At 11:50 AM, after the surgery led by Yu Youbin, Yan Feifan left the operating room.
However, he didn’t leave the surgical area. Instead, he took off his surgical gown and went to the scrubbing area to scrub in again.
Afterward, Yan Feifan entered another operating room, put on a sterile surgical gown, and began his second surgery.
After completing the percutaneous injection of anhydrous ethanol, Yan Feifan talked with Dr. Cao Hui while waiting for the substance to take effect.
During their conversation, Yan Feifan was surprised to learn that Dr. Cao had also graduated from Binhai University Medical College.
However, he had gone to the United States right after graduating.
Later, through his own hard work, he obtained his medical license in the United States and had been working in American hospitals ever since.
That was until three years ago, when he accepted an offer from Baining Hospital and returned to China.
"Mr. Yan, I’m not exaggerating, but the overall strength of the top medical institutions in the United States is truly formidable."
Cao Hui advised, "Given your skills, if you get the chance, you should really go to one or two of them for advanced training for a year or two."
"You’ll be able to learn from their strengths and broaden your horizons. After that, with your abilities, you’re bound to achieve even more remarkable things."
Yan Feifan replied politely, "Thank you for the advice. If the opportunity arises and the timing is right, I’ll definitely consider it."
Cao Hui chuckled. "Bin University Medical College and the Affiliated Hospital maintain good partnerships and exchange programs with many renowned medical schools and institutions abroad."
"So there’s definitely no shortage of opportunities to go abroad for advanced training."
He sighed again and said wistfully, "Back in the day, I was actually qualified for one of those government-sponsored opportunities to go abroad..."
"I just didn’t have strong enough connections..."
Cao Hui gave another smile. "But let’s not talk about that."
"With your current achievements, Mr. Yan, something like being replaced at the last minute would never happen to you."
Even someone as unobservant as Yan Feifan could sense the indignation and resentment in the man’s words.
Back when Yan Feifan was in medical school, it would have been quite easy for him to get an opportunity to study abroad, if he had wanted to.
But the thought of going abroad had never crossed his mind.
Even with government funding or a full scholarship, a few years of studying abroad would still involve a lot of personal expenses.
Besides, Yan Ziruo was still in college at the time, and she was someone who only knew how to spend money, not earn it.
Their financial situation made it difficult, but it wasn’t an insurmountable obstacle.
The main reason, however, was a psychological one. Yan Feifan was scared and resistant to the idea of studying abroad—of leaving his familiar surroundings and the sister he had grown up with.
In all these years, Yan Feifan had left Binhai a number of times that could be counted on one hand.
Other than his two recent trips to Jingcheng, the last time he had left Binhai was to join the hospital’s medical team for earthquake disaster relief.
The time before that...
As far as Yan Feifan could remember, there were no other times...
Cao Hui only brought up the topic of going abroad briefly before letting it drop.
He switched topics, and the two of them began discussing issues in neurosurgery...
A little after 1:30 PM, Yan Feifan walked out of the surgical area and found Yu Suye waiting for him.
"Feifan, you must be exhausted and starving, right?"
Yu Suye took Yan Feifan’s arm. "Come on, I’ll take you to try some food from a five-star hotel’s chef!"
Yan Feifan keenly noticed she was forcing a smile. "Did your talk with your family not go well?"
Yu Suye gave a bitter smile. "I wouldn’t say it didn’t go well. It’s just the same old story."
She sighed deeply. "I’ve just completely given up, that’s all. I have no expectations left."
Seeing Yu Suye’s crestfallen and desolate expression, Yan Feifan felt a sudden, inexplicable pang in his heart.
"Can you tell me what happened?"
As they spoke, the two of them entered the stairwell and started down the stairs, one step at a time.
Yu Suye tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and said slowly, "My grandfather and the others have shifted their focus. They’ve set their sights on the Baining Group’s project to establish a new branch hospital."
"My grandfather said that as long as I can help my brother secure a senior executive position with real authority in this project, they’ll leave my personal life alone."
Yan Feifan was confused. "But you don’t really have a say in your family’s major business decisions, do you?"
Yu Suye stopped and turned to face Yan Feifan, forcing a smile. "You’re right. I have no say at all."
"But you do!"
"Me?"
Yu Suye nodded emphatically. "If you leverage your future, and considering my brother isn’t incompetent—he’s genuinely talented and capable—there’s a very good chance of getting him a senior position with real authority."
Yan Feifan understood.
"What was your answer?"
After asking the question, Yan Feifan suddenly felt nervous.