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

Chapter 193 The Operating Rules of Prefecture-Level City Hospitals!

"Director Tan, Master, Lu Cheng said he wants to take the selection exam at the State People's Hospital to make it easier for him to conduct his research later," Tong Yuan'an said midway through the meal.

“Hmm.” Tan Zhongyuan nodded: “It’s unreliable to do research in a county. It would be better if Longxian were a developed county-level city.”

"Xiao Lu, which department do you want to go to? Hand surgery?"

Lu Cheng shook his head and said frankly, "Director Tan, I plan to go to the emergency department. I am not a hand surgeon. During my residency, I spent the most time in trauma surgery."

"Director Tan, I can arrange these things myself."

Tan Zhongyuan gave Lu Cheng a subtle look and then said, "I believe you have the ability, but there's really no need to complicate things once they've been decided."

"Han Yunshen, when you get back this time, remember to remind me to look for Professor Bu in our hospital's emergency department."

"With Professor Bu intervening, this matter should be relatively easier."

"Let's not discuss this today. Come on, let's not let this get dull! You young people, let's get this going!"

"If you find it inconvenient, Professor Zhou and I will come over for a cup of tea."

Drinking to one's heart's content is ultimately the privilege of the young, and Tan Zhongyuan knew that if he stayed here, it would only make Lu Cheng and the others more restrained.

So Zhou Yuhui and Tan Zhongyuan simply left halfway through.

They were big bosses, and no one dared to persuade them to drink. These two left without warning.

With the two men gone, the atmosphere became more lively, and Tong Yuan'an introduced the other brothers in the department to Lu Cheng in detail.

Hu Yi and Han Yunshen were also quite proactive in getting acquainted with Lu Cheng, and the atmosphere was fairly good as they chatted back and forth.

……

After finishing his drink, Lu Cheng felt that everything should be fine. If he didn't have to work today, he could go home and get some rest.

But just as he arrived at his own doorstep, an unmarked phone rang.

Its place of origin is Xiangxi, Hunan Province.

"Hello." Lu Cheng answered the phone.

"Is this Lu Cheng? My name is Xiao Zhaoxi." A middle-aged man's voice, which sounded quite cheerful, came from the other end of the phone.

Lu Cheng had never met this person before, but he was familiar with the name. Mu Nanshu had introduced him to Lu Cheng before; he was a relative of Mu Nanshu's family.

"Hello, Director Xiao. This is Lu Cheng. Why are you calling me?" Perhaps because he was his future boss, Lu Cheng immediately corrected his tone.

"Xiao Lu, it's not that I wanted to call you, it's my boss who called me. What's the rush?"

"I have my own plans for your affairs. You have this relationship with Mu Leng and Nan Shu, don't you agree?"

"You suddenly wound me up like a clockwork," Xiao Zhaoxi said abruptly.

"No, Director Xiao, isn't there some misunderstanding?"

"Nan Shu and I agreed that I would visit you next month." Lu Cheng looked puzzled.

"You haven't had it yet? My teacher, Director Li, just called me. And you still say you haven't?" Xiao Zhaoxi asked.

"What Director Li? I really don't have one, Uncle Xiao." Mu Nanshu had mentioned that this was a distant cousin of Mu Leng.

His relationship with Mu Leng was both distant and close, so it wasn't a loss for Lu Cheng to call him "uncle."

"Director Li from Xiangya Hospital. You don't know him?"

"Then why did Director Li specifically call me and ask me to contact you immediately?" Xiao Zhaoxi's cheerful tone disappeared.

When Xiao Zhaoxi mentioned that the other party was Director Li from Xiangya Hospital, Lu Cheng roughly understood what was going on. Director Tan Zhongyuan had acted as a go-between: "Uncle Xiao, is it Director Li from Xiangya Hospital?"

"That might be because a teacher I know helped."

"You're not familiar with Director Li?" Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly asked.

“Uncle Xiao, I don’t know Director Li yet. If there’s a chance, thank you for recommending him to me,” Lu Cheng said immediately.

Connections are very useful, but they are difficult to build.

Xiao Zhaoxi said, "Xiao Lu, you're not an outsider either. What I just said was a bit untrue. Actually, Director Li isn't my teacher; he's just given me guidance many times."

"I thought you and Director Li were quite familiar, Xiao Lu. I was even thinking that when would be a convenient time for you to arrange a meeting between us."

"But it doesn't matter if we're not familiar with each other now. Director Li has already put in a good word for you. We'll find some time to visit him in a while."

"Xiao Lu, what kind of teacher are you talking about? They must be someone extraordinary, right?"

“Where are you now? I’d better come over…” Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly said.

Lu Cheng: "Uncle Xiao, I work in Long County and haven't arranged to take leave yet, but I should be able to stop working regular shifts next month."

"So it's relatively easy to take leave."

Xiao Zhaoxi: "Then let's not wait until next month. I'll ask Mu Leng to come back with me later. He's mentioned you to me several times."

"You still haven't told me who that teacher you know is."

Lu Cheng said, "It's Director Tan Zhongyuan of the Hand Surgery Department at Xiangya Hospital."

"From Dean Lei's family? No wonder!"

“Director Li is also the vice president of Xiangya Hospital, and Director Tan will soon be the vice president as well. You’ve really built up a solid network of connections…” Xiao Zhaoxi immediately gave Lu Cheng a general overview of the interpersonal relationships at Xiangya Hospital.

Lu Cheng knew that Director Lei of Xiangya Hospital was the hospital's president, but he had no idea whether Director Tan would be promoted to vice president, or which other vice presidents there were.

Because I haven't specifically looked up this information.

"Uncle Xiao, are you going back to Long County today?" Lu Cheng asked.

"Yes, I'll be right back. I'll call you again after Mu Leng and I arrive, and we can talk privately."

"Hey, you said you work in Long County, how did you contact Director Tan? By phone?" Xiao Zhaoxi, being a seasoned veteran, immediately noticed the loophole in Lu Cheng's words.

Lu Cheng said, "Director Tan should have gone back by now."

Xiao Zhaoxi pondered for a moment: "So, Director Tan went to Long County before and met with you, and that's why you asked him to do you a favor?"

"Uncle Xiao, could I explain this to you in person?" Lu Cheng replied.

"Okay, there's no rush."

"That's all for now, we'll talk later," Xiao Zhaoxi said.

……

Lu Cheng walked in with his phone in his hand. Tian Hui immediately noticed his smell of alcohol: "You've had quite a bit to drink again today? Why have you been drinking so much lately?"

Lu Nanjia got up and silently went to prepare a hangover tea for Lu Cheng.

Lu Nanjia wasn't indifferent to Lu Cheng's health, but as a man, he understood better the interpersonal relationships Lu Cheng needed to build.

Since his family couldn't offer any help, was Lu Cheng just going to rely on his silver tongue to get by in the hospital?

"I had a little bit of a drink. A few teachers came, and I really couldn't refuse," Lu Cheng said.

Tian Hui's tone was sharp: "Teacher, is he even more formidable than your Uncle Wei's brother-in-law, Director Du?"

Lu Cheng said, "Mom, don't worry about it. Director Du basically doesn't go to these people's drinking parties."

"I'm going to rest for a bit. Uncle Mu Leng will be back soon. I need to go see him!"

Upon hearing Mu Leng's name, Lu Nanjia stepped forward and said, "What does Mu Leng want? If he tries to force you to drink, I'll call him and yell at him."

"This dog's got no sense of timing, does it?"

After all, they were Mu Leng's former creditors, so the Lu family wasn't particularly polite to Mu Leng.

"No, we were just talking about some things," Lu Cheng said.

"What's wrong? Do you need my help?" Lu Nan asked.

The main issue involved Mu Leng, and Lu Nan felt he could help.

He is Lu Cheng's father, not a hands-off manager. If he lacks ability, there's nothing he can do. But when there's an opportunity to contribute, he's willing to give his life.

"No need, Dad."

"Mom, don't be so angry. We drink just to enjoy ourselves, not to get drunk and lose our minds."

Lu Cheng then said, "How about I give you a shoulder massage?"

"Am I angry? I'm worried about your health. You're a doctor, don't you know that drinking is bad for your health?"

Lu Cheng was silent for a while before saying, "Didn't you know before that skipping breakfast was bad for your health?"

"If you follow the healthiest diet, you should eat less chili peppers, less salt, and no lard, then what's the point?"

Lu Cheng knew that he couldn't reason with Tian Hui on grand principles, so he started with the trivialities of daily life.

"Alright, alright, you little rascal, you've grown up. I can't argue with you. I'm uncultured." Tian Hui rolled her eyes.

Tian Hui used to love spicy food, but now she has to control her chili intake, and the salt can't be too bland, otherwise she won't be able to eat.

This is my taste for life; if I change it, life really feels meaningless.

……

Two and a half hours later, Mu Leng and Xiao Zhaoxi arrived at the entrance of the residential area on Yuelu Avenue. Mu Leng called Lu Cheng and asked him to come downstairs.

On the way, Lu Cheng roughly went over the sequence of events and the logic behind it once more.

Director Tan Zhongyuan was just being polite at the dinner table, but he said he could contact the director of the emergency department immediately.

However, Lu Cheng still didn't know why the director of the emergency department at Xiangya Hospital had such great influence that Xiao Zhaoxi was about to rush back to Longxian from Jishi.

"Uncle Mu, Uncle Xiao." Lu Cheng reached the car and opened the back driver's side door.

Mu Leng started the car with a press of the accelerator: "This is Uncle Xiao, whom I've often told you about before. He will be your boss from now on!"

"You'd better do a good job. I've made a solemn promise to Director Xiao. If you misbehave, I can deal with you myself."

"Thank you, Uncle Mu." Lu Cheng nodded immediately.

Xiao Zhaoxi said, "Mu Leng, don't be so formal. This isn't our workplace."

"I have something important to discuss with Lu Cheng today."

"How about we go out and get some?" Xiao Zhaoxi suggested.

Lu Cheng politely declined: "Uncle Xiao, how about we reschedule for another day? We just had dinner tonight, and if we drink any more, we'll make a fool of ourselves."

"You just had drinks with Director Tan? How did you get in touch with him?" Xiao Zhaoxi seemed to be an impatient person and immediately began to press for answers.

"It was Director Tan and Professor Zhou Yuhui from the Hand Surgery Department who came to Longxian County. There was also Professor Tong from the Hand Surgery Department who was working in our hospital in the countryside. He was the one who recommended them," Lu Cheng said.

"Professor Tong recommended you to Director Tan, and then Director Tan drank with you? It can't be that simple, can it?" Xiao Zhaoxi's eyes darted around.

Mu Leng said, "Brother, what do you mean by this?" Xiao Zhaoxi replied, "Mu Leng, let me put it this way: the county director position is basically filled by whoever the higher-ups want. It's just a few things."

“The director of our hospital is not someone that can be easily controlled by ordinary people. If something goes wrong, you can’t cover it up without some power.”

"Xiangya Hospital is a deployment unit. The directors here are not just department directors. The resources and connections they have are not necessarily worse than many people."

"Moreover, everyone in the country is an academic friend, so you can just pack up and leave whenever you want."

"To be realistic, if you're the second-in-command of the city and you go to someone's place for drinks, why should they pay you any attention? What benefits can you bring them?"

Xiao Zhaoxi glanced at Lu Cheng: "He's quite something, not only did he drink, but he also asked someone to contact my old boss in the field."

"Didn't I tell you before? I want to become a standing committee member of the provincial emergency medicine association. That's where I can get influence with leaders."

Mu Leng has some money, but not much; with that little money, he can't access very high levels of society.

"Then you two talk," Mu Leng said sensibly, and stopped interrupting.

Lu Cheng explained, "Uncle Xiao, there's actually a misunderstanding here. I didn't ask Director Tan for his help. He just said he'd help me think of a solution."

"I didn't expect him to have someone call you so soon."

Xiao Zhaoxi: "Then this matter becomes even more intriguing."

"I think this trip was worthwhile."

……

They drove in silence to Chengxin Square.

Mu Leng owns eight properties in Jilin City, but only one was allocated to him in Long County.

Upon arrival, Mu Leng said, "You two chat, I'll go prepare some tea and ask Xiao Mu to order some fruit."

"You can all rest here today."

Xiao Zhaoxi said, "I'll go back to my own place later and won't stay here overnight."

"Xiao Lu, actually, I can handle your matter. Of course, since Dean Li of Xiangya Hospital has already mentioned it, I will definitely pay even more attention to it."

"The reason I came to see you this time is because I need your help with something."

"If the time is right, could you arrange a meeting for me to meet with Dean Li of Xiangya Hospital? I need to report to him in person!"

From Xiao Zhaoxi's words, Lu Cheng could roughly deduce that Xiao Zhaoxi, as the director of the emergency department of Xiangzhou People's Hospital, possessed considerable power and influence.

In Xiangzhou, one has the autonomy to decide on personnel matters within their own department.

But it seems that the words of the directors at Xiangya Hospital carry a great deal of weight.

“Uncle Xiao, I can’t guarantee that, since I don’t even know that Dean Li,” Lu Cheng said.

"If you are looking for Director Xiang Dongshan of the Second Hospital, then I can speak to him."

Xiao Zhaoxi jerked his feet and bumped into the coffee table, but he ignored the pain: "What did you just say?"

Lu Cheng said, "Uncle Xiao, I mean, I don't know Director Li or Dean Li at Xiangya Hospital."

"No, you just mentioned Director Xiang. Director Xiang can do it too!"

Xiao Zhaoxi scratched the back of his head: "Hey, wait, how do you know so many bosses?"

"Director Xiang of the Second Hospital is the vice chairman of the Emergency Medicine Association. After President Li steps down, it is highly likely that Director Xiang will be promoted to chairman."

"Can you let me see Director Xiang?"

Lu Cheng thought about it carefully and said, "That should be possible."

Although Lu Cheng's chat with Xiang Dongshan wasn't very enjoyable, there were no conflicts either.

The collaborative project between Lu Cheng and Chen Song will ultimately benefit Chen Song and Director Xiang Dongshan considerably.

"Holy crap?" Xiao Zhaoxi touched his pointed chin and raised his voice: "Mu Leng, how about we discuss it, and you call off this engagement?"

"My niece doesn't have a boyfriend either, and she doesn't have a high level of education either."

Mu sneered and said, "Sure, as long as you can convince Xiao Mu and Xiao Lu, we parents have no objections."

"Of course, we should also respect the freedom of young people to date." Mu Leng was asking for a favor and didn't respond at all.

Xiao Zhaoxi was just joking. He lit a cigarette, threw the lighter on the coffee table, and then slid it to the floor.

He took a drag, and Lu Cheng bent down to pick up the lighter: "Little Lu, could you tell me in detail what kind of research project you're working on?"

"The only reason I can think of is that your research project made these big bosses bow down for 'five pecks of rice' (a Chinese idiom for financial gain)."

How long has Xiao Zhaoxi been in the underworld?
He knew what things could attract these big bosses.

Mu Nanshu had met with Xiao Zhaoxi and told her the specific reasons why Lu Cheng was going to work at the state people's hospital.

"Director Xiao, the team has already finalized the research topic related to suturing," Lu Cheng replied.

Xiao Zhaoxi nodded: "I'm not going to stand in the way. With all these partners you have, there's no way I could get involved."

"Okay, I think I understand what's going on."

"The exam will still be held next month, the procedures will still be followed, and the on-the-job assessment will still be conducted." Xiao Zhaoxi licked his thick lips and put a cigarette in his mouth.

He then realized he hadn't offered Lu Cheng a cigarette: "Little Lu, do you want one?"

"Director Xiao, I don't know how to do this." Lu Cheng shook his head and declined.

"I don't smoke, but I can drink alcohol."

"Actually, more than a dozen people have tried to put in a good word for me during this selection process, but there are only two openings for our emergency department."

Lu Cheng wasn't completely ignorant of the recruitment information: "Director Xiao, there should only be one opening in the emergency surgery department, right? There are only six openings in the entire surgery department."

"It's best not to do those behind-the-scenes things lately."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhaoxi laughed and said, "Yes, there was only one spot available in the emergency surgery department, and your spot wasn't among those available."

"It was consensual!"

"Your past awards in competitions aren't kept secret. Do you think I don't know? Do you think our hospital's personnel department can't see them?"

"So my first reaction was that your move to have Director Li call me was unnecessary."

"With this favor, you could use it for so many other things!" Xiao Zhaoxi slapped his thigh.

Lu Cheng asked, "Director Xiao, are there any extra spots available?"

"Which hospital doesn't have a recruitment announcement that doesn't restrict recruitment conditions and timelines? Have you studied it carefully?" Xiao Zhaoxi asked.

Lu Cheng shook his head: "No. I never dared to imagine that I was rejected even when I went through the formal application process before."

Xiao Zhaoxi glanced at Mu Leng: "Then blame him. Your uncle is doing something inhuman."

“If he had ever come to me before, would I have let you leave? A bachelor’s degree from Han City University was still enough to get into our hospital in 18.”

Mu sneered, "At the time, I didn't know that you, Director Xiao, were related to my mother, so I didn't dare to visit you rashly. I'm just a businessman, how could I compare myself to officials like you?"

Mu Leng can also be sarcastic and sarcastic.

"Let's not talk about the past anymore. The central inspection team is in Xiangzhou now and will be stationed there for at least a month or two."

"There won't be any problems with Xiao Lu's matter."

"However?" Xiao Zhaoxi asked again, "Xiao Lu, what specific surgeries do you know?"

"If the technology is better, then the way they go is even more aboveboard."

Lu Cheng immediately said, "Uncle Xiao, what I'm currently performing routinely are tendon repair surgery and limb replantation surgery!"

"Spleen removal, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, spleen preservation, gallbladder preservation, and simple liver preservation."

Lu Cheng added, "A fracture..."

Xiao Zhaoxi looked stunned, her mouth slightly agape for a moment, then looked at Mu Leng and said decisively, "Mu Leng, we really need to discuss this seriously. Lu Cheng's educational background is really not good enough for your daughter."

"Why don't you just knock them all out with a stick!"

Mu Leng rolled her eyes: "You, as an elder, are doing absolutely nothing right every day."

Xiao Zhaoxi slapped his thigh hard: "Mu Leng, what kind of incredible luck did you have?"

"You're doing so well in business, and now you've found a son-in-law like this? You've got all the advantages, haven't you?"

After muttering to himself, Xiao Zhaoxi spoke more formally to Lu Cheng: "Lu, we need to be careful. Don't brag. If you don't know how to perform a surgery, don't say so. Otherwise, you might cause trouble later."

Lu Cheng thought about it seriously: "Director Xiao, I'm not talking nonsense!"

"Of course, the specific surgical procedures are all legitimate. Within my scope of practice, there is no such thing as performing surgeries outside my level."

"Can you perform spleen-preserving and gallbladder-preserving surgeries?" Xiao Zhaoxi asked earnestly.

Lu Cheng nodded: "Yes!"

"We don't even do this kind of surgery anymore?" Xiao Zhaoxi tilted his head, his tone serious, his eyes cold, as if he were pressing for an answer.

Xiao Zhaoxi's face-changing skills perfectly embody the phrase "smiling tiger."

"Yes!" Lu Cheng insisted.

Xiao Zhaoxi's voice immediately cracked again: "Mu Leng, you're just messing around. Why are you looking for me every day?"

"These phone calls and interactions you've had with me could actually become clues to some shady deal that Lu Cheng is trying to get into our hospital."

Does he need you to schedule these things for him?

"Would it be better if he came with his eyes closed?"

Mu Leng ignored Xiao Zhaoxi's breach of defense and muttering: "Director Xiao, isn't this just because we're worried about unexpected events?"

Xiao Zhaoxi sighed: "There might have been such cases in the past, but at this point in time, there are the fewest unexpected events. The exam will also be the fairest and most impartial."

Xiao Zhaoxi clapped his hands: "It's settled then. Lu Cheng, when I get back, I'll apply for a special talent introduction program for you."

Lu Cheng was no young man and was not easily fooled: "Director Xiao, no need, I will just go through the normal selection examination process."

Talent recruitment requires signing new contracts, and selection examinations are normal personnel transfers.

Xiao Zhaoxi was also setting a trap for Lu Cheng.

Although Xiao Zhaoxi's conditions sound better, if Lu Cheng wants to leave again later, it won't be Lu Cheng's choice.

Xiao Zhaoxi looked Lu Cheng up and down carefully before smiling and saying, "Alright then... someone like you isn't someone I can keep locked up..."

"It's because I have this kind of relationship with your father-in-law."

(End of this chapter)