Chapter 201: Taking Trifles As Serious Matters!
“What is it that you’re talking about?” Chen Song asked as he sat down in the passenger seat, buckling his seatbelt.
“Teacher Chen, it’s about a surgery in the department. Yesterday, the county leader said that the technique I won an award for in the province involved human experimentation, and the inspection team is investigating me…” Lu Cheng said with a wry smile.
Chen Song’s hand trembled slightly, and then he said, “This inspection team isn’t from the Health Department, are they? What are they investigating yarn for?”
“Not from the Health Department?” Lu Cheng glanced at Chen Song in confusion, noticing his expression immediately turn arrogant.
“Which inspection team always brings health commission departments with them to specifically target hospitals?”
Chen Song’s expression was arrogant: “Inspection teams mainly investigate corruption, organized crime, and other incidents. The annual revenue of most hospitals might not even compare to the kickbacks received from one of their real estate projects.”
“Besides, what surgeries have you performed in clinical practice? They don’t violate ethics or morals, and they are continuations of existing surgeries. While they are considered new surgical procedures, they are in reality variations of already mature procedures.”
“If this were to involve dialectical evidence collection and presentation, it would be a very troublesome matter. Who would step forward to do these thankless tasks?”
“Generally speaking, when a new technology is developed and discovered, it’s only when it becomes widespread and is used without prior notification, approval, or review that it gets targeted.”
“Could there be some misunderstanding here?”
Chen Song’s tone was quite relaxed.
Hearing Chen Song say this, Lu Cheng became even more confused: “But? Our county’s Health Bureau even summoned our Director Lin from the neighboring province. Last night, we spent at least half an hour dealing with this matter.”
“Director Lin received the most severe punishment, and I will also face a warning and a one-week suspension of my practice, which is a decision by the Prefecture Health Commission.”
“Furthermore, they later said they had already set their sights on me.”
Chen Song shook his head: “That’s absolutely impossible!”
“Who the hell has so much free time to fixate on a junior attending physician like you? If you’re taken down, who gets the performance metrics and KPIs?”
Lu Cheng: “…”
Chen Song quickly softened his expression and explained in a low voice, “Even though my words might not sound pleasant, the logic is still the same.”
“Otherwise, think about it, why would someone call you when an unexpected situation arises?”
“If you were a person under special supervision, and someone still called you to perform surgery, wouldn’t that be encouraging your ‘human experimentation’?”
“More importantly, who says your suturing technique hasn’t been reported? Or that it hasn’t undergone professional deliberation by a professional committee?” Chen Song said.
Lu Cheng immediately understood something: “Teacher Chen, you mean?”
Chen Song patted his chest and shook it, “I, I’m also on the professional committee. I can actually assess the safety risks?”
“Never mind, don’t think about it anymore. If anyone still questions you about this, just submit the evidence and materials.”
“I think someone is just using a small issue to make a big deal out of it,” Chen Song privately characterized the matter.
“Teacher Chen, what do you want to eat? I’m not very familiar with Jishi City. If you don’t have any recommendations, I’ll just find a highly-rated place,” Lu Cheng changed the subject.
With Professor Chen Song’s words, Lu Cheng felt his worries subside, thinking his own behavior was a bit ridiculous.
“Whatever.”
…
On the other end, Tan Li had indeed called Peng Hui, the person in charge of the Regulations and Comprehensive Supervision Section.
Peng Hui, a woman, had a loud voice: “Director Tan, our office is mainly responsible for supervision work in public health and medical services, and investigating illegal activities in the medical service market.”
Tan Li, from the Emergency Management Office, naturally understood the responsibilities of Peng Hui’s office: “Director Peng, but your office also has the task of guiding and standardizing law enforcement behavior, which was arranged during a meeting.”
“I haven’t heard of Comrade Lu Cheng being investigated. Could I trouble you, Director Peng, to make a call and inquire?”
“As the saying goes, ‘one eats from another’s hand, and one’s hand is short.’ Dr. Lu Cheng just helped us a lot. If we now turn our backs on him, even if it’s before crossing the bridge, it wouldn’t be very honorable.”
“Of course, I mean, if Dr. Lu Cheng has indeed committed serious violations, he should be investigated, but if they are just minor issues, perhaps they can be resolved with a lesser outcome,” Tan Li said very cautiously, afraid his call might be seen as supporting Lu Cheng and affecting himself.
The Health Emergency Management Office is responsible for health emergencies and emergency medical rescue, and organizes the development of special contingency plans.
Therefore, their office bore the greatest pressure from the incident where the inspection team members were hospitalized after being beaten. Undeniably, many people in the office, after making inquiries, found their way to Lu Cheng.
If Lu Cheng’s matter was truly serious, Tan Li would have at least heard some rumors.
Peng Hui thought carefully before saying, “Okay, Director Tan, I’ll call Director Chen to inquire about the specifics.”
“Director Chen Hao and his team are in charge of the application of medical technology and the medical and health security for important meetings and major events. They should be aware of this matter.”
The Prefecture Health Commission is equivalent to a prefectural city health bureau, with many departments and numerous staff. Each office is responsible for different projects, making it impossible for information to be fully shared at all times.
After Peng Hui hung up the phone, she immediately called Director Chen Hao. However, Director Chen Hao’s phone was constantly busy. It took nearly ten minutes for it to connect.
When Peng Hui asked about these minor details, Chen Hao said, “Director Peng, I apologize just now. I’m still at the Prefecture People’s Hospital and am constantly receiving phone calls. You know how frightening this incident is.”
“It’s fine, Director Chen. I’m sure you’re very busy, but I received a call from Director Tan of the Emergency Office, who mentioned that when he was communicating with Dr. Lu Cheng, he brought up an issue concerning Dr. Lu Cheng.”
“Director Tan thought our department was handling it.”
“I told him no, this matter falls under Director Chen’s department,” Peng Hui replied politely.
“Ah?”
“Our bureau is investigating Dr. Lu Cheng for practicing beyond his scope? Who? I haven’t heard about this matter?”
“The inspection team that came this time isn’t from the health department, so they wouldn’t be concerned with this, right?” Chen Hao was a bit confused.
However, he had been confused too many times recently, so Lu Cheng’s matter didn’t cause any significant fluctuation in his tone.
“Director Chen doesn’t know? Director Tan isn’t clear either, so I’m even more confused,” Peng Hui replied.
Chen Hao immediately said, “Isn’t this ridiculous? I’ll ask.”
The very next day after the incident, Chen Hao was almost driven crazy by the director of the Health Commission.
Not only did Lu Cheng provide the most effective solution that led them to find Chen Song, but Lu Cheng also personally came to Jishi City to resolve the patient’s condition.
Now they say Lu Cheng is being investigated for something fabricated? Isn’t that nonsense?
This inspection team was primarily investigating corruption, and medical corruption is also a form of corruption. Otherwise, even if President Peng of Long County People’s Hospital surrendered, the inspection team might not have been willing to accept the case.
Chen Hao, at the Prefecture People’s Hospital, had confirmed that the inspection team member Director Xiao had safely transferred to the recovery room and had woken up, completely out of danger. He could then spare some time to verify these matters.
…
“Teacher Chen, this place is quite expensive, and the taste is really mediocre,” Lu Cheng said.
“This isn’t Shashi-style cuisine at all. It’s just using the Shashi cuisine label. It’s neither here nor there,” Chen Song picked at the food in the bowl without much enthusiasm.
“Teacher Chen, I’ll ask my father-in-law later to recommend a good place. After dinner tonight, I have to head back,” Lu Cheng said.
Chen Song nodded, “Alright. If you don’t have other arrangements this afternoon, come with me to our laboratory. It will be our secret base for a while.”
“I feel like Big Bowl Rice is the most delicious recently, but I’m also getting tired of it.”
As Lu Cheng and Chen Song were nearing the end of their meal, they unexpectedly received a call from Director Lin Qianlong.
“Director Lin,” Lu Cheng answered, not bothering to hide it from Chen Song.
Lin Qianlong’s tone suddenly became very strange: “Xiao Lu, what did you do?”
Lu Cheng asked in surprise, “Director Lin, I didn’t do anything?”
Lin Qianlong’s tone grew even more peculiar: “You didn’t do anything? Then why did Director Tian Qi from yesterday call our hospital to explain that it was all a misunderstanding?”
“And he specifically asked me to tell you that if you receive a follow-up call, you must explain that it was a misunderstanding?”
“He asked for your number, but I didn’t give it to him.”
Lu Cheng raised his voice: “Misunderstanding?”
“Director Lin, this misunderstanding is a bit too ridiculous, isn’t it?”
Of course, Lu Cheng wasn’t trying to vent; as long as the matter could be resolved, he continued to ask, “Director Lin, so, this means this is no longer an issue?”
Lin Qianlong said, “Yes… Director Tian Qi said that after he reported to the prefecture yesterday, the prefecture had a thorough discussion and decided not to pursue this matter for now…”
“The previous penalties were never officially formalized with a letter, so they won’t be processed.”
“The matter is resolved, but I still feel something is wrong.”
“Are you sure you didn’t contact anyone?”
Lu Cheng shook his head, “No, Director Lin. I came to Jishi City not for this, but for something else.”
“Alright then, come back early after you’ve finished your business. When you get back, we can have dinner together when you have time,” Lin Qianlong said and hung up.
He mainly didn’t know how to interact with Lu Cheng now. Although he was the former director, he was still just the former director.
This trouble might have been resolved because of Lu Cheng. He hadn’t even learned the details of the matter, and Lu Cheng had already resolved the problem directly.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Song said, “See? It was a misunderstanding, wasn’t it?”
“Director Lin said so, but Teacher Chen, you know, I didn’t do anything.” Lu Cheng turned his hand over: “We small figures are just playthings for others.”
“They investigate us if they want, and they stop if they want.”
Chen Song asked, “This was a misunderstanding from the start. You were just too panicked. Even if you were involved in practicing beyond your scope, it had nothing to do with this inspection team.”
“Of course, you might not understand the nature of an inspection team. The one that entered our hospital before, that was something else.”
Chen Song shivered a bit as he spoke.
“Teacher Chen, you’re talking about your colleague, right?” Lu Cheng was also aware of the incident involving Mr. Liu at Xiangya Second Hospital.
“Don’t mention it. I had to prepare over ten thousand characters of materials for this, I almost got TFCC damage,” Chen Song waved his hand, indicating they shouldn’t discuss it.
TFCC（ Triangle Fibrocartilage Complex ） is a complex structure located on the ulnar side of the wrist joint, composed of ligaments, tendons, and fibrocartilage. TFCC injury is a soft tissue injury in this area.
This type of injury is generally common in trauma and rarely chronic. Only professionals can understand the nuances.
However, Chen Song, still adopting a teacher’s attitude towards Lu Cheng, asked one more question: “Lu Cheng, you said your county’s Health Bureau issued you a penalty before?”
“What was your penalty?”
“A warning plus a one-week suspension of practice,” Lu Cheng replied.
A one-week suspension of practice is a symbolic penalty for medical personnel, equivalent to no penalty at all.
Chen Song, who was picky about food and had no intention of eating, crossed his arms: “This doesn’t affect your practice, but it significantly impacts the selection examination you’re currently participating in?”
Upon hearing this, Lu Cheng’s scalp immediately tightened.
He had studied the regulations for the selection examination carefully, and one of the conditions was no “illegal or disciplinary” behavior.
While this penalty was trivial, if the big stick fell, Lu Cheng would be directly disqualified as ‘not meeting the application requirements.’
If he’s not even eligible to apply, what’s the point of his ability?
Lu Cheng said, “Teacher Chen, you mean?”
“This, it can’t be that serious, can it?”
Chen Song shook his head, “Then your experience is still too limited. There are many smart people in this world, and too many people who can create situations to their advantage.”
“The competition for county establishment positions might not be as fierce, but our hospital’s recruitment is flooded with all sorts of complaints every year.”
“The most intense competition is undoubtedly the selection of academicians. Heh, the underhanded tactics there are truly numerous.”
Lu Cheng: “…”
I’m participating in a selection examination for a prefectural city hospital, and you’re talking to me about the selection of academicians? They’re not on the same level of competition.
Unexpectedly, Zeng Huanqi was right.
…
After Lu Cheng had dinner with Chen Song, he called Director Du Qiang to inform him of his return travel time.
Lu Cheng’s surgery shift was twenty-four hours, so his return travel time also needed to be reported accurately.
Afterward, Lu Cheng followed Chen Song to tour the animal laboratory, which gave him a sense of ‘high-end’ regarding the research projects he would be involved in.
So, he could participate in and lead such an impressive project. His own research could be so rigorous, and he would have such a good experimental environment.
These were things Lu Cheng had long anticipated but never participated in, so he found them quite novel.
In the afternoon, at 5:40.
Lu Cheng and Chen Song were about to go for dinner when, unexpectedly, both Lu Cheng and Chen Song received calls from unknown numbers.
The call Lu Cheng received was from Kyoto, while Chen Song’s was from Magic City.
The two moved a short distance apart and answered their phones.
“Hello…” Lu Cheng chose to answer.
“May I ask if you are Doctor Lu?” a kind voice came from the other end of the phone.
“Yes, I am Lu Cheng. May I ask who you are?” Lu Cheng replied.
“My name is Chang Song. I’m a friend of Xiao Mingqi. I’ve been asked by my friend to contact Doctor Lu Cheng,” Chang Song’s voice was very pleasant.
“Did you perhaps call the wrong number? I don’t know the person you’re referring to.” Lu Cheng said.
Chang Song laughed, with a standard Beijing accent: “Doctor Lu Cheng, it’s impossible to have the wrong number. My friend was very meticulous in confirming the number multiple times.”
“My friend would never mistake the person who saved his life.”
“Mainly, it was during work hours before, so my friend didn’t want to bother you. It’s also during work hours for me, and I have my own work, so it’s not appropriate to bother you rashly.”
“I wonder if Doctor Lu has returned yet? If not, could you give me an opportunity to have a meal on behalf of my friend to express my gratitude?”
Chang Song’s words were logical and gave Lu Cheng ample room to maneuver.
Lu Cheng thought for a moment, likely understanding the identity of this Comrade Xiao, and said, “I’m about to get on the highway. I’m on duty today and was temporarily pulled over, so I didn’t come here deliberately.”
“Oh, Doctor Lu, you’re driving? Then please focus on your drive and be safe.”
After Chang Song said this, he lowered his voice and replied, “He’s driving and is about to get on the highway.”
“Then we’ll have to wait for another opportunity. Our identities are indeed not convenient for private meetings at this time,” a strange middle-aged voice came from the other end of the phone.
Chang Song relayed, “Doctor Lu, then I won’t disturb you. We’ll definitely meet again another time.”
Lu Cheng, facing a polite person, was also very polite: “You don’t need to be so polite!”
After Lu Cheng hung up, Chen Song was still having a detailed conversation with the person on the other end. Lu Cheng waited for over ten minutes before seeing Chen Song return with a very full and energetic spirit.
It was clear he had encountered something good.
Of course, Lu Cheng didn’t ask Professor Chen Song what good fortune he had encountered: “Teacher Chen, shall we go eat?”
“Okay, let’s go. I’m treating tonight. We can have a drink together too,” Chen Song set the tone in advance.
Lu Cheng jokingly said, “Then Teacher Chen can arrange a designated driver to take me back to Long County, and you’ll need to find someone to cover my shift.”
Chen Song’s voice broke with his haughtiness: “You’re getting naughtier and naughtier.”
“Oh, right, during the National Medical Skills Competition, I’ll recommend a few people to you. It will be of great help to you in the future.”
Lu Cheng thought carefully before realizing that he hadn’t told Chen Song that he wasn’t participating in the competition.
“Teacher Chen, I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you something.” After Lu Cheng finished speaking, he immediately explained the whole story.
This included his decision to give up participating in the national competition and the specific reasons.
As expected, Chen Song directly gave Lu Cheng a chop to the head and started scolding, “So you told everyone else but me?”
Lu Cheng quickly lowered his head and apologized: “I’m sorry, Teacher Chen. I forgot. It’s my fault. I sincerely admit my mistake.”
“So you’re not participating? Won’t you be bored during this time?” Chen Song asked.
Such a good opportunity to show off, and Lu Cheng just let it slip away?
Lu Cheng had long since become worldly-wise: “Teacher Chen, I can stay by your side and be filial then, working on projects with you. Otherwise, wouldn’t you be bored?”
The reason was sound.
Chen Song said, “Let’s go, it’s time to eat!!~”
