Screening volunteers for the nerve damage study required considering more than just the specifics of their injuries. Factors like the patient’s overall physical condition, pre-existing medical issues, employment status, home address, family relationships, financial situation, and psychological state also had to be evaluated.

Pain sensitivity and tolerance were also factors under consideration.

After all, this was a research project spanning several months. If a patient dropped out midway for any reason, the project team would be left high and dry.

A little after six in the evening, Yan Feifan, who was getting ready to go home, made a special trip to see Lin Qian after her busy day.

When Yan Feifan arrived at the small conference room, he saw Lin Qian, a medical intern, and three young nurses sorting through more than a dozen stacks of patient files, examination reports, and lab results on the conference table.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the great leader, here to inspect our work?"

In response to Lin Qian’s teasing, Yan Feifan chuckled. "I’m no leader. I just came to see how busy you are."

Lin Qian huffed. "Even the department director came by and helped out for half the afternoon. You’re the only project team member who hasn’t shown their face all day."

"Acting more like a leader than the actual leaders."

Yan Feifan quickly explained in earnest, "I had other work and couldn’t get away."

"So, how’s it going? Is everything running smoothly?"

A smile spread across Lin Qian’s face. "Dr. Wan and I originally estimated it would take at least two weeks to screen enough volunteers."

"I never expected so many patients to sign up on the very first day."

"At this rate, we’ll finish screening all the volunteers in just one week."

Yan Feifan let out a soft "Oh," and said, "If you’re overwhelmed, just find a few more helpers. There are plenty of students from the medical school who would love to intern here."

Lin Qian gestured with her eyes toward the intern and nurses beside her. "With them helping me, it’s more or less enough."

"The director also said he’ll arrange for one or two more people to join the project team next week."

Yan Feifan reminded her, "You know that the director is holding an exam next week to recruit five young doctors, right?"

Lin Qian nodded. "Of course I know about something that big. I also know it has a little something to do with me."

"I’m also very glad I came to the plastic surgery center a step ahead of them."

She sighed softly. "If I were to take that exam, nine times out of ten, I wouldn’t be able to compete with them."

Yan Feifan encouraged her, "Lin Qian, don’t sell yourself short. You’re not any worse than they are."

Lin Qian brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead. "I’m not selling myself short, I’m just being realistic."

"I already know a few of the people who signed up."

"They’re either third-generation or second-generation doctors, and they were the best of the best back in medical school."

"Not to mention, the resources they’ve had access to since joining the Affiliated Hospital are much better than ours."

Yan Feifan was also aware of this unfair situation.

These young doctors with connections received meticulous guidance the moment they entered the hospital.

They often participated in major surgeries and consultations as assistants to their attending physicians.

In their daily work, they also got more hands-on practical experience.

As for doctors from ordinary backgrounds, they could only start with running errands, doing menial tasks, and handling all the tough and tiring work.

Their hands-on opportunities were mostly limited to routine minor procedures that no one else wanted, like polyp removals and wound suturing.

Unless they performed exceptionally well and caught the eye of a certain attending physician.

Yan Feifan offered some comfort. "Being a doctor is a lifelong marathon of learning. It’s not about winning a single day."

"Your future won’t be any worse than theirs."

Lin Qian hummed in agreement. "I believe that too."

Then she said very seriously, "Feifan, thank you for giving me the opportunity to join the plastic surgery center."

"Once I get through these next few busy days, I’ll definitely treat you to a nice meal!"

Yan Feifan waved his hand. "There’s no need for that between us."

"Alright, I’ll let you get back to work. I should be heading home..."

「A little after six-thirty in the evening, Yan Feifan returned to Zuimo Court.」

As soon as he walked in, he saw his sister, Xiaoyu, and Yu Suye all in their pajamas, chattering away on the sofa.

"Feifan, look at this picture. Can you guess which handsome guy asked for my WeChat?"

Yan Feifan glanced at the group photo on his sister’s tablet. It showed six groomsmen with the bride and groom.

"The second guy from the right!"

"Whoa, you actually got it right!"

Slightly surprised, Yan Ziruo turned and pointed at Xiaoyu and Yu Suye. "Alright, fess up. Which one of you tipped him off?"

Tian Yu and Yu Suye both shook their heads, denying it.

Yan Feifan handed his briefcase to Xiaoyu, who had stood up to greet him, and asked, "Did you get any studying done at home today?"

Tian Yu quickly replied, "Mr. Yan, I’ve been busy all day."

"If you don’t believe me, ask Su Ye. I even asked her about some problems."

Yu Suye nodded, confirming it was true.

Yan Feifan patted Xiaoyu’s head, then looked at Yan Ziruo and explained, "Sis, nobody tipped me off. I guessed."

"Out of all those guys, he was the one I didn’t like the look of."

Yan Ziruo’s eyes crinkled with a smile. "Hehe, I knew it."

She stood up, patted Yan Feifan’s shoulder, and continued, "You’re always nagging me to hurry up and find someone to marry."

"But deep down, you can’t bear the thought of me getting married and leaving."

"That’s why you don’t like the look of your future brother-in-law."

Yan Ziruo then took her brother’s arm and pulled him down to sit on the sofa with her.

"Don’t worry. Even if I get married, I’ll still come back to see you and take care of you often."

"Besides..."

Yan Ziruo glanced pointedly at Yu Suye. "There’s someone else to take care of you now."

"Mr. Yan, I can take care of you too," Tian Yu chimed in eagerly.

Yan Feifan rolled his eyes, ignoring Xiaoyu, and reminded his sister, "Even though divorce is pretty common these days, Sis, you should still be cautious and properly vet any guy you’re dating."

"Don’t get desperate and settle just because you think you’re getting old."

Yan Ziruo had been enjoying her brother’s concern, but the moment she heard him say "getting old," she was not happy.

She reached out and pinched Yan Feifan’s ear.

"Getting old? How am I old? I’m only twenty-six, thank you very much!"

Yan Feifan corrected her, "Sis, you’re already over twenty-seven..."

As he said this, a sharp pain shot through his ear.

This time, it really hurt.

"Western age, you brat! I’m talking about my Western age, do you get it?"

Hearing his sister’s roar, Yan Feifan thought to himself, ’You’re twenty-seven and one month, which *is* your Western age.’

However, to spare his ear any more suffering, he wisely decided not to correct her.

Yan Feifan begged for mercy a few times until his ear was free from his sister’s demonic grip, then quickly changed the subject.

"I don’t smell any food. Mrs. Du isn’t here, so you guys weren’t waiting for me to come home and cook dinner, were you?"

Yan Feifan then whined, "I’ve been busy at the hospital all day. I’m tired and hungry."

Yan Ziruo shot him a look and huffed, "We’re not that inconsiderate. A new restaurant just opened on the north side of the complex, and they’re having a promotion."

"We ordered a whole table of food. It should be delivered soon."

Then she asked, "Hey, Feifan, what time are you leaving for Jingcheng Bai Ning Hospital tomorrow?"

Yan Feifan replied, "I confirmed with them this afternoon. My flight is at seven in the morning..."

P.S.

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