This doctor is already middle-aged, and he's only just started practicing medicine.

Chapter 154 Tong Yuan'an: I'll take you down, you little brat!
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianlong retorted without hesitation, "Peng Haibo, have you no shame? Is this how you cultivate talent?"

Do I really have to dig up all the things you did in orthopedics?

Peng Haibo replied nonchalantly, "The past is the past, the present is the present."

"Director Lin, you don't need to say all this to me. You haven't thought about Lu Cheng's future at all."

Peng Haibo then looked at Bao Liming and said, "Director Bao, anyone with eyes can see that Xiao Lu is a very talented surgeon, and his current skills are already close to proficient."

"My suggestion is to have him return to our orthopedics department and lead a separate clinical team for hand surgery. This would allow him to deeply and comprehensively expand the scope of our hospital's medical services."

"This is something the emergency department can't do, and it's something Director Lin couldn't possibly do."

"There are no standard, fixed categories of diseases in the emergency department."

Lin Qianlong is only the director of emergency surgery, not general surgery, so Lin Qianlong definitely cannot give Lu Cheng the authority to lead a team.

How can an emergency surgery department with only a few patients be divided into clinical groups?

The diseases treated in general surgery were beyond Lin Qianlong's ability to address.

Peng Haibo had his own considerations. If Tong Yuan'an abandoned Peng Kun and went to the second ward, then Peng Kun would have a particularly difficult time in the future.

The only variable now is whether to send Lu Cheng back to the orthopedics department and see if Tong Yuan'an will stay for Lu Cheng's sake.

Although the main role was to mentor Lu Cheng, Peng Kun could also continue to learn from him.

If we cultivate Lu Cheng and keep those second-generation rich kids in check, Peng Kun's life will be a little easier. At least Lu Cheng's character is relatively good.

Most importantly, Lu Cheng doesn't have many powerful backers. Once those second-generation rich kids see no future and run away, Peng Kun will still have a chance to take advantage of the situation.

Upon hearing Peng Haibo's words, Bao Liming realized that Lu Cheng's abilities extended far beyond performing one or two surgeries; he could develop a complete subspecialty.

The fact that someone in the hospital can independently develop a subspecialty is the achievement that the medical affairs department most wants to see: "Dr. Lu, since Director Peng said this to my face, it represents his sincerity."

"What do you mean?"

Bao Liming bypassed Lin Qianlong and went straight to Lu Cheng.

But in fact, Lu Cheng knew that Peng Haibo's words were directed at him.

Lu Cheng didn't want to be a hypocrite, so he said, "Director Bao, I still want to thank Director Bao and Director Lin for their kindness, but I personally have no intention of doing so."

Peng Haibo pressed on, asking, "Why?"

“Lu Cheng, if you don’t want to come to the orthopedics department, fine, but now that you’re here, you have both manpower and patients. What else do you want to worry about?”

What are you still hesitating about?

Lu Cheng was certain that Peng Haibo had been pushed to a critical point, so he had to urge Lu Cheng to resolve the conflict with Xiang Kuihua and others in order to allow Peng Haibo to recuperate.

Or rather, Peng Haibo just wanted to get rid of him...

Lu Cheng glanced at Peng Haibo, took a deep breath, and said calmly, "Director Peng, I came to work at the hospital when I was less than 26 years old, and now I have been here for a full five years."

"I am very grateful to my company for their kindness and support. I am not a sentimental person."

"As you, Director Peng, probably know, the selection exam for this year has already begun in the prefecture. The requirement for the selection exam is that you must have worked at the grassroots level for five years to be eligible to apply and take the exam."

Upon hearing Lu Cheng's words, Peng Haibo was stunned for a moment, and then looked at Lu Cheng with disdain, as if he were a victor.

Lu Cheng did not do what he wanted, such as sowing discord with Xiang Kuihua, Executive Luo, and others, nor did he agree to his own proposal to become a tool for Tong Yuan'an to use. Instead, he drew his sword and committed suicide.

Now, not only will Director Bao Liming of the Medical Affairs Department have a problem with Lu Cheng, but Director Lin Qianlong, whom Lu Cheng relies on, will probably also alienate him.

He didn't say anything sarcastic, but the idiot in his eyes spoke volumes.

Lu Cheng dug his own grave and decisively stabbed himself in the back—this was something I hadn't expected!

Lin Qianlong, Bao Liming, and the others' expressions also changed abruptly.

Lin Qianlong was now complaining bitterly—

Lu Cheng, you can do these things, you can even leave, but you can't tell us in advance, can you?
You're not stupid, are you?
Telling your former employer that you're going to switch jobs in front of them is just asking for trouble.
I have a problem myself. Why would I go and get orthopedic hand surgery instruments?

……

"Dr. Lu, I dare not give you too much guidance or interfere with your career prospects."

Bao Liming then stated, "However, based on our hospital's considerations, we sincerely hope that Dr. Lu can stay and continue to serve the patients in our county."

"As you know, your skills are indispensable in Longxian County, and no one can replace you..."

Bao Liming is one of the hospital's leaders, so he has to say this from the hospital's perspective.

Lu Cheng continued, "Director Bao, it's not that I really want to leave, it's just that I can't carry out my research project in the county."

"Professor Tong Yuan'an from Xiangya Hospital, Professor Chen Song from Xiangya No. 2 Hospital, and I have recently been collaborating on several research projects, but we are currently unable to find a laboratory."

"The initial animal experiments are mainly conducted in the animal laboratory, while the subsequent clinical trials will be conducted at the county hospital."

After Lu Cheng finished speaking, he glanced in Lin Qianlong's direction: "I also explained this to Director Lin in advance, and Director Lin is very supportive of my work."

When Lin Qianlong heard about doing research projects, he was stunned. What did such high-level things as research projects have to do with the county hospital?
However, upon hearing Lu Cheng say that he had discussed it with him beforehand, Lin Qianlong immediately made up his mind and patted his chest: "Director Bao, yes, that's right."

"Dr. Lu did mention this to me."

"Actually, I know that Dr. Lu is going to take the selection exam... After all, only teaching hospitals and universities have relatively complete laboratories for research projects..."

Upon hearing Lu Cheng mention a research topic, it was clear that there must be articles to be written.

Lin Qianlong doesn't need to be the first or second author; just having his name listed in an SCI journal is enough for him to advance smoothly in his future career.

Young people are publishing a lot of SCI papers!

However, among his generation, those who are SCI researchers, especially those in county hospitals, even if they are just nominal SCI researchers, are extremely rare.

Whether Lu Cheng leaves or not doesn't matter; it won't affect his relationship with Lu Cheng.

Liu Xia suddenly glanced at Peng Haibo, her eyes filled with doubt.

You didn't say before that this thing would explode out, did you?
What clinical research project is Lu Cheng collaborating with Professor Tong Yuan'an on?

Are you, Peng Haibo, eating shit every day in the orthopedics department? How did this happen to Lu Cheng?
Peng Haibo was also confused, but after thinking about it carefully for a while!

Peng Haibo made up his mind that he would keep Tong Yuan'an here no matter what.

It would be best to try to retain the clinical research project!

Let's leave it here for now; as for when to do it, that's another story.

Peng Haibo pointed to the table in front of Liu Xia, and then pointed in his own direction.

Liu Xia understood Peng Haibo's meaning and nodded slightly.

Bao Liming and the others ignored Peng Haibo and Liu Xia's little tricks. Bao Liming said, "Xiao Lu, are you sure you can do the research in our hospital?"

Longxian People's Hospital has not conducted any research projects, nor has it offered any, but that doesn't mean it's unwilling.

What great promotional material this is!

Lu Cheng nodded and said, "Of course, this also requires the approval of the hospital's medical affairs department and Director Lin. We'll have to go together to apply for the necessary authorization."

“Of course. That’s for sure. No problem.” Bao Liming nodded without hesitation.

"That's no problem, as long as your name is on the list of partner organizations."

Lin Qianlong stood up and leaned against Lu Cheng, then discussed the general details of the cooperation with Bao Liming, Xie Liao and a few others.

……

Peng Haibo and Liu Xia watched as Lu Cheng and the others opened champagne halfway through the event, then left one after the other with cold faces.

The plans made today—to bring Lu Cheng back to the orthopedics department, or to incite Lu Cheng to clash with Xiang Kuihua and the others—are no longer possible.

But Lu Cheng still revealed more secrets. The kid's still immature; some things shouldn't be said prematurely…

After Peng Haibo and Liu Xia left the office, Xie Liao thoughtfully went to see them off.

Lin Qianlong glanced at Lu Cheng and asked in a low voice, "Little Lu, is there any chance of something going wrong with your partner?"

"What if Professor Tong Yuan'an is unwilling to add our hospital's name to the list?"

This was exactly what Bao Liming was considering: "Yes, Xiao Lu, have you and Professor Tong confirmed this?"

Lu Cheng stroked his chin and said with a smile, "If Professor Tong doesn't want to, then we won't add the name of Xiangya Hospital."

"The Peking Union Medical College Hospital, where my girlfriend and I work, can also perform the procedure."

Lu Cheng's words left Bao Liming, Lin Qianlong, and the others even more bewildered... Girlfriend, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, what kind of unfamiliar terms are these?

However, when they remembered that Lu Cheng had suddenly gone to the advanced training course at Peking Union Medical College Hospital some time ago, the two suddenly realized what had happened.

What does Hubei Province, Union Hospital, and its advanced training program have to do with you, a mere attending physician at Longxian People's Hospital? Even if you had the money, you couldn't get in.

It's strange that Lu Cheng signed up.

Lu Cheng also had a girlfriend supporting him, so he understood.

No wonder Lu Cheng could act with such impunity.

After a long pause, Bao Liming gave Lin Qianlong a thumbs-up and said, "Director Lin, you really got your money's worth!!!"

Lu Cheng brought his own research topic and invited Professor Tong Yuan'an from Xiangya Hospital, which was something no one expected.

Lu Cheng is the boss; he decides who participates and who doesn't, not what they previously thought. Lu Cheng was carried along by Tong Yuan'an.

Lu Cheng looked at Lin Qianlong and Bao Liming with a puzzled expression.

Lin Qianlong gave a simple, honest smile, the pockmarks on his face seemingly about to fly off: "Director Bao, why are you bringing this up?"

"Xiao Lu is one of us, and we'll spend the money ourselves."

"Director Bao, what's going on?" Lu Cheng asked, seeing that Lin Qianlong didn't explain.

“In the morning, Peng Haibo and Liu Xia came to our medical department first thing and said that they couldn’t sign the reimbursement form for your training trip.”

"Based on two points, first, you are attending an advanced training course in orthopedics."

"Secondly, you are not an orthopedic specialist."

"That's why this happened this morning. They even tried to call you back to the orthopedics department. Director Lin said he'd cover your expenses privately!"

The advanced training course on nerve suturing offered by the Department of Hand Surgery at Union Hospital of Central China is indeed a technical training course for orthopedics.

There are regulations for reimbursement at the hospital. If the orthopedics department doesn't sign off on it, Lu Cheng really can't get reimbursed. It's not that the medical affairs department is making things difficult for Lu Cheng.

Lu Cheng nodded and said, "Okay, Director Bao! I'll go to the finance department later and I won't reimburse this money."

Bao Liming pressed down Lu Cheng's hand and said with a smile, "Hey, how can we not report it?"

"If the orthopedic surgeon doesn't sign off, isn't there still the vice president of the hospital?"

"Xiao Lu, you've already learned the skills, so it's all negotiable, all negotiable..."

"You're being so formal, it's like we're complete strangers," Bao Liming said reproachfully, then playfully hit Lu Cheng.

This attitude is clearly unusual. Either the two have a very good relationship, or Bao Liming is a pervert, to make such a move.

Lu Cheng looked at him with some disdain and shrank his arm that had been hit.

"Bao Liming, stop being so flirtatious. You'll make a fool of yourself." Lin Qianlong smiled like an aunt.

Lu Cheng looked at Bao Liming, then at Lin Qianlong, and suddenly realized, "Director Lin, Director Bao, if there's nothing else, I'll go back to my shift."

"It's not appropriate to leave Professor Chen alone in the department."

"Okay, go ahead."

"I'll arrange lunch later," Lin Qianlong said.

……

Two minutes later, Bao Liming looked in the direction Lu Cheng had left and said with a hint of bitterness, "Lin Qianlong, you're really lucky, aren't you?"

Lin Qianlong squinted and asked, "Is it really just luck, or is it good eyesight and competence?"

"At first, I only thought of giving him a fair opportunity to perform in front of Professor Chen Song because I saw his undergraduate degree from Han City University."

"..."

A light drizzle fell, and the weather was slightly chilly.

Tong Yuan'an lay sprawled on the sofa, reading a novel while laughing so hard his big, fat buttocks were shaking.

This weather is perfect for a big fat guy like Tong Yuan'an.

"Dong dong dong!~"

Just as Tong Yuan'an was engrossed in reading, someone knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Tong Yuan'an was instinctively annoyed because he was certain he hadn't ordered takeout.

"Professor Tong, it's me, Director Liu and me," Peng Haibo's polite voice came back.

Tong Yuan'an frowned even more deeply, and after thinking for a moment, he opened the door to the room.

At the entrance, Peng Haibo and Liu Xia were each carrying small gifts, such as fruit, tea, and dried food. Tong Yuan'an smiled and asked, "Director Peng, why did you bring gifts?"

Liu Xia cupped his hands in greeting: "Professor Tong, it's been a long time. I've been so busy, I've invited you to dinner so many times but you haven't had time."

Since Tong Yuan'an is being transferred to a different ward, he will most likely be going to the ward where Liu Xia is located.

Therefore, Tong Yuan'an's tone was not too harsh: "Director Liu, I mainly want to slack off. When I'm working at my unit, I'm either performing surgeries, conducting experiments, or writing grant proposals."

"I just want to rest for a while longer and avoid troubling Director Liu and the others."

"What would you two directors like to drink? Coffee, green tea, or black tea?" Tong Yuan'an had plenty of dry food at home.

Peng Haibo quickly replied, "That's fine, let's help ourselves."

Tong Yuan'an could tell that the two had a long talk. He looked at the time; it was only three o'clock in the afternoon, and there were still two and a half hours until Chen Song got off work.

Since they were guests, Tong Yuan'an went to get cups and tea: "What brings you two directors here today?"

"Professor Tong, have we failed to entertain you properly during your stay in Long County? If so, please feel free to point it out, and we will definitely admit our mistakes and correct them." Liu Xia was not tall, but she spoke very eloquently.

Tong Yuan'an never expected that Peng Haibo and Liu Xia could become a couple. According to the people in the department, the two didn't get along at all.

"No, Director Liu. Everyone is too polite to me, which makes me feel uneasy, afraid that I might accidentally break some taboo." Tong Yuan'an paused after making a sarcastic remark to Peng Haibo.

After Tong Yuan'an brought over the tea leaves, he waited for the water to boil and asked, "The two directors must have come today for something, right?"

Knowing that speaking might make Tong Yuan'an feel nauseous, Peng Haibo remained silent for the time being.

Liu Xia quickly said, "Professor Tong, it's like this, I overheard that you want to conduct research in our Long County!"

"Right? Director Peng?"

"Yes. Professor Tong mentioned it, but we haven't found a way to help yet." Peng Haibo nodded; this was indeed what Tong Yuan'an himself had said.

Liu Xia then said cryptically, "Professor Tong, it seems like you haven't mentioned this matter for a long time. I was just asking if there's anything we can help with."

"We can still call on people to run errands or something."

Actually, Peng Haibo knew about Tong Yuan'an's research project.

Since Tong Yuan'an didn't bring it up, he couldn't ask for anything, since the county hospital didn't care about that!

Just because you don't care doesn't mean you don't value it; it means that even if you value it, you still can't get it.

Now Lu Cheng says he has a collaborative project with Tong Yuan'an, so why is it Lu Cheng and not Peng Haibo?
"Who sent you? Chen Song? Are you here to provoke me?" Tong Yuan'an suddenly asked, his voice tightening, his face immediately falling.

Tong Yuan'an instinctively thought that Chen Song was being irresponsible by sending these two clowns to mock him.

After all, she had failed in her research project and had to pick it up again with Lu Cheng.

Tong Yuan'an knew that Chen Song hadn't been in a good mood lately, so Chen Song probably wanted to make himself feel bad too.

Liu Xia quickly shook her head and explained, "No, no, Professor Tong, you misunderstood. We came here on our own, hoping to be of some help."

“Mainly because, as you mentioned before, Professor Tong, you’ve applied for an extension of your study period... there must be something I can help with.” Liu Xia’s expression was quite sincere.

Tong Yuan'an understood what the two meant and said without hesitation, "I also work for someone else. This project belongs to Lu Cheng."

"Impossible!" Peng Haibo retorted instinctively, straightening his half-curled hair and smiling obsequiously, "Professor Tong, even if you have a problem with me, you don't have to lie like this."

"What does Lu Cheng know about this subject?"

"Professor Tong, we genuinely want to do some errand-running work." Liu Xia also smiled.

Tong Yuan'an looked at the two of them with a serious expression and said in a solemn tone, "You little brat (only a son would lie to you)!"

The smiles slowly froze on Liu Xia and Peng Haibo's faces...

(End of this chapter)