Chapter 193: Prefectural City Hospital’s Operating Rules!
“Director Tan, Master, Lu Cheng said he wants to participate in the selection examination at the Provincial People’s Hospital, so that it will be more convenient for him to do research projects later,” Tong Yuan’an said halfway through the dinner.
“Mm,” Tan Zhongyuan nodded, “doing research projects in the county is unreliable. If Long County were a developed county-level city, it would be another matter.”
“Xiao Lu, which department are you interested in? Hand surgery?”
Lu Cheng shook his head and said frankly, “Director Tan, I plan to go to the Emergency Department. I’m not really a hand surgeon. The longest I stayed during my standardized training was in Trauma Surgery.”
“Director Tan, I can arrange these things myself.”
Tan Zhongyuan glanced at Lu Cheng subtly, then said, “I believe you have the ability, Xiao Lu, but there’s no need to make unnecessary complications when things can be settled.”
“Han Yun Shen, after you go back this time, remember to remind me. I’ll find Professor Bu from our hospital’s Emergency Department then.”
“With Professor Bu putting in a word, this matter should be relatively easier.”
“We won’t discuss this matter today. Come on, don’t let it get awkward. You young people, get it going!”
“If you feel uncomfortable, Professor Zhou and I can go have a cup of tea.”
Drinking to one’s heart’s content is after all a privilege of the young. Tan Zhongyuan knew that if he stayed, Lu Cheng and the others would be more inhibited.
As a result, Zhou Yuhui and Tan Zhongyuan left halfway.
They were the Big Bosses, and no one dared to urge them to drink. These two left as they pleased.
After these two left, the atmosphere livened up. Tong Yuan’an began to introduce the other colleagues in the department to Lu Cheng in detail.
Hu Yi and Han Yun Shen also actively tried to get acquainted with Lu Cheng. The atmosphere was quite good with the back-and-forth.
…
After drinking, Lu Cheng felt like there was nothing else to do. If he wasn’t on duty today, he could go home and rest well.
But as soon as he reached his doorstep, an unregistered phone call came.
The area code was from Xiang Province, Xiangxi.
“Hello,” Lu Cheng answered the call.
“Is this Lu Cheng? My name is Xiao Zhaoxi,” came a voice from the other end of the line, sounding like a cheerful middle-aged man.
Lu Cheng hadn’t met this person, but he was familiar with the name. Mu Nanshu had introduced him, and this was a relative of Mu Nanshu’s family.
“Hello, Director Xiao. I am Lu Cheng. Why are you calling me?” Lu Cheng’s tone immediately became formal, as if speaking to his future superior.
“Xiao Lu, it’s not that I wanted to call you, but my leader called me. Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I have everything arranged for you. You have this connection with Mu Leng and Nanshu, right?”
“You suddenly sprung this on me,” Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly said.
“No, Director Xiao, is there some misunderstanding?”
“Nanshu and I agreed to visit you next month,” Lu Cheng said, looking completely baffled.
“You haven’t, and my teacher, Director Li, has already called me. Are you saying you haven’t?” Xiao Zhaoxi asked.
“Which Director Li? I really haven’t, Uncle Xiao.” Mu Nanshu had said that this was a distant cousin of Mu Leng’s.
The relationship with Mu Leng was considered both distant and close, so Lu Cheng calling him uncle was not at a disadvantage.
“Director Li from Xiangya Hospital. You don’t know?”
“Then why did Director Li specifically call to tell me to contact you immediately?” Xiao Zhaoxi’s cheerful tone disappeared.
When Xiao Zhaoxi mentioned Director Li from Xiangya Hospital, Lu Cheng roughly understood what was happening. Director Tan Zhongyuan was playing matchmaker: “Uncle Xiao, is it Teacher Li from Xiangya Hospital?”
“That’s possible. A teacher I know helped out.”
“You don’t know Director Li well?” Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly asked.
“Uncle Xiao, I don’t know Director Li yet. If there’s an opportunity, thank you for recommending me,” Lu Cheng said immediately.
Connections were useful, but hard to accumulate.
Xiao Zhaoxi said, “Xiao Lu, you’re not an outsider. What I just said was a bit of a lie. Actually, Director Li isn’t my teacher, but he has guided me many times.”
“I thought you and Director Li were very familiar. I was thinking if it was convenient, you could arrange something.”
“But it’s okay if you’re not familiar now. Director Li has already given you a heads-up, so after a while, we’ll find a time to visit him.”
“Xiao Lu, what kind of teacher is this you mentioned? He must be quite an extraordinary person too?”
“Where are you now? I’ll come over…” Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly said.
Lu Cheng: “Uncle Xiao, I’m working in Long County and haven’t arranged for leave yet. However, next month, I should be able to take regular shifts off.”
“So it will be more convenient to take leave.”
Xiao Zhaoxi: “Then let’s not wait until next month. I’ll arrange to come back with Mu Leng later. He’s also mentioned you to me several times.”
“You still haven’t said who the teacher you know is.”
Lu Cheng replied, “Director Tan Zhongyuan from Xiangya Hospital’s Hand Surgery Department.”
“From President Lei’s family? No wonder!”
“Director Li is also the Vice President of Xiangya Hospital, and Director Tan will soon be the Vice President. You’ve made a very solid connection…” Xiao Zhaoxi immediately gave Lu Cheng a brief overview of the general relationships at Xiangya Hospital.
Lu Cheng was aware that Director Lei of Xiangya Hospital was the president, but whether Director Tan would be promoted to Vice President, and who the other Vice Presidents were, Lu Cheng couldn’t figure out.
Because he hadn’t specifically looked into these matters.
“Uncle Xiao, are you returning to Long County today?” Lu Cheng asked.
“Yes, I’ll be back soon. I’ll call you after Mu Leng and I arrive. We’ll chat privately.”
“Um, you said you’re working in Long County, how did you contact Director Tan? By phone?” Xiao Zhaoxi, being an old hand, immediately caught the loophole in Lu Cheng’s words.
Lu Cheng replied, “Director Tan has probably returned now.”
Xiao Zhaoxi pondered for a moment: “So, Director Tan had come to Long County before, and you met him, and then you asked him to pull strings for you?”
“Uncle Xiao, can I explain this to you in person?” Lu Cheng replied.
“That’s fine, we’re not in a hurry anyway.”
“Then that’s all for now. We’ll talk later,” Xiao Zhaoxi said.
…
Lu Cheng walked in with the phone, and Tian Hui immediately noticed the smell of alcohol on him: “You’ve had quite a bit to drink again today? Why have you been drinking so much lately?”
Lu Nanjia got up and quietly went to prepare hangover tea for Lu Cheng.
Lu Nanjia wasn’t unconcerned about Lu Cheng’s health, but as a man, he better understood the network Lu Cheng needed to build.
If the family couldn’t help much, was Lu Cheng just going to rely on his words to get by in the hospital?
“I only had a little to drink. Some teachers came, and I really couldn’t refuse,” Lu Cheng said.
Tian Hui’s tone was sharp: “Teachers, more important than your Uncle Wei’s brother-in-law, Director Du?”
Lu Cheng replied, “Mom, don’t worry about it. Director Du basically doesn’t attend these drinking parties.”
“I’ll rest for a while. Uncle Mu Leng will be back later. I still need to see him!”
Lu Nanjia heard Mu Leng and came out: “What does Mu Leng want? If he’s going to get you drunk, I’ll call him and curse him out.”
“Is this scoundrel not choosing his timing?”
After all, he was Mu Leng’s former creditor, so Lu Nanjia wasn’t particularly polite to Mu Leng.
“No, we just need to chat about some things,” Lu Cheng said.
“What things? Do you need my help?” Lu Nanjia asked.
It mainly involved Mu Leng, and Lu Nanjia felt he could help.
He was Lu Cheng’s father, not an absentee parent. If his ability was insufficient, it was one thing, but if there was an opportunity to contribute, he would give his all.
“No need, Dad.”
“Mom, don’t be so angry. We drink for enjoyment, not to get completely drunk.”
Lu Cheng continued, “How about I give you a shoulder massage?”
“Am I angry? I’m worried about your health. You’re a doctor yourself, don’t you know drinking is bad for your health?”
Lu Cheng was silent for a moment before saying, “Didn’t you not know that skipping breakfast was bad for your health before?”
“According to the healthiest diet, chili peppers should be eaten less, salt should be eaten less, and lard shouldn’t be eaten. What’s the point then?”
Lu Cheng knew he couldn’t reason with Tian Hui on major principles, so he approached it from the trivialities of daily life.
“Alright, alright, you little rascal has grown up. I can’t argue with you, I’m uneducated,” Tian Hui rolled her eyes.
Tian Hui used to love spicy food, but now she had to control her chili intake. However, the salt couldn’t be too bland, or she wouldn’t be able to eat.
This was her lifelong palate, and changing it now really made life feel meaningless.
…
Two and a half hours later, Mu Leng and Xiao Zhaoxi arrived at the entrance of the residential area on Yuelu Avenue. Mu Leng called Lu Cheng to come downstairs.
On the way, Lu Cheng mentally reviewed the events and logic.
Director Tan Zhongyuan had only been polite at the dinner table. He said he could contact the director of the Emergency Department, and he would contact him immediately.
It was just that Lu Cheng still didn’t know why the director of Xiangya Hospital’s Emergency Department had so much influence that Xiao Zhaoxi had to rush back from Jishi City to Long County.
“Uncle Mu, Uncle Xiao,” Lu Cheng said as he opened the rear passenger door after reaching the car.
Mu Leng started driving and stepped on the accelerator: “This is the Uncle Xiao I’ve often told you about. He will also be your leader in the future!”
“You have to do a good job. I’ve made a military pledge to Director Xiao. If you misbehave, I’ll deal with you myself.”
“Thank you, Uncle Mu,” Lu Cheng nodded immediately.
Xiao Zhaoxi said, “Mu Leng, don’t be so formal. This isn’t a workplace now.”
“Today, I need to see Lu Cheng about something important.”
“Do you want to go out and get some?” Xiao Zhaoxi suggested.
Lu Cheng politely declined: “Uncle Xiao, how about another day? I just had dinner, and drinking more would make me look ridiculous.”
“You had drinks with Director Tan just now?? How did you contact him?” Xiao Zhaoxi seemed to be impatient and immediately began to press.
“Director Tan and Professor Zhou Yuhui from Hand Surgery came to Long County. Professor Tong from Hand Surgery was doing a rural outreach at our hospital, and he recommended me,” Lu Cheng said.
“Professor Tong recommended you to Director Tan, and Director Tan drank with you? It can’t be that simple, can it?” Xiao Zhaoxi’s eyes darted around cleverly.
Mu Leng said, “Cousin, what do you mean by that?”
Xiao Zhaoxi: “Mu Leng, let me put it this way: for directors in the county, whoever the higher-ups want appointed basically gets the position. It’s all just part of the game.”
“The directors in our hospital are not people that just anyone can easily control. If something goes wrong, they can’t handle it without some influence.”
“Xiangya Hospital is a key institution. The directors here are not just department directors. The resources and connections they command are not inferior to many people.”
“And they have academic friends all over the country, so they can leave at any time.”
“To put it realistically, why would someone with your rank as a deputy leader in the city bother with them if you go for drinks? What benefits can you bring him?”
Xiao Zhaoxi glanced at Lu Cheng: “He, on the other hand, not only drank with him but also asked someone to contact me, an experienced leader in the field.”
“Didn’t I tell you that I want to become a standing committee member of the Provincial Emergency Medicine Society? This leader can have a say.”
Mu Leng had some money, but not much. This amount of money couldn’t reach high-level circles.
“Then you two chat,” Mu Leng wisely refrained from interjecting.
Lu Cheng explained, “Uncle Xiao, there’s actually a misunderstanding. I didn’t even ask Director Tan to help me. He just said he would try to think of a way.”
“I didn’t expect him to have someone call you immediately.”
Xiao Zhaoxi: “Then this matter is even more intriguing.”
“I’m glad I came then.”
…
They drove in silence, and Mu Leng drove directly to Chengxin Plaza.
Mu Leng owned eight properties in Jishi City, but he only arranged for this one in Long County.
Upon arrival, Mu Leng said, “You two talk. I’ll prepare some tea and ask Xiao Mu to bring some fruit.”
“You can both rest here today.”
Xiao Zhaoxi said, “I’ll go back to my own place later. I won’t be staying here tonight.”
“Xiao Lu, actually, I can decide on your matter here. Of course, since Vice President Li of Xiangya Hospital has mentioned it, I will certainly pay more attention.”
“I’m here to see you today because I have something I need your help with.”
“That is, if the timing is right, can you arrange something so I can meet Vice President Li of Xiangya Hospital? I need to report to him in person!”
From Xiao Zhaoxi’s words, Lu Cheng could roughly infer that Xiao Zhaoxi, as the director of the Emergency Department of Xiangzhou People’s Hospital, held a certain amount of real power and influence.
In Xiangzhou, he could independently decide personnel matters within his department.
However, it seemed that directors at Xiangya Hospital also carried a lot of weight.
“Uncle Xiao, I can’t guarantee that, as I don’t even know that Vice President Li,” Lu Cheng said.
“If you wanted to see Director Xiang Dongshan of the Second Hospital, I could put in a word.”
Xiao Zhaoxi’s feet slipped and hit the coffee table, but he ignored the pain: “What did you just say?”
Lu Cheng said, “Uncle Xiao, I mean, I don’t know Director Li or Vice President Li at Xiangya Hospital.”
“No, you just mentioned Director Xiang. Director Xiang would be fine too!”
Xiao Zhaoxi rubbed the back of his head: “Hey, no, how do you know so many big shots?”
“Director Xiang of the Second Hospital is the Deputy Director Committee Member of the Emergency Medicine Society. After Vice President Li retires, Director Xiang will most likely be promoted to Director Committee Member.”
“Can you arrange for me to meet Director Xiang?”
Lu Cheng thought carefully and said, “This should be possible.”
Although Lu Cheng didn’t have a very satisfying conversation with Xiang Dongshan, there were no conflicts.
The research project that Lu Cheng and Chen Song were collaborating on would also benefit Chen Song and Director Xiang Dongshan significantly.
“Holy crap?” Xiao Zhaoxi touched his sharp chin and raised his voice: “Mu Leng, why don’t we seriously discuss it? Your daughter’s educational background really doesn’t match up.”
“My niece is also single and doesn’t have a boyfriend, and her education isn’t that high either.”
Mu Leng smiled and said, “Sure, as long as you can convince Xiao Mu and Xiao Lu. We parents have no objections.”
“Of course, we also need to respect the freedom of love for young people.” Mu Leng was seeking a favor, so he didn’t get involved.
Xiao Zhaoxi was purely joking. He lit a cigarette, tossed the lighter onto the coffee table, and then it slid onto the floor.
He took a puff. Lu Cheng bent down and picked up the lighter: “Xiao Lu, can you explain in detail what kind of research project you’re actually working on?”
“The only reason I can think of is that your research project has made these big bosses bend over ‘for a living’.”
How long had Xiao Zhaoxi been in the working world?
He knew what could attract these big bosses.
Mu Nanshu had met with Xiao Zhaoxi and explained the specific reasons for Lu Cheng’s move to work at the Provincial People’s Hospital.
“Director Xiao, it’s a research project related to suturing. The team has already been finalized,” Lu Cheng replied.
Xiao Zhaoxi nodded: “I’m not trying to barge in. With these collaborators, there’s no room for me to interfere, is there?”
“Alright, I roughly understand what’s going on.”
“Next month, the exam still needs to be taken, the procedures still need to be followed, and the internship assessment still needs to be done,” Xiao Zhaoxi licked his lips with his tongue and put the cigarette in his mouth.
He then remembered he hadn’t offered Lu Cheng a cigarette: “Xiao Lu, do you smoke?”
“Director Xiao, I don’t,” Lu Cheng shook his head and politely declined.
“If you don’t smoke, you can drink then.”
“Actually, I’ve had more than ten people ask me for favors regarding this selection examination, but our Emergency Department only has two spots.”
Lu Cheng wasn’t completely ignorant of the recruitment information: “Director Xiao, isn’t there only one spot for Emergency Surgery? And only six spots for the entire Surgery Department?”
“It’s not easy to pull strings these days, is it?”
Xiao Zhaoxi chuckled upon hearing this: “Yes, originally there was only one spot for Emergency Surgery, and your spot is not within these few spots.”
“It’s mutually agreeable!”
“Your participation and awards in previous competitions weren’t kept secret. Do you think our hospital’s Personnel Department didn’t see it?”
“So my first reaction was that your request for Director Li to call me was redundant.”
“It would have been much better to use this favor elsewhere,” Xiao Zhaoxi said, patting his thigh.
Lu Cheng asked, “Director Xiao, are there extra spots?”
“Don’t all hospitals have public announcements without restrictions on recruitment conditions and times? Have you researched them carefully?” Xiao Zhaoxi asked.
Lu Cheng shook his head: “No. I didn’t dare to think about it. I was rejected when I applied through the formal procedures before.”
Xiao Zhaoxi glanced at Mu Leng: “Then you blame him. This uncle of yours isn’t doing things right.”
“If he had approached me before, I could have gotten you in. A Bachelor’s Degree from Hanshi University was still enough to get into our hospital in 2018.”
Mu Leng smiled: “At that time, I mainly didn’t know that you, Director Xiao, were also a relative on my mother’s side, so I didn’t dare to visit rashly. I’m just a businessman, how could I compare with cadres like you?”
Mu Leng also knew how to be sarcastic.
“Let’s not bring up past matters. The Central Inspection Team is in Xiangzhou right now and will be stationed for at least a month or two.”
“Xiao Lu’s matter will be fine.”
“However?” Xiao Zhaoxi asked again: “Xiao Lu, what specific surgeries can you perform?”
“If your technique is good, then your path will be even brighter.”
Lu Cheng immediately said, “Uncle Xiao, the surgeries I’m currently performing routinely are tendon suturing surgery and limb replantation surgery!”
“Splenectomy, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, spleen preservation, gallbladder preservation, and simple liver preservation.”
Lu Cheng added, “Fractures…”
Xiao Zhaoxi’s expression was astonished. His mouth opened slightly, then he looked at Mu Leng and said decisively, “Mu Leng, why don’t we seriously discuss it? Lu Cheng’s education really doesn’t befit your daughter.”
“Just call it off!”
Mu Leng rolled his eyes: “You elders are also not doing things right all day.”
Xiao Zhaoxi slapped his thigh heavily: “Mu Leng, what kind of incredible luck have you stumbled upon?”
“You’re doing so well in business, and now you’ve found a son-in-law like this? You’re getting all the good deals, aren’t you?”
After muttering, Xiao Zhaoxi more formally said to Lu Cheng: “Xiao Lu, we need to be cautious. Don’t brag. If you can’t perform a surgery, don’t mention it. Otherwise, you might get into trouble.”
Lu Cheng thought seriously: “Director Xiao, I’m not talking nonsense!”
“Of course, the specific surgical procedures are legitimate. I don’t perform surgeries beyond my scope of practice.”
“You can do spleen and gallbladder preservation surgery?” Xiao Zhaoxi asked seriously.
Lu Cheng nodded: “Yes!”
“We in General Surgery don’t even do those kinds of surgeries?” Xiao Zhaoxi tilted his head, his tone serious, his eyes cold, as if forcing an answer.
Xiao Zhaoxi’s change of expression truly embodied the term “smiling tiger.”
“Yes!” Lu Cheng insisted.
Xiao Zhaoxi’s voice immediately broke: “Mu Leng, you’re messing around too. Why are you bothering me all day?”
“The calls and interactions you have with me might actually become a traceable clue for Lu Cheng’s potentially questionable entry into our hospital.”
“Does he need you to plan these things out for him?”
“He could walk in with his eyes closed!”
Mu Leng was unconcerned about Xiao Zhaoxi’s breakdown and grumbling: “Director Xiao, isn’t it just to avoid any unexpected issues?”
Xiao Zhaoxi sighed: “There might have been in the past, but at this point in time, there are very few unexpected issues. The examinations will also be the fairest and most just.”
Xiao Zhaoxi clapped his hands: “This matter is settled. Lu Cheng, after I go back, I’ll apply for a special talent introduction program for you.”
Lu Cheng was not easily fooled, unlike young people: “Director Xiao, no need. I’ll just follow the normal selection examination procedure.”
Talent introduction would require signing a new contract, while the selection examination was a normal personnel transfer.
Xiao Zhaoxi was also trying to trap Lu Cheng.
Although Xiao Zhaoxi’s offer sounded better, if Lu Cheng wanted to leave later, it wouldn’t be his choice.
Xiao Zhaoxi looked at Lu Cheng seriously, scanned him up and down, and then smiled and said, “Alright… I can’t keep someone like you contained anyway…”
“Who told me I have this kind of relationship with your father-in-law.”
