Chapter 148: Don’t Be a Lovesick Fool

Su Chen was stunned, struck silent by the scene unfolding before him.

He stood on the stage, unable to move his feet as if a mountain were pressing down upon his shoulders, making even the simple act of breathing a struggle. In that moment, Su Chen finally grasped the weight of the word "inheritance" that the older generation so often spoke of. He understood the true meaning of being a teacher. A teacher’s duty is to preach the truth, impart professional skills, and resolve doubts, but the "preaching" part is not merely about conveying logic—it is about succession. Passing down the ancient wisdom to the next generation is not just a transfer of experience and ability; it is, more importantly, a passing of mission and responsibility.

Su Chen’s mind raced. Once he regained his composure, he walked to the front of the stage and bowed deeply to the young doctors. This bow was not just for them, but a gesture of respect for the new cycle of inheritance they had chosen to shoulder. This was a concept that Western culture might struggle to grasp—a form of etiquette and romance unique to the people of China.

Observing this, Elder Shen’s eyes brimmed with tears. Even in this modern age, he felt the profound weight of China’s five-thousand-year history.

Elder Shen took the microphone from Su Chen and addressed the young doctors: "From today on, the most important task for the Changsha People’s Hospital, for this year and the next, is to master this method of bone-setting! We must learn it thoroughly, internalize it, and through our hospital, pass this technique on in Mr. Su’s name. Let Chinese traditional medicine once again be renowned throughout the world!"

The doctors’ faces flushed red at Elder Shen’s words—a redness born of pure, surging excitement.

Elder Shen continued, "Although the dean is not here today, I will apply for Mr. Su to be appointed as the honorary dean of our hospital. From this moment on, every doctor who masters the bone-setting technique passed down by Mr. Su shall be considered his disciple."

Having said this, Elder Shen performed a formal apprenticeship bow to Su Chen, bending his waist first. Seeing this, the other doctors followed suit, bowing in unison.

Su Chen, unwilling to accept such a significant gesture, hurried forward to help Elder Shen up. But the elder’s stubbornness was not something easily overcome; he held his position, refusing to rise until he had completed the full ritual.

"Elder Shen, why go to such lengths?" Su Chen asked, feeling helpless. "I am merely passing down the wisdom of our ancestors; it is my duty. You are my elder in both age and seniority. Now, I don't even know how I should address you..."

Elder Shen waved his hand dismissively. "What does that matter? In medicine, he who masters the craft is the teacher. Besides, I have received your instruction; in the old days, I would have had to prepare a formal apprenticeship gift! As for how to address each other, young people these days don't care about such things. You can call me 'Little Shen,' and I'll call you 'Teacher'."

Su Chen was speechless. *Little Shen?* He had not expected the elderly man to have such a playful side. It left him both amused and exasperated.

After speaking briefly with the doctors and offering words of encouragement, Elder Shen led Su Chen back to his office.

"I still need to perform the surgery on the elderly patient with the heart condition," Su Chen said. "But there is an issue. I don't have a medical license. Performing surgery without one could, in some sense, be considered murder."

As Su Chen laughed at himself, Elder Shen spoke earnestly: "Do not belittle yourself, Teacher Su. Saving lives is a noble act worthy of praise! Today's society lacks people like you, and because there are so many bad actors, people are afraid to help the elderly who fall, or witness an assault without intervening. If it were up to me, the media should be celebrating you, showing everyone what a virtuous society looks like."

Seeing the elder’s serious expression, Su Chen felt both a touch of endearment and genuine moved emotion.

"Saving lives is one thing, but it must be done legally and properly," Su Chen replied with a smile. "That night was an emergency, so I had no choice but to step up. But now that the patient is in the hospital, letting an amateur like me operate is not only illegal, it would damage the hospital's reputation."

Elder Shen frowned, then nodded slowly. "You have a point, Teacher Su. I hadn't considered that. But it is not a problem; I will petition for your honorary deanship and report this matter to the authorities simultaneously. If the entire hospital’s panel of experts vouches for you, obtaining your license within two days won't be difficult."

Su Chen nodded. He calculated the time and said, "If that’s the case, the timing should be perfect. We can let the patient stabilize for the next two days, and once my license is cleared, I will perform the surgery. We can even let the young doctors observe; what they lack is experience. This bone-setting technique requires constant observation and practice—one must be bold yet meticulous."

"Rest assured, Teacher Su," Elder Shen promised. "This technique will never be lost in China again."

Su Chen nodded, then said with a troubled look, "Elder Shen... could we perhaps change how we address each other? Hearing you call me 'Teacher' makes me feel quite uncomfortable."

Elder Shen let out a booming laugh and replied with only two words: "Absolutely not."

Su Chen: "..."

By the time Su Chen left the Changsha People’s Hospital, it was past five in the evening. The summer sun still hung high in the sky, its heat impartial and relentless, as if it intended to shine for twenty-four hours straight.

Walking aimlessly after leaving the hospital, Su Chen felt a strange sense of emptiness. Zheng Huayu had fallen, and Xu Fangyuan had temporarily retreated; he suddenly found himself with nothing to do. It had been a long time since he had let his mind wander so freely. The changes over the past two months made him feel as though the entire world had been transformed.

Thinking of the beauty of his current life compared to the misery he endured when he was with Lin Yanran, Su Chen could only think of one thing: Never be a sycophant, and never be a fool who gives everything for nothing.

Just as Su Chen was lost in his thoughts, his phone suddenly vibrated.