After finishing his tasks, Director Han returned to the ICU. Following his review of the patient's condition and ensuring everything was stable, he turned to Yang Ping and advised, "Go get some rest. I'll arrange for others to take turns monitoring the patient. If anything happens, I'll call you."
"But Director Han—" Yang Ping attempted to protest.
Director Han cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Yang, listen to me. Resting is essential. Only those who know how to rest can work well. A battle of exhaustion is a last resort, not something we employ when we have a fully staffed department."
Yang Ping was indeed fatigued. He felt like his energy had been sapped, and even walking required effort. Reflecting on Director Han's advice, he recognized its wisdom. Other doctors could handle monitoring the blood supply just as competently, and there was no need to exhaust himself unnecessarily. If a surgical intervention was needed, he'd be at his best only if he rested.
After bidding farewell to Director Han, Yang Ping returned to his rented apartment. Pushing himself to take a quick shower, he collapsed onto his bed.
With the reward of 16,000 points he had earned earlier that day, Yang Ping couldn't wait to check the system. His total points now stood at 21,000.
These points were his most treasured asset, as every training module in the system required them.
Now, with this significant accumulation, Yang Ping felt like a wealthy man. He no longer hesitated over whether to purchase a training module costing a few thousand points.
His increased points had also unlocked the system's second page, featuring training modules for clavicle fractures, humeral fractures, radial and ulnar fractures, femoral fractures, tibial and fibular fractures, pelvic fractures, and acetabular fractures—essentially all types of limb and pelvic fracture surgeries.
The system's training followed a progression. Completing one stage and accruing sufficient points unlocked the next.
After some calculations, Yang Ping opted to purchase training for simpler limb fractures, each costing several thousand points. Complex fractures were much more expensive, with pelvic and acetabular fracture modules costing over 20,000 points each.
"Step by step," Yang Ping thought. "The expensive modules can wait. First, I'll solidify my basics by mastering simple limb fractures."
Though he had performed some surgeries before, the volume and precision of practice offered by the system were unmatched.
After spending 11,000 points on these modules, Yang Ping still had over 9,000 points left, which he kept in reserve for emergencies, such as learning a new surgical technique on short notice.
Inside the system's space, Yang Ping began with the clavicle fracture module. He meticulously performed each procedure, focusing on understanding and optimizing every step. Once he mastered the steps, he gradually increased his speed until he could perform the surgeries with expert precision.
The grueling training for all limb fractures eventually brought him to the brink of mental exhaustion. Despite his love for medicine, the system's isolated, repetitive nature was mentally taxing. Unlike the real world, where stimulation and variety broke the monotony, the system's environment was like being locked in a room with no external contact.
Mental fatigue could only be alleviated by returning to reality.
When he completed his training and felt his mental limits nearing, Yang Ping exited the system and slept soundly.
The following morning, Yang Ping woke up at 10 a.m. Feeling refreshed, he ate a quick meal, studied for a few hours, and then went back to sleep.
When he woke again at 6 p.m., he noticed several missed calls from Xiao Wu.
Returning the call, he heard Xiao Wu's excited voice, "Hey, Senior! You're finally awake. There's a department dinner tonight. Emergency, surgery, and ICU staff are all going. We're heading to Wuhusihai Restaurant. I'm downstairs. Come down now!"
Wuhusihai was a well-known high-end restaurant often chosen for group gatherings. Xiao Wu and Yang Ping lived in the same building—Xiao Wu on the 16th floor, Yang Ping on the 20th. When Xiao Wu had rented the place, he suggested they live close for convenience.
Hurriedly, Yang Ping freshened up, dressed appropriately, and combed his hair—personal appearance mattered for his first department event.
When ready, he called Xiao Wu while taking the elevator down.
"Look across the street when you come out. I'm under the tree," Xiao Wu directed.
Stepping outside, Yang Ping saw only a black Audi A6. Curious, he crossed the street and peeked into the car's window, spotting Xiao Wu inside. He opened the passenger door and got in.
"When did you get a car?" Yang Ping asked while fastening his seatbelt.
"It's from Xiao Qing's family," Xiao Wu replied proudly.
On the way, Yang Ping grew concerned about his surgical patient. "No one called me all day. Is everything alright?"
Xiao Wu reassured him. "Director Han specifically instructed us not to disturb you, no matter what. That surgery patient? Their blood flow is excellent. I even went to check with Director Han after my shift."
Yang Ping relaxed but couldn't resist teasing, "So you've convinced someone to give you their car now?"
"Hey, what's with that world view? This is called love. Xiao Qing's parents are already urging us to marry," Xiao Wu said smugly.
Yang Ping was genuinely impressed. His junior seemed far ahead in life.
As they started driving, Yang Ping noticed Xiao Wu fumbling with the turn signals.
"You've been driving long?" he asked nervously.
"Got my license three years ago," Xiao Wu said casually.
"And have you driven since then?" Yang Ping tightened his seatbelt.
"Not really. I'm still figuring out which way to push the turn signal," Xiao Wu admitted.
"Let me out! I'll take a cab!" Yang Ping shouted, sweating profusely.
"Relax, real friends sit in the passenger seat no matter what!" Xiao Wu joked.
Despite his words, Yang Ping wasn't entirely convinced. The journey was about to get interesting.