Chapter 168: Self-defense Player!
“Director Chen, Doctor Lu said he just got lucky and didn’t use any special techniques.”
“Sigh… it seems that diagnosing ectopic pregnancy still relies on early routine ultrasound scans…” Zhao Ruifang sighed with regret while on the phone.
Lu Cheng listened to Zhao Ruifang’s exclamations as she left, and then looked at his physical examination technique.
【 Physical Examination （ Mastery 20/20 ）】, that’s something.
Although it doesn’t show off, it’s actually integrated into my physical examination instincts.
…
Time flows like water, and nearly a week has passed in the blink of an eye.
October 7th, Wednesday, the first workday after the National Day holiday, weather: Lu Cheng is unknown!
At 5:40 in the morning, Lu Cheng walked out of the emergency operating room, rubbing his eyes!
As he passed through the corridor, Lu Cheng noticed that it was windy but not raining outside.
Lu Cheng’s eyes were a bit hazy, almost to the point of extreme exhaustion.
After working a surgery shift on October 1st, Lu Cheng only had one day off on October 2nd.
From the 3rd until now, Lu Cheng has not left the hospital or department, with various emergencies coming in non-stop.
Lu Cheng worked through the clinic day shift on the 3rd, the clinic night shift on the 4th, the ward day shift on the 5th, and the ward night shift on the 6th.
Actually, any shift is fine, but for some surgeries, Lu Cheng still needs to be the chief surgeon, and the surgery shift partners with Lu Cheng have to cover his shifts or be on duty in the clinic.
Appendicitis, gallstones, and cholangitis are manageable. If it’s a tendon injury, spleen injury, or gallbladder injury requiring gallbladder preservation surgery, Lu Cheng still needs to perform it personally…
Professor Chen Song and Professor Tong Yuan’an arrived in Long County on the 6th, but Lu Cheng didn’t have time to pick them up.
Mu Nanshu had promised to come back to see Lu Cheng on the 5th, and while Mu Nanshu did return, Lu Cheng hasn’t left the hospital.
“3, 4, 5, 6, at least a full ninety-six hours!” Lu Cheng calculated the time himself and felt a bit numb.
Immediately, Lu Cheng sent a message to Director Lin Qianlong: “Director Lin, I need to take a leave today, I really can’t hold on anymore.”
After sending the message, Lu Cheng didn’t care when Director Lin Qianlong would see it and ran back to the doctor’s office to write postoperative medical orders and surgical records—
While writing, Lu Cheng used his panel to stay alert and motivate himself with the recent gains, determined not to fall asleep.
【 Limb Replantation Surgery （ Mastery 20/20 ）（+1）（ Skill Points -34 points）】
【 Unnamed Spleen Suturing Technique （ Mastery 20/20 ）（ Skill Points -30 points）】
【 Spleen Preservation Surgery (Mastery 20/20) （ Skill Points -20）, Gallbladder Preservation Surgery （ Mastery 20/20 ）（ Skill Points -20）】
【 Skill Point Balance: 3.2】
All the skill points earned by working day and night on surgeries throughout the holiday were spent on professional techniques.
It did not help at all for the upcoming Microsurgery Skills Competition—
Of course, the achievements were also very fruitful.
In the past few days, Lu Cheng saved one hand and two fingers!
He saved two gallbladders and three spleens!
Whether it was worth it or not is another matter, but in the past few days, Lu Cheng has heard “thank you” from patients and their families so many times that his ears have grown calluses.
After finishing the medical orders and clicking submit for review, Lu Cheng, despite trying to force himself to look at the panel, couldn’t hold on any longer and collapsed onto his chair, snoring loudly.
Two minutes later, Yao Lina, who was on duty, knocked on the door: “Doctor Lu, you made a mistake in the timing of one of the medical orders…”
Seeing Lu Cheng with his head slumped to the side, Yao Lina instinctively thought Lu Cheng might have been sent away.
But hearing Lu Cheng’s thunderous snores, Yao Lina was finally sure Lu Cheng was still alive and went to find Han Xiaoping, who was on duty in the emergency clinic, to help correct the medical order.
Lu Cheng slept through until 8:30 in the morning, then slowly woke up from the chair.
The department was already crowded, but everyone was tiptoeing.
Even the voices of Lin Qianlong and Zhang Tiesheng discussing issues were as faint as mosquitoes, as if afraid of disturbing Lu Cheng’s sleep.
Of course, after scanning past everyone, Lu Cheng focused his gaze on Tong Yuan’an!
“Teacher Tong…” Lu Cheng quickly got up to greet him.
“Awake?” Tong Yuan’an raised his eyelids to look at Lu Cheng and asked.
Lu Cheng nodded and rubbed his eyelids fiercely: “Sorry, Teacher Tong, I overslept.”
Tong Yuan’an looked at Lu Cheng dismissively: “You didn’t just oversleep, did you? You were risking your life.”
“You’re so used to being poor at home that you don’t want to go home and waste electricity, right?” Tong Yuan’an’s tone was sharp and sarcastic.
Professor Chen immediately took responsibility, saying: “Professor Tong, this is our fault. Our scheduling is still not scientific enough.”
“We didn’t consider it thoroughly.”
Tong Yuan’an said: “Since many surgeries require Little Lu to perform them, don’t schedule him for these basic shifts. Aren’t you trying to kill the man?”
“He has to do regular ward shifts and be on standby for surgery shifts.”
“That’s how it is, can’t go home for four or five days, no one knows if he sleeps or not.”
Lin Qianlong replied: “Yes, yes, yes, Professor Tong, it’s our fault. I’ll report it to the Medical Affairs Department immediately and adjust the schedule.”
Tong Yuan’an’s voice was haughty: “Since the shifts have been set, follow them strictly. If you can’t handle it, then don’t do it.”
“Can the surgeries be completed?”
“What’s the point of you changing this month’s shifts back and forth?”
Lu Cheng, who had been silent all along, replied: “Director Lin, is today my surgery shift?”
Lin Qianlong immediately waved his hand and said: “Little Lu, you go back and rest. I’ll cover you here for twenty-four hours today, and I mean what I say.”
Lin Qianlong wasn’t just playing around; he often performed surgeries at the hospital, but his surgical scope wasn’t as broad as Lu Cheng’s. Moreover, Zeng Huanqi and Zhang Tiesheng could rotate shifts, so he had ample rest time.
Lin Qianlong really didn’t expect that after Lu Cheng took on several extra shifts, he would be so busy that he wouldn’t go home for ninety-six hours.
He was also fortunate that Lu Cheng was young and could endure; otherwise, he might have collapsed.
Lu Cheng didn’t stand on ceremony with Lin Qianlong. He glanced at the computer, created a surgical template, and didn’t immediately write the surgical record.
He said: “Du Daihua, you can write the surgical record later. It’s for a patient who had gallbladder suturing. The patient is in bed 9!”
Lin Qianlong’s mouth twitched when he heard this: “Our surgical patients have ended up in bed 9?”
In the past, the emergency surgery group typically had three or four patients, occasionally up to six.
Having 9 inpatients was absolutely unheard of.
“11 patients. Beds 1-10, and bed 19 is also ours, Director Lin.” Lu Cheng told Lin Qianlong.
Lin Qianlong quickly waved his hand: “You hurry back and don’t worry about it. Get a good rest today and tomorrow…”
The others also looked at Lu Cheng as if he were livestock.
While Lu Cheng’s abilities were strong, his resilience in performing surgeries so frantically was not something an ordinary person could match.
Director Huang Haibo of the Internal Medicine Group came over shortly after Lu Cheng left, knocked on the door, and joked: “Director Lin, after not seeing you for a holiday, our group’s beds are all taken.”
“Welcome, Professor Tong… I’ve long heard from Director Lin that you’ll be transferring to our Emergency Department. Welcome, welcome…” Huang Haibo was here to see Tong Yuan’an.
Tong Yuan’an shook Huang Haibo’s plump hand for a moment, then withdrew it and looked at Lin Qianlong with a knowing smile: “Director Lin, the relationship between internal medicine and surgery in your Emergency Department is really good.”
Tong Yuan’an’s remark made both Huang Haibo and Lin Qianlong feel awkward.
Not many people were aware that Tong Yuan’an was going to conduct research projects at the hospital.
This wasn’t the first time Tong Yuan’an had visited the Emergency Department; he used to chat and joke with Chen Song there. Back then, Huang Haibo didn’t frequently interact with the surgical staff.
However, since Tong Yuan’an had exposed the truth, Huang Haibo shamelessly said: “Professor Tong, it’s like this: since you’re here, if there’s anything we in Internal Medicine can help with, we won’t refuse.”
“After all, compared to surgery, we in Internal Medicine have relatively more time.”
Huang Haibo knew his idea was a bit shameless, but when it came to progress, one couldn’t expect benefits if they were too concerned about appearances.
Tong Yuan’an smiled and said: “That’s fine. Director Huang, why don’t you just take the research project and do it yourself?”
“Just kick that ignorant young man Lu Cheng out of the way.”
Tong Yuan’an’s remark further intensified the awkward atmosphere.
Everyone knew Tong Yuan’an was joking, but without directly calling Huang Haibo shameless, he suggested getting rid of Lu Cheng.
It’s worth noting that Tong Yuan’an’s research projects were meant to be done in collaboration with Lu Cheng.
Huang Haibo was unable to parry Tong Yuan’an’s sarcasm and knew that Tong Yuan’an would not consider his feelings. He decisively said: “Professor Tong, I still have some things to attend to.”
“Let’s have dinner together in a couple of days.”
Huang Haibo then left the doctor’s office area somewhat awkwardly.
Tong Yuan’an looked at Huang Haibo’s large head, stroked his chin, and his plump face contorted almost grotesquely with amusement.
Lin Qianlong hurried to say: “Professor Tong, there’s nothing else here. You can rest for now. We have on-duty doctors in our department, and if anyone suitable comes up who needs your expertise, we’ll definitely call you for instructions.”
Tong Yuan’an wasn’t concerned about how he would be on duty; he asked directly: “Director Lin, what’s Director Huang’s background?”
“I heard that his personality is generally quite aggressive. More aggressive than you, the Director of Surgery?”
Tong Yuan’an used to frequent the Emergency Department frequently. At that time, Huang Haibo barely came around. His current appearance suggests he’s someone who only acts when there’s a clear benefit.
But showing up now, right in front of Lin Qianlong, to claim territory, would require significant confidence.
While Tong Yuan’an could disregard him, he also had to be prepared to fend him off. Right now, he was afraid of being stuck there.
“Director Huang is an elite of our Emergency Department.” Lin Qianlong’s reply was rather evasive.
Tong Yuan’an stretched lazily and said plainly: “Director Lin, it’s fine if you don’t want to say!”
Lin Qianlong and Zhang Tiesheng exchanged a glance, and then Lin Qianlong said: “Zhang Tiesheng, organize a brief handover and then take the team for rounds.”
Zhang Tiesheng nodded in agreement.
…
In the Director’s Office of the Emergency Department, Lin Qianlong warmly served tea and water to Tong Yuan’an, saying: “Professor Tong, when Professor Chen was in our department, you could enter my office freely, and it’s the same for you now.”
“However, I’m not sure if the tea Professor Chen liked will suit your taste. If you have any other needs, please feel free to let me know.”
Tong Yuan’an took the tea from Lin Qianlong, took a slow sip, and said: “I’m not picky about tea, and unlike Chen Song, I don’t love coffee. I personally prefer sweet milk tea, that’s what I usually order.”
“Director Lin, let’s talk about Director Huang. I don’t want any unknown factors to interfere while I’m working on my research project.”
Although Chen Song stayed in the Emergency Department for three months, Lin Qianlong was unaware that he was currently on leave in Long County and Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture for his research project.
Moreover, Chen Song had not previously mentioned Director Huang Haibo of Internal Medicine in detail, which required Tong Yuan’an to assess the situation himself.
The clinical aspect of the follow-up tendon suturing research project would definitely be conducted in the Emergency Department. Now that Huang Haibo had suddenly shown up, Tong Yuan’an was concerned that if he refused him, he would be sabotaged.
Adults are all cunning; it’s better to nip potential problems in the bud than to be constantly on guard.
Tong Yuan’an certainly wouldn’t allow anyone else to covet this research project and interfere.
Currently, this research project was very important. If anyone tried to cause trouble, Tong Yuan’an wouldn’t hesitate to use the Medical Professional Committee or other channels to “eliminate” potential disruptors!
Lin Qianlong heard Tong Yuan’an’s strong reaction and quickly replied: “Professor Tong, Director Huang is actually a very good person. It’s just that his temper is indeed a bit rash.”
“He doesn’t have the kind of background you might think, but he’s meticulous and can out-argue most people.”
“Many directors in our hospital’s Internal Medicine department have been bested by him multiple times; he’s someone we don’t dare to provoke easily.”
Lin Qianlong’s statement effectively clarified Huang Haibo’s situation.
He lacked background but was skilled at causing trouble, and his ability to do so was strong. Even directors with more influence often couldn’t defeat him; this was genuine capability.
“Causing trouble? For example?” Tong Yuan’an frowned.
He disliked people like that.
“Director Huang has also studied law-related knowledge and currently holds a certificate.”
“He also runs his own social media account and knows many lawyers from out of town,” Lin Qianlong specifically emphasized the words “lawyers from out of town.”
Generally speaking, lawyers from out of town are not afraid of offending local people. “I don’t live here, so after the lawsuit, I’ll leave. What can you do to me?”
A lawyer’s license, a social media account, knowing many out-of-town lawyers – this was also talent.
No wonder most people couldn’t win an argument with him, and they were quite wary of Huang Haibo.
Tong Yuan’an then asked: “Why did Director Huang decide to minor in law?”
To persuade someone to study medicine is to invite divine retribution, to persuade someone to study law is to court a thousand cuts.
Good heavens, how much bad karma had Huang Haibo accumulated to do this?
Lin Qianlong thought for a moment and said: “That’s all in the past. Professor Tong, previously, the director of our Emergency Department was always the director of the Internal Medicine group!”
“When Director Huang was taking the bar exam, he didn’t need prior legal practice experience, only a Bachelor’s Degree was required to register.”
Lin Qianlong’s hint was quite subtle.
Tong Yuan’an had been in Long County for some time and knew that the county hospital was like shallow water with many turtles, where targeting and suppression occurred in every department.
It wasn’t just Lu Cheng being ‘suppressed’, nor would one Lu Cheng standing up again change such a prevailing atmosphere.
There weren’t many patients; teaching the apprentice would starve the master, so everyone kept their skills to themselves. Those not directly related were generally not taught; if you want to learn, go learn elsewhere.
“What about the former director?” Tong Yuan’an asked.
“Heh… uh… Director Jiang left our profession due to personal issues,” Lin Qianlong said.
“Did he go to jail?” Tong Yuan’an understood Lin Qianlong’s meaning.
Lin Qianlong did not reply, and Tong Yuan’an understood his meaning.
Sometimes, even professional clinicians don’t fully understand the health and safety management regulations. What they might consider normal could actually be illegal.
Lin Qianlong immediately said: “However, Professor Tong, you don’t need to worry. I can guarantee with my chest puffed out that Director Huang is a very upright person.”
“He is not petty-minded and won’t cause trouble if you refuse him. Under normal circumstances, his actions are usually passive self-defense.”
“What about abnormal circumstances?” Tong Yuan’an was not so easily fooled.
Lin Qianlong replied: “There are no abnormal circumstances. Originally, the director of the Emergency Department should have been Director Huang, but Director Huang knew his personality wasn’t suited for being a director.”
“So he let me pick up a bargain.”
“And honestly, Professor Tong, Director Huang actually had an opportunity to leave before, but he was blocked by Director Jiang.”
“However, that was at the beginning of the century.”
“If we’re talking about conducting research, Director Huang might actually be helpful.”
At the beginning of the century, Tong Yuan’an was still in junior high or high school; this story was quite old.
Hearing this, Tong Yuan’an began tapping the tabletop, seemingly lost in thought.
…
Noon, 12:40 PM.
Tong Yuan’an wandered into the Internal Medicine area and found Huang Haibo scolding someone during rounds, with exceptionally stern words.
Of course, the language was not aggressive; he was just reprimanding Doctor Du Yaqin of Internal Medicine for being old and not reading thoroughly.
“The most basic thing is that you must thoroughly study the guidelines. This is your greatest protection!” Huang Haibo emphasized this in the end, and his sidelong glance caught Tong Yuan’an.
“For now, that’s all. Du Yaqin, Chen Yueping, you both need to study hard when you go back. You’re both attending physicians of a certain age and could be promoted to Deputy Senior. Act like a fresh graduate.”
As Huang Haibo spoke, he moved his large head towards Tong Yuan’an, his expression softening: “Professor Tong, when did you arrive?”
Tong Yuan’an said: “I just arrived too. It’s my first time here, so I’m familiarizing myself with the place, Director Huang!~”
“I also did a rotation in our hospital’s Emergency Department before.”
Doctors must rotate through the Emergency Department before being promoted. This is especially true at Xiangya Hospital; every promotion requires “shining and contributing” in the Emergency Department.
“Professor Tong, how about we go to the office for a sit-down…” Huang Haibo’s tone was still quite polite.
