Midway through, an unexpected complication arises—the patient's heart rate drops dangerously low. The room tenses. Dr. Zheng, though calm, gives Jillian a questioning look. This is the test. Thinking quickly, she suggests a minor adjustment to stabilize the patient, her voice steady despite the pressure. Dr. Zheng nods in approval, and within minutes, the crisis is averted.
When the surgery concludes successfully, a wave of relief washes over her. Applause erupts in the observation room. Dr. Zheng places a hand on her shoulder. "You have the instincts of a great surgeon," he tells her.
For the first time since arriving in Shanghai, Jillian feels she has truly earned her place. But she knows this is only the beginning—more challenges await, and she is ready for them.
Jillian's growing reputation within the department doesn't go unnoticed. The female director of the cardiology department, Dr. Lin Mei, sees Jillian's dedication, skill, and work ethic and takes a special interest in her. Despite her high position, Dr. Lin is known for her hands-on approach and mentoring promising young doctors.
Their professional relationship soon develops into a trusted friendship. Dr. Lin shares insights into the medical field, giving Jillian invaluable advice about career growth, handling pressure, and maintaining emotional balance in a high-stakes environment. In return, Jillian's fresh perspective and quick thinking make her an asset to the department.
Whenever challenges arise—whether it's a difficult surgery, an ethical dilemma, or dealing with hospital politics—Jillian and Dr. Lin support each other. Jillian often assists the director in complex procedures, and in turn, Dr. Lin ensures Jillian gets opportunities that push her toward excellence.
Beyond medicine, their bond extends to personal matters. Over late-night coffee in the hospital lounge, Dr. Lin occasionally shares her own struggles as a female surgeon in a male-dominated field. She admires Jillian's resilience and warns her about the sacrifices that come with ambition.
One evening, after a particularly intense surgery, Dr. Lin pulls Jillian aside and tells her, "You remind me of myself when I was younger. But I want you to be even better. If you ever need guidance, you know where to find me."
With such a powerful ally in her corner, Jillian's journey in Shanghai becomes more than just training—it becomes a defining chapter in her career and personal growth.
One evening, after an exhausting day at the hospital, Jillian finally had a moment to herself. She sat by her apartment window in Shanghai, sipping tea as she watched the city lights flicker against the night sky. It had been months since she last spoke to Chloe and Clara. Each of them was now deeply immersed in their respective internships—Jillian in cardiology, Chloe in neurosurgery, and Clara in orthopedic surgery. The long hours and demanding cases had kept them busy, but tonight, nostalgia crept in.
She grabbed her phone and quickly dialed Chloe's number. The call barely rang twice before Chloe picked up.
"Jillian! About time you called! I was starting to think you forgot about us." Chloe's voice was a mix of excitement and playful accusation.
Jillian laughed. "Like I could ever forget you guys. How's everything on your end?"
Before Chloe could answer, Clara's voice came through—she had merged into the call. "Jillian! It's been forever! Spill, how's life as Dr. Jillian Smith?"
Jillian leaned back, smiling. "Crazy, overwhelming, but honestly, I love every bit of it. Dr. Lin Mei has been pushing me harder than I ever imagined. But she's brilliant, and I'm learning so much."
"Same here," Chloe chimed in. "I had to assist in a brain tumor removal last week. It was intense, but my supervising doctor said I did great."
Clara added, "And I finally performed my first independent orthopedic reconstruction. It still feels unreal."
They all took turns sharing their experiences—their toughest cases, their triumphs, and even their moments of self-doubt. Despite being miles apart, it felt as if they were still the same three girls from Tsinghua, pushing through the challenges of medical school together.
After a long silence, Chloe asked softly, "Have you thought about what happens after our internships?"
Jillian exhaled, staring at her reflection in the glass. "Honestly? I haven't had time to think that far ahead. But wherever we go next, I just hope we don't lose touch."
"We won't," Clara assured her. "No matter where we end up, we'll always be connected."
"Then let's promise," Jillian said, her voice firm. "No matter how far we go, how demanding our careers get, we'll always find time for each other."
"Deal," Chloe and Clara said in unison.
As they ended the call, Jillian felt a renewed sense of motivation. The journey was tough, but knowing she had her friends made it all worth it.
A week after reconnecting with Chloe and Clara, Jillian found herself facing one of the most demanding cases of her career so far. Dr. Lin Mei, the head of cardiology, handed her a patient file with a serious expression.
"This is an exceptional case, Jillian," Dr. Lin began. "A young girl, only 12 years old, diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. She's been through multiple procedures since birth, but her condition is deteriorating. We need to act fast."
Jillian took the file, scanning through the medical history, test results, and failed interventions. Her heart ached as she saw the patient's name—Li Na.
"What's the plan?" Jillian asked, already mentally preparing herself.
"We're considering an experimental procedure," Dr. Lin said. "But it's high-risk. And we need to convince her parents."
Jillian nodded, determination setting in. "Let me meet them. I'll explain everything."
That evening, Jillian sat with Li Na's parents in a private consultation room. The mother's eyes were red from crying, while the father's hands were clenched into fists.
"Doctor, we just want our daughter to live," the mother said, her voice trembling. "But what if the surgery fails?"
Jillian reached for the mother's hand, offering reassurance. "I understand your fears. But I promise, we will do everything in our power to save her. Dr. Lin Mei is one of the best in the field, and I will be assisting her personally. This is Li Na's best chance."
The parents exchanged a long, hesitant glance. After what felt like an eternity, the father nodded. "Do whatever it takes."
Jillian exhaled, relief washing over her. "Thank you for trusting us."
Now, the real challenge lay ahead—the surgery itself. The pressure was immense, but Jillian knew one thing for sure: she wouldn't let Li Na down.
The day of Li Na's surgery arrived, and the atmosphere in the operating room was tense yet focused. Jillian, dressed in full surgical gear, stood beside Dr. Lin Mei, assisting in the complex procedure. The room was filled with the hum of machines, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor, and the occasional instructions from Dr. Lin.
"Jillian, check the vitals," Dr. Lin instructed, her voice steady.
Jillian's eyes flickered to the monitor. "Heart rate stable, oxygen levels holding."
The first part of the surgery—correcting the structural defect—was going smoothly. However, as they proceeded to the next phase, Li Na's heart rate suddenly dropped. The alarms blared.
"She's crashing!" a nurse called out.
Jillian's heart pounded, but she forced herself to remain calm. "We need immediate intervention. Dr. Lin?"
Dr. Lin acted swiftly, instructing Jillian to assist with stabilizing the patient. Jillian's hands moved with precision, following every command without hesitation. Sweat trickled down her forehead, but she refused to let fear take over.
Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the heart monitor steadied. A collective breath of relief swept through the team.