to express my apologies..."
At a subtle glance from Zhou Yan, his son handed over a thin envelope.
"This is a check for one million US dollars to support your and Dr. Qiu’s medical research. Please, accept it."
Yan Feifan and Qiu Ge exchanged a glance. "Mr. Zhou, you don’t have to do this," Yan Feifan said frankly.
"To be honest, the reason I took on your surgery is because I owe a huge favor to Lu Yao of the Lu Family."
"Dr. Qiu and I will absolutely do our very best on your surgery."
"You should take this check back."
Zhou Yan glanced at Lu Yao standing off to the side, a little surprised, before turning his gaze back to Yan Feifan.
He chuckled softly. "I have absolute faith in your and Dr. Qiu’s professionalism and dedication."
"But let me be frank as well..."
"This check is to buy myself some peace of mind. I must insist that you both accept it!"
Since he had put it that way, refusing the check could have a significant impact on the patient’s emotional state.
The power of one’s emotions, though intangible, has a very real effect on physical recovery, especially for brain tumor patients.
In light of this, Yan Feifan "reluctantly" accepted the check.
However, the money from this check wouldn’t go directly into Yan Feifan’s and Qiu Ge’s pockets.
After all, Zhou Yan had specified it was to support their research.
The sum would first be deposited into the hospital’s research account as medical R&D funds.
Then, Yan Feifan and Qiu Ge would have to withdraw the funds by filing for reimbursement under various legitimate and legal pretexts.
After instructing Zhou Yan to rest well and mentally prepare for the next evening’s surgery, Yan Feifan and Qiu Ge took their leave.
"Mr. Yan..."
Yan Feifan, who had just stepped out of the room, stopped and turned to look at Dr. Kevin Vega, who had followed him out.
As Mr. Vega approached, he asked in English, "Mr. Yan, I was wondering when you might be free today or tomorrow?"
"I’d like to discuss with you, in-depth, the application of the Puncture Injection Skill in brain tumor resection surgery?"
Just as Yan Feifan was about to answer, he heard Qiu Ge cough lightly beside him.
"Mr. Vega, I’m sorry."
"I have another surgery tonight, and tomorrow I need to focus on preparing for Mr. Zhou’s surgery. I don’t have any free time for the moment."
This wasn’t just Yan Feifan making an excuse.
He really did have a rhinoplasty scheduled for the middle of the night.
Vega sighed in disappointment. "I see. That’s a real shame. I have to fly back to the United States the day after tomorrow."
After a pause, he asked expectantly, "Mr. Yan, would it be possible for me to observe Mr. Zhou’s brain tumor resection surgery tomorrow evening?"
Just then, Qiu Ge coughed lightly again.
Yan Feifan smiled and replied, still in English, "Mr. Vega, you should be aware that in Mr. Zhou’s brain tumor resection, my Puncture Injection Skill is only playing a supportive role."
"Strictly speaking, Dr. Qiu is the chief surgeon."
"Whether you can observe the surgery isn’t up to me. It’s Dr. Qiu’s decision."
Qiu Ge beamed at Vega and repeated, "Mr. Vega, I am the chief surgeon for tomorrow night’s operation."
"So, I’m the one who calls the shots..."