Chapter 47

Song Jingshan didn’t come across as a villainous character. He had a short fuse and seemed somewhat careless, but he also had an upfront personality. Consequently, when he realized his mistake, he promptly and wholeheartedly apologized, setting aside his pride.

“I’m sorry for misunderstanding you.”

“Please continue to treat me.”

“By the way, I’ll reimburse you for this telephone,” he said, pointing to the shattered phone he had thrown.

“Then… please come over, and I’ll examine you,” Mao Jianfei said, his nervousness gradually fading.

With this, the comedy came to a close. Spectators dispersed, and the proctology department resumed its regular patient care routines. Hospital security staff, who had received the report, made a cursory visit before departing.

Next, Lu Ming sought out the deputy director in charge of the outpatient department, Kuang Youhua. When Lu Ming mentioned the significant increase in patients seeking cough treatment in the outpatient department recently, Kuang Youhua nodded and said, “Compared to the previous months, the number of patients with coughs has more than doubled.”

“Compared to this time in previous years, the patient volume for cough-related issues this year is also unusual.”

Kuang Youhua couldn’t understand it, and each case was relatively mild, requiring only some medication.

“However, the central hospital nearby has also seen an increase in coughing patients recently.”

Kuang Youhua shared another important piece of information with Lu Ming.

“Oh?”

Lu Ming began to contemplate the situation. Something was amiss. But what exactly was the problem?

“Should we report this?”

Lu Ming suggested. As a doctor, he wasn’t skilled in investigating such matters.

“But what if it’s a false alarm? What if it’s just a coincidence?” Kuang Youhua wondered.

It may be due to the recent decline in air quality in recent years.  Lu Ming considered the possibilities. Kuang Youhua was not in favor of reporting the situation.

“Alright, let’s keep an eye on the situation for now,” Lu Ming said. “I’ll be heading to the capital the day after tomorrow, so keep a close watch on the coughing patients.”

“Is this related to the young boy with three hearts?” Kuang Youhua asked.

Lu Ming nodded. “Yes, I will collaborate with various experts to outline a treatment plan for him.”

“Good luck. If you succeed in this, your reputation in the medical field will be outstanding,” Kuang Youhua encouraged.

He couldn’t help but admire the young doctor. Lu Ming was already a director and the honorary deputy director of the hospital at such a young age. Now, he was personally handling such a rare case. His future achievements seemed boundless.

“It’s secondary to have a stellar reputation. The most important thing is to cure the patient. That’s what we, as healthcare professionals, should be doing,” Lu Ming replied.

He had never placed much importance on fame. Perhaps it was too easy for him to attain recognition. Honors and achievements that others might strive for their entire lives came easily to him. Consequently, his perspective and priorities were different.

“That’s a wise perspective. You have a high level of consciousness,” Kuang Youhua chuckled.

Following their discussion, the two of them parted ways. Lu Ming needed to pack his bags for his upcoming trip to the capital, which could last three to four days. Clothing was of secondary importance. His main task was to organize and bring many materials and documents with him.

Lu Ming left work early and returned to the Jimin Clinic.

“Lu Ming, why are you back?” Wang Jieqiong, an apprentice at the clinic, was surprised to see Lu Ming. It wasn’t even Saturday yet. Why had he returned, especially during working hours?

“I’m heading to the capital, and I need to return to gather some things,” Lu Ming explained.

“Is it for Congcong’s surgery?” Wang Jieqiong guessed the reason for Lu Ming’s trip.

“Yes, this time, more than a hundred experts will be gathering, and we’re sure to come up with the best possible plan,” Lu Ming said.

Wang Jieqiong’s eyes widened in amazement and asked, “More than a hundred experts? Isn’t that too much?”

She felt a deep longing to meet these top-notch professionals in the medical field. However, she knew Lu Ming wouldn’t take her along, so she discreetly left, not wanting to disturb him, and continued her apprenticeship duties.

“Father,” Lu Ming found his father, Lu Shenghua, and noticed that his mother, Tang Mengyu, was also present.

“What’s going on, Dad?” Lu Ming was shocked by his father’s appearance. Lu Shenghua, who had always been meticulous about his image, looked disheveled. His hair hadn’t been washed for several days, he had a scruffy beard, and he emitted a faint odor of sweat. It seemed like he hadn’t showered in days. He appeared to have aged a decade in just a short period. However, it might be more accurate to say that he now appeared like a middle-aged man in his forties. Before this, he appeared to be in his thirties.

“Your father has become obsessed with studying this case,” Tang Mengyu shook her head, expressing her frustration.

Lu Ming approached and examined the situation on the desk. There were many discarded sheets of draft paper. On the desk lay a rough sketch of the human body’s meridians.

“Dad, are you researching a treatment plan for Shen Ruicong?” Lu Ming asked.

Lu Shenghua nodded, “Yes.”

“I can’t think of any reasonable treatment plan,” Lu Shenghua said.

“Removing any of the three hearts would have a profound impact.”

Could we create an artificial umbilical cord to nurture the extra two hearts and remove them when they mature?

Lu Ming was left speechless. Lu Shenghua seemed to be revisiting his theory about “giving birth” to hearts. Did he intend to “give birth” to the hearts, treating them like children growing inside Shen Ruicong’s body? It sounded like an outlandish idea.

“Dad, how about this?” Lu Ming suggested.

“Why don’t you come with me to Beijing?”

“I’m leaving for Beijing tomorrow to discuss Shen Ruicong’s treatment plan with various experts.”@@novelbin@@

“During the meeting, you can listen and maybe find some inspiration or share your thoughts.”

“Oh, wait, you should keep your unconventional idea to yourself.

Lu Ming extended an invitation to his father.

“No, no!”

“I’m not going!”

“Watch me! I can figure out a perfect treatment plan on my own!”

Lu Shenghua threw a tantrum like a child.

Lu Ming and his mother, Tang Mengyu, exchanged glances.

“Alright, Dad’s childlike side is showing again. Just let him be.”

Lu Ming shook his head and returned to his room to pack his bags. Early the next day, after having breakfast. Lu Ming prepared to take a taxi to the airport. But at that moment, he noticed his family’s business car parked at the entrance of the medical clinic, and it was already running. Due to the tinted windows, Lu Ming couldn’t see who was inside the car. The business car honked a few times, and seeing this, Lu Ming approached and opened the car door.

“Dad?”

“Mom?”

Lu Ming was shocked. He saw his father, Lu Shenghua, sitting in the passenger seat. Tang Mengyu had taken on the role of the driver.

What’s going on here?

“Your father said he couldn’t rest easy with you traveling alone, so he’s coming to the capital,” Tang Mengyu said with a smile.

Lu Ming couldn’t help but laugh. Couldn’t rest easy with him traveling alone?

Does he think he’s a three-year-old child?

If he wanted to come, he could have just said it! Instead, he came up with such a lousy excuse.

Lu Ming shook his head, not revealing the truth. However, Lu Shenghua had taken great care to groom himself and now looked like he was in his thirties again.

“Mom, are you driving us there?” Lu Ming hadn’t expected Lu Shenghua to bring Tang Mengyu along.

Tang Mengyu shrugged and said, “Just practicing a bit. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven, and I don’t want to get rusty.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming looked terrified and said, “Mom, please be gentle!”

“Your son hasn’t even gotten married yet!” Tang Mengyu glanced at the rearview mirror and smiled slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll drive safely.”

“Besides, I haven’t even held my first grandchild yet.”

“I value my life,” Lu Ming couldn’t help but laugh.

Tang Mengyu also joined in the laughter. Subsequently, the family happily headed to the airport. Two hours later, Lu Ming and his father, Lu Shenghua, finally arrived at the airport. After Lu Ming and Lu Shenghua got out of the car, Tang Mengyu drove the business car back home.

Lu Ming asked in the temporary group chat he had created if everyone had arrived. Many people responded, saying they had already arrived and were waiting at the departure lounge for their flight. Lu Ming then brought Lu Shenghua to the waiting area at the airport. Lu Shenghua had purchased a ticket yesterday and was on the same flight as Lu Ming and the others.

“Dr. Lu, long time no see!”

As soon as Lu Ming arrived in the waiting area, several familiar faces greeted him.

“Dr. Lu, thank you for giving me this opportunity!”

“Dr. Lu, it’s an honor to be a part of this project!”

The group’s enthusiasm was palpable, and Lu Ming shook hands with each of them. It wasn’t that they were just flattering Lu Ming. It was a rare opportunity, and they sincerely thanked him for including them.