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

Chapter 183 What award did you receive?

In Han City, at Mu Nanshu's home.

Xie Yuan'an knocked on the door. Mu Nanshu was mixing cold noodles for herself and came out of the kitchen wearing an apron to open the door.

"Sister Xie, don't you need to go home now? Why are you coming over so late? Doesn't Professor Xie want to see you?" Mu Nanshu asked.

Xie Yuan'an put on her slippers: "My dad can't wait for me to get married tomorrow, he can't be bothered with me now."

"Is this all you're eating for dinner?" Xie Yuan'an felt a little guilty when she saw that Mu Nanshu was eating simple cold noodles.

"The pickled vegetables and chili peppers I brought from Longxian County taste very good," Mu Nanshu said.

"Would you like to give it a try?"

"Is this the Hunan-style pickled vegetable you brought me last time? It's so spicy." Xie Yuan'an brought her nose closer and smelled the chili peppers.

"Yes, this cold noodle dish is amazing, and the hot dry noodles in Wuhan are more chewy than our cold noodles, so they taste even better together."

"Wait a moment, I'll get you a bowl too." Mu Nanshu's expression was relaxed and at ease, showing no displeasure towards Xie Yuan'an.

Xie Yuan'an is Xie Yuan'an, Xie Xiao is Xie Xiao, and Professor Zhong Junyun is Professor Zhong Junyun.

Regardless of the circumstances, Xie Yuan'an's initial "spectating" led Lu Cheng into the advanced training program, which ultimately contributed to Lu Cheng's growth.

Five minutes later, the two sat around the dining table, each holding a tablet to watch the show.

Xie Yuan'an had already eaten dinner and wasn't hungry at all. She only ate a few bites before losing her appetite, but Mu Nanshu ate voraciously, even as the food was spicy.

"Little Mumu, did you develop your fiery temper from the chili peppers where you're from?"

"I just mentioned it to you casually, and you immediately went to confront Professor Zhong?" Xie Yuan'an asked pointedly.

Mu Nanshu said, "When something happens, we deal with it. I was just asking Professor Zhong some basic questions; I didn't say anything else."

"It's so spicy! There's too much chili. The owner used bird's eye chili to make the chili sauce. I'll order milk tea now." Mu Nanshu fanned her tongue with her palm.

Xie Yuan'an only ate a few small bites, so she didn't feel as strong as Mu Nanshu.

His tone was impatient: "You call this just giving a basic overview?"

"Have you forgotten what you talked about with Boss Zhong?"

Mu Nanshu said, "What was said is the truth, isn't it?"

"Xiao Xie, I'm not afraid to tell you, don't just focus on Lu Cheng's research on tendon suturing. His future in general surgery would be many times better than staying in hand surgery!"

Mu Nanshu then handed the phone to Xie Yuanan: "I'm placing another order. See if you want to add anything, and hurry up and place your order."

Xie Yuan'an, holding Mu Nanshu's phone, had no interest in looking at the milk tea and simply added "Add One": "Little Mu, what does this mean?"

"What does Lu Cheng have to do with general surgery? Isn't he a hand surgeon?"

Xie Yuan'an recalled Lu Cheng's answer from back then.

Why do you want to learn suturing techniques?
"Play a game!"
Xie Yuan'an's Dao heart collapsed.

"No, he's an emergency room doctor now, and he performs more general surgery surgeries, such as appendectomies and splenectomies," Mu Nanshu said.

"He really does more general surgery? So what about him?"

"Replantation of a severed finger?" Xie Yuan'an felt a sense of despair.

Mu Nanshu felt that she had laid enough groundwork for Xie Yuan'an: "I told you before that his clinical talent is quite good."

"Otherwise, how could I take him to his doctoral advisor to defect? ​​How could the professor possibly agree?"

"Please be more specific," Xie Yuan'an said, recounting the past.

“You only told me that you consulted a professor in the Department of Orthopedics at Huashan Hospital, but you didn’t say how you did it.”

Mu Nanshu thought for a moment before saying, "It was Professor Su from the Department of Trauma Surgery at Huashan Hospital. He gave me an assessment standard, which I didn't tell Lu Cheng. I just told Lu Cheng to practice in that direction."

"Later, I showed the operation video to Professor Su, and Professor Su thought it was acceptable after watching it."

"The orthopedic department's teaching secretary also felt that Lu Cheng's first degree and initial test scores were quite good, so that's how it went..."

Xie Yuan'an nodded: "Later, Professor Su passed away due to a work accident some time before the master's re-examination, so his feedback and promises to you were invalid, right?"

Mu Nanshu ate two more bites of cold noodles, then ran to get a glass of ice water: "Of course, every teacher has their own preferences for recruiting students. Some professors prefer clinical work, while others prefer research."

"These are all personal choices."

Xie Yuan'an sighed: "When people leave, the tea cools; when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The fairer the place, the more indifferent it is, and the more entrenched the circles become."

"Ugh……"

"So you mean? Lu Cheng is going to specialize in general surgery now?"

Mu Nanshu shook his head: "No, he has his own ideas. I just happened to know that he has such abilities."

"Then these two clinical projects can bring him a lot of benefits."

"All the preliminary preparations are complete; now all that's left is to get the project operational."

Xie Yuan'an thought for a long time before asking, "What two research topics?"

Mu Nanshu walked back to the dining table and slowly sat down: "Well, one of the research topics is tendon suturing in hand surgery, and the other is spleen suturing, which is a sub-topic of spleen-preserving surgery."

Xie Yuan'an is a hand surgeon, so she can understand what Mu Nanshu meant by spleen suturing.

Before the advent of limb replantation surgery, limb amputation surgery was called 'suturing', at least that was the original name, before it was defined as 'limb replantation'!
The term "spleen-preserving surgery" should initially be used cautiously as "spleen suturing surgery." Once the surgical technique is mature, it can be reclassified as "spleen-preserving surgery." This is the direction of clinical research and development.

"This...is unlikely, right?" Xie Yuan'an's eyes widened, her mouth bulged, and her heart-shaped face almost turned into a watermelon shape.

"Of course there are clues to follow. Would I dare to say that without any prior research?" Mu Nanshu chuckled.

“I recently made an agreement with the hospital’s research department that if I can run these two projects, I won’t have to go back to the lab for several years.”

Good teaching hospitals all have their own dedicated research staff.

Full-time research staff, as the name suggests, only do research and are not required to conduct clinical work. They are paid an annual salary.

The core requirement is to have a certain amount of scientific research output to enhance the hospital's overall scientific research capabilities.

The basic tasks are as follows: first, obtain a research proposal; second, conduct the research; and third, produce articles.

If you can master these basic points, you'll be the top salesperson in the hospital, and you won't need to work in the lab.

Moreover, top-notch research professionals cannot produce results while sitting in an office.

Research topics are created through doing, not through observation or writing.

Xie Yuan'an's eyes widened again: "You bypassed Professor Dong and Professor Zhong and contacted the research department directly?"

"Sister Xie, I'm a free person."

“I signed a contract with the hospital, not with the gastroenterology laboratory. I am not a staff member hired by the laboratory or the department. Why can’t I communicate directly with the research department?” Mu Nanshu replied very directly.

Mu Nanshu's talent recruitment policy was something the laboratory couldn't provide. After she settled into a job, she was assigned to the gastroenterology laboratory by the hospital, not "housed" in a controlled environment.

The research department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital is also quite snobbish. As long as you have enough research output, let alone leaving the lab, they can even arrange a dedicated lab for you.

"Alright then. Little Mumu, you're still amazing."

"I wouldn't dare to go against the hospital directly, bypassing our boss." Xie Yuan'an looked at Mu Nanshu and couldn't help but recall some past events.

Xie Yuan'an really suspected that Mu Nanshu might have had an abnormal conversation with that academician from the Department of Hand Surgery at Huashan Hospital in the past.

"But Mumu, how can you be sure the hospital will approve your application?"

"Professor Zhong in our hand surgery department is quite influential in the hospital."

"Aren't you afraid of the backlash?" Xie Yuan'an, having confirmed that Mu Nanshu already had her own ideas, turned back to ask Mu Nanshu what she had been thinking at the time.

"I'm a full-time researcher, so naturally I have my own intuition."

"Peking Union Medical College Hospital would definitely like to have more firsts," Mu Nanshu said.

"The main reason is that I have a strong operational foundation. What's the point of talking about operations if you don't have a strong foundation?"

Xie Yuan'an suddenly realized: "You mean, from the moment you came to the hospital, you never intended to stay in the gastroenterology lab for long?"

"No, that's not it. My initial plan was to first apply for my own research project in the gastroenterology lab, and then take it out to do."

“Completing one’s own project is perfectly justified.”

"But I don't need to anymore. I don't have to use so many brain cells."

“Lu Cheng has already come up with a better research topic than I have.”

Xie Yuan'an suddenly asked again, "Aren't you afraid that Lu Cheng never intended for you to participate in these projects?"

Mu Nanshu did not reply, but instead gave Xie Yuan'an a meaningful look from head to toe.

Xie Yuan'an's expression immediately became stiff, but then she puffed out her chest confidently and said, "My relationship with Lu Cheng is completely innocent. Don't look at me like that."

"I know." Mu Nanshu continued eating her noodles with her head down...

……

Shashi, inside a private room.

After a few rounds of drinks with Lu Cheng, Tan Zhongyuan said, "Anyway, that's how things are now, and that's the situation. I'm not exaggerating; I just wanted to tell you in advance."

"Xiao Lu, you're a smart person. You're sure you can make your own decisions. If you had known about this situation earlier, you could have prepared in advance and avoided being caught off guard."

Tan Zhongyuan did not embellish the story or kick Lu Cheng when he was down. Instead, he told Lu Cheng the truth and let him choose freely.

The aim was to establish good relations even if Lu Cheng did not choose to move closer to Xiangya Hospital.

There's a saying that goes like this: when you're strong enough, you'll find that you're surrounded by good people.

If you don't notice this situation, it usually means you're not strong enough.

"Director Tan, thank you for your kind words, but so far, Teacher Zhong has not contacted me to discuss this matter."

“From my perspective, I’m completely out of the loop, so I can’t give you any answer,” Lu Cheng said with a smile.

Lu Cheng wasn't one to believe everything he heard or take rumors at face value. In this highly information-driven world, the veracity of information is difficult to ascertain, so it's best not to prejudge the situation.

Otherwise, if Tan Zhongyuan were to set him up, he would be caught in the middle, pleasing neither side.

"However, I truly feel the care and concern that Director Tan and Teacher Tong have shown me." Lu Cheng felt that his words were hypocritical.

But hypocrisy is a calling card for adults.

Lu Cheng addressed Tan as "Director Tan" repeatedly, but addressed Tong Yuan'an and Zhong Junyun as "teacher," a distinction clearly heard by everyone.

Tan Zhongyuan's voice was rather refined, and he stroked his chin as he said, "Dr. Lu, what I mean is actually quite simple."

“We are definitely destined to be together. Even if we can’t be colleagues, we can still be great business partners.”

Lu Cheng shook his head: "Director Tan, you flatter me. How could I possibly be qualified to cooperate with you now?"

"Everyone needs a teacher to guide them as they grow, and this is likely to continue in the future as well."

Lu Cheng did not think he was qualified to discuss cooperation with Tan Zhongyuan's team. If he thought that he could sit at the same table as Tan Zhongyuan just because he had a project on tendon suturing, then Lu Cheng was seriously underestimating Professor Tan.

At any time, accurately recognizing one's own position is essential to avoid arrogance or inferiority; this is Lu Cheng's attitude towards life.

"Dr. Lu is very polite. If I were your age, I don't know where I would have ended up." Tan Zhongyuan was quite surprised.

However, considering Lu Cheng's past when Tong Yuan'an returned, it seems reasonable.

Lu Cheng had been severely beaten, so he had a very clear understanding of his own position.

Tong Yuan'an then said, "Director Tan, the current situation is like this: Lu Cheng has a research partner, namely Dr. Mu Nanshu from Peking Union Medical College Hospital."

"This Dr. Mu is also a very capable person; he has his own research funding."

"In addition, Dr. Lu also has a research collaboration with Professor Chen Song of Xiangya No. 2 Hospital..."

Tong Yuan'an's words were very official, essentially laying out Lu Cheng's current capabilities.

Tan Zhongyuan said, "That's great. There are quite a few strong hospitals in Central China, such as Union Hospital, Tongji Hospital, and our Xiangya Hospital. They are all closely related."

"Working together on research projects will further enhance the overall level of our Central China region."

"..."

After dinner, Lu Cheng sat in the restaurant lobby, carefully reflecting on Professor Tan Zhongyuan's conversation that evening.

Lu Cheng was certain that, in terms of interpersonal skills and scientific knowledge, he was no match for a giant like Tan Zhongyuan.

What I can do is to quickly and steadily complete my research project, take one step at a time to become a good clinician, accumulate more skills, and improve my abilities.

Whether it's development direction or win-win cooperation, none of these are things Lu Cheng should consider.

"Let's go back to the hotel. The designated driver I called is here." Tong Yuan'an patted Lu Cheng on the shoulder.

Lu Cheng quickly stood up: "Teacher Tong, you've gone to so much trouble."

"Hey, I'm saying all this just because I'm afraid you'll think I'm shameless and unfair for taking your resources."

"Now you should understand just how popular these two suturing techniques you developed are, right?"

"If Chen Song and I hadn't gotten there first, we wouldn't have had the chance to lick the plates clean," Tong Yuan'an said, blushing slightly.

I don't know if it's because of embarrassment or because of the color from drinking.

"That won't do. Even without me, Professor Tong, you and Professor Chen have other research projects to work on."

As Lu Cheng spoke, he followed Tong Yuan'an, who was holding an umbrella, into the car and got into the back seat together.

The driver was a very honest man. After Lu Cheng and Tong Yuan'an fastened their seat belts, he slowly started the car.

Before Lu Cheng and Tong Yuan'an could speak, Mu Nanshu sent a message. The first three paragraphs were a concise summary of the information she had inadvertently gleaned from Xie Yuan'an.

“Hmm, it might be a coincidence. I also heard Professor Tan from Xiangya Hospital mention this today,” Lu Cheng typed back.

“Lu Cheng, I called Professor Zhong again behind your back. Professor Zhong’s point was that only through cooperation can we achieve a win-win situation.”

"If your tendon suturing technique is combined with Dr. Han's nerve suturing technique, it is very likely that you will be able to forge your own path in the field of functional reconstruction surgery."

"Currently, the surgical methods for functional reconstruction in your hand surgery department are very narrow, and it is up to you to broaden and redefine the surgical approach."

“I think Professor Zhong’s words make sense.” Mu Nanshu gave more pertinent advice when she chatted with Lu Cheng alone.

Lu Cheng was not drunk, not even slightly intoxicated; he was perfectly sober at the moment.

Lu Cheng: "The research project will definitely be done collaboratively, but the research direction can be chosen by ourselves."

"I'll most likely be working in the emergency department for a long time to come, and functional reconstruction surgery is an elective procedure."

"When I'm working on research projects, I can help if needed, all for the sake of the patients' treatment outcomes."

Mu Nanshu: "Aren't you surprised?"

Lu Cheng replied, "Unexpected, but also reasonable."

"Professor Tan Zhongyuan, who told me about this, has also trained many people himself. How could a big boss devote all his energy to one person?"

"Such great favors are only for the sons of big bosses. I, Lu Cheng, cannot bear them, and I don't think anyone else can bear them either."

"Perhaps, Dr. Han from Peking Union Medical College Hospital will also find that Professor Zhong pays more attention to other people after he starts working."

"Even the most outstanding person, except in movies, TV dramas and novels, cannot be trusted and appreciated 100% immediately."

"This is so surreal."

Lu Cheng paused for a moment, then said, "Let's not think about that too much for now. I'll share my thoughts whenever Professor Zhong wants to talk to me."

"For now, shall I just pretend none of this ever happened?"

"Regardless of the circumstances, judging by actions rather than intentions, Professor Zhong has not harmed me so far, and has indeed helped us a lot."

"Thoughts are thoughts, and feelings are feelings; they should be viewed separately."

"My competition schedule is basically finalized. After I receive the award tomorrow, I can go home and get back to work."

"Such a high-level matter is still a long way from when I will make a direct decision. What I need to prepare for is the state's selection exam."

Lu Cheng hadn't even sent his last message yet!
Lu Cheng received a WeChat message from Zhang Tiesheng, the message box popping up and down.

Lu Cheng only saw a few keywords.

"The inspection team came to Xiangzhou, and Dean Peng voluntarily surrendered himself to the authorities..."

Lu Cheng was stunned when he saw it!
Lu Cheng had joked with Mu Nanshu about the inspection team's presence in Hunan Province long ago, but he never expected them to come to Long County.

Furthermore, Dean Peng even turned himself in? Why? Has he gone mad?
Lu Cheng quickly sent the information the editor had given to Mu Nanshu.

Then I clicked on Zhang Tiesheng's long message.

"Lu Cheng, you're doomed. You might have to come back as soon as possible. According to inside information, the inspection team came to Xiangzhou after National Day. Dean Peng surrendered himself on the 15th, but the inspection team has been secretly investigating... Director Lin and Director Peng have just been called in for questioning..."

Lu Cheng: "???"

Lu Cheng remembered that Zhang Tiesheng had hinted to him before that there had been some turmoil in the leadership of Xiangzhou recently.

But Lu Cheng never expected that the inspection team would actually go down to Xiangzhou.

"It's true, our hospital is definitely going to be anything but peaceful in the near future."

"I suggest you come back as soon as possible, lest someone use this as an excuse to cause trouble."

"Anyway, Director Zhu of the laboratory department has been formally placed under investigation, which will take place this Friday night."

"We don't know how far the investigation will go." Zhang Tiesheng was also a little flustered.

Lu Cheng covered his phone, closed his eyes, and his mind was in turmoil.

After thinking it over carefully, Lu Cheng felt it didn't matter. He didn't have any financial problems, and the kickbacks from the department would never fall on a junior attending physician like him.

In the first half of this year, after the implementation of the volume-based procurement policy, there were no more kickbacks, and everyone was living off the surgery fees.

Lu Cheng thought for a moment and replied, "Brother Zhang, I can only go back tomorrow, it will be too late."

"Furthermore, it would be inappropriate for me to accept the award and then run away without claiming it."

This time, Zhang Tiesheng was shocked: "???"

"You won an award? What award did you win?"

"It should be first prize," Lu Cheng replied.

Winning the first prize but not claiming it—whose face are you trying to slap? The organizer's face?

Zhang Tiesheng hadn't expected Lu Cheng to win an award, which is why he urged him to return quickly.

If you don't win an award, just stop participating. Who cares if a little Karami is on the field or not?

"Holy crap? You won first prize? That can't be right, bro."

“I’m not well-educated, don’t try to fool me.” Zhang Tiesheng sent a voice message, his voice trembling with shock.

Doctors from the emergency department of Longxian People's Hospital won first prize in the Hunan Provincial Microsurgical Skills Competition for Young Physicians.

What an absurd title!
He couldn't even believe the title, let alone the actual details.

"That's what it looks like so far."

“Brother Zhang, I don’t have any shifts either. I’d appreciate it if you and Brother Zeng could cover for me,” Lu Cheng said.

Lu Cheng checked his duty roster and realized he wasn't on duty for the next two days.

Moreover, participating in the provincial microscopy skills competition is a perfectly legitimate learning and exchange program. Anyone who dares to say that doing so is wrong is deliberately causing trouble.

"Alright then, you can collect your prize first."

"Holy crap? You're really going to receive an award? I need to see the certificate. Don't forge the seal, that's illegal, my brother." Zhang Tiesheng's voice was fragmented and disordered.

What is logic again?

(End of this chapter)