Chapter 197 - 0186: A Veteran of the Jianghu

Song Zimo just finished the surgery, and Yang Ping took over.

After checking the patient’s shoulder joint stability, it was good, scoring over eighty, for an ordinary person, not a professional athlete, this surgical result was good enough.

“Approved, let’s call it a day!” Yang Ping took off his surgery robe.

Song Zimo waited for Yang Ping for so long, just for this one minute, to have him manipulate the shoulder joint to check its stability. Now that it had been approved, also the surgery was over, Song Zimo could rest easy.

As the assisting nurse, Xiao Su had nothing much to do once the surgery was over. She beckoned to Yang Ping to follow her out.

“How was it, today at Affiliate One Hospital?”

“How could it be, just a surgery.”

“Pretty impressive, huh? So young and already performing surgeries at Affiliate One?”

“Impressive why, I needed something, and it took them forever to react.”

“What about, next time you take me with you?” Xiao Su batted her eyelashes.

Yang Ping couldn’t resist the charms of a beautiful woman: “Sure! I’ll take you with me, we’ll make a formidable duo, then we’ll really be impressive!”

“I’m serious. I want to experience what it’s like to ‘fly a knife’ at Affiliate One or such big hospitals.”

“Seriously! If there’s another big surgery and they ask for me again, I’ll take you with me. They can’t keep up with the rhythm, and I don’t want to rush them.”

Xiao Su wanted to make a pinkie promise with Yang Ping, but just as they were about to do so, Huang Jiahui came by, she was delivering equipment again, quickly, both let go of their hands.

“I’m going to count the equipment with Jiahui.” Xiao Su lowered her head and walked away.

Yang Ping coughed once: “Go ahead, I’m going back to the ward.”

When he returned to the ward, Director Han was unlocking the door to the director’s office. Yang Ping greeted him: “Director!”

“I’m on my way to the Tri-Bo Hotel to check the venue, with Director Tan. We’re going to run through the conference agenda again. You put on a good performance today. Professor Su called me and couldn’t stop praising you.” Director Han unlocked the door and entered his office.

“Come in and have a seat?” Director Han invited Yang Ping.

Yang Ping saw that Director Han seemed busy: “You’re busy, Director, I’ll go check on the wards.”

“Professor Su invited me to join him at the City People’s Hospital for consultation, Director!” Yang Ping remembered this.

Whether it was for external surgeries or consultations, Yang Ping would always report to director Han. Even though Director Han was very supportive, it was a matter of courtesy.

“Your old workplace, huh? You haven’t visited since you moved here, have you?” Director Han tidied up the things on his desk.

Yang Ping followed director Han into his office as they chatted: “Yeah, I haven’t been back.”

“Why don’t you go for a visit? Make sure you schedule your work in advance.” Director Han instructed.

“Oh, you don’t have a car, right? I usually stay at the hospital, and when I go out for official business, there are hospital cars for pick up and drop off. You can take my car if you need one. It’s very inconvenient without a car.” Director Han remembered that it would be much more convenient for Yang Ping to have a car for consultation and other matters.

“No problem, Director, I don’t need it. Thank you. They both pick me up and drop me off at home.” Yang Ping knew that Director Han would be inconvenienced without a car.

Director Han had just finished tidying up when he received another call. After a brief chat, he had to leave again: “If you need a car, just let me know anytime.”

“Alright, then, Director, you get back to work. I’m going to check the wards.” Yang Ping did not check the wards in the morning, and was feeling uneasy. He went to check the wards himself.

—

G City People’s Hospital, Office of the Head of Orthopedics.

Director Wu sat behind his desk, looking very pleased and triumphant, occasionally breaking into a big, blooming smile. He was thinking about the events of the past while summing them up in four words: “Help from the powerful!”

With Mr. Jiang’s help, the position of Deputy Dean was within his reach. He had been preparing for so long, and as long as there were no problems during the appraisal period, he could basically count on it.

Deputy Dean, he dared not even dream of it until now. But now, it was right in front of him. How strange life was, some things seemed to be destined.

Jiang Baicheng could be regarded as a top tycoon in G City, ranking in the top three in the real estate industry nationwide. He had been rooted in G City for more than 20 years. His political and business connections were not something ordinary people could compete with.

If it wasn’t for 120 pulling his son into People’s Hospital, how would he have the chance to meet such a powerful figure? Otherwise, he would still be revolving in the position of Department Head. Now it was different, Deputy Dean was just a transition, his ultimate goal was to be the Dean.

He was originally worried about Jiang Baicheng’s matter, but then Su Nanchen from Affiliate One Hospital agreed to come for a consultation and assist the surgery. As the son of Professor Su, Su Nanchen was highly accomplished in sports medicine. In Nandu Province, he was the only one capable of handling such a highly difficult surgery.

“Xiao Fu, you will personally pick Dr. Su when the time comes.” This was the third time Director Wu had reminded him.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Understood, Director!” Director Fu stood on the opposite side, quite excited.

As Director Wu’s right-hand man, he knew the saying “One man prospers, everyone around him benefits.”

Once the issue was resolved, Jiang Baicheng would be even more pleased. If Director Wu became the Deputy Dean, then who else could be the Head of Orthopedics besides himself? And the day Director Wu became the Dean, he would follow suit and become the Deputy Dean.

Therefore, he was doing this not only for Director Wu, but also for himself.

“Director Chen from Hepatobiliary Surgery just called about Bed 7 being a close contact of his, asking if they could be bumped up the surgery schedule?”

“No way! Are we still at his mercy? He is nothing, didn’t he see how he treated us when he was powerful? Tell him we have too many surgeries lined up, no possibility for any advance.”

Director Wu was fuming, even mentioning Director Chen could rile him up. Supposedly, Director Chen was in the running for Vice President of the hospital. He had not yet assumed the position when he started criticizing openly in meetings, hinting at how some directors were unlearned opportunists, harming the progress of younger doctors while discouraging their development.

Everyone knew he was referring to me, Wu Siwen. Director Wu stroked the top of his balding head, snorting at the thought. The wheel of fortune spins, bringing different people to power over time.

“Xiao Fu, tell Director Chen that we treat everyone equally. We can’t breed corruption by pushing friends up and sending everyone else to the back. It’s not fair.” Director Wu drummed his fingers on the desk.

“Yes, yes, Director, you’re right. We won’t make any special arrangements. If he doesn’t bring it up again, we’ll drop it. If not, I’ll reply to him just like you said.” Director Fu replied obsequiously.

Director Wu angrily stated, “No, you tell him right now. And tell him you are quoting me.”

“How long can he last in his directorship? Let him jump up and down while he can.” Director Wu muttered.

“Xiao Fu, carry on with your work. I need to check on Mr. Jiang.” Director Fu, understanding his duties, left.

Director Wu smoothed out his white gown and adjusted his scant hair in front of the large mirror in his office.

Director Wu walked out of the office, practically skipping, feeling as though springs had been attached to his feet. Reaching the Department of Geriatrics, he knocked on the door of the Special Ward. The person who opened the door was none other than the son of Jiang Baicheng.

“Uncle Wu, hello!” said the polite young man.

“I’ve come to see your father.” Director Wu coughed lightly.

“Please come in!”

The young man was very respectful. To him, Director Wu was his saviour, practically a second parent.

After the surgery, the young man recovered and returned to normal. Concerned about potential post-operation complications, his family showed his surgical records and vascular angiogram to many experts in the country, hoping to get further advice.

Many professors said that the ruptured blood vessel was a variation of the external iliac artery. Being able to salvage such damage during surgery was a miracle and testament to the superior skills of the chief surgeon.

Upon hearing this, father and son finally realised that, although saving lives was a doctor’s duty, not everyone was capable of doing what Director Wu had done. They expressed deep gratitude to him. Mr. Jiang even planned to have his son become Director Wu’s godson as a token of thanks.

“Old Wu! Please have a seat!” Upon hearing this, Mr. Jiang immediately came out to greet him.

“Brother Jiang, don’t be too kind. Given your condition, the most specialized doctor in G City now is Dr. Su from the First Affiliated Hospital. I’ve already asked him to come over for a consultation and set the surgery plan.” Director Wu came to say just that.

“This is too much trouble! Old Wu, to be honest, a lot of people, and a lot of opinions, suggest that I go to Beijing or Shanghai. But I fully trust you, and leave it to you for the arrangements.” said Mr. Jiang.

People at his echelon often face emergency surgeries. His patient was brought to the Municipal People’s Hospital by the 120 ambulance, and he could pick any hospital in the world for his follow-up elective surgery. However, the surgery was performed on his son and hence, Mr. Jiang had developed a close bond of trust with Director Wu. He fully trusted Director Wu with his shoulder-related problem and allowed him to arrange everything accordingly.

Director Wu was a smart man and had spent quite some time contemplating. It was uncertain whether inviting someone from Beijing or Shanghai would be a sure shot. Even first-class professors specializing in arthroscopy may not necessarily perform this high-difficulty surgery well. Among these first-class professors, the one who had thorough research on this disease would be chosen. Who had researched in depth about this was not clear to Director Wu. But there was no doubt in his mind about Professor Su Nanchen.

Professor Su, the chairman of Orthopaedics in Nandu Province, was somewhat acquainted with Director Wu. They always met at conferences and were somewhat familiar with each other. Through Professor Su, he requested Su Nanchen. If Su Nanchen was confident, he would perform the surgery, or else he would invite someone more competent.

Director Wu was a veteran at this and he could easily navigate through these circles. As long as he could connect with Su Nanchen, even the professors from the New York Special Surgery Hospital in the United States could be invited. Hence, there was no need to worry now.

“Brother Jiang, you’ve given me your trust, and I will make sure everything is arranged perfectly.”

“Old Wu, take a look. This is the latest real estate development by my company. It’s next to a key middle school which offers enrolment slots, are you interested in investing? If yes, I can offer you an in-house discount. How about buying a place?” Mr. Jiang handed over a brochure to Director Wu.

This in-house discount was practically half the original price, essentially giving Director Wu the property. Director Wu declined. “No way, no way, Brother Jiang. I appreciate your offer, but I have caused you enough trouble with my work-related matters.”

“Please don’t say that. I’m just giving advice where needed. Those who are capable should lead, and you, dear brother, are very capable and should not be put in a subordinate position. This is as it should be,” Mr. Jiang replied sincerely.

At this point, Director Wu sighed, nearly squeezing a few tears from his eyes. “Brother, hearing you say that truly touches my heart. In the past, I had so much passion but I was always being suffocated by someone else.”

At this sensitive time, accepting the house was out of the question. Ascending to the position of president of the hospital was the objective. The house was only a fish, whereas the presidential position was the fishing ground. If he didn’t take anything, Mr. Jiang would be encouraged to promote him single-heartedly for the presidential position.

“Brother Jiang, I won’t accept this. I know you mean well, and I’m truly grateful,” said Director Wu sincerely.

Mr. Jiang couldn’t insist too much and said, “Dear brother Wu, your matter is currently in the inspection stage. As long as there are no special circumstances, it should not be a big problem.”

The so-called “special circumstances” referred to avoiding accusations, leading to investigations into matters like financial irregularities. If that occurred, it would spell trouble. If no such messy things were found, his ascension to vice president would be a sure thing.

“Thank you for your help, Brother Jiang. You have a lot on your plate and my small matter should not require too much of your energy,” Director Wu said nonchalantly.

At this moment, Mr. Jiang’s phone rang, which he quickly silenced.

“Brother Jiang, go ahead with your work. I will leave first, I don’t wish to waste your time,” Director Wu left, knowing it was time to give some space to the man who had many important tasks to handle.

“No problem, please stay a while longer,” Mr. Jiang urged him.

“No, I have another consultation in the hospital soon!” Director Wu looked at his watch.

“In that case, I won’t delay you any further. Come by when you have time to chat. Send Uncle Wu off,” Mr. Jiang said to his son nearby.

Leaving the ward, Director Wu felt very light-hearted. Sitting in his office, the more he thought about it, the more excited he became, wishing he could move to the president’s office right now.

It was much larger than his whose quality was also much better!