Chapter 188: Director Lin’s Heavy Trust!
Lu Cheng was woken up from his drowsy sleep by the noise from the office next door.
Opening his eyes, Lu Cheng heard Director Lin Qianlong’s angry roar: “President Zeng, let’s reason things out, okay?”
“My resignation was three months ago, and the hospital wasn’t in this situation then, was it?”
“How could I have foreseen this and kicked you when you’re down? Are you crazy or am I?”
Lin Qianlong’s voice was loud, and after waking Lu Cheng, it quieted down, preventing Lu Cheng from hearing what happened next.
Glancing at the time again, it was already 7:20. Lu Cheng got up, quickly washed up, and then went out of the office to write the handover report.
Whether Director Lin resigns or not, the work of the Emergency Department must continue as usual.
As it approached 8 o’clock, Lu Cheng had finished writing the handover report and organizing the examination results of the hospitalized patients, waiting for the on-call doctor to arrive before he would start rounds.
Vice President Zeng Long’an and Director Lin Qianlong walked in together from outside the office. Lin Qianlong said, “President Zeng, if you have something to say, just say it directly. There’s no need to be evasive.”
“We need to clarify the reasons.”
Zeng Long’an glanced at Lu Cheng. With all the gossip surrounding Lu Cheng recently, as Vice President, he couldn’t possibly be unaware: “Director Lin, I know your situation is unique.”
“Your resignation request was submitted in advance, but you also know that the hospital’s situation is very special right now.”
“If you leave now, the work of our hospital’s Emergency Department cannot proceed normally.”
“This is already a difficult time. Can I, on behalf of the hospital and its patients, beg you to stay for a while longer?”
“Look, the situation now is that there are inspections from above, and many people are burning bridges behind them. You chose to tender your resignation at such a critical juncture.”
“It’s truly difficult to manage our administrative work.”
Lin Qianlong and Zeng Long’an spoke directly, leaving Lu Cheng with nowhere to retreat.
Lin Qianlong said, “President Zeng, I can understand the hospital’s difficulties, but you also need to consider the problem from my perspective.”
“I’ve already agreed to everything with them, and signed the contract. You want me to violate the contract? What kind of arrangement is this?” Given the circumstances, Lin Qianlong knew he couldn’t hide it anymore.
In fact, if some things hadn’t piled up, Lin Qianlong would have informed everyone in two days, and everything would have happened quietly.
But it was just coincidental that so many things happened at the same time.
“Director Lin, I understand the issues with contracts and breaches of contract. Our hospital can step in and communicate with them on your behalf.”
Zeng Long’an said, “You’ve worked here for so many years, and you know many people. At least there’s a personal connection, right?”
“The hospital is facing difficulties right now, and we truly cannot afford to lose talent.”
“Director Lin, could you please put the bigger picture first and reconsider carefully?”
Zeng Long’an then looked at Lu Cheng again: “I believe that your colleagues in the Emergency Department feel the same way, Director Lin. You are truly a good director, which is why you’ve led the Emergency Department so well.”
“The Emergency Department is the most direct face of a hospital. Now that we’ve finally reached this point, Director Lin, there’s really no need for you to leave.”
“Doctor Lu, don’t you agree?”
“Personal reasons!” Lin Qianlong interrupted Lu Cheng.
Zeng Long’an said, “Director Lin, I know you have an opinion about the outcome of Lin Qian’s application this time, but haven’t we already agreed?”
“We can discuss it later, and the position can still be adjusted.”
Lin Qianlong glanced at Zeng Long’an and smiled: “President Zeng, do you take me for a three-year-old child?”
“The hospital’s Nursing Department is hiring a financial management talent?”
Zeng Long’an explained, “Management and clinical practice should be separate.”
“I support the hospital’s decision, but I also don’t have to understand it. Things have already happened, so let’s leave it at that, okay?”
“President Zeng, my resignation is legal and reasonable, and I had already discussed it with the hospital in advance. Please don’t say so much to me and try to guilt-trip me.”
“I’m not going to inquire about the hospital’s specific reasons or basis for personnel decisions. I am simply requesting to resign due to personal development reasons, and I have already informed the hospital three months in advance.”
“All the previous procedures have been completed. If you try to stop me at the very last moment, you definitely won’t succeed!”
“At worst, we can go through legal proceedings.”
“An employee can terminate the labor contract by giving written notice to the employer thirty days in advance.”
“At least, that’s how it’s stipulated in our country!” Lin Qianlong adopted a business-like attitude.
Zeng Long’an said, “Director Lin, how about we talk privately?”
Lin Qianlong replied, “No need! Say what you have to say now. Xiao Lu is also a member of our Emergency Department; there’s nothing he can’t hear.”
Zeng Long’an said, “Director Lin, how about this: we issue a supplementary recruitment announcement and bring Lin Qian back?”
“Then you don’t have to leave.”
“Impossible!” Lin Qianlong burst into laughter. “President Zeng, this is an illegal act, and I will not do it!”
“The hospital’s recruitment procedures should be reasonable and compliant. We don’t need this kind of supplementary recruitment procedure; it’s not like we can’t find jobs.”
Zeng Long’an said, “Lin Qianlong, then tell me, what would it take for you to relent?”
“I’m not relenting. I’ll finish this month and then pack up and leave. If you want to sue me, you can go through the legal process.”
“I don’t need your signed consent. Whether you proceed with the subsequent steps or not is up to you; I’ve already secured the evidence.”
Lin Qianlong said, “Originally, I just wanted to leave quietly and tell everyone in the department next week.”
“Since you’re forcing my hand like this, I can’t do anything about it.”
Zeng Long’an said, “Director Lin, how is this ‘forcing your hand’? We want you to stay; we can’t bear to lose you. Please understand my intentions, okay?”
“When has anyone ever told you that you can leave if you want? We’ve always been trying to persuade you to stay!”
“Actually, if not for the recent events, I would have wanted to have a good chat with you, Director Lin.”
“It’s just that things have been quite busy lately, so I hope this matter can be settled as soon as possible and we don’t waste any more time.”
“Lin Qianlong, just tell me, what do you want to make you stay?”
“The position of Vice President, or some other administrative position? Just say it.”
“Or perhaps other preferential treatment, like benefits. We can discuss any conditions.”
Lin Qianlong said, “President Zeng, we’re all experienced people; stop playing games with me.”
“What I want, the hospital cannot provide. Don’t give me any high-sounding rhetoric, especially when the hospital might not even be able to disburse average performance bonuses soon.”
“And with the current financial situation, salaries are being delayed. What kind of benefits are you talking about?”
“I, Lin Qianlong, am just a petty person. The neighboring county is offering more. Yes, I’m going for the money!”
“What happens to our county’s Emergency Department is none of my business. That’s how I see it. You can tell others this; I don’t care.”
Zeng Long’an, a mature middle-aged man, was silent for a moment, then said, “Lin Qianlong, how about this: Lin Qian will get priority for promotion to senior nurse, and she will have priority for the Head Nurse position in the future.”
“She will also get priority for external training opportunities.”
Lin Qianlong said, “This cannot be a bargaining chip, President Zeng. We’ve known each other for a while, and we’re friends. There’s a personal connection.”
“Don’t set me up, and I won’t set you up.”
“I know you’re in charge of personnel matters at the hospital, and in the current situation, you want stability and no further disruptions. I understand that too.”
“However, my personal reasons are just personal reasons. There are no other conditions to discuss.”
“Let’s part ways amicably, the hospital and I. I’ll just walk my own path,” Lin Qianlong disagreed with Zeng Long’an’s proposal.
Lu Cheng looked at Lin Qianlong, then at Zeng Long’an, unsure how to interject.
As 8 o’clock struck, Tian Zhuang, who was on the night shift in the Emergency Department, arrived because it was his day shift in the ward.
Normally, Tian Zhuang could have rested after his night shift, but the hospital had canceled Lu Cheng’s day shift, causing scheduling chaos. Adjustments would be made next month.
Lu Cheng spoke up: “President Zeng, Director Lin, perhaps I should go check on the patients first, and you can continue your conversation?”
“Doctor Lu, go do your work…” Zeng Long’an said.
Lin Qianlong remained silent.
Only then did Lu Cheng leave the doctor’s office with Tian Zhuang and head towards the ward.
As soon as the people in the office left, Zeng Long’an closed the door.
“Lin Qianlong, let’s talk calmly. Let’s both take a step back. You wouldn’t want the hospital to face any further turmoil, would you?”
“After all, you have feelings for this place, and we truly need you right now,” Zeng Long’an said.
“There’s nothing to say.” Lin Qianlong’s attitude was very clear.
“Aren’t you also throwing a tantrum?” Zeng Long’an provoked Lin Qianlong.
Lin Qianlong retorted directly: “So what if I’m throwing a tantrum?”
“I’ll accept all consequences. If I end up in a bad state in the neighboring county and starve to death, it’s my own problem, isn’t it?”
“It won’t affect you, President Zeng, will it?”
Zeng Long’an lowered his voice: “That position in the Nursing Department was a request from the prefecture level.”
Lin Qianlong scoffed: “It’s not important. I don’t need any explanations.”
“It has nothing to do with me anymore. I’ll be gone at the end of this month. You’re in charge of personnel matters at the hospital, President Zeng. Why do you need to report to me?”
Zeng Long’an said, “Then I’ll tell you directly. This matter was pulled back from the prefecture level.”
“President Peng handled it, and now this position is vacant. However, the higher-ups don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
“So, they won’t expose it and will wait for a while to handle it quietly, transferring the person out.”
“At that time, if Lin Qian really wants to go into an administrative role, we can discuss it again, right?”
Lin Qianlong said, “Zeng Long’an, are you patronizing someone? Why can’t you ever get to the point?”
“Do you think my daughter can’t find a job?”
“Do you think she’ll only be able to work there if I resign and go to Feng County? Why are you being so passive-aggressive?”
Zeng Long’an said, “That’s not what I meant.”
“Let me tell you, can the hospital afford six hundred thousand?” Lin Qianlong asked directly.
Zeng Long’an fell silent.
Lin Qianlong continued, “Then that’s that. Let’s be realistic. Maintaining stability is your job responsibility.”
“I’m going for the money. We each pursue our own interests.”
“Furthermore, I want to make it clear to you: my daughter Lin Qian will not work at Feng County People’s Hospital. She won’t even go to E Province; she will pursue postgraduate studies.”
“She won’t work!”
“I can also tell you more explicitly: if my daughter Lin Qian is admitted into the E Province system in the future, you can report me directly, and I won’t care.”
Zeng Long’an spread his hands: “Why would I report you? Putting aside our colleague relationship, why would I report you, Lin Qianlong?”
Lin Qianlong said, “Isn’t that clear? Old Zeng.”
“Then, as a friend, can you help me out? Your resignation has a significant impact on me. I’m currently in charge of personnel,” Zeng Long’an said with a bitter smile.
“The troublemakers are some other people, who specifically chose this timing. You need to do some ideological work on them.”
“Instead of talking to me about personal favors,” Lin Qianlong’s attitude remained very firm.
“Then, after you leave, will the Emergency Department be alright?” Zeng Long’an asked.
“The current situation was all developed with great difficulty by you.”
Lin Qianlong thought for a moment: “When I leave, I will be at ease, especially with Lu Cheng here, and Zhang Tiesheng and Zeng Huanqi.”
“But whether the hospital can keep them afterward is not something I can control.”
“President Zeng, I’ve done my best. While I was working here, I tried my best to persuade Lu Cheng to have his research project placed at Long County People’s Hospital.”
“I never told him to go to E Province.”
“Otherwise, wouldn’t the cooperation between Xiehe Hospital and Feng County People’s Hospital be even more legitimate?”
“…”
After finishing his rounds, Lu Cheng said to Tian Zhuang, “Tian Zhuang, I’m sorry. Because of me, your schedule is a bit messed up, having to work the day shift right after the night shift.”
Tian Zhuang replied, “It’s fine, Brother Lu. The night shift wasn’t that busy.”
“The day shift in the ward isn’t tiring either. I’ll take a rest after changing the dressing and writing the medical records.”
“Brother Lu, I’ll go and write medical orders and change dressings now. You should also go back and rest early. You had a cholecystectomy last night.”
Tian Zhuang was a very hardworking person, honest and straightforward.
Lu Cheng nodded and parted ways with Tian Zhuang.
Lu Cheng went directly to the doctor’s lounge, but just as he changed into his clothes and was about to go home, the door to Director Lin Qianlong’s office opened.
Lin Qianlong, with his bag on his shoulder, was about to leave. Seeing Lu Cheng, he changed his mind: “Xiao Lu, come in for a moment.”
Lu Cheng, also with his bag, followed Lin Qianlong into the office.
Lin Qianlong didn’t prepare tea for Lu Cheng today, but instead said, “Xiao Lu, I suppose you all know about me leaving. This is a personal choice, and you should understand me better.”
“So, when you said you were going to Zhou People’s Hospital, I didn’t stop you at all.”
Lu Cheng realized: “Thank you for your magnanimity, Director Lin.”
“It’s about pursuing a better future, and there’s no shame in that. Our hospital truly isn’t suitable for a talent like you; the platform is simply not enough.”
“Staying here would be an underutilization of your skills.”
“Xiao Lu, you’ll probably be promoted to Deputy Senior soon, right? You should have a good chat with Zhang Tiesheng and try to get an award like ‘Excellent Employee’.”
“The assessment for Deputy Senior is based on a points system. Although you have research projects, you haven’t applied for them, nor have you published any papers, so you need these award certificates to add points,” Lin Qianlong advised.
“Thank you, Director Lin. I know it’s a points system, and I happened to receive a few award certificates this time, which should be enough to add some points.”
“We’ll discuss future matters later.”
“Director Lin, are you really planning to leave?” Lu Cheng asked sincerely.
Lin Qianlong was a good director. At least since Lu Cheng arrived, he had treated Lu Cheng well.
Perhaps it was because Lu Cheng was strong enough, but judging by actions rather than intentions, Lin Qianlong had indeed treated Lu Cheng well.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m already this age, and I’m doing it for the money. This reason is not shameful.”
“Because of Director Huang’s influence, our department has the least underhanded dealings, almost none. Therefore, our income is not as good as our peers or other colleagues in the hospital.”
“But because of Director Huang’s influence, our Emergency Department was mostly unaffected this time, unlike the General Surgery and Orthopedics departments which have their own connections.”
“Even if no one is penalized, the money will definitely be confiscated.”
“Confessions have already been obtained from several pharmaceutical representatives! Xiao Lu, when you were in Orthopedics, you probably didn’t have access to these things, did you?”
Lu Cheng nodded: “Director Lin, you’re right. I’m not qualified to talk to pharmaceutical representatives.”
Lin Qianlong said, “That’s even better. Actually, it’s not that much money.”
“Xiao Lu, a while ago, I was quite worried. I felt that if I were to leave, would the Emergency Department collapse?”
“Fortunately, I met you.”
Lu Cheng suddenly remembered something and asked, “Director Lin, when you persuaded Brother Zhang and Brother Zeng to let me study under Professor Chen continuously, and also allowed me to perform appendectomies and other surgeries independently, was it for this moment?”
Lin Qianlong said, “That was partly the reason, but not entirely.”
“I even considered whether to bring you along to Feng County People’s Hospital. But later, you found a better place, so it was no longer appropriate to mention it.”
“Your future development can be even better.”
“The current situation is that most of the surgeries I can perform, you can also perform. However, there are surgeries you can perform that I cannot.”
“Therefore, I can leave more at ease, and it won’t affect the normal operation of the unit.”
“Moreover, seeing that Zhang Tiesheng is also becoming more eager to learn now, it’s also good. He actually has good potential. He just felt no one learned faster than him, so he became complacent.”
Lu Cheng understood.
Some things, he might not understand the reason for at the moment, but everything has its traces.
“Thank you for your great kindness, Director Lin, for giving me such a good learning opportunity,” Lu Cheng said sincerely.
“Mainly, they didn’t learn as fast as you. We originally planned for you to study for a while and then be sent for further training, but we didn’t expect you to have learned many techniques while Professor Chen was still here.”
“Not only did you learn the surgeries that our department already knew, but you also filled some gaps in our hospital’s surgical procedures!”
“In this situation, even if I leave, you’ll just be a bit more tired, but it won’t cause the department to stop functioning normally.”
“It’s just that you might have to work harder,” Lin Qianlong said.
In terms of surgical breadth, Lin Qianlong was actually more experienced than Lu Cheng. However, due to the nature of the Emergency Department, Lin Qianlong could only delegate some surgeries.
But in terms of novelty of techniques, he was inferior to Lu Cheng. Lu Cheng knew some routine surgeries, which was enough to support the Emergency Surgery department.
County hospitals don’t need to be able to treat every illness. As long as they are slightly better than their peers in other county hospitals, it’s enough for the Emergency Department of Long County People’s Hospital to stand out.
The inheritance of techniques requires a long time to iterate.
While Lu Cheng was still wondering, Lin Qianlong said, “After all, when you leave, there may not be anyone to take your place. You’ll encounter more psychological barriers than I will.”
Lu Cheng’s heart suddenly tightened, and he looked at Lin Qianlong.
Lin Qianlong directly tore off all pretense: “Actually, whether a person leaves or not, one must not only consider personal issues but also the impact of the decision.”
“But personal benefits should still come first.”
“This platform is where a group of people happen to be working together. It’s not that everyone has sold themselves to the institution.”
“Actually, I sometimes struggled, and I considered whether to leave, whether to keep you here.”
“But after hearing that you were leaving, I abandoned that thought.”
“We are all adults, and each has their own future. Since we’ve known each other, let’s part on good terms.”
“That should be considered worthy of our acquaintance.”
Lu Cheng: “…”
Lin Qianlong was also a “rascal.” Because they were both leaving, he dragged Lu Cheng down with him, forcing them to endure ‘inner guilt’ together!
Lu Cheng couldn’t say much, as neither of them was noble: “I wish you a bright future, Director Lin.”
“Xiao Lu, the same to you.”
“You’ve just finished your shift, so go back and rest. I’ll sit here for a while longer to sort and pack my things.”
“I’ll hand over to Zhang Tiesheng when he arrives.”
“Regarding clinical matters, I don’t think there’s much left to hand over,” Lin Qianlong became somewhat rambling.
As Lu Cheng was about to leave, Lin Qianlong said again, “Oh, right, Director Du has ‘left’, so we’ve gotten back spleen-preserving surgery and gallbladder-preserving surgery.”
“You’re quite something… playing a double agent with Du Qiang so subtly…”
“If Du Qiang hadn’t called me before he left, I wouldn’t have seen through this.”
Lu Cheng feigned confusion: “Director Lin, is Director Du also leaving?”
Lin Qianlong nodded: “Whether he’s specifically leaving, I can’t say for sure; he’s an old fox.”
Lin Qianlong said, “At least for now, he says he’s leaving. Perhaps the hospital leadership convinced him to stay?”
“Damn it, that’s not right!” Lin Qianlong suddenly flipped over, as if startled:
“Du Qiang was coming to the Emergency Department!!”
“Never mind, I’ve learned something!”
“I knew it! Why did Du Qiang suddenly want to swap surgeries with our Emergency Department? So that’s what he meant!”
Lin Qianlong didn’t mention it, and Lu Cheng hadn’t thought in that direction.
With Lin Qianlong’s explanation, Lu Cheng suddenly understood.
Du Qiang wasn’t having a good time in General Surgery, so when he learned that Lin Qianlong was leaving, he decided to come to the Emergency Department.
Lu Cheng was a skilled practitioner in the Emergency Department, and Du Qiang wanted to take over as Director of General Surgery, so he needed to “build a good relationship” with Lu Cheng!
And Du Qiang, currently the Director of General Surgery, needed to give more surgical scope to the Emergency Department. He had to trade something for it, at least to legitimize it.
But whether he would give surgeries to General Surgery in the future was another matter!
It was estimated that the “candidate” for the next Director of General Surgery, in order to get Du Qiang out, had implicitly agreed to a loss of surgical volume to gain the position first.
If Du Qiang doesn’t leave, how can the position of Director of General Surgery be filled?
Lu Cheng made a bitter joke: “Director Lin, why don’t you just stay…”
Lin Qianlong shook his head vehemently: “I have to leave now even if I don’t want to. I don’t want to be targeted by Du Qiang; he’s been planning this for so long.”
“If I continue to occupy his position, who knows what will happen.”
“The sooner I leave, the better! You should go too,” Lin Qianlong waved Lu Cheng “out”!
