The Surgeon's Studio c1-799

by Black Ursa Prime

  "When she began her weight loss program in June, she started experiencing c.h.e.s.t pains aggravated by food consumption. They initially considered it a minor illness, probably gastroesophageal reflux disease, so they simply prescribed medication without a thorough investigation." Fang Lin's heart still fluttered with fear as he spoke about the girl's condition.

  After all, the esophageal tuberculosis had been misdiagnosed as advanced esophageal cancer with multiorgan metastases… And although everyone on the scene was a doctor and they perfectly understood that the PET-CT scan did not have one-hundred-percent accuracy,

  It was still a misdiagnosis. Apart from the family, a doctor was the next person sincerely hoping for the patient's recovery.

  Chapter 180 - The Benefits of A Senior Professor

  "About twenty days ago, the girl suddenly experienced excruciating pain during a meal and was admitted to a hospital in my hometown," Fang Lin said, "She has undergone various tests, but the results have been disappointing."

  "Fortunately, Boss Zheng was here," said another man with a smile.

  "No, Brother Fang's boss also wanted to perform a tissue biopsy, right?" replied Zheng Ren.

  "Had I been the one to handle this case, I would certainly not perform a tissue biopsy due to its high risk." Fang Lin recalled the patient's imaging films and said truthfully, "First of all, the PET-CT result confirmed the diagnosis. Secondly, we might not be able to stop the hemorrhaging as the tumor has a rich vascular supply. Boss Zheng, how confident would you be that intraoperative accidents would not happen if you were the one performing the surgery?"

  "I can't," Zheng Ren said frankly, "I'm just a general surgeon working as chief resident in the emergency department."

  'And I don't have the extra skill points to learn cardiothoracic surgery, either,' he thought.

  "..." Everyone except Su Yun looked at him, surprised.

  Chief resident in the emergency department of a third-tier city? How low-level was that? Out of the millions of doctors in the county, he was merely at the first step of his career and many times inferior to the doctoral students in the top hospitals of Imperial and Sorcery Capital.

  Those were not even the main problem. Most importantly, he was simply a general surgeon.

  What the f*ck…

  The huge difference in skill made the atmosphere gloomy again.

  Zheng Ren had steamrolled everyone with his powerful abilities.

  "Let's not talk about this any further." Su Yun helped himself to a glass of Laphroaig and savored the unique taste of iodine before asking with a smile, "Do any of you know the progression of the scientific research?"

  Fang Lin and the rest were caught in a trance. After a while, a young doctoral student sitting near the door answered, "My boss was asked to formulate subsequent plans a few days ago, but there hasn't been a breakthrough. The current difficulties lie with the lack of major blood supplies, and the capillary network is too dense for complete embolization. Also, the materials used have to be strictly monitored due to the small diameters of the vessels, and the surgeon has to be skilled in this domain."

  "The big bosses' imaginations have gone wild. I'm not optimistic about this research project." Fang Lin clinked glasses with Su Yun.

  It was a bold and generous move, but Fang Lin merely took a sip instead of chugging it down.

  "I heard that Biosensors International is developing thinner guidewires and catheters, and that they're doing research in Sorcery Capital now."

  "Huh? Why?" Zheng Ren was puzzled.

  Prostate artery embolization was bound to be unpopular, especially with the usage of newly developed micro-guidewires and microcatheters, as they also meant sky-high medical charges. Ordinary citizens were unable to bear such costs and it was thus difficult for developers to earn profit as well.

  "There are too many reasons." Fang Lin smiled. "We normally remove the hyperplastic prostate instead of performing interventional radiology. The only patients who require such a tedious treatment are geriatrics with blood clotting disorders or heart disease. If they have cardiac arrest intraoperatively due to pain, we would be in serious trouble."

  Zheng Ren understood immediately.

  Even though Fang Lin did not provide a detailed explanation, Zheng Ren was still able to make sense of what he was trying to say.

  "I heard that the institute has gathered many medical experts. It was originally unintentional, but it's too late for the big bosses to go back now."

  Zheng Ren suddenly noticed that everyone had their eyes fixed on him.

  Their gazes contained various complex emotions such as pity…

  Did they think he was a scapegoat?

  Zheng Ren did not think so. He was simply too inferior to take such massive blame.

  Everyone chatted leisurely afterward—they went over every piece of gossip in the hospital, from which doctors had performed what operations, to a deputy chief consultant of a department who had resigned after being unable to obtain a promotion and gone on to work as a chief consultant in a competing hospital.

  Zheng Ren continued devouring the cherry-shaped foie gras in silence with Xie Yiren fully occupying his mind. Would she try to move on after savoring such delicious food?

  That foodie.

  The thought of Xie Yiren put a warm smile on Zheng Ren's face.

  "Hey, what's with the ambiguous smile? Who are you thinking about?" Su Yun stood with everyone, who was ready to leave after the drinking session was over. After all, some of them had to perform surgery tomorrow, and even if they had been scheduled to work in the outpatient department, they would still have to deal with over a hundred patients a day, a task as exhausting as performing surgery.

  "Oh." Seeing that everyone was about to leave, Zheng Ren stood up and put on his coat.

  Xie Yiren had purchased this soft and comfortable coat made of an unknown fabric for him. What should he buy as a souvenir for her before going back home?

  Zheng Ren's mind once again wandered elsewhere.

  Fang Lin was no longer stingy and distressed when it was time to pay the bill. He quickened his pace to the front desk and took out his phone to make payment.

  "Sir, someone has paid for your meal," said the front desk manager politely.

  "Huh?" Fang Lin was taken by surprise.

  'Su Yun must have paid for everything.'

  This very thought annoyed Fang Lin greatly.

  "Hey, you, why are you considering yourself an outsider?" Fang Lin turned around, scolding Su Yun.

  "What's wrong?" Su Yun, who seemed fine despite having downed an entire bottle of Laphroaig, trailed Zheng Ren like a shadow

  "When did you pay the bill? Why wasn't I informed?" Fang Lin said, "What's wrong with you, picking up the check when this dinner is meant to welcome you… and Boss Zheng?"

  Su Yun shrugged and brushed his black bangs on his forehead aside without providing any explanation. However, Zheng Ren could feel the infinite contempt radiating from his eyes.

  Then, a familiar figure appeared at the front desk, and it took Zheng Ren two seconds to recognize the man.

  "Chief Zheng, I've paid for your meal." Feng Xuhui smiled professionally.

  "You didn't have to do that," replied Zheng Ren.

  This was the first time Zheng Ren had had his bill paid by someone else. More importantly, Feng Xuhui had been waiting at the front desk alone the whole time just to notify him of this at the end of their meal.

  Su Yun smiled. "Thank you so much."

  "This is…" asked Fang Lin. He could guess Feng Xuhui's occupation, but had no idea which company he was working for.

  Generally, only moguls and VIPs could enjoy the benefits of having someone waiting outside the hall to pick up the tab.

  Moreover, these were usually done at the direct behest of their own bosses. Otherwise, what salesperson would be willing to wait three to five hours and spend thousands of yuan just to ask for a favor?

  However, from Zheng Ren and Su Yun's ex
pressions, this salesperson must have come all the way here to pick up the check independently.

  The doctoral students knew the meaning behind this: as the saying went, "there is no such thing as a free lunch", especially when a meal in Da Dong cost seven to eight thousand yuan.

  A gift always came with a price.

  Fang Lin stole a peek at Zheng Ren. If he gladly accepted the offer, it meant that the other party's request was too huge and this meal was simply inadequate to make up for the trouble caused.

  Even as the group exchanged gazes in silence, Su Yun could still clearly read their thoughts.

  He said impatiently, "Thank you, Manager Feng. Let's go back to sleep."

  Chapter 181 - The Woes of Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery

  Su Yun and Zheng Ren got into Manager Feng's car. It was the only logical arrangement as there were too many of them to fit in one.

  The Mercedes-Benz S600 left the premises as silent as it had arrived. Fang Lin took his phone out to hire another vehicle.

  "Hey Fang Lin, did that really just happen?"

  "Yeah. That was quite a show." He ordered a car and locked his phone.

  "Sea City is just a third-tier city. How did they get noticed by someone of this caliber?"

  "Well, that's not the only factor. Brother Yun, for example; the man doesn't want to be a doctor, but if he did, he would be performing the elephant trunk surgery today. And between Brother Yun and Brother Zhao, I have more confidence in Brother Yun as the lead surgeon," Fang Lin said with a cackle.

  No one could argue with Fang Lin's vote of confidence.

  Who was this man that Su Yun called brother?

  To make a company's sales manager wait at the counter as they wined and dined, just to pay the bill and drive them back to the hospital.

  The man must have some leverage over the company.

  "Though I still don't agree with the research center's focus."

  "This problem couldn't be solved by even the big shots, it's unlikely he can do any better. However, it is a great opportunity to rub elbows with people."

  "He's lucky to be from general surgery… Wait a minute, the current research topic has nothing to do with general surgery…"

  At that point, the same question ran through everyone's minds. Why had an emergency chief resident doctor specializing in general surgery been invited to a prostatic artery embolization research conference?

  What was his deal?

  It was preposterous.

  …

  …

  Feng Xuhui sent Zheng Ren and Su Yun back to the reception area.

  They exchanged farewells before the two men made their way upstairs. Feng Xuhui exhaled as he watched the two retreating silhouettes.

  It was early winter season. The temperature in Imperial Capital was not as low as that of Sea City, but it was still cold.

  Feng Xuhui did not leave immediately. He pulled his coat tight and went out for a smoke.

  As he took a drag, he recalled his day. Had there been any actions or words of his that could have left a negative impression on Chief Zheng?

  He replayed all of their interactions in his mind. He only relaxed once he was certain his performance today had been perfect.

  As he let his guard down, the chairman's deep voice boomed in his head. Words from a few hours ago echoed within Feng Xuhui's mind.

  "Manager Feng, Biosensors International is breaking into China's market. Our company is at a turning point and a breakout in your field will play a critical role in ensuring our survival. The company will fully support you; let us know if you have any requests. Failure is not acceptable in this project!"

  Out of the blue, Feng Xuhui had become an employee of interest in Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery.

  Survival… full support… failure unacceptable…

  These high expectations weighed heavy on Feng Xuhui's shoulders. After all, he was but a recent hire.

  Feng Xuhui worried about the company's decision to place all their ch.i.p.s on a 30-year-old doctor. Were they drowning and clutching at straws?

  He understood the chairman's worries.

  Biosensors International was a multinational healthcare company based in Singapore. They were a huge corporation with annual sales ranking fourth globally.

  The company's main focus was in Europe and America, but there were plans to expand into China.

  Biosensors International had recently developed a new cardiovascular membrane stent that was to be their cash cow, but the same technology had also been pioneered by Boston Technologies.

  The research and development of the stent technology had exhausted Biosensors International's financial reserves. Hence, they were looking to capitalize on the Chinese market due as it had less competition.

  Feng Xuhui did not know why Biosensors International had neglected China previously, but as multinational corporations entered the local market, it never bade well for smaller companies.

  It was no small feat that Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery stood where it did now.

  Biosensors International debuting in the Chinese market would threaten their business.

  Feng Xuhui understood the gravity of the situation. Facing a behemoth, the chairman's worries were fully justified. The company's survival was at stake.

  It was not easy to manage a company that solely catered to the domestic market.

  There had been limited advancement in their materials research and development which made them less competitive when it came to quality. They could only lower their profit margins in hopes to retain their clients.

  However, in interventional-radiology assisted surgery, materials played an important role. There was no doubt a multinational healthcare company would have better products that offered premium user experiences.

  A smoother user experience often meant shorter surgery times. Rates of success would naturally increase with a reduction in radiation exposure during the procedure.

  This mission of his… It was more difficult than scaling the steps to Heaven.

  In his previous job with Great China Company, he was in charge of sales of electronic switching systems. The commission for a successful sale was high and there was also an ongoing maintenance contract with the company, which meant that it was easier to achieve a high volume of sales.

  Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery lacked the in-depth knowledge and expertise to attract more clients. These doctors were sacrificing their lives to perform surgeries.

  What a headache… Feng Xuhui finished his second cigarette. He put it out and let out a foggy breath into the winter air.

  The only way was forward.

  Planning was man's due, the outcome was God's.

  Materials… Materials… The word echoed in his heart.

  Feng Xuhui stood, throwing the b.u.t.t into a nearby bin, dusting his pants and driving away.

  He should get some rest. He had to get breakfast for his guests tomorrow morning.

  'What does Chief Zheng like to eat? Dumplings or soy milk with fried bread sticks?'

  The soy milk in Imperial Capital could be too different for Chief Zheng's taste.

  …

  In the headquarters of Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery in Shenzhen City, bright lights illuminated the building proper.

  The chairman was still in a meeting despite the descending darkness outside.

  The bittersweet smell of coffee permeated the meeting room. The expressions of the meeting participants were dull and weary; they looked nothing like the commonly-accepted exuberant, high-flying and white-collar image of workers in big cities.

  "Finance can allocate some resources to Imperial Capital but I don't think Manager Feng from the northeast district would make a huge difference," an overweight middle-aged man said. "In my opinion, we have to invite Wu Haishi for a joint research venture to see results."

  "Materials R&D?" the chairman asked from the end of the table with folded arms.

  "There has yet to be a breakthrough, sir." The he
ad of the materials research department was the most awkward person in all these meetings.

  The research into new materials had been unfruitful to date. This not only limited the growth of Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery, it also placed them at risk of bankruptcy.

  "Speed it up." A deep frown marred the chairman's forehead. "Any news on Biosensors International?"

  "Yes," a sharp-looking woman said. She waved for her assistant to bring over a freshly-printed doc.u.ment.

  "We just got news that Biosensors are running a similar trial procedure in Sorcery Capital. They are ramping up production of the new model of guide wires and catheters. I give them another week before they hit a milestone."

  Bad news was coming, one after another.

  Chapter 182 - Scalper

  At 7:00 am the next day, Feng Xuhui delivered breakfast to his two guests.

  Zheng Ren was not used to such hospitality, but Su Yun shamelessly wolfed down the food.

  "Mr. Zheng, Professor Gu requested to meet you," Su Yun said with his mouth full.

  "Professor Gu?" Zheng Ren had no idea who the man was. Had he overlooked some names yesterday?

  "Oh, he was the one that performed the biopsy on the esophageal tuberculosis patient," Su Yun explained. "When Fang Lin returned, he saw Professor Gu performing the biopsy and told him about your diagnosis."

  Zheng Ren was glad that the professor had come to the same conclusion. The patient was a young woman and a diagnosis of late-stage esophageal cancer would be incredibly cruel.

  "Professor Pei had eyes on you as well, hence the meeting," Su Yun said as he gulped down soy milk.

  Anxiety gripped Zheng Ren and killed his appetite.

  He was worried Professor Pei would ask too many questions. It would be absurd to say that the System had provided him with the correct diagnosis.

  Zheng Ren had to be more cautious when diagnosing patients. He did not know what to do in the current situation.

  "Come on, eat your breakfast. Professor Gu has a consultation session today. If we're late, you won't be able to meet him," Su Yun urged Zheng Ren as he shoveled food into his mouth.