Chapter 189: The Elder’s Thoughts!
Unsurprisingly, Lin Qianlong’s guess came true.
Du Qiang from General Surgery will be the Director of the Emergency Department.
A deeper reason is that Huang Haibo from Internal Medicine is unwilling to take the position of Director, and his attitude is very clear.
So the hospital had to find someone else to replace him.
Du Qiang’s arrival did not affect Zhang Tiesheng’s position as acting director. Instead, in addition to being the acting director of Emergency Surgery, Zhang Tiesheng also gained the title of Deputy Director of the Emergency Department.
The person who brought this news was Vice President Zeng Long’an. After Zeng Long’an announced the news, Lin Qianlong immediately led the team in applause, welcoming Director Du Qiang to the Emergency Department.
Lin Qianlong could be considered to have parted on good terms with the hospital, each having their own reasons.
Zeng Long’an raised his hand, stopping the applause: “Actually, I have another purpose for coming today, which is to represent the hospital’s President’s Office and warmly congratulate our Comrade Lu Cheng.”
“You’ve all probably heard, our Comrade Lu Cheng has brought back four provincial-level award certificates for our hospital.”
“Two of them are even first-class awards!~”
“And in this provincial Microsurgery Skills Competition, our Long County People’s Hospital is the only county hospital that won more than two award certificates.”
“It is the only county hospital that won a first-class award, and it is one of only three hospitals that won two first-class awards!”
After Zeng Long’an finished speaking, he tapped the table: “Listen carefully, it’s one of only three hospitals that won first-class awards in two competition categories.”
“The other two hospitals are Xiangya’s two elder brother hospitals.”
As Zeng Long’an said this, everyone was about to applaud in congratulation, but Zeng Long’an raised his voice again: “This is also the only time in all previous competitions that a county hospital has won a first-class award.”
“So, you can imagine the value of these awards.”
“In response, the hospital has decided to award Comrade Lu Cheng a bonus of thirty-four thousand yuan at the hospital level.”
“You all understand why it’s thirty-four thousand. I won’t explain further, as it certainly cannot be higher than the organizer’s award.”
After Zeng Long’an finished speaking, he looked at Lu Cheng and tilted his chin: “Xiao Lu, the bonus our hospital is giving you is after tax, so the actual bonus you received is still higher than what the organizer gave you.”
Lin Qianlong smiled: “President Zeng, if we had known Xiao Lu had such ability, you should have led the team to the competition.”
Zeng Long’an said: “See, you didn’t say it earlier. If you had said it earlier, I would definitely have gone.”
“Furthermore, this time, the highest award our superior hospital, Xiangzhou People’s Hospital, received was only a third-class award. No second-class awards.”
“These words can only be spoken behind closed doors, but these awards will certainly be reported to our superior departments as required, including but not limited to the Long County Health Bureau.”
“These award certificates are equivalent to several provincial-level journal papers, and there should be no problem with that.”
“Director Lin, I’m handing him over to you. You must lead him well. If Doctor Lu ever comes to me with grievances, don’t blame me for getting angry with you.”
After all, it was good news, and the hospital needed some good news to celebrate recently, so Zeng Long’an stayed for quite a while and personally presided over this commendation announcement.
Any other preferential treatment Lu Cheng might receive was a matter for later.
Everyone laughed, and then came the polite exchanges of social graces.
Lin Qianlong nodded: “Yes, yes.”
“President Zeng, please have a good walk…”
Huang Haibo also left the doctor’s office in the Surgery Department at this time, and the office was instantly left with only the internal staff of the Emergency Department.
Lin Qianlong glanced at Lu Cheng and asked, “Xiao Lu, have you seen anyone from our hospital’s Orthopedics Department participate in the competition?”
Lu Cheng shook his head: “I didn’t see anyone.”
Lu Cheng wouldn’t tell Lin Qianlong that county hospitals were not allowed to register for this competition, and the reason he could participate was by invitation from Xiangya Hospital.
There was no need to show off like that.
In fact, Director Zeng had already hinted at why Long County People’s Hospital was the only county hospital to win an award. The reason was here.
“Then forget it, I was just curious about their results,” Lin Qianlong said, then continued, “Alright, that’s all for today, normal shift.”
“Everyone, maintain your spirits. I won’t explain why.”
“At this juncture, everything must be extremely cautious. No amount of caution is too much. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, no one will be able to speak up for you.”
“Even the Central Inspection Team and people from the provincial level are trembling, let alone us minor figures. If that knife falls, whoever resists will die.”
“It will definitely be tiring, but I will always be with you. Anyway, I’m staying at the hospital recently until I finish my last shift.”
Lin Qianlong was about to resign, fearing that problems might arise at the last moment, so he had been staying in the department for five days.
Since receiving the news, he had hardly left the hospital, at most going out for meals. He handled everything from using the toilet to showering within the hospital.
…
“Doctor Lu, congratulations! Are you going to treat us to milk tea?” Tian Duoduo called out from a distance as she saw Lu Cheng leaving the office, hands on her hips, looking quite domineering.
“Sure, sure. You guys order first, and then tell me the total. Order whatever you want.”
“Tian Duoduo, I’m going to do rounds first. Remember to order for everyone, and for the Internal Medicine Group too,” Lu Cheng waved to Tian Duoduo from afar.
Since Tian Duoduo had taken the initiative to invite, it was a good idea to have her do some work.
Tian Duoduo saw Lu Cheng dumping the task on her and couldn’t help but laugh and cry: “You’re just being a hands-off boss?”
Yao Lina, who was older than Tian Duoduo, nudged her: “Doctor Lu is willing to let you do things because he cares about you. Don’t be ungracious.”
Tian Duoduo turned her head: “I don’t believe it. Lu Cheng’s girlfriend is very attractive and has a great figure.”
Yao Lina looked at Tian Duoduo’s figure and said, “Can her figure be better than yours?”
Tian Duoduo sighed: “Actually, I’m too thin. If I were a boy, I would also prefer her type.”
“You’ve inquired quite a lot,” Yao Lina said helplessly.
Lu Cheng’s girlfriend is a returned overseas student, a childhood sweetheart, beautiful, rich, and from a good family – all the best buffs.
Now her figure is no less than the sultry Tian Duoduo’s, so Tian Duoduo truly has no chance.
Unless Lu Cheng is looking for a “side chick.”
Li Guofang honestly asked: “Sister Duoduo, I heard that when Doctor Lu first came to our department, he wasn’t back together with his girlfriend yet.”
“Was there a chance then?”
Tian Duoduo was already feeling a bit complicated, and hearing the “naively cute” Li Guofang being so insensitive, she shot her a glance and said impatiently, “You should go out more, maybe you’ll like chubby guys.”
“What do you want to order? Lu Cheng is treating, so be ruthless.”
Tian Duoduo’s thoughts were a bit jumbled. She knew Lu Cheng was single when he first arrived, otherwise Lu Cheng wouldn’t have agreed to go on blind dates.
If she had been a bit more proactive then, maybe there would have been a chance…
October 28th, Wednesday, 4 PM, before Lu Cheng’s evening shift.
Gaojiapo Residential Area, in Lu Cheng’s kitchen.
Lu Cheng raised his drink cup and said apologetically, “Uncle Wei, Director Du, our hospital is going through a turbulent period right now. I have an evening shift in the Emergency Clinic today, so I absolutely cannot drink.”
Many people were present, including Uncle Wei Ying, Director Du Qiang, and Lu Cheng’s uncle, Lu Nanyong.
“Isn’t your Director Du here? If you have something urgent, he can cover for you,” Lu Nanyong said jokingly.
Du Qiang waved his hand: “That won’t do. With the current atmosphere, who dares to cover? We must prioritize the overall situation and absolutely do not drink and cause trouble.”
“It’s enough to show our intention.”
“Come, come, let’s all drink together. After all this going back and forth, it turns out I have many brothers.” Du Qiang beckoned everyone to drink a cup together.
Mother Tian Hui, who didn’t drink, also took a beer today.
After taking a sip, Du Qiang tapped the table and said, “Lu Cheng, I want to make a statement here.”
“That is, for the next period, don’t blame your Uncle Du for being harsh on you.”
Lu Cheng’s smile instantly froze.
Lu Cheng knew very well what kind of scheming person Du Qiang was. Why would Du Qiang target him?
What was the logic behind this?
“Director Du? What do you mean?”
“I’m still young!” Lu Cheng was confused.
Du Qiang said, “In any case, it’s to get you out of the hospital. Otherwise, you will definitely become a benchmark for the county hospital, and the county won’t be willing to let you go.”
“Although the prefecture can transfer people, the county people’s hospital is a grassroots unit, and they can refuse to let go of talent when they encounter it.”
“This is the advantage and disadvantage of a self-governing prefecture.”
Lu Cheng’s brow instantly furrowed.
Xiangxi is indeed a self-governing prefecture. Hearsay has it that the taxes here do not flow out, all of it is retained locally, and there are also allocations.
Lu Cheng could not distinguish the truth of this matter.
“Uncle Du, it shouldn’t come to this, right?” Lu Cheng replied.
“It wouldn’t have come to this originally, but with the current situation, something is needed to offset the bad luck, so it will come to this.”
“I can tell you this, every move our hospital makes is within the scope of the inspection team.”
“Of course, they are also well aware of the remarkable achievements you have made.”
“The matter of a county hospital winning a provincial first-class award, if handled well, could be a sensation nationwide.”
“After all, it attracts attention. For the health and health management department, this is also concrete evidence.”
“Mainly, your background is good. You’ve been working in our hospital since you finished your standardized training. This resume looks more convincing than faked ones.”
“Of course, the county hospital doesn’t necessarily have to keep you to get this credit.”
“You don’t need to know much about the inside story, but it’s just that your father, your uncle, and I have already agreed.”
“You saved my brother-in-law’s life, and then you saved my nephew. As an uncle, I must repay you.”
“It should be possible to let you transfer to the prefecture work with peace of mind,” Du Qiang did not make absolute promises.
Lu Cheng hadn’t thought that much initially. He felt that whether he stayed or not, Long County People’s Hospital wouldn’t lack him as an attending physician.
Lu Cheng had never imagined that after winning awards, it might become difficult for him to leave.
However, after thinking carefully, he felt it was indeed the case.
Long County is a remote county town, located in a remote area with an underdeveloped economy. The higher authorities have always been sending talent here, and they would not forcibly extract blood.
Even in the prefecture’s selection examinations, the county could directly “cry and complain” and keep Lu Cheng, citing the difficulties of Long County.
Lu Cheng really had no good solution, unless he chose the path of ‘resignation.’
But once he resigned, his resume would have a gap, which was not the optimal solution.
The key is that the current county hospital, at least, has become famous throughout the province. The hospital president’s self-surrender also served as a warning to many people.
The most troublesome now are the leaders of the Health Bureau, especially the Discipline Inspection Commission.
A county people’s hospital president embezzled sixty million yuan, and you didn’t discover it?
How was the work carried out?
Mistakes must be punished, and those people naturally want more achievements to lighten their punishment.
As for Lu Cheng’s future, it was completely insignificant compared to the prospects of the entire county leadership team.
“Uncle Du, you won’t be too harsh and ruin my career, will you?” Lu Cheng put the unpleasant words out first.
Lu Nanyong immediately glanced at Du Qiang, understanding the underlying meaning in Lu Cheng’s words.
Du Qiang widened his eyes and said, “Hey, Xiao Lu, that’s unfair of you. Aren’t you putting me on the spot?”
“If I do that, what good will I get, and how will I behave in the future?”
“How will I conduct myself in the hospital?”
“Of course, it’s to send you to participate in the selection examination with peace of mind.”
Du Qiang said, “Don’t worry, your Uncle Du won’t harm you. It wasn’t last time, and it won’t be this time!~”
Wei Ying spoke up: “Du Qiang, be mindful. Xiao Lu is also my nephew, and I’ve known the Nan family for decades.”
“Now, my life was saved by Xiao Lu.”
“Brother… if I were really going to harm Xiao Lu, would I say these words in front of you?”
Lu Nanyong took over the conversation: “Xiao Lu, listen to Director Du more. The current situation is indeed complicated, and Director Du’s considerations are more thorough.”
“Things are different now.”
Du Qiang assumed an elder’s demeanor: “Actually, it’s just a practical problem. Xiao Lu, you are also a smart person. The reason you didn’t need to consider these issues before was that you didn’t even have the qualifications to enter the game.”
“Wei Ying, Boss Lu, I’ll be more direct.”
“Ultimately, when you’re not excellent enough, you don’t even qualify to be considered material.”
“But when you are excellent enough, your existence will bring benefits to others.”
“Benefit is the core driving force behind more than ninety-five percent of things.”
“A person is most comfortable when they are in a middling position. Once you rise, you are no longer in control. Once you fall, you are also no longer in control. No one listens to you, and no one even cares about you.”
“If you say others have ill intentions towards you, they won’t show it. They will morally blackmail you, or try to win you over with money or other things, and you won’t be able to find fault with them.”
Du Qiang spoke cruelly, yet no one dared to refute him.
Lu Nanyong and Wei Ying frowned, but Lu Cheng saw the bewilderment on his parents’ faces.
Different circles, different cognitions, different ways of thinking.
Lu Nan family and Tian Hui had never considered this problem.
…
Du Qiang did not say how he would “deal with” Lu Cheng, but that night, Lu Cheng heard some gossip from Zhang Tiesheng.
Zhang Tiesheng’s tone was conflicted: “Lu Cheng, you’ve really made an enemy of this Du Qiang!~”
Lu Cheng, who was reading literature, pretended to be unaware: “Brother Zhang? What’s wrong again?”
“A while ago, it was said that Director Du Qiang was going to resign and go to Feng County People’s Hospital. Something happened at the hospital recently, so the hospital leadership talked to Director Du!~”
“Director Du went to the hospital leadership’s office today and said that he and you are incompatible. Either you go back to Orthopedics, or you definitely cannot stay in the Emergency Department.”
“The Emergency Department either has you or him, but not both of you.”
“What is the situation between you two?”
“Didn’t we say last time? You had a good relationship with him? Why would he do this to you?”
Either you or him, but not both.
Good heavens, if Du Qiang hadn’t warned him in advance, Lu Cheng would truly have suspected Du Qiang of deceiving him, thinking Du Qiang was a smiling tiger, putting on a different face in front of him.
“Brother Zhang, I don’t know either. I’m still on duty in the department reading literature.”
“Is Director Du crazy?”
Zhang Tiesheng said, “Perhaps his child is about to be sentenced, so after much thought, he still can’t figure it out.”
Lu Cheng said, “This has nothing to do with me. He can do the knocking himself, why does he have to be me?”
“It’s not my son,” Lu Cheng felt very hypocritical at this moment.
Zhang Tiesheng laughed and said, “If Du Qiang does this, someone will definitely knock on his door and ask him to perform emergency surgery in the future. He won’t be able to refuse anymore.”
“I’m even thinking if I should mess with him. He’s already acting extremely arrogant before even arriving here,” Zhang Tiesheng said playfully.
Lu Cheng: “…”
“Brother Zhang, there’s no need for that. It depends on human effort, and the hospital leaders are not blind,” Lu Cheng said.
“It’s not like a few days ago they came to congratulate me, and today because of Director Du’s words, they’ll replace me.”
“I guess it’s more likely that they’ll make things difficult for me later.”
Du Qiang had said that after entering the Emergency Department, he would find a way to temporarily remove Lu Cheng from clinical practice, meaning Lu Cheng wouldn’t have to work when he wasn’t on duty.
The reason was plausible. Everyone needed to perform surgeries to make a living. Why should one person do so many surgeries and earn so much as the chief surgeon?
Although Lu Cheng’s technique was better, everyone needed to make a living. Who performs surgery is who performs surgery. Lu Cheng couldn’t do all the surgeries, so no one would refuse this proposal.
This way, Lu Cheng could free up more time for his own matters, including but not limited to participating in the Xiangzhou selection examination.
Du Qiang also said that it was one aspect that the county was unwilling to let him go, and another aspect was that the prefecture wanted such talent to go there!
Lu Cheng’s resume had some capital, so as long as Lu Cheng was willing, the county would likely not be able to stop him, but Lu Cheng would need to take the initiative and express his intentions.
“Then he’s digging his own grave,” Zhang Tiesheng stated.
“Even a strong dragon can’t suppress a local snake. Why does he think everyone has to listen to him just because he’s the director of the Emergency Department? He wasn’t that domineering in General Surgery either.”
Lu Cheng said, “Brother Zhang, let’s not worry about these things for now. Thank you.”
“You haven’t rested yet, it’s almost eleven o’clock.”
“I was about to rest, but I couldn’t sleep because of this matter. Never mind, I’ll go out for a drink to help me sleep. I’ll pick up your shift tomorrow,” Zhang Tiesheng said.
After Zhang Tiesheng hung up the phone, Lu Cheng saw a message from Director Du Qiang’s alt account: “When did you get in touch with Huang Haibo??”
Du Qiang did not address Lu Cheng, and the real name on the phone number was not Du Qiang’s.
Lu Cheng: “I don’t have any relationship with Director Huang?”
“Huang Haibo is even more ruthless than me. I basically don’t have to do anything.”
“Huang Haibo just said he has a better way to get you out…”
“Ah?” Lu Cheng was confused.
Du Qiang: “Yes, Huang Haibo is unwilling to take over as Director of the Emergency Department, he plans to leave, but he’s not going to the neighboring province, he intends to go to the prefecture.”
“His condition for negotiating with the hospital is to take you with him.”
“The hospital leadership agreed because Huang Haibo holds too much evidence. At this point, if even a little is revealed, it basically points to whoever’s name, and they’re in trouble.”
Lu Cheng: “Isn’t this self-incrimination?”
Du Qiang: “Yes, isn’t that what he’s always done? But he himself isn’t the target.”
“Honestly, if I had known you were targeted by Huang Haibo, I wouldn’t have had to pretend to be angry today.”
“Huang Haibo said he’s taking you with him, who dares to stop him!!!”
Lu Cheng: “But I’m really not familiar with Director Huang.”
“That’s very strange.”
“Forget it, let’s leave it at that for now. Actually, Huang Haibo, if he takes a liking to you, it’s quite good.”
“There are very few lawyers who are more proficient in medicine-related laws and regulations than him.”
Lu Cheng: “…”
Lu Cheng really couldn’t have imagined that Huang Haibo would target him. Lu Cheng had only heard of Huang Haibo’s past exploits, such as taking down the former director of Internal Medicine.
Why would he target him? Why would he take him with him?
What was Huang Haibo’s motive?
After deleting the message with Du Qiang, Lu Cheng looked out the window. The night was dark outside, with only occasional twinkling stars, locked in the darkness, with nowhere to escape.
Lu Cheng now longed for the past. In the past, he only needed to study diligently. Why did he have to deal with so many branches of social sciences?
These branches were much more difficult than professional techniques.
Lin Qianlong’s resignation, Du Qiang’s “hypocrisy,” and now suddenly Huang Haibo appears.
Long County People’s Hospital still has many directors he is unfamiliar with. The methods of these people must also be formidable.
What was he, Lu Cheng, worth? At most, he was just good at technique and had good luck!
Of course, Lu Cheng knew that his current technique, in terms of depth, was more than just a little better than others at Long County People’s Hospital.
Tong Yuan’an, who performed limb replantation surgery, called—
“Xiao Lu, find someone to cover your shift. Come here, there’s a tendon that’s been layered, and you need to suture it…”
