Chapter 160: Director Xiang’s Invitation!
“Why don’t you guys take the car back? Taking a taxi is such a hassle?” In the underground parking lot of Chengxin Plaza, Mu Leng said directly, holding a cigarette between his fingers.
“That won’t work, Uncle. You need the car tomorrow too. My dad and I can just take a taxi back.”
“I don’t have to work tomorrow, so I’m not in a hurry,” Lu Cheng waved his hand, politely refusing.
Lu Nan’s father also said, “Uncle Mu is here, it would be inconvenient for you without a car. We can get a taxi outside, it’ll be quick.”
“Old Wei should wake up around noon tomorrow. We’ll see each other at the hospital then.”
“Or you could bring Xiao Shu and your sister-in-law over for dinner,” Lu Nan’s father invited.
Mu Leng replied, “Xiao Yue will be going to the countryside with my father tomorrow, so she won’t be coming over tomorrow. Maybe in a few more days… there’s still time…”
“Is Uncle going back to his hometown?” Lu Nan’s father’s gaze flickered.
“Heh… He wants to be fair, and I don’t bother to meticulously calculate how he uses the money I give him for his old age.”
Mu Leng looked at Lu Cheng, “Since Xiao Lu is here, let’s not bring up these trivial matters. Lest we become a laughingstock.”
“Then I won’t be polite either. You should get back early and rest. Xiao Lu has worked hard today too.”
Mu Leng patted Lu Cheng’s shoulder, “You’ve worked hard, Xiao Lu. I’ll keep this favor in mind, Uncle.”
Lu Cheng replied tactfully, “Uncle, whether you remember it or not, I should do this.”
Mu Leng didn’t want to bring up the troublesome matters at home anymore and turned to enter the elevator shaft.
As Lu Cheng and Lu Nan’s father walked out of the underground parking lot, Lu Cheng asked Lu Nan’s father about Mu Leng’s family situation.
After a brief inquiry, Lu Cheng learned that Mu Leng had encountered a financial crisis when he first started his business!
Mu Leng’s younger brother had also invested some money, which was agreed to be an investment. However, seeing that Mu Leng was about to fail, Mu Leng’s brother changed his statement to a loan, kicking him while he was down and demanding that Mu Leng repay the debt.
Although there was no contract, the money was indeed taken from his brother. After many arguments, Mu Leng couldn’t take it anymore.
At that time, Mu Leng was in great difficulty and asked Lu Nan’s father for a loan. Lu Nan’s father lent Mu Leng the money without hesitation.
Of course, later Mu Leng changed his words, saying that the money should be considered an investment from Lu Nan’s father, but the honest and down-to-earth Lu Nan’s father did not agree.
Can the relationship between two families be maintained when one’s own brother stepped on him so heavily during his downfall?
After Mu Leng became successful, he decisively didn’t bring him along anymore?
But later, the two brothers had a conflict, and Mu Leng’s brother again talked about partnership and investing money, but Mu Leng was not a three-year-old child…
“Dad, so you lost money. I should have been a rich second-generation too,” Lu Cheng teased.
Lu Nan’s father glared at Lu Cheng, “Dishonest money cannot be taken. What was agreed to be a loan is a loan. Investing money would mean a loss.”
“Mu Leng even paid me interest, so I made a profit. Money that shouldn’t be taken is not legitimate money. This point must be clarified.”
“Although our family isn’t well-off, we can’t do such unreasonable things.”
Lu Nan’s father’s character has always been honest and down-to-earth, and it is precisely because of this integrity that Mu Leng and Lu Nan’s father have become iron brothers today.
“Dad, you’re much smarter than Mom,” Lu Cheng suddenly gave a thumbs up.
Lu Nan’s father was truly wise and appeared foolish. Generally, people who make friends with someone like him, no matter how shrewd the other party is, will not focus their intentions on such an honest person.
Even the most scheming people need a few true friends.
“What smart or not, it’s just the most basic principle. Putting yourself in others’ shoes may not always earn you sincerity, but only sincerity can earn sincerity.”
“Aren’t you the same?”
“Not exactly, my son…” Lu Nan’s father muttered, but thinking that these words would not be good for Mu Nanshu’s reputation, he didn’t continue.
Taking a taxi is convenient, but it’s expensive. After 10 PM, taxis in Long County charge whatever they want. For less than three kilometers, a fare that usually costs at most ten yuan was charged at fifteen.
But it was getting late, so Lu Cheng could only pay.
Just as they were nearing home, Lu Nan’s father suddenly asked, “How have you and Mu Nanshu settled things between you?”
“If you can’t get along, make it clear early. You’re both old enough.”
“If there’s still a chance, it will be a bit difficult. Xiao Shu coming to our home now is a bit of a downgrade for her.”
Lu Cheng glanced at Lu Nan’s father and replied, “We haven’t discussed these matters yet. Xiao Shu and I have only recently reconnected.”
“Let’s first focus on the research project we need to work on together. Uncle Mu didn’t mention anything about her downgrading herself on the phone!~”
“We don’t need to be so strong.”
“There’s a gap in our family backgrounds, but we’re not that different as people.”
Lu Nan’s father said, “Mu Leng would definitely not bring it up, he’s not that kind of person. But you should be clear in your own mind.”
Lu Cheng nodded and agreed…
Lu Cheng, who should have had a good night’s sleep, was woken up by a phone call around three in the morning!~
This time, the call wasn’t from Du Qiang, but from He Shanshan, Wei Ying’s wife.
Lu Cheng hadn’t slept much, looked outside at the pitch-black sky, and instinctively frowned.
But considering that Aunt He Shanshan was looking after Uncle Wei Ying, he rubbed his eyes before answering, “Aunt He, what’s wrong? Has Uncle Wei woken up?”
Lu Cheng was afraid that Wei Ying might die directly in the ICU.
“Xiao Lu…” He Shanshan’s tone was hesitant, but another unfamiliar woman’s voice spoke, “Go on, sister-in-law.”
He Shanshan then said, “Xiao Lu, your Uncle Wei hasn’t woken up yet. The doctor from the ICU just came out and said his vital signs are stable, just that his lactic acid is a bit high, but it shouldn’t be a big problem.”
“It’s your Uncle Wei’s brother-in-law, Director Du Qiang from your hospital. He’s hoping Xiao Lu can help him out as he’s run into some trouble.”
After He Shanshan started, she explained the situation clearly, both directly and indirectly.
The truth was not a family dispute like Director Lin Qianlong described, where she was the “second wife.” Instead, Du Qiang’s son, while arguing with his girlfriend, accidentally pushed her off the roof.
She might die now.
Negligent homicide is still homicide. Although the girl was sent to the hospital immediately, Du Qiang mobilized all his resources. Even Wei Ying, his wife’s elder brother, who was injured and admitted, was not immediately taken out of the operating room.
But the problem now is that Du Qiang, General Surgery, and even everyone in the hospital have tried their best, but they can’t save her.
Professor Chen just ignored the hospital’s calls…
Du Qiang called him immediately. At that time, Professor Chen said he was eating. Later, Professor Chen was called to the hospital by Lu Cheng, and now he’s run off and can’t be reached.
“Auntie, it’s not that I don’t want to help. I’ve also called, but Professor Chen isn’t answering.”
Lu Cheng continued, “I’ve already troubled Professor Chen once. You can’t make me look bad again.”
“For Professor Chen, coming to the countryside is to support our hospital’s medical care and for teaching.”
“Working overtime is a favor; not working overtime is a duty.”
He Shanshan said, “Xiao Lu, the reasoning is sound, but isn’t the current situation special?”
“Du Qiang’s child is also your Uncle Wei’s nephew!~”
“I can’t just stand by and watch him make an irreversible mistake because of a small slip-up, right? Xiao Lu.”
“If the girl can be saved, it shouldn’t be classified as assault, after all, quarrels between young couples are normal.”
Lu Cheng replied, “That reasoning is correct, but Aunt He, you need to be clear about my relationship with Director Du.”
“Am I supposed to knock on his door now???”
“Aunt He, do you think this is appropriate?”
“Aunt He, you are my aunt. Do you think I should do this?”
He Shanshan’s phone was snatched away, “Doctor Lu, hello, I am Wei Ying’s sister, shamelessly posing as your aunt.”
“Doctor Lu, can you help me if I, your aunt, beg you?”
“If you help me with this favor, I will remember your kindness forever. I can even kneel before you.”
“Du Yanli is still young, and he still wants to join the army in the future…”
Lu Cheng said, “I’m sorry, I can’t. I have to be a human first.”
“Professor Chen is clearly already exhausted and doesn’t want to work overtime anymore.”
“I can’t be ignorant again and again! If this were the first time asking Professor Chen, I wouldn’t hesitate.”
“Doctor Lu!~ Listen to me…”
“No matter what, saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Professor Chen is also a doctor, and he’ll surely understand your intention is to save a life.”
“Your Uncle Du and I just want to save someone. Regardless, the life is innocent, right?” Wei Cheng spoke more tactfully.
Lu Cheng interrupted again, “Um… Auntie, since you are Uncle Wei Ying’s sister, you shouldn’t make things difficult for me at this time.”
“It’s your effort if you can get Professor Chen Song to come. Don’t force me to do unreasonable things. I’m not a child anymore…”
“Please be considerate!~”
Lu Cheng hung up the phone unilaterally, took a deep breath, set his phone to silent, and went back to sleep.
Lu Cheng’s phone flickered a few more times and then went dark. No more calls came.
…
September 28th, Monday, 5:49 PM, Long County North Station High-speed Rail Station.
The autumn wind blew gently. Lu Cheng voluntarily opened the trunk and helped Professor Chen Song and Professor Tong Yuan’an with their luggage.
The 2023 National Day holiday was scheduled for September 29th to October 6th, meaning that from now on, Tong Yuan’an and Chen Song were officially on holiday.
Chen Song and Tong Yuan’an both had their own plans, taking their families for travel. It was heard that the two families would go to Beihai for two days, and then they each had further itineraries.
“Teacher Chen, Teacher Tong, you haven’t had dinner yet, and you’re rushing for your train. It’s not appropriate to travel for several hours on an empty stomach.”
“If people didn’t know, they’d think I, Xiao Lu, was thoughtless and didn’t arrange a meal,” Lu Cheng said, pushing two large suitcases horizontally in the underground parking lot.
Professor Chen Song haughtily raised his chin, “Going hungry is our own choice, and we deserve it.”
“Mainly, we want to go back and have some good food. Why don’t you take leave and come with us?” Chen Song had lived in Shashi City for many years and had developed a taste for Shashi cuisine.
The food in Long County was too heavy for them.
Lu Cheng frankly replied, “Teacher Chen, I have to be on duty during the National Day holiday. I took five days off last month, and I really can’t ask for more leave.”
“When you teachers return, I will definitely prepare wine to welcome you back.”
In fact, if Chen Song and Tong Yuan’an were at their respective workplaces, they wouldn’t be so carefree even during the National Day holiday.
However, the holidays during their countryside assignment were very free.
“Then that’s settled. We’ll go up for security checks first. Xiao Lu, you can head back directly.” Tong Yuan’an waved his chubby hand.
“We’re all so familiar now, you don’t need to be so formal.”
“I still need to save stomach space to eat rabbit,” Tong Yuan’an said, his saliva secreting more.
Lu Cheng did not follow Tong Yuan’an’s suggestion, “Teacher Tong, since we’re already here, I’ll see you off.”
…
No matter how important work is, everyone yearns to return home.
Long County was Lu Cheng’s hometown, not Chen Song and Tong Yuan’an’s. The two only smoked their last cigarettes outside the high-speed rail station before entering the security check.
After Lu Cheng watched them enter, he turned and went down to the underground parking lot.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, Lu Cheng’s expression was conflicted. He looked at the dinner invitation from Xiang Kuihua on his phone and hesitated for a long, long time.
Lu Cheng really couldn’t understand why Xiang Kuihua would invite him to dinner.
To fall out? To plead for mercy? Or to make some humorous joke?
About ten minutes later, at 6:05 PM, Lu Cheng said, “Director Xiang, I was just seeing off Professor Chen and Professor Tong on the high-speed train. I just saw your message.”
“I’ll drive over directly then.”
“Come, come… you come,” Xiang Kuihua replied quickly.
…
Tujia Dingguan Traditional Cuisine Restaurant, main hall.
The customer traffic was not very high, so Lu Cheng and Xiang Kuihua could enjoy a large table by the window.
This restaurant specializes in old-fashioned firewood-cooked rice in iron pots. In local slang, such pots are called ‘Ding Guan,’ hence the name.
After sitting down opposite Xiang Kuihua, Lu Cheng smiled like a seasoned negotiator, “Director Xiang, Professor Chen and Professor Tong have both gone back. If you have any instructions, please state them clearly.”
Xiang Kuihua was burly, with the standard physique of an orthopedic surgeon, but his face was relatively small.
He had eight-character eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a rounded, gourd-like nose, which were quite standard central facial features.
Xiang Kuihua’s eyes were currently narrowed to a slit. He proactively poured Lu Cheng a cup of tea, “Lu Cheng, do you think that because Professor Tong Yuan’an and the others are on holiday and have gone back today, and you have no one to protect you, I should start targeting you?”
Lu Cheng shook his head and replied rather insincerely, “Director Xiang, absolutely not. I know you’re not such a petty person.”
“Besides, we’re not enemies, are we?”
Xiang Kuihua’s skin was very dry, with occasional acne scars that had scabbed over and peeled. Seeing Lu Cheng speaking like this, he simply replied, “Actually, I did think that.”
“You bastard, you dug up my roots in the Emergency Department, leaving me with almost no surgeries to perform in the past few months. How audacious are you?”
Lu Cheng’s expression was calm, but his eyes flickered with caution.
“You even forced me to spend a lot of money to learn manual reduction, a waste of labor and resources…”
As Xiang Kuihua reached this point, his tone shifted, “But after experiencing all this, I realized that Director Peng’s techniques are actually nothing.”
Lu Cheng’s expression froze, and he looked at Xiang Kuihua with a slight look of surprise.
“You’ve been in Orthopedics for so long, you must know that the PFNA for traumatic tibial plateau fractures and femoral neck fractures has always been blocked by Director Peng.”
“The pedicle screw fixation surgery in spinal surgery is the same…”
“We always thought these techniques required a high barrier to entry, and we haven’t even managed to get started.”
“But in reality, this was just a smokescreen put out by Peng Haibo… These techniques are nothing, why are they so difficult?”
“In five days, I learned it.”
“Brother Luo also went out this month, and after returning, he’s been performing lumbar spondylolisthesis surgeries smoothly…”
Lu Cheng looked at Xiang Kuihua and found that there was no anger in Xiang Kuihua’s expression; instead, there was a hint of mockery.
“Director Xiang, what do you mean by telling me all this?” Lu Cheng couldn’t gauge Xiang Kuihua’s attitude.
Xiang Kuihua looked at Lu Cheng, turned his head to look left and right, then leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, “Whether Orthopedics District One has Director Peng or not is irrelevant!”
“With him, the department can operate normally; without him, it might operate even better.”
“And the network of resources he controlled was actually just so-so.”
“After the smokescreen cleared, the truth was revealed.”
“To be honest, I should thank you, which is why I specifically invited you to dinner,” Xiang Kuihua said sincerely.
Lu Cheng didn’t take Xiang Kuihua’s tone seriously and replied, “Director Peng’s techniques are still quite good.”
Xiang Kuihua nodded, “His techniques are good, I’m not saying they’re bad, but they’re not as good as he always claims.”
“Once I master intramedullary nailing, and once Luo Changwu gets the hang of minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation, he’ll just be average.”
“Lu Cheng, honestly, sometimes I feel we’ve been wronged.”
“For a person, poor technique is a matter of accumulation; a lack of cognition is truly pitiful… We, a few people, were actually played for fools by Peng Haibo.”
“Alas… it’s our own fault!”
“After all, we ourselves didn’t strive for self-improvement,” Xiang Kuihua said with a bitter expression.
In Long County, the basic operating rule is that technique is king. Peng Haibo, as the Director of Orthopedics, certainly had some skills.
It’s just that when Luo Changwu and others were working, there was no concept of standardized training. Later, when they went for further study, they were quite young and didn’t encounter many surgical procedures, so they didn’t have enough experience to fully understand the difficulty of surgery.
Therefore, they always thought Peng Haibo was very skilled, but after performing surgery for many years and then studying, they found that Peng Haibo’s skill was just average.
It’s not that he couldn’t be replaced, but they had been confined to the county and were reluctant to spend money to learn true techniques.
After returning, they realized Peng Haibo was just so-so, and now they felt more at ease.
“Xiao Lu, take my advice, come back. Let’s work together to truly establish the sub-specialties of Orthopedics.”
“We have Director Liu for joints, Luo Changwu for the spine, Tian Shan for sports medicine, me for trauma, and you for hand surgery. That’s enough!” Xiang Kuihua’s expression and eyes were very sincere.
