My Dear GuardianĀ Episode 29 Recap
> My Dear GuardianĀ Recap
Zhang Yichi, a doctor, collapsed in the clinic while dealing with a difficult patient who was arguing about seeing him. Earlier, he had been arguing with a patient who was cutting in line. He began to bleed from his nose and lost consciousness. When he regained some awareness, he was highly agitated, refusing treatment and proclaiming himself a military man who would not give up, repeatedly calling out Chen Mengzhen's name.
He insisted he was a chief physician and believed in science, denying his condition, despite showing symptoms like an altered mental state. Xia Chu explained that Zhang Yichi had been infected with Hepatitis B from an occupational exposure during a surgery, and despite immediate immunoglobulin shots, the virus was so potent it led to severe acute hepatitis, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy and bleeding, causing his behavior to become uncontrolled and highly resistant to medical staff.
Knowing he kept calling for her, Xia Chu asked Liang Muze to bring Chen Mengzhen to the hospital. Chen Mengzhen immediately went to his side, calmly reassuring him that she would stay with him and help him fight the illness, telling him there was no need to be afraid. Her presence helped soothe Zhang Yichi, and he eventually complied with the treatment.
Director Chen reviewed the treatment plan, and Xia Chu informed him that the mortality rate for severe hepatitis was between 50% and 70%. She explained that they were using artificial liver technology, which, despite being the most effective method, required drawing 50% of his plasma each time, carrying risks of allergic reactions and potential infection. Chen Mengzhen mentioned that her son, Xiao Jun, was being looked after by a neighbor and was behaving well despite knowing about Zhang Yichi's condition.
Rao Feng prepared to attend a meeting, with Liang Shaoxue wishing him good luck and calling him "Dad." He then met with Tian Yong, who was introduced as assistance from the Special Forces Brigade, while Rao Feng himself was identified as the Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division, an experienced officer leading the task force. During their briefing, Tian Yong revealed that he was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage and currently had no girlfriend.
The director informed them that the bait they had set on "City of Desire" had been successful, and the "Scary Pirate" had accepted their proposed deal. The primary objective of the operation was not to make arrests but to cooperate with an insider to set a trap, confirm the "Scary Pirate's" true identity, and uncover the mastermind behind the account. Before leaving for the mission, Tian Yong requested a smartphone.
Later, Liang Shaoxue complained to Liang Muze about coming back with him, then eagerly inquired about Tian Yong, expressing concern about his recovery from a previous gunshot wound and his whereabouts, asking Liang Muze to contact him. Liang Muze, however, dismissed her concerns, advising her to mind her own business and stop bothering Tian Yong.
He also urged her to return to the US, citing the dangers of a recent explosion case and the concern it caused her father, Rao Feng. Liang Shaoxue defiantly claimed to be Tian Yong's girlfriend, but Liang Muze retorted that Tian Yong had never acknowledged her. Liang Shaoxue then sarcastically questioned Liang Muze's own relationship with Xia Chu, implying it was a facade for their aunt, pointing out their separate sleeping arrangements and suggesting a lack of intimacy between them.
Liang Muze calmly explained that his relationship with Xia Chu was one of "love with reason." Liang Shaoxue maintained that her unspoken connection with Tian Yong was profound, claiming he understood her without needing to admit anything. She warned Liang Muze that if he continued to undermine her feelings, she would expose his "fake relationship" to their aunt. Feeling slightly better, Zhang Yichi wanted to check on his patients.
Despite a nurse's concerns about his condition, he insisted on getting a mask, promising to maintain distance. Before encountering the main confrontation, he observed a resident doctor struggling with a patient whose heart rate was dropping. Zhang Yichi calmly intervened, identifying a disconnected electrode sheet, thereby stabilizing the patient's condition and gently correcting the resident's oversight.
However, when he reached another part of the ward, a patient recognized him as the doctor with severe hepatitis and reacted with intense fear and anger. The patient accused Zhang Yichi of having an incurable disease and spreading it, demanding he stay away, while other patients also expressed alarm. Chen Mengzhen quickly stepped forward to defend him, explaining that Zhang Yichi's condition was stable after treatment and that Hepatitis B was not transmitted through such casual contact.
The irate patient dismissed her explanations, accusing her and other doctors of covering for each other and threatening to sue and revoke Zhang Yichi's license, claiming Zhang Yichi's saliva had even gotten on him. Liang Muze then intervened, sternly telling the patient to stop. When the patient shouted that a "doctor hit him," Liang Muze clarified that he was not a doctor and warned that he would personally handle the situation if they continued their disturbance, effectively ending the commotion.
A nurse later explained to Zhang Yichi that this particular patient was known for being problematic and distrustful of medical staff, suggesting the outburst was more an emotional release than a direct attack on him, urging Zhang Yichi not to take it personally. Deeply disheartened by the public's reaction, Zhang Yichi confided in Director Chen, questioning whether he could ever return to the operating table, even if his condition stabilized and tests showed he was no longer infectious.
He expressed his love for surgery, describing it as "straightforward, accurate, and direct," providing a clear and controllable outcome. He declared that if he couldn't practice surgery, he would rather leave the medical profession, as administrative roles were not his aspiration. Director Chen cautioned him that finding a comparable job outside the hospital with his health condition would be difficult. Zhang Yichi maintained that his doctor's coat and military uniform represented more than just a job.
Chen Mengzhen, burdened by guilt, blamed herself for having slept so soundly, which allowed Zhang Yichi to leave his room. She revealed that Zhang Yichi had recently confessed his feelings to her, but she had rejected him, believing their circumstances made a relationship too challenging. Now, she regretted her decision, realizing that "aside from death, what else matters?"
Zhang Yichi, accompanied by his mother, later announced his intention to discharge himself, despite his mother's pleas for him to stay for more observation. Director Chen agreed to arrange a meeting with his supervising doctor, asking Xia Chu, as his initial treating physician, to join. Chen Mengzhen asked Liang Muze to get food for Zhang Yichi, who hadn't eaten all day. Li Juan then confronted Zhang Yichi, angrily scolding him for his self-sacrificing nature.
She reminded him of her earlier advice to wait for test results before operating, lamenting that he failed to save a patient and now jeopardized his own health. She stressed that being a doctor was merely a profession and he was not a deity, recalling a profound quote from Dr Su during their second year of medical school about the profound responsibility of a physician.
Zhang Yichi responded that his determination was not to change the world but to resist being changed by it. Li Juan revealed she had received her visa for her overseas plans but offered to stay if he wished. Zhang Yichi, however, genuinely congratulated her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams, expressing happiness for her. Li Juan sought out Chen Mengzhen in her office for a discussion.
Li Juan probed Chen Mengzhen's intentions, questioning her future plans with Zhang Yichi and if she understood the profound consequences of his illness. She insinuated that Zhang Yichi's parents would likely not accept Chen Mengzhen, a single mother, and implied that Chen Mengzhen was merely drawn to Zhang Yichi's appealing career and family background. Chen Mengzhen calmly countered, suggesting that Li Juan's judgments reflected her own inner thoughts and asserting that her only concern was her relationship with Zhang Yichi.
Li Juan then revealed her own decade-long relationship with Zhang Yichi, claiming they were "as good as a married couple" without a certificate, and that she had "moulded him into who he is." Chen Mengzhen responded by pointing out that a ten-year relationship ending in separation suggested a "lack of love."
Li Juan then highlighted the severe implications of Zhang Yichi's Hepatitis B diagnosis, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance against fatigue and the potential termination of his clinical career if it progressed to chronic hepatitis, asking Chen Mengzhen if she was afraid. Chen Mengzhen confidently stated her experience as a "family of a soldier," explaining that it meant facing life's hardships and daily struggles alone, without companionship or assurance.
She recounted single-handedly raising her son for eight years after her husband's death until she met Zhang Yichi, declaring that she possessed a "strong enough heart to match any outcome" of their story, and would never regret or fear her choices. Li Juan conceded that she now understood Chen Mengzhen's strength. Meanwhile, Zhang Yichi discussed his dilemma with a colleague, Dr. Hu.
He confessed that if he hadn't fallen ill, he would have pursued Chen Mengzhen relentlessly, regardless of her initial stance. However, given his current condition, he felt he couldn't fully undertake the responsibilities of a husband and questioned the morality of "claiming a free life in the name of love" when he knew he couldn't give his all. He concluded that he "can't" do it. Zhang Yichi's mother's attitude towards Chen Mengzhen had notably softened.
She expressed gratitude for Chen Mengzhen's care during Zhang Yichi's treatment, admitting her initial disapproval of their relationship, fearing Chen Mengzhen was "in it for something." She apologized, acknowledging her mistake. Chen Mengzhen gracefully affirmed that she was indeed "after him," drawn by his intelligence, humor, and sunny, calm demeanor, concluding that "love is a form of desire anyway."
She expressed a desire to continue caring for him as a way to repay him for saving her son, but his mother quickly dismissed this, asserting that doctors had professional responsibilities and that Chen Mengzhen owed him nothing. As Zhang Yichi prepared for discharge, accompanied by his mother and Chen Mengzhen, he reassured his mother of his well-being, eager to return home.
Director Chen then spoke with Xia Chu, informing her that Zhang Yichi had praised her as one of his most outstanding resident doctors and offered her a transfer back to the cardiac surgery department from the ER. Xia Chu, however, was saddened to learn that Zhang Yichi would not be returning to clinical practice but would instead be transferred to teach at the medical school. On the day of his departure, Zhang Yichi gathered his colleagues for a farewell.
He spoke of Mencius's three joys of a gentleman, highlighting the third: "finding the most talented individuals and teaching and nourishing them." He expressed that while teaching them had been a "little bit of happiness," he was now moving on to educate even younger and more promising talents, which would be a "big happiness," and urged his colleagues to be happy for him.
He encouraged them to work diligently and "stand in front of the operating table in place of me," expressing his hope that they would always be able to confidently tell patients' families that "the operation was a success," rather than having to say, "I've tried my best." He then saluted his colleagues, who, in a poignant moment, recited the physician's oath. As they spoke, Zhang Yichi was visibly moved, tears streaming down his face. From a distance, Chen Mengzhen watched the scene unfold, her own eyes welling up with tears.
