Had they really been helping Zheng Ren?
They did offer discussion and research, but Zheng Ren completed almost 80% of the work by himself. To say that they helped… was quite far-fetched.
While they spoke, Zheng Ren and Su Yun had already started the second surgery.
It was good that they could not hear him. He was just making conversation and there was no need to take his words seriously.
Department Chief Kong smiled when he saw Zheng Ren and Su Yun breeze through the second surgery. Internally, he chuckled as he thought about how this new differential diagnosis and surgical method would soon spread across the entire country and even the world.
The Zheng Method?
Chief Kong became teary-eyed as he thought about it. Nevertheless, he quickly regained his composure. It would not matter if Zheng Ren could not understand such a sentiment.
It was unfortunate that he had such sharp-witted company. The chances of that man brushing off this matter were close to zero.
If he accidentally offended Zheng Ren, by the time he reached retirement age in less than ten years, Zheng Ren and Su Yun would still be under forty…
Tsk tsk, it was unwise to try to swindle the young.
Chapter 231 - Irascible (Part 5 of 5)
Qin Liren was fidgeting like a cat on hot bricks.
He was supposed to have surgery today, but the PhD student assigned to it by that professor had just informed him this morning that the surgery was postponed before simply running off without another word.
He had walked around for the whole morning looking for someone with which to clarify the situation, but could not find any doctors in the ward.
How absurd!
He had briefly considered asking the nurses, but they were all stretched to their limits as there were only eight or nine nurses between fifty-four beds in total. They could not even spare the time to talk; who would bother with him?
It would be so nice to be back home, where he would not need to deal with such matters.
At that moment, Qin Liren genuinely understood the hardsh.i.p.s of being an alien.
It was so… so difficult.
Nevertheless, he was not ready to give up yet as his condition was too serious to be delayed any further. He had not consumed any food or drink any water, hoping that he could get his surgery done by today.
It was a pity there was no one here he could bribe into getting his way.
Qin Liren regretted coming to Imperial Capital to seek treatment. Had he known that this would happen, he would have asked a professor to perform the surgery on him in Provincial Capital, which would have been more comfortable and convenient for him.
Even though he had retired, he ought to still be able to get a private ward in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Provincial Capital Medical University.
Qin Liren would have returned to Provincial Capital by now, were it not for his wife insisting that he do it at Imperial Capital for fear that inviting the professor over to their place would result in more delays.
Time passed quickly and it was already past nine. The first patient was sent out from the operating theater.
Qin Liren paced back and forth outside of that patient's ward. He wanted to go in and make an enquiry but felt embarrassed.
The patient seemed to be in great condition. He was chatting away as though he had not just undergone a major surgery. Qin Liren was confused by the sight.
How could someone be so relaxed after their surgery? It was probably not a major operation.
However, from the patient's description, his surgeon had been amazing. Had he made an error in judgment? Suddenly, it hit Qin Liren that the surgeon had to have exemplary skill for their postoperative patient to be in such a good condition.
Qin Liren felt envy and resentment at the same time.
Just because he was retired, he had been totally cut off from the scene. Was he not allowed an experienced doctor for his surgery?
He felt a constriction in his c.h.e.s.t due to his rising blood pressure. Qin Liren's face, already dark with anger, became even more enraged.
Less than an hour later, the second patient was wheeled out.
This time, Qin Liren swallowed his pride and stopped a physician hurrying back to the operating theater. "Excuse me, doctor, who's doing the surgery today?"
"Boss Zheng." The doctor was in a hurry, a hint of frustration evident in his tone.
Frustration was rarely visible on a doctor's face unless they were in the middle of an emergency, when someone's life was at stake. Was this one of those times?
Boss Zheng? It rang a bell and Qin Liren's mind instantly recalled the young doctor from Sea City who had interviewed him about his medical history.
However, he quickly dismissed the thought.
Even birds did not choose to defecate in Sea City. Why would a doctor from Imperial Capital address him as Boss Zheng?
'They probably share the same surname. Uhm, that's all,' he thought.
Qin Liren stretched his facial muscles and put up an awkward smile before asking, "Doctor, the surgery went really well, right? I saw the patient not having any discomfort afterward."
"Of course, that was a demonstrative surgery. Is there anything else? If not, we'll talk after the operation." The doctor passed Qin Liren and took off.
Qin Liren got even more envious, but the stronger it grew, the greater the bitterness in his heart.
Flowers could blossom again, but youth could never be regained.
He had not even informed his son, currently working in Silicon Valley, about his medical condition, fearing that the news would cause the kid a career setback. He had already retired, and he was not going to depend on his son… this would be his life from now on.
Qin Liren let out a sigh, feeling depressed.
Shortly after, the third patient was wheeled out.
It was a patient who had been sharing his ward; specifically, the tanned man that had greeted him. This morning, all of the patients awaiting surgery were gathered in the same room. Since Qin Liren had exchanged a few words with the man, he considered him an acquaintance and took the opportunity to sneak in together.
This time, a different doctor was pushing the gurney.
However, they had the exact same expression and demeanor, scurrying back to the operating theater after sending the patient out.
"Was the surgery successful?" Qin Liren asked the patient cautiously.
"It went great, brother. Let me tell you, the surgeon today was fantastic." The tanned man was so happy that he could not resist smiling.
"Wait, you know about surgery?" Qin Liren was surprised.
"No, but I have eyes!
"When I laid down on the table, I saw through the glass that there was a room full of physicians next door. Only the chiefs were seated, while all the others remained standing. Some of them could not even get in and stayed in the corridor." The man added, "I initially thought that the surgeon would be a foreigner when they told me that it was going to be a demonstrative surgery. Anyway, it was extremely crowded back there."
"..." Qin Liren despised such unsophisticated peasants, but felt his misery growing as the man continued.
"The surgery was fast and accurate. The best part was that I didn't feel a thing at all. I was about to close my eyes and rest when they told me it was already over," the man said. "However, I chose not to use the compression device, which is why I need to stay an extra day in bed. You see, one device costs over a thousand yuan, and even though they claim you can be discharged four hours after using it, I'll be able to save a thousand yuan by lying down for a day. Where else would I get such a reasonable deal? Am I right, brother?"
"..." Qin Liren's expression darkened even further.
"But I don't think he's a foreigner. The surgeon had big black eyes. It was rather comforting." The man was still happily describing his experience to Qin Liren.
However, Qin Liren had lost interest in listening any further. He was alre
ady extremely irascible, the burning sensation in his liver becoming unbearable.
He turned around and left without bidding farewell to the man.
After returning to his bed, Qin Liren sat down angrily without saying a word.
"Old man, what's wrong?" His wife picked up an apple and started peeling it.
"I'm not eating anything! I want to have surgery!" Qin Liren was fuming.
"I'll eat it, then." Qin Liren's wife had already gotten used to his temper.
It was a known fact that anger was a rather useless emotion. However, patients with hepatic disorders simply could not control theirs.
Qin Liren was still in a bad mood when the last patient came out.
The two doctors accompanying the gurney were no longer in a rush, leisurely chatting while walking.
Qin Liren sprung up and followed them to ask when he would be able to receive surgery.
"Mr. Zheng was amazing," one of the doctors said.
"Of course! If he wasn't, would Chief Kong have asked him to demonstrate the surgery?"
"Didn't Chief Kong say that he participated in the research process?"
"Are you really believing the boss's words? With his daily schedule, do you think he has the time to conduct research?"
"Mr. Zheng is truly a remarkable man. We need to get his contact information so that we can invite him to perform surgeries at our place."
Qin Liren followed them closely, eavesdropping.
All of a sudden, a familiar voice called out, "Brother Liren."
…
…
Chapter 232 - Absurd (Part 1 of 5)
At some point, Bu Ruotian had arrived at the ward. He stood nearby and greeted Qin Liren with a smile.
"You're here." Qin Liren finally regained a fragment of his old pride. He placed both of his hands behind his back subconsciously and humphed, "Let's have a word outside, it's too crowded in here."
Bu Ruotian's smile did not waver as he looked Qin Liren up and down. "Old friend, you're in better shape than I am. I think the risk of complications is rather low and you'll be able to recover very soon after your surgery."
Bu Li stood behind Bu Ruotian, her smile as pretty as blossoming flowers.
"I still need to acquiesce to age." Qin Liren let out a sigh before continuing, "Old Bu, you're the only one who remembered our friendship and came to visit me."
"What are you talking about? You'd always been there for me, Brother Liren. How can I not come to see you?" Bu Ruotian said. "Do you need any help? I'll ask Little Li to stay the night and take care of you. I worry for your wife's health if she stays up all night."
"Worry not, there'll be no need for that." Qin Liren's wife had overheard their conversation and walked out of the ward.
Bu Ruotian visited their home every year during holidays and festivals. Even though he did not usually visit them empty-handed, it was still relatively thoughtful of him to pay Qin Liren a visit in such a state.
"Old brother, when is your surgery?" Bu Ruotian asked.
Qin Liren's expression darkened further as if there was a black mist enveloping his face.
He had learned an interesting lesson coming to Imperial Capital for treatment.
It made him realize that superficial relationsh.i.p.s fell apart after one loses power… sigh.
"It was supposed to be today, but apparently there's a great professor performing a surgical demonstration. All of the doctors went to observe," Qin Liren said helplessly, dejected. "I'm waiting for the professors to come down so that I can ask them. No one's giving me any referrals or contacts for surgery now that I've retired."
"Don't worry, there's no need to hurry." Bu Ruotian grinned. "You'll probably get it done within the next two days, just stay calm. Modern medical technology is very advanced. Look at me, I'm doing just fine after major surgery."
As they were talking, the air in the corridor seemed to freeze in time. All ambient noise stopped as if turned off by an invisible hand and everyone subconsciously became silent.
Qin Liren had his head lowered in self-pity, but felt the sudden shift and lifted his head in confusion.
A flash of white coats appeared at the main entrance of the ward, shiny as snow and filling his vision.
It was the blinding white of sunlight reflected off snow-capped peaks, impossible to stare at directly.
However, it was not cold like ice, but warm.
It was the first time seeing such a scene for many patients and their family. The sheer number of doctors appearing together exuded a powerful aura that eclipsed all else.
Everybody stopped talking at almost the same time as they stared in awe at the doctors making their entrance.
There were several professors encircling Department Chief Kong… and the young doctor, Zheng Ren, beside him.
Chief Kong turned to Zheng Ren and spoke a few words before heading straight to the ward for the patients who had just undergone surgery.
They exchanged a single glance, as sharp as the tip of an arrow.
The uniform white coats of the doctors trailing them resembled the arrow's fletching, adding to the gravity and formality of the procession.
"The surgery was very successful. We'll need to review the double contrast-enhanced imaging after 28 days. I'll need your help to send me the films then, Chief Kong," Zheng Ren said as he walked.
He was in a great mood after all the successful surgeries.
"Sure," Chief Kong nodded, ignoring the onlooking patients and their families.
As department chief, Chief Kong was immune to their attention.
If he was not too busy, he could greet them with a smile. However, his head was buzzing with the surgical processes Zheng Ren had just demonstrated. He was using his decades of experience to form a conclusion and could not be bothered by others.
"There's no major issue with the surgeries. The patients' reactions after surgery were minimal, too. This is going to work." Zheng Ren had already assessed the situation.
"Let's go and take a look."
The "arrow" flew at the ward. Chief Kong, Zheng Ren, Su Yun, and a few other professors went in while the other doctors stayed outside.
With the exception of the ward physician responsible for noting down the recommendations of the chief and Zheng Ren, the remaining doctors stood quietly and patiently in the corridor.
Those with a view of the situation in the ward had higher positions in the hierarchy, but the newbies had it the worst. No matter their age, they were pushed aside and could not even see the ward.
Initially, Bu Ruotian was a little surprised, but quickly felt at ease.
He knew that Zheng Ren would have reached this stage sooner or later; it just so happened that the young man had achieved it earlier than he had expected.
On the other hand, Qin Liren was perplexed seeing Zheng Ren and Chief Kong entering the ward side by side. His jaw fell wide open.
The universe was definitely playing a joke on him. It was so absurd that Qin Liren's worldview and guiding principles, formulated over his many years, were immediately shattered.
Was that not the young doctor from his own hometown, Sea City, who had come to Imperial Capital as an observer? Why was he standing shoulder to shoulder with the department chief?
To others, such a thing might not have been a big deal.
However, Qin Liren understood that when one reached a certain status, even the order of names mattered significantly, not to mention where one stood in relation to the boss.
It meant that the young doctor was considered an equal to a department chief of Imperial Capital General Hospital.
Could he have been the surgeon who performed the demonstration? Was Chief Kong observing him?
The more he thought about it, the more his speculations seemed to fit the truth.
And the more it came to mind, the more unbearable its absurdity was to Qin Liren.
"Isn't that Zheng Ren?" Bu Li whispered into Bu Ruotian's ear.
The faintest
smile appeared at the corner of Bu Ruotian's mouth. He knew his daughter through and through. She was not one to speak without intention.
He had introduced Zheng Ren to help with Qin Liren's surgery, only to be rejected.
That was fine as it did not concern him. He had nothing else to lose, and his own days were already limited with his chronic illness.
Nonetheless, Bu Li thought differently as she was still young. By mentioning it in front of Qin Liren…
Bu Ruotian could read between the lines and understood her intentions, but was unwilling to rub salt into the wound. He just smiled and nodded.
Qin Liren was already particularly s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e at this point and he heard Bu Li despite her hushed tone.
Zheng Ren? The doctor that he was introduced to by Bu Ruotian and the one he eventually refused? Was he the one that the tanned man had referred to as "Mr. Zheng"?
Impossible!
Twice he had been presented with the opportunity, and twice he had turned it down.
He had been green with envy and spite at the patients who had received surgery from the "professor".
However, he had allowed that very same chance to slip through his fingers, twice!
The full ridiculousness of his situation struck Qin Liren like a lightning bolt, rooting him to the spot, unable to say a word.
Chapter 233 - A Tight Slap (Part 2 of 5)
The patients were all stable after surgery. There would be no serious side effects as their dosages of chemother.a.p.eutic drugs had not been that high.
In fact, there was not even the need for ECG monitoring after surgery. Checkups were complete in no time at all.
"Little Zheng, what's your estimated success rate?" Chief Kong asked.
The closer he was to success, the more worried Chief Kong became; his mind continued to revolve around risk and reward.
Success rate? Zheng Ren recalled seeing the System monitor at the top right corner of his vision confirm 100% completion when he finished the surgery.
They had nothing to worry about.
However, he could not tell Chief Kong this. After thinking for a minute, he said, "90%."
The Surgeon's Studio c1-799 Page 114