Chapter 187: Turbulence!
Outside the main entrance of Xiangya Second Hospital, on Ziyuan Road, the moon hung low in the east, dotted with stars.
Zhang Boyuan politely offered cigarettes from his hand to several superiors.
After a series of crackling sounds of lighters.
Xiang Dongshan cast a sideways glance at Zhang Boyuan and said in a drawn-out tone, “Xiao Zhang, your junior brother seems to have quite a bit of affection for you, his senior brother.”
“His words and actions are so formal, as if there’s a medical dispute between us.”
Zhang Boyuan’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed into a thin slit, his nostrils as round and smooth as his temper: “Director Xiang, it’s mainly because Lu Cheng has never been to Teacher’s place before, and we haven’t interacted much. This is our first meeting.”
“You already understand the general situation.”
“Besides, if it weren’t for Xiao Lu bringing his girlfriend today, it might have been easier to discuss.”
“Don’t you often say that girls from Xiangxi are quite spirited?”
“Did Xiao Lu just say his wife is Miao, right?” Zhang Boyuan looked at Peng Zhengyu.
Peng Zhengyu, an associate professor in the department, slightly younger than Chen Song, nodded gently and said, “Director Xiang, I think Lu Cheng is actually quite easy to talk to. It’s mainly his girlfriend; she knows too much and has strong backing.”
“That’s why she’s so full of fire. Even if you step in, she isn’t intimidated.”
This time, not many people came to see Lu Cheng. If Chen Song hadn’t been absent, Peng Zhengyu wouldn’t have come either.
This was also Xiang Dongshan’s deliberate arrangement: “Chen Song told me that Lu Cheng’s girlfriend’s family has a mine. Even if she doesn’t earn money in her life, as long as she doesn’t spend lavishly, she can live quite comfortably.”
“Peng Zhengyu, can your current research funding add up to two million?”
Peng Zhengyu immediately shook his head: “No.”
“That’s exactly it. This Doctor Mu, just after joining Xiehe Hospital, was able to secure two million in research startup funds. It’s not as simple as they described, ‘ordinary’ and ‘average’.”
“I thought I remembered wrong. When my research funding reached two million, I was almost a senior professional.”
“She is a full-time researcher, so she has a deep understanding of scientific research and is therefore very clear about the practical applicability of this kind of parenchymal organ suturing technique.”
“Indeed, it’s not without reason that female doctors are in a class of their own.”
Peng Zhengyu said, “Director Xiang, I think Brother Song’s point is quite reasonable. This Lu Cheng should either be recruited very early on.”
“Otherwise, with his personality, he’s not someone who’s easily recruited again.”
“He’s also smooth in his speech, and when he’s being hypocritical, he’s thoroughly so.”
Xiang Dongshan said, “I’ve told you many times, don’t underestimate people from grassroots hospitals. Their daily lives are about social graces, not professional techniques.”
“You’re not as good as them when it comes to dealing with people.”
“Besides, there’s a saying, ‘If a deal doesn’t go through, at least goodwill remains.’ With the existing relationship between Chen Song and Xiao Zhang, if Lu Cheng has any new breakthroughs in the future, we can have the advantage of foresight.”
Peng Zhengyu’s eyes flickered, and his tone was somewhat distorted: “Director Xiang, can this still happen? Like a sow?”
“One hundred percent!” Xiang Dongshan’s expression calmed down.
“According to Chen Song, Xiao Lu has only had about half a year of systematic training. Generally speaking, a formal researcher’s innovation lifeline can last at least ten years.”
“Within ten years, do you think Lu Cheng won’t be able to come up with anything new? I don’t think so.”
“Last month, alas!” Xiang Dongshan finally regretted it.
Originally, he had a very good opportunity.
If he had gone to Long County People’s Hospital at Chen Song’s suggestion before Lu Cheng went to Hanshi City, there wouldn’t be so many problems now.
It was a pity that Xiang Dongshan thought Chen Song’s vision was shallow and hadn’t seen much of the good stuff…
Peng Zhengyu said, “Director Xiang, this spleen preservation surgery is mainly very suitable for the diseases in our Emergency Department. Can the spleen suturing technique have that much influence?”
“That much influence?”
“Who said that?” Xiang Dongshan immediately retorted.
“Peng Zhengyu, I’ve told you many times, clinical and research thinking should be considered separately.”
“Granted, the most applicable scenario for this suturing technique is for emergency spleen injuries, but is it limited to spleen injuries?”
“You still know too little about the diseases and surgeries in general surgery.”
Xiang Dongshan noticed that Peng Zhengyu and Zhang Boyuan did not reply, so he added, “But it’s not your fault. The current medical system is specialized.”
“Our Emergency Department doesn’t have access to elective diseases!”
“Actually, whether it’s the spleen or not, it’s not a big problem. I’m just hesitating. Lu Cheng is very skilled in the basic skills of suturing, and he already has the spleen suturing technique.”
“If he can further expand liver protection surgery and pancreatic protection surgery in the future, then it would be.”
“It’s not that bad, is it?” Zhang Boyuan was somewhat shaken.
Originally, as a senior brother, he should have encouraged Lu Cheng, not spoken such discouraging words behind his back. Even if he had thoughts, it was best not to express them.
In the field of liver surgery, the most recognized significant contributor is the late Academician Wu Mengchao.
“I can only say ‘possibly’ for now!”
“And for this possibility, every general surgery department in every hospital has invested a large amount of manpower and resources.”
“Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of the liver, pancreas, and other organs are what patients seek, what society needs, and an area we are striving to break through,” said Xiang Dongshan.
…
“You even drove to the high-speed rail station? How much is the parking fee?” Mu Nanshu asked while fastening her seatbelt.
Lu Cheng said, “The parking fees in Long County aren’t high. It’s even cheaper than taking a taxi back and forth, and it’s mainly convenient.”
“It’s not by meter here, it’s twenty yuan per person or thirty yuan per car.”
“If you calculate it, sixty yuan, and parking for a day is only ten yuan. If you don’t park for a week, you won’t lose money.”
“Do you want to get something to eat?” Lu Cheng asked after replying.
Mu Nanshu smiled calmly: “No, you have anxiety written all over your face. You take me back to the residential area first, and then you go to the hospital.”
“You’re on night duty today, and you’re already delayed.”
“I’ll take a car to En City myself tomorrow morning, and I still need to go back to Hanshi City.”
“Yes, no matter what, we should help Xie Yuan’an as much as we can.”
Mu Nanshu did not mention that she had contacted Professor Zhong Junyun. It was mainly because Mu Nanshu had not made a decision, and had only communicated some details with Professor Zhong Junyun.
The main decision still rested with Lu Cheng himself.
“Why don’t you go to my place and bring some local specialties? Fermented bean curd, preserved beans, these are considered tokens of our affection.”
“Actually, if it weren’t for Teacher Xie’s ‘gossip’, I might not have had so many opportunities,” Lu Cheng suggested.
“Alright.” Mu Nanshu did not hesitate and agreed immediately.
Lu Cheng took Mu Nanshu directly back to his Gaojiapo Residential Area, then let Mu Nanshu go upstairs by herself, while he rode his electric scooter straight to the hospital.
At 9:40 PM, Lu Cheng arrived at the Emergency Surgery doctor’s office.
“Brother Zhang, I’m sorry to have troubled you. I could have returned before the night shift, but I was delayed by some matters,” Lu Cheng apologized quickly.
“I ordered some barbecue before coming to work, and it will be here soon. If Brother Zhang isn’t in a hurry, we can eat together before you go back?”
Zhang Tiesheng was sitting and playing on his mobile phone. After hearing this, he put away his phone and said, “Xiao Lu, you’re being too polite, aren’t you?”
“Come, come, sit down first.”
Lu Cheng had already changed into his work clothes and asked, “Brother Zhang, how many patients have come in these past few days?”
Lu Cheng had gone to Shashi City on Friday afternoon, so he had only been away for two days.
“We haven’t admitted many patients. Most of them were transferred. We only had one appendicitis and one gallbladder removal, and they are both recovering well.”
Zhang Tiesheng replied casually, then looked around and lowered his voice: “Something major has happened at our hospital again.”
“Besides that incident?” Lu Cheng’s hands paused as he adjusted his collar.
Zhang Tiesheng nodded slowly: “A new hospital was built in Feng County, E Province. Do you know about it?”
“I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t paid much attention, as it’s in a neighboring province.”
“At least three directors from our hospital resigned at the beginning of the month and will leave at the end of this month. They were directly given 600,000 yuan each.”
Lu Cheng: “???”
“Which ones?”
After a moment of shock, Lu Cheng calmed down: “The economic level of Feng County, E Province, is better than Long County’s. It’s understandable that their benefits are higher.”
Personnel changes are normal.
Feng County is not far from Long County. Mu Nanshu’s Chengxin Plaza Residential Area is adjacent to E Province.
Some people in the Emergency Department even bought houses in neighboring Feng County and work in Long County.
Certainly, some patients from Long County go to Feng County People’s Hospital for treatment.
“Du Qiang from General Surgery, Zhou Bin from Neurosurgery, and Chen Guangming from Internal Medicine.” Zhang Tiesheng bent three fingers in succession.
“Director Du Qiang resigned?” Lu Cheng’s heart sank.
“This happened at the beginning of the month?”
My goodness, Du Qiang is truly something else. Even as he’s leaving, he’s still making sure to repay favors, a true master of human relations.
You could say he used his position to his advantage, but he did it by scolding Lu Cheng, almost to the point of cursing.
It could even be interpreted as him venting his frustrations before leaving.
“Yes!”
“So, many people in the department are now saying that Director Du’s unreasonable scolding of you was all pre-arranged.”
“Since he doesn’t plan to work in our county or province anymore, it doesn’t matter if he scolded you.”
“However, he probably didn’t expect that scolding you wouldn’t have much of an impact on you,” Zhang Tiesheng said comfortingly.
The conversation between Lu Cheng and Du Qiang did not enter the ears of others.
Zhang Tiesheng didn’t know about the private conversation Du Qiang had with Lu Cheng. In Zhang Tiesheng’s opinion, Du Qiang and Lu Cheng had a feud because Lu Cheng didn’t obey Du Qiang’s orders.
“This time, our hospital is going to have a tough time. Some directors are leaving, and some are departing. I don’t know if the hospital can recruit more people…”
“Otherwise, some surgeries that could be performed before will have to be discontinued,” Zhang Tiesheng sighed.
County People’s Hospitals are like this; there are gaps in technology and no resilience to risk.
It’s possible that if a director leaves, a certain type of surgery can no longer be performed.
This is different from prefectural city hospitals. In prefectural city hospitals, losing a few ordinary people wouldn’t significantly impact the range of surgeries.
Unless it’s a special type of surgery, only one or two people might know how to do it, and if they’re gone, that’s a major blow.
While Zhang Tiesheng and Lu Cheng were gossiping, the takeout arrived.
Lu Cheng was on night duty in the ward and wasn’t required to be on duty in the office. Lu Cheng went to pick up the takeout and shared some with Tian Zhuang, who was on duty in the emergency clinic.
Then, he returned to the doctor’s lounge.
As soon as he opened the door, Lu Cheng saw Zhang Tiesheng looking flustered: “Director Bao, you can’t just say things like that. This is not good news.”
Lu Cheng moderated his movements: “The situation is as it is. Our Medical Affairs Department couldn’t convince Director Lin Qianlong of the Emergency Department either.”
“So, starting next month, Director Huang Haibo of the Emergency Department will act as the director of the Emergency Department, and you will act as the director of the Surgery Group.”
“You need to be mentally prepared.”
In the Surgery Group, besides Lin Qianlong, only Zhang Tiesheng was a deputy senior professional, so it was reasonable for him to act as director.
Zhang Tiesheng had never expected to become a director so soon: “Why? Director Bao?”
Lu Cheng gathered from the conversation that the person on the phone was Bao Liming from the Medical Affairs Department.
“There aren’t that many whys. Director Lin Qianlong’s daughter is going to Feng County People’s Hospital to find a job!” Bao Liming replied.
“Didn’t you say Lin Qian came to our hospital?” Zhang Tiesheng asked.
“She just came to look for a job, not necessarily to work here. This matter is pretty much settled.”
“Doctor Zhang, Director Huang in your department is a talented individual. You should learn from him more.”
“This time, from what I understand, your Emergency Department, which should have had the most issues, had the fewest problems found.”
“I can tell you, the other directors who resigned may not have smooth departures,” Bao Liming’s voice was somewhat stiff.
Originally, with the inspection team visiting Xiangzhou, the People’s Hospital was already in disarray. Now, with people resigning, it makes things difficult for the hospital administration.
If the hospital can’t keep its staff, the administration is definitely to blame.
And these are directors who resigned, meaning the president is already in trouble, otherwise, Mr. President, wouldn’t he be troubled?
Long County doesn’t have many doctors with senior professional titles. With several more leaving, this is essentially raiding the County Health Bureau’s talent pool.
Zhang Tiesheng replied: “Ah, Director Huang is quite savvy about the rules. He sometimes manages our Surgery Group’s affairs too.”
Huang Haibo understands the law and has even obtained a lawyer’s qualification certificate through self-study and has even litigated cases himself.
“That’s it. This matter is settled. Regarding Director Lin’s resignation, it can only be said that fate was not enough.”
“Now, at the hospital level, we are considering hoping that you can step up, make good use of the talents in the department, and try not to affect the normal work of the Emergency Department,” Bao Liming said.
“But? Director Bao, our department’s Lu Cheng is also going to leave in the future?” Zhang Tiesheng said directly.
“The future is the future. Now is now. Even if we need to recruit people, it will take some time.”
“Where can our hospital find a suitable director in such a short time?”
“Director Lin Qianlong reported this matter to us several months ago. We have contacted some people during this transition period, but we haven’t found anyone suitable…”
After Zhang Tiesheng hung up the phone, he saw Lu Cheng looking at him with a confused expression, but he didn’t ask directly.
Zhang Tiesheng said concisely: “Director Lin is resigning and going to Feng County People’s Hospital. Director Huang will be the acting director of the Emergency Department next month. The hospital has arranged for me to be the acting director of the Surgery Group.”
“I’m very stressed right now.”
A doctor who doesn’t want to be a director isn’t a good doctor, but Zhang Tiesheng never thought he would become a director so soon.
Does he have such strength and ability?
Zhang Tiesheng’s eyes were a bit crooked at this moment. He adjusted them several times but couldn’t straighten them, so he simply took off his glasses and began to rub his eyes vigorously.
“Director Lin is resigning?” Lu Cheng found it somewhat unbelievable.
Lu Cheng also knew that Director Lin had a daughter named Lin Qian. Lin Qian was not a doctor but majored in nursing.
He had heard from people in the department before that Lin Qian had come to Long County People’s Hospital, but she definitely wouldn’t be coming to the Emergency Department.
Relatives couldn’t work in the same department.
“Yes. Wait a moment, Xiao Lu, let me calm down first. I’m really a bit nervous.”
“This is too sudden,” Zhang Tiesheng put his hand on Lu Cheng.
After Lu Cheng was silent for a while, Tian Zhuang called: “Brother Lu, there’s an appendicitis case in the clinic…”
“Oh, okay, I’ll be right there,” Lu Cheng responded and went out.
Tian Zhuang could differentiate the grading of appendicitis. The appendicitis case he called about definitely required emergency surgery.
“Brother Zhang, another appendicitis case has come in. I’m going to take a look.”
“Okay!” Zhang Tiesheng nodded.
“Xiao Lu, I won’t join you for barbecue. Call Zeng Huanqi over. I need to go back and talk to Director Lin properly.” Zhang Tiesheng was genuinely flustered, not pretending.
Whether becoming a director brings happiness is another matter, but the pressure and responsibility would be several times what it is now.
Appendicitis surgery is not difficult. With Lu Cheng and Zeng Huanqi cooperating, it was finished in about forty minutes.
However, Zeng Huanqi had clearly heard the rumors. After seeing the patient out of the operating room!
Zeng Huanqi, while taking off his gloves, walked towards the washbasin to wash his hands and said, “Xiao Lu, you probably know what’s happening in the department, right?”
Lu Cheng nodded: “I was right beside him when Director Bao from the Medical Affairs Department called Brother Zhang.”
“It’s just that the news is a bit sudden.”
“Of course, it’s sudden. The Personnel Department and the Medical Affairs Department wouldn’t release such news in advance to prevent us from getting flustered.”
“The contracts for Director Lin and this group expire in November, having been signed in October.”
“Director Lin’s resignation was proposed in August this year. It seems Lin Qian originally wanted an administrative position, but it wasn’t approved.”
“Whether this is the exact reason is hard to say for now,” Zeng Huanqi speculated.
Lu Cheng thought seriously: “That can’t be right. Director Lin doesn’t seem like the type to get angry and resign over such a thing.”
“Then perhaps Feng County People’s Hospital offered more.”
Zeng Huanqi sighed: “From Director Lin’s perspective, it’s understandable. People strive for higher ground!”
“Feng County People’s Hospital’s counterpart support unit is Tongji Hospital, which is no weaker than Xiangya Second Hospital. It will be more convenient to learn techniques later.”
“It’s just that with Director Lin leaving, what about the hernia surgery and bowel rupture surgery that our Emergency Department was supposed to get?”
“Neither Zhang Tiesheng nor I know how to do them, and Xiao Lu, you haven’t had experience with them either,” Zeng Huanqi said with some worry.
However, after Zeng Huanqi complained, he added, “Oh, right, Xiao Lu, Professor Tong Yuan’an called me yesterday.”
“The content of the call was a bit strange and has something to do with you.”
“What did Professor Tong ask?” Lu Cheng quickly countered.
“Professor Tong asked when your contract with the hospital expires.”
Zeng Huanqi scanned Lu Cheng up and down: “Xiao Lu, are you about to take off? Could it be that Xiangya Hospital wants to transfer you?”
Lu Cheng himself disclosed that he had a collaboration with Xiehe Hospital.
Both Xiangya Hospital and Xiehe Hospital are institutions that Zeng Huanqi wouldn’t even dare to dream about. Even if asked to work there, Zeng Huanqi would hesitate about his ability.
Now, it seems like they are competing for him?
Lu Cheng shook his head: “I don’t know, Brother Zeng.”
“Direct transfer is impossible; they wouldn’t meet their educational requirements.”
“That’s true. In the current environment, without a doctorate and publications, it’s impossible to get into such institutions.”
“No matter how much of an exception they make, it’s impossible. I’ll be going back now. If there’s anything else later, just call me,” Zeng Huanqi said.
“Brother Zeng, get some rest early.”
…
After returning to the lounge, Lu Cheng ate some barbecue by himself and then decided to tell Mu Nanshu about it.
Mu Nanshu listened and was quite speechless but did not express her own opinion: “This situation is a bit chaotic. But things that don’t concern us, we should honestly do our own jobs.”
“Whether it’s the Central Inspection Team investigating violations or the resignation of directors possibly leading to a sharp decline in the department’s strength, it has nothing to do with us as individuals.”
“These are matters for the administration and the leaders to consider.”
Lu Cheng replied: “Yes, that’s what I was thinking. Have you showered yet? If so, get some rest early.”
“I still have some information to process here.”
“You don’t have to reply to hospitals you’re unfamiliar with, but you should reply to information from Provincial People’s Hospital, Shashi Central Hospital, Hengda First Affiliated Hospital, and other similar hospitals.”
Mu Nanshu suddenly asked: “Have you ever thought about going to a relatively less prestigious prefectural city hospital and then transferring?”
Lu Cheng replied: “Don’t overthink it. Our path is very clear: first, do research projects, and then go to an institution.”
“Both you and I will be promoted to better professional titles and break through the geographical limitations.”
“As for me, I’ll take advantage of these opportunities to learn more skills. If I can find a ‘Ladder to the Azure Clouds,’ that would be even more perfect.”
“Even if Xiehe Hospital cannot directly sign a contract with me, I will find a suitable institution in Hanshi City.”
“Don’t waver on this fundamental point. Going to Shashi or Hanshi is the same.”
Mu Nanshu replied: “I don’t mean what you understand now. Didn’t you tell me you could create several more research projects?”
“With such an ability, why work for others? Go independent!”
Lu Cheng finished reading the message and was a little stunned. He realized that Mu Nanshu was actually bolder and more daring than he was.
“Let’s rest, and talk about it later.”
“Different times have different optimal solutions, but that’s for later. For now, finding a suitable place to establish research projects is the most important thing.”
“Without research project output, there are no actual conditions for negotiation; it’s all selling an unpredictable future,” Lu Cheng replied.
