Chapter Thirty-Two: Accepting a Master

"Have you heard? Mr. Wang Yizhan has taken on a final disciple."

"Really? Who's so lucky as to become the protégé of the godfather of our medical profession?"

"Don't listen to that nonsense, it's not Mr. Wang. It was the president of Taishan Hospital who accepted a disciple."

"If you don't know, don't pretend. We Western doctors don't care about these things, okay? It was just a little cosmetic surgeon worshipping a traditional medicine charlatan as his master, so what are you getting excited about?"

"Watch your mouth. Do you even know who they are? Even big shots have to queue and make appointments to see them. What do you know? You drank a bit of Western ink and forgot your roots."

"Exactly. Without traditional medicine, would your grandfather have grown up so healthy? Without your grandfather, would you even exist? Traditional medicine has been passed down for thousands of years, predating Western medical origins."

"Enough, everyone. We're all doctors, all here to heal and save lives. Isn't both traditional and Western medicine for the sake of patients?"

"You probably didn't know this, so let me educate you: this person is apprentice to Mr. Wang, President Bai, and Master Xuanyuan all at once. Do you know what that means? From now on, they'll walk unimpeded in the medical world."

"No way, who is this amazing person? Some big shot's secret daughter?"

"Wasn't there a forum post a few days back about someone achieving bone regeneration? That's the world's first-ever bone regeneration surgery, performed by this person, but the news just hasn't been published."

"If it's so incredible, why hasn't it been reported? Must be fake."

"Yeah, probably another traditional medicine bragging session."

"Show us the evidence. Without even a video, you're just posting essays. This is a medical forum, not a social media feed."

"Maybe they're not even from the medical profession. Is it true that anyone can join our professional forum now? Moderators, check this person's credentials."

"Always bragging, talking big. If it's so impressive, bring out the proof."

Within moments, the forum's focus shifted from Xiao Yuru's apprenticeship to accusations that it was another cosmetic medicine publicity stunt. The forum was awash with criticism, now even traditional medicine practitioners were joining in.

In the medical hierarchy, traditional and Western medicine are constantly at odds, each looking down on the other. But no matter how these two compete, the most lucrative cosmetic medicine sits firmly at the bottom of the chain.

"These cosmetic doctors are blinded by money. They'll do anything for fame, no shame at all."

"Exactly. Would our esteemed medical authorities ever take on a cosmetic surgeon as an apprentice? How would we even greet colleagues after that?"

"Look, someone posted the surgical video."

"My god, it's really that impressive."

"The bones actually regrew! This is nothing short of a miracle in medicine. Do you realize what this means? Scenes from science fiction will soon become reality."

"Who is Xiao Yuru anyway? Why haven't we heard of her before? Why cosmetic medicine—aren't hospitals and research labs more appealing?"

"No wonder all three masters want her as their final disciple. If it were me, I'd jump at the chance."

"No, I want to be Dr. Xiao's student."

"Does Dr. Xiao take graduate students? I want to follow her."

"Dream on. She's the godfather's disciple. You think anyone can just follow Dr. Xiao?"

"This is a milestone for our profession! It won't be long before medicine truly redefines humanity."

"Wow, did you see? Dr. Xiao is so cool. I've decided—she's my goddess from now on."

"Get real, we all know what you're thinking. You're just infatuated with her looks, aren't you?" As he spoke, he posted a fitting meme.

But after seeing Xiao Yuru's appearance, the male doctors felt as if a hundred little deer were dancing in their hearts.

Compared to the lively forum, Xiao Yuru herself was deeply conflicted.

She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but all these people were based in the capital. Accepting meant she would have to live and study there for the next few years.

Normally, she would be eager, but now, Xiao Yuru wanted to refuse.

Because Ye Qiu had just returned.

She pressed her lips together and, after a long silence, her vivid red lips uttered a statement that stunned everyone:

"Actually, I'd like to think it over a bit more."

With that, Xiao Yuru turned and headed back to her office.

Countless people in the hall were left dumbfounded.

Especially her peers—their eyes nearly popped out. Some looked incredulously at their companions, suspicion written all over their faces.

Did I hear that right?

She turned down the three giants of the medical profession?

Such an opportunity, and she still wants to consider?

The three elders had expected Xiao Yuru to be overjoyed, to fall to her knees in gratitude. After all, three masters taking on a single disciple was a first in medical history. Yet, not only did she fail to show any excitement, her expression was melancholy, and she insisted she needed to think it over.

They exchanged glances, each doubting their own judgment.

Beside them, Lin Wan'er, who had been despondent and jealous, suddenly revived, her once pallid face now flushed.

Wonderful! She actually dared to reject the three titans of medicine in front of everyone.

Hmph.

Forget about being my junior—it’ll be impossible for her to mix in medical circles again.

Such poor social skills.

I’m obviously smarter; I would have agreed immediately.

"Well... girls are more thoughtful and sentimental. It's normal for her to want to consider it," someone said.

Lin Wan'er was stunned.

She looked in disbelief at Bai Yiheng, who had spoken.

Is this for real?

He’s the president of Taishan Hospital.

No wonder their hospital isn’t as prestigious as those in the capital. Even in old age, he’s turned into a sycophant.

"I think Old Bai makes sense," said Wang Yizhan.

"I know Yuru’s background. She and Ye Qiu grew up together and are very close. Ye Qiu has just returned from abroad, so it's hard for them to part."

Lin Wan'er felt her jaw no longer belonged to her.

Such fawning words—could they really have come from her own mentor?

It was just a facial reconstruction surgery, using foreign medicine at that. What’s so special about it? Why are they so eager to accept her as a disciple?

Three giants of medicine? Nonsense.

Lin Wan'er felt as if she’d knocked over a vat of vinegar.

Only Liu Yiran stepped forward: "Gentlemen, Second Sister is simply mindful of our bond. She means no disrespect. I’ll go and bring her out to formally accept apprenticeship."

"Big Sister, I'll go with you."

Ye Qiu, full of apology, nodded to the crowd and followed Liu Yiran toward Xiao Yuru’s office.

At that moment, Xiao Yuru was staring at the surgery video projected by Yunyan, her eyes vacant, clearly lost in thought and not interested in reviewing the procedure.