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

Chapter 223 Uncle Du Qiang's Twisted Doughnut!
January 1st, New Year's Day.

Emergency Department, Director's Office, Longxian People's Hospital.

Holding an application form, Zhang Tiesheng's nonchalant expression immediately turned serious, and he stood at attention: "Huh? Director Du? You want me to submit this at the State People's Hospital?"

"Is it a mistake?"

Du Qiang, still sitting in his "old-fashioned" director's seat, tossed a cigarette to Zhang Tiesheng.

Caught off guard, Zhang Tiesheng hurriedly took the cigarette, which bounced twice in his hand.

Du Qiang said, "Yes...that's right. It's only appropriate for you to deliver it. Thank you for your help."

Zhang Tiesheng glanced at the application forms, multi-site practice approval forms, and consultation invitation forms in his hands again.

Both forms listed Lu Cheng as the name.

Zhang Tiesheng felt his brain was a bit numb: "Director Du, I don't understand."

Du Qiang said, "If you don't understand, you'll understand slowly. I know you and Lu Cheng have a pretty good personal relationship."

"It's a coincidence, he and I are the same."

Zhang Tiesheng's expression immediately turned as if he had been slapped by a dog, and he began to look up at the sky.

However, Zhang Tiesheng roughly knew the bargaining chips that Du Qiang and Lu Cheng had used in their previous charade. At least Zhang Tiesheng knew that Du Qiang had brought Lu Cheng great benefits when he came to the emergency room to scold him.

"Director Du, do you mean to say that Lu Cheng went to the state hospital because of you?" Zhang Tiesheng put a cigarette in his mouth with his left hand and pointed at Du Qiang with his right.

“The surgeries that our hospital can’t perform aren’t because I say we can’t do them, but because if we do perform them, no one can find a legitimate reason to save the patient.”

"That's because the procedure wasn't completed."

"You know perfectly well what the atmosphere is like in the county. When they encounter a wealthy patron, they'll take advantage of him, but when they encounter truly talented people, they might not be willing to let them go."

"Even if we release them, look at what happened to Director Lin before?"

"Fortunately, Lu Cheng was selected through a process of selection, not resignation and re-employment. Now Lu Cheng's file has already been sent to the higher-level unit, so even if he has any ideas and reacts, it will be too late."

Zhang Tiesheng put down the application form and sat down opposite Du Qiang: "Director Du, I think I understand your good intentions now."

"But I still don't understand, are you really so willing to let Lu Cheng leave? Without any selfish motives?"

Du Qiang is still young, and Zhang Tiesheng doesn't believe that Du Qiang hasn't thought about making further progress.

Du Qiang said, "I'm already this old, and this is the situation I'm in. Why would I want to keep young people by my side?"

"Of course, I've thought about selfish motives sometimes."

Zhang Tiesheng thought for a moment and then asked, "Director Du, may I ask what your relationship is with Lu Cheng?"

Du Qiang said, "Actually, there's nothing special about it. Lu Cheng is just a junior of mine."

"Don't get the wrong idea. My child is quite a bit older than him! And he's a boy."

Zhang Tiesheng quickly shook his head: "Director Du, that's not what I meant. What I meant was that it might be a niece or something."

"Director Du, I'll set off tonight and try my best to get things done for you by tomorrow."

Du Qiang said, "I believe you understand what I mean!"

“Lu Cheng went to the state hospital, and his situation may not be good. He will definitely want to come back.”

"And when he comes back then, his identity will be completely different from before, and he will be able to have more freedom."

"The things are the same, but the degree of freedom is different, so the extent to which they can be developed is also different."

"I've contacted an acquaintance at the state hospital for you, but of course, you can use whatever you like..."

……

"Director Yao, Dr. Zhang!" Lu Cheng remembered Yao Xin, but he never expected that Director Yao Xin and Dr. Zhang Tiesheng from the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery would come together.

When that spleen-preserving surgery was performed last time, Yao Xin was Professor Chen Song's assistant. Lu Cheng had worked with him before and had some impression of him.

Zhang Tiesheng met Yao Xin's slightly puzzled gaze and explained, "Uncle, this is Lu Cheng, my good brother."

Lu Cheng quickly changed his address: "Brother Zhang! Why are you here so early?"

"I thought you were playing a trick on me again." Yao Xin's expression immediately changed, and he relaxed considerably!
Zhang Tiesheng said, "Uncle, that's all ancient history, so please don't expose my shame in front of my good brother."

"Lu Cheng, are there any plans for today's registration? If not, shall we go out for a meal and talk about some things?"

Lu Cheng chuckled and said, "Brother Zhang, aren't you going to introduce me to my boss?"

Yao Xin broke the atmosphere: "Xiao Lu, stop pretending. You weren't this weak when you were ordering me around in the operating room."

"My name is Yao Xin, you can call me Lao Yao or something."

Lu Cheng hurriedly said, "That won't do, Director Song. If I call you Old Song, then Brother Zhang would be a generation below me."

"Brother Zhang, I just started working here. I need to get to know the older guys in the department better."

"Why don't you find a place to sit first? I'll find a place around noon."

Upon hearing this, Yao Xin began blowing her nose, which was already dry: "Dr. Lu, you've only just arrived, and you don't even respect us old comrades?"

"We're all going to eat together, why would I need you to find a table? I'll take the liberty of sending you the table number later, okay?"

"This child is hopeless! His elbows are completely bent outwards."

Lu Cheng looked at Zhang Tiesheng and Yao Xin with confusion, completely bewildered, and even less able to understand the meaning behind Yao Xin's words.

After being punched by Yao Xin, Zhang Tiesheng hurriedly explained, "Uncle, I didn't even know what you wanted to see Lu Cheng for, so of course we weren't close."

"This is my own brother, how could you let him be harmed?"

Yao Xin's eyes widened: "What do you mean by 'causing trouble'? Can't you speak like a human being?"

Well, his nephew has dug up all his past secrets, and now his persona is completely ruined in front of Lu Cheng.

What kind of Gu poison did Lu Cheng put on Zhang Tiesheng?
……

When Lu Cheng returned to his office, Tian Zhiwei and the others in the emergency department asked Yao Xin why she wanted to see him. Lu Cheng replied that he wanted to have lunch together!
Tian Zhiwei and the others did not think there was anything wrong with Lu Cheng's statement. Regardless of whether Lu Cheng knew Yao Xin before, based on the rumors in the operating room that Lu Cheng had punished Yao Xin by making her stand, Yao Xin should have done so.

In prefecture-level city hospitals, the principle of "competency first" is being demonstrated to the fullest extent.

Moreover, the principle of meritocracy in hospitals is something that cannot be influenced by the "power" of other industries.

No leader wants to encounter a bunch of cronies when their family members come to the hospital for treatment.

Even if someone has connections, ability is still a factor.

Zhu Yuanzhou stroked his chubby white chin, a half-smile on his face: "Looks like you and Dean Yao are quite familiar, Lu Cheng? Then from now on, you'll be my boss!"

Tian Zhiliang and the others also looked at Lu Cheng with smiles, their eyes becoming quite subtle.

Lu Cheng replied, "We're not that close. This is only our second meeting."

Lu Cheng knew that Yao Xin was the vice dean, but he never expected that Yao Xin was actually Zhang Tiesheng's uncle, which was important information that could be found on the official website.

Lu Cheng might not know who the head of a department is, but he can't not even find out who the hospital director and vice directors are beforehand, right?

"It's hard to say. I was still warned this time. After all, Dean Yao called me before and asked me to go to the hepatobiliary surgery department, but I refused," Lu Cheng replied.

"You're really something else! I hope you can leave safely. Dean Yao is a bit of a grudge-holder!" Zhu Yuanzhou's expression tightened.

"..."

Immediately afterwards, Lu Cheng followed Director Xiao Zhaoxi to meet the two deputy directors of the emergency department, Director Wu Yunxiang and Director Zhou Zhaofu, respectively.

Wu Yunxiang is the director of the internal medicine group, and Zhou Zhaofu is the head of the emergency department medical group. The two of them are the main forces in the internal medicine and emergency ward.

After introducing Lu Cheng to the two, Xiao Zhaoxi said, "I know Dean Yao came to see you. If you can't refuse, hurry up and go, don't be late."

"Okay, thank you, Director Xiao. I'll come to visit you again this afternoon," Lu Cheng said.

People in the department said that Xiao Zhaoxi will be on duty with him for the entire day and won't be going home tonight.

It's impossible for Lu Cheng to have gone back right after lunch.

As Lu Cheng turned to leave, Xiao Zhaoxi suddenly said, "Lu Cheng, you've been keeping this a secret for a while now. When did you accumulate so many connections?"

Xiao Zhaoxi had always thought that he was Lu Cheng's connection at Xiangzhou People's Hospital, but as he discovered and began to value Lu Cheng's personal abilities, he increasingly realized that his assumptions were wrong.

"Uncle Xiao, if I told you that I don't even know what kind of connections I have or when I accumulated them, would you believe me?" Lu Cheng asked sincerely.

Xiao Zhaoxi nodded: "It seems you really don't know, or perhaps the last incident was very special, and you were able to turn the tide, so you gained the recognition of many people."

"Or perhaps, the person who had your surgery last time said something on your behalf, so..."

After saying that, Xiao Zhaoxi laughed again: "I didn't mean to press you. It's just that we're doing business strictly. It's best not to make it too obvious that we know each other beforehand, so as not to cause any complications."

Xiao Zhaoxi is a leader. Although the re-examination situation in the emergency department is very special, once someone manipulates the relationship between the two and the entanglement of the selection examination, it will still be quite troublesome to deal with.

“Okay, Director Xiao.” Lu Cheng nodded slightly. He knew that Xiao Zhaoxi, as a leader, must have his own concerns.

It wasn't lunchtime yet, but Lu Cheng still followed the teahouse information sent by Zhang Tiesheng and walked there.

The private rooms in the teahouse were quite well soundproofed. When Lu Cheng arrived, Yao Xin was tapping and pressing Zhang Tiesheng for some details.

Of course, Yao Xin was having a headache at the moment, clutching his forehead and chest, looking very distressed.

"You? Really?" Yao Xin was speechless.

"You've used me to the last drop, leaving me with absolutely nothing."

Zhang Tiesheng must have prepared some information from Yao Xin beforehand, and after careful consideration, he said, "Uncle, I think that although Director Du is using you, he has indeed given me a very good opportunity."

“Lu Cheng will definitely face a lot of obstacles when he wants to carry out his research in the state hospital. If we can provide Lu Cheng with a convenient place to conduct his research, I should be the most direct beneficiary.”

Yao Xin glanced at Lu Cheng, who was about to enter, and stood up politely, saying, "Good morning, Dr. Lu."

"Dean Yao, Brother Zhang, you haven't placed your order yet?"

"Waiter, we'd like to order." Lu Cheng took the initiative to change the subject.

Before he could ascertain Yao Xin's true intentions, Lu Cheng dared not easily discuss any terms with Yao Xin.

Know yourself and know your enemy.

Lu Cheng is no match for this seasoned veteran.

But right now, Zhang Tiesheng's purpose in bringing Yao Xin was very simple: to prepare an application form for Lu Cheng to practice at multiple locations in advance, so that Lu Cheng could file a record with the medical affairs department of Xiangzhou People's Hospital in advance.

I can go to Longxian County to have the surgery at any time in the future.

In this way, Lu Cheng can leverage the surgical authorization from the state people's hospital to perform the same authorized procedures at the county hospital.

After Yao Xin finished speaking, he laughed and said, "Lu Cheng, your Director Du Qiang's abacus beads have all over my face."

“My nephew was completely kept in the dark, and you guys aren’t exactly honest either.”

Lu Cheng said, "Dean Yao, I don't know either!"

Zhang Tiesheng found Yao Xin, who was the vice president of the state people's hospital. Granting Lu Cheng the authority to practice at multiple locations was just a matter of nodding his head.

Yao Xin asked, "Lu Cheng, haven't you ever thought about doing these research projects in our hospital? We can do them here too."

Lu Cheng shook his head and replied to the official statement: "Dean Yao, it's like this, these research projects were all done with the guidance of teachers from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Xiangya Hospital."

"I'm just someone who gets things done. As for where to put it, I'll prioritize their convenience."

Yao Xin wanted to try again: "Would it be more convenient in Long County then?"

Zhang Tiesheng said, "Uncle, I'm in Long County."

Yao Xin snapped, "Don't talk! Listening to you gives me a headache! It's like a level 10 migraine."

Zhang Tiesheng kept his head down and didn't speak, his gaze fixed on Lu Cheng.

"I don't know about that. It's relatively convenient, and I've already discussed these things with Brother Zhang and the others."

“I’m just a participant, and I can’t keep giving advice over and over again.” Lu Cheng dragged Zhang Tiesheng into the fray.

Given the current situation, it would be most comfortable for Lu Cheng to conduct his research at Longxian People's Hospital as a doctor from a higher-level hospital.

"Uncle, will you approve it?" Zhang Tiesheng asked intently.

He is definitely a direct beneficiary.

"Sigh!" Yao Xin sighed.

"So you're still too young and inexperienced. I'm thinking of breaking your legs again." Yao Xin started cursing at Zhang Tiesheng.

Lu Cheng added at the opportune moment, "Dean Yao, Zhang Ge and I are good brothers, I would never betray him."

Yao Xin looked at Zhang Tiesheng, who nodded: "I've watched Lu Cheng grow step by step, and I think I might be able to replicate his path."

"A prodigal son who returns is more precious than gold. I already know I was wrong about what happened back then."

"For so many years, I've just been resigned to my fate, thinking that this is how life will end in the county, and that's what I've always done."

"But Lu Cheng is completely different from what I imagined and what I did, and he succeeded."

"Uncle, I don't know if I've fully understood what you mean, but based on my own considerations, I think it's worth it to suffer a little loss in exchange for an opportunity."

At this point, Zhang Tiesheng glanced at Lu Cheng: "Compared to him, who was living on the edge of a knife back then, I am extremely fortunate in my current situation."

Yao Xin slammed his fist on the table: "Why didn't you do this sooner?"

"I told you to study hard, but all you wanted to do was go home and raise pigs, what were you thinking about, getting involved in all that romantic stuff..."

Zhang Tiesheng bowed his head like an ostrich.

Yao Xin straightened his coat, realizing that he had just lost his composure and revealed Zhang Tiesheng's most vulnerable side.

Who hasn't been young?

Yao Xin said, "Lu Cheng, I still want to try. If I help you with this kind of thing, it will definitely be more beneficial than if Du Qiang helps you with it."

Lu Cheng remained silent, pondering how to respond.

Zhang Tiesheng said, "Uncle, don't think about these things. Now Lu Cheng is in charge of the overall situation. The Peking Union Medical College Hospital or Xiangya Hospital that he just mentioned to you are following his lead."

"What did you say?" Yao Xin's mind went blank for a moment.

He was a hepatobiliary surgeon at the state hospital, had not participated in the national microsurgery competition, and had no idea about the real Lu Cheng.

"Lu Cheng is a small business owner now. I was lucky to meet him when he was still young."

“If we wait any longer, I’ll be at the back of the line when I go to pay my respects,” Zhang Tiesheng replied decisively.

He didn't really want to say such snobbish things in front of Lu Cheng, but Yao Xin kept trying to sabotage his plans, so he had no choice but to explain.

"How many people do you know in the province?" Yao Xin suddenly thought of something and asked.

Lu Cheng shook his head: "Dean Yao, I know some people, but I've also offended quite a few."

Yao Xin's question was very similar to the question Xiao Zhaoxi had asked him. Lu Cheng couldn't possibly reveal everything about himself to Yao Xin, at least not on their first meeting.

Yao Xin did not press Lu Cheng to ask why he had offended someone.

“Your Uncle Du Qiang is quite a character. I just reviewed Zhang Tiesheng’s teachings, and these kinds of things are not something an ordinary person can act out.”

“This is a real talent,” Yao Xin suddenly said.

It is extremely rare for someone within the system to be able to fully embody the character of Zhang Tiesheng through acting.

Lu Cheng smiled and said, "Director Du knows more."

"You know quite a lot too," Yao Xin said.

Lu Cheng shook his head: "Dean Yao, I didn't think that much about it at first. Just ask Brother Zhang, I can't help you anymore!"

"I can only travel to other places every day."

Zhang Tiesheng knew Lu Cheng's situation and nodded in support of Lu Cheng's argument: "Lu Cheng was really depressed for a while. Moreover, he and Director Du have some grudges between them."

Yao Xin looked at Zhang Tiesheng as if he were a greenhorn: "You believe that? I certainly don't."

Yao Xin pointed at Lu Cheng: "He just got off work at your hospital the day before yesterday!"

"You came here to report for duty today, and you've received all these things. Lu Cheng doesn't know about these application forms you have?"

"You're saying Lu Cheng didn't know about Du Qiang's acting?"

"You really don't know?" Yao Xin's tone was somewhat flippant.

Lu Cheng admitted, "I don't know the details, I only know the general direction."

Zhang Tiesheng instantly felt like he'd been tricked, but considering Lu Cheng's learning ability, he suddenly realized what was going on.

We're all adults; acting is normal for us.

Yao Xin then directly tore off the veil of 'pretense': "Lu Cheng, what are you planning to give Zhang Tiesheng? Let's talk about something practical."

Lu Cheng shook his head: "Dean Yao, I don't currently have anything that directly points to Brother Zhang."

Before Yao Xin could speak, Lu Cheng said, "Brother Zhang still needs to brush up on his basic skills and learn a lot of new things."

“I’m not a boss, much less a big boss. I can’t lead people directly; I need people to lead me.”

"Furthermore, I don't plan to have Brother Zhang work with me on some of the projects we were working on before. There are some follow-up projects that might be a little risky."

"Risk?" Yao Xin asked, puzzled.

(End of this chapter)