Emergence from the cocoon
Chapter 1
My boyfriend stole my recommendation letter, just so his precious “soulmate” could study under a renowned expert.
When I confronted him, he was completely unapologetic.
“You’re so talented, you’ll succeed on your own. Ashley can’t.”
Right then and there, I declared I was giving up research and going abroad.
My boyfriend, who’d been blaming me for being unreasonable, was stunned.
“Your family’s broke! How can you afford to study abroad? Don’t be impulsive!”
His freeloading soulmate, Ashley, also looked shocked.
“You’ve been working on the Ankylosing Spondylitis rehabilitation project for so long, how can you just give it up? It’s irresponsible!”
I watched their fake concern, knowing the truth.
They didn’t know I was the only one, in the entire country and abroad, who could perform this specific spinal repair.
But this time, I was done.
I wanted to see what kind of waves a poser with only theoretical knowledge could make.
1.
“Wendy, how can you say this recommendation letter is yours? Do you have any proof?”
As my colleagues looked at me with suspicion, my gaze was fixed on my boyfriend, Steve.
I never imagined he would steal my recommendation letter for Ashley.
He knew how much hard work and effort I had put into earning this opportunity.
Was his soulmate’s future more important than mine? Was I just a stepping stone for others?
Steve glared at me, self-righteous.
“Wendy, you’re delusional. Now you’re even claiming things that aren’t yours?”
Seeing him defend Ashley, my heart turned to ice.
Everyone saw us as a sweet couple of three years, the envy of all.
No one would suspect Steve of doing something like this.
Under everyone’s judgmental stares, he spoke again.
“Since you can’t provide any evidence, you must apologize to Ashley in front of everyone.”
“And you need to call Dr. Landon and confirm that Ashley is the doctor who received the recommendation.”
Steve’s suggestion was met with unanimous agreement.
But my fists clenched, the coldness in my eyes deepening.
He’d orchestrated this whole thing to give Ashley a chance to study under Dr. Landon.
He wanted to ruin my reputation and prevent me from ever advancing in the hospital.
“Steve, we’ve been together for three years. Are you sure you want to do this to me?”
He stepped forward and hugged me gently.
In a voice only we could hear, he said, “You’re so capable, you’ll succeed anyway. Ashley can’t.”
He immediately released me.
“Wendy, don’t blame me. I just don’t want to see you make a mistake.”
Seeing my expression, Ashley stepped in, shielding Steve. “Dr. Wendy, what are you going to do to Steve?”
“If you’re angry, take it out on me.”
The onlookers rushed forward, blocking me from them.
“Wendy, this is a hospital! What do you think you’re doing?”
“These days, people who do bad things are so brazen. I don’t think you deserve to be a doctor, or to stay in the research group!”
“We’ll report this to the hospital and get you fired.”
Steve bowed to everyone.
“I believe Wendy was just momentarily confused. I hope you can give her a chance to redeem herself.”
Looking at Steve’s hypocrisy, I laughed.
“I don’t have any evidence to prove that the recommendation letter in Ashley’s hand is mine.”
“But I, Wendy, never lie, and I disdain lying!”
“Since you don’t want me to stay in the research group, I’ll quit.”
Steve and Ashley’s faces lit up.
But my next words made their expressions change.
“I’ll resign and accept the invitation from Harvard Medical School to study abroad.”
2.
Ignoring their shocked stares, I turned to leave.
Steve blocked my path.
His voice rose. “Wendy, what kind of joke are you playing?!”
“Your family’s poor! How can you study abroad? Don’t be so dramatic!”
Ashley’s face fell. “Dr. Wendy, you’ve been working on the Ankylosing Spondylitis rehabilitation project for so long, how can you just give it up? That’s so irresponsible!”
I sneered. “Isn’t my leaving exactly what you wanted?”
After a moment of silence, Ashley grabbed my hand.
“Dr. Wendy, you’re an excellent doctor, and I don’t want to see you give up on your dreams.”
“If you don’t mind, I can recommend you to Dr. Landon and try to get him to take you on as a student too.”
Ashley’s words made her look like a saint in the eyes of my colleagues.
If I refused, I would seem ungrateful.
The department head walked over.
He patted Ashley’s shoulder.
“Dr. Ashley, you haven’t done anything wrong, so why are you being so accommodating?”
“Especially to someone with such questionable character!”
He turned his sharp gaze to me.
“Since you’ve made your decision, this small temple can’t accommodate a big Buddha like you.”
“Submit your resignation letter, and I’ll sign it immediately.”
Steve looked panicked, trying to speak up for me.
I cut him off, took off my white coat, and walked away without looking back.
Steve chased after me and grabbed my arm.
“Wendy, who gave you permission to resign? Come back with me and apologize to the director.”
I甩开他的手，面无表情地甩开他的手，「休想！」 wrenched my arm free. “No way!”
“Wendy, you’re broke! How can you afford to study abroad? If you take one more step, we’re breaking up!”
His commanding tone was laughable.
This was the man I had loved with all my heart for three years.
I gave a self-deprecating smile. “Then let’s break up.”
I hopped into a taxi and left without giving him time to react.
By the time I got home, the news of my argument with Ashley had spread throughout the hospital.
Someone even posted about it on the City Hospital’s online forum.
Overnight, Ashley and I became famous in the city’s medical community.
She became the praised good doctor.
Several national key research groups extended invitations to her.
And I was the thief in the gutter.
My previous achievements were completely dismissed.
I was labeled the “shame of the medical world” and the “scum of doctors.”
Looking at the insults online, I felt strangely calm.
Ashley had joined the research group on my recommendation.
All her experimental data came from me; she hadn’t even done the work herself.
My mentor had always thought highly of me, so before he passed away, he left me a recommendation letter.
He hoped I could join Dr. Landon’s research group and make a name for myself.
Now, the research was about to enter clinical trials.
I wanted to see how she would complete a single Ankylosing Spondylitis repair without me.
It was only a matter of time before Steve and Ashley’s lies were exposed.
3.
After submitting my resignation, I packed my bags.
Looking at the apartment Steve and I had shared for three years, I couldn’t deny a pang of sadness.
Steve was my first love.
After we got together, he was my whole world.
Until I accidentally saw his hidden photo album on his phone, filled with intimate pictures of him and Ashley.
When I confronted him with the photos, he lashed out.
He accused me of violating his privacy and not trusting him.
We were in a cold war for a month.
I was the one who apologized first, earning only his reluctant forgiveness.
But from that day on, he became less and less discreet about his special treatment of Ashley.
When I was sick with a high fever, he left me home because Ashley called.
On my birthday, he left me alone at a restaurant until closing time because he was stargazing with Ashley.
He repeatedly gave my research to Ashley to pave the way for her career.
I argued with him, of course.
But each time, I got the same response: “If you’re not happy, then let’s break up.”
I could have overlooked everything else.
But the Ankylosing Spondylitis repair research was my lifelong dream.
It wasn’t just for my academic achievements, but for countless patients.
This time, I wouldn’t back down.
I didn’t have much luggage, so I finished packing quickly.
As I was about to leave, the door opened.
It was Steve and Ashley.
Ashley feigned surprise. “Dr. Wendy, are you really going abroad?”
Steve rolled his eyes. “Wendy, stop acting. It’s getting pathetic.”
“With your unremarkable background, how can you even talk about studying abroad? I doubt you can even afford a plane ticket!”
“While there’s still time to fix this, go back to the hospital with Ashley. Don’t worry, Ashley isn’t petty like you. She’ll plead your case.”
Ashley chimed in. “Yeah, Dr. Wendy, the director said that as long as you apologize to me publicly at the hospital meeting, he’ll let it go.”
“After I become Dr. Landon’s student, I’ll put in a good word for you with him.”
I laughed.
“Ashley, how can you ask me to apologize to you?”
“Put in a good word for me with Dr. Landon? I think you’re afraid I’ll really leave!”
Steve glared at me, protective of Ashley.
“Ashley’s father is the director of a major hospital. She’s a thousand times better than you. You can’t even compare to a single strand of her hair.”
“Do what Ashley says, or I’ll never forgive you!”
My first love, the man I had loved for three years, finally revealed his true feelings.
Steve was right, my family background couldn’t compare to Ashley’s.
But he didn’t know that I was the only doctor, domestically and internationally, who could perform the Ankylosing Spondylitis repair.
Countless patients sought me out, and the highest fee I’d received for a single treatment was over ten million dollars.
Ashley and her small-town hospital director father weren’t even fit to pour me a glass of water.
I had planned to tell Steve everything after the project and marry him.
Now, I realized he wasn’t worthy.
All my love for him vanished.
I looked at him coldly. “Really? I’d love that.”
“I hope you’ll be just as smug in the near future.”
I picked up my suitcase, walked around them, and said goodbye to the three years I’d wasted.
4.
At the airport, I bought the earliest flight to the US.
Before boarding, I received a screenshot from a colleague.
It was Ashley’s recent post on the forum:
[Dr. Wendy is an excellent doctor. I’ve always looked up to her. I believe she made a mistake in a moment of confusion. I’m willing to forgive her and give her a chance to redeem herself. So, Dr. Wendy, come back. I hope we can still be colleagues!]
I scoffed at her shameless post.
She just realized she couldn’t produce any results without me.
Even her pathetic plea was masked with self-righteousness.
I turned off my phone.
At Harvard, I was surrounded by brilliant minds from all over the world.
I was exposed to cutting-edge medical research and the most advanced equipment.
I realized how foolish I had been to give up opportunities for Steve.
I devoted all my energy to my studies, striving to improve.
My mentor, Professor Peter, a renowned doctor, was impressed with my work.
Three months later, I returned to China with him for an academic conference.
The conference focused on rehabilitation research for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients.
As soon as we arrived, I saw Steve, dressed impeccably, walking towards me.
He smiled. “Wendy, I knew you were coming back today, so I came to pick you up!”
I narrowed my eyes. “What do you want?”
He put his arm around my shoulders. “You’re my girlfriend. You’ve been abroad for three months without a word. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
Girlfriend?
If he hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten we hadn’t officially broken up.
I remained silent as Steve tightened his grip on my shoulder.
“Wendy, I saved your life, so you have to help Ashley with the clinical trial.”
“Otherwise, don’t blame me for breaking up with you!”
5.
I had been so infatuated with Steve, to the point of tolerating Ashley’s existence.
Besides being smitten with him at first sight, it was because he had saved my life.
Just before graduation, I was so engrossed in my experiments that I didn’t notice the thick smoke billowing from the lab next door.
Steve’s phone call alerted me, saving me from being trapped and burned alive.
I always thought the fire was caused by a malfunctioning machine, as the school announced.
It wasn’t until my recommendation letter was stolen that I learned the truth from Steve and Ashley.
That night, Steve had gone to the lab to meet Ashley.
In a moment of passion, Ashley forgot to turn off the equipment, causing a short circuit and the fire.
Steve only rescued me because he hoped the school would downplay the incident, considering I was a promising student.
He assured Ashley that with this “life-saving grace,” I would hand over the recommendation letter without hesitation.
“How do you want me to help her?” I asked through gritted teeth.
Steve smiled. “Simple. Just like before, perform the surgery under Ashley’s name.”
Ashley and I were similar in height and build.
With masks and hats on, it was hard to tell us apart if we didn’t speak.
I had helped Ashley this way several times, allowing her to quickly establish herself at the hospital.
Looking at Steve’s smug smile, I stayed silent.
Impatient, his smile faded. “Wendy, I’m talking to you! Did you hear me?”
“You have to help. You owe me your life!”
“Don’t worry, we won’t treat you badly. You must be struggling abroad. As long as you help Ashley with tomorrow’s surgery, I’ll transfer you ten thousand dollars!”
I scoffed. “Ten thousand?”
Steve thought I was dissatisfied with the amount. “Wendy, I thought you looked down on money? Now you think it’s too little?”
“Let me tell you…”
I cut him off. “Keep your money. I’ll be at the hospital tomorrow to perform the surgery.”
Steve looked relieved. “Good! I knew you’d see reason.”
“It’s settled then. Ashley and I will be waiting for you at the hospital tomorrow.”
He quickly texted Ashley.
Before leaving, he reminded me to be discreet at the hospital and not attract attention.
Professor Peter emerged from the airport.
He asked who the man was.
Looking at Steve’s retreating figure, I smiled meaningfully.
“A stranger. Asking for directions.”
“By the way, Professor, the hospital where I used to work will be performing Ankylosing Spondylitis repair surgery tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?”
Professor Peter’s eyes lit up. “Really? We should definitely go and observe.”
The time had come to clear my name.
I looked up at the bright sun, my heart lighter.
6.
The next day, Steve and Ashley arrived at the hospital early.
Ashley even requested that the entire surgery be recorded.
The hospital readily agreed.
So, as I entered the operating room in my scrubs, mask, and cap, I was being filmed.
Looking at the camera, I smiled behind my mask.
Ashley wanted to use this to gain fame in the medical world; I would gladly help her.
“Dr. Ashley, everything is ready. We can begin.”
I snapped back to focus and began the surgery, giving it my all.
Six hours later, after the last stitch, the surgery was a complete success.
Applause erupted in the operating room.
After thanking everyone, I quickly left for the private changing room the hospital had provided for Ashley.
Inside, I saw Ashley beaming.
She clapped insincerely. “As expected of Dr. Wendy! You’re truly skilled!”
“Don’t worry, after I officially become Dr. Landon’s student, I’ll put in a good word for you.”
I removed my mask, my expression cold. “How generous of you, Dr. Ashley.”
“Aren’t you afraid of this being exposed? You can’t ask me to perform every surgery for you.”
Ashley’s smile faltered.
But she quickly regained her composure.
“Once I’m Dr. Landon’s student, I’ll learn everything you know! I’ll even be better than you!”
She adjusted her collar, ready to bask in the praise.
But she turned back with a smug grin. “Dr. Wendy, you don’t have to be so polite. After all, you did take care of Steve for three years.”
“Remember to leave through the back door!”
I clenched my fists as she closed the door.
After showering and changing, I went to find Professor Peter.
Meanwhile, Ashley opened the office door.
“Bang!” Confetti rained down.
Congratulations and praises followed.
“Dr. Ashley, you’re amazing! I was on the edge of my seat watching you operate!”
“You’re a medical genius! No wonder Dr. Landon chose you as his only student!”
“That Wendy had the nerve to claim the recommendation letter was hers. How embarrassing!”
Steve presented Ashley with a bouquet. “Ashley, congratulations! You’re incredible!”
Ashley accepted the flowers, a humble smile on her face.
“Thank you for your recognition! Thank you all!”
“There have been some unpleasant rumors about me lately. I didn’t bother explaining because I believe actions speak louder than words.”
“I’ll continue to work hard so that more patients can be free from pain!”
Thunderous applause filled the office.
The door opened, and Professor Peter appeared, his face serious.
“You’re saying this Dr. Ashley performed the surgery?”
