The Surgeon's Studio c1-799

by Black Ursa Prime

  He was only inches away from Grandmaster.

  Zheng Ren looked around the System, now empty but for the two golden c.h.e.s.ts shining in the corner coquettishly.

  He did not expect to win the lottery, but it was worth a shot.

  The two golden c.h.e.s.ts unlocked simultaneously with a single thought.

  The experience points he had exhausted replenished themselves instantly. Zheng Ren exhaled; the two c.h.e.s.ts were truly beneficial.

  After the glow faded, Zheng Ren found himself with almost thirty thousand experience points, a skill book of 3,000 cases of gastrointestinal surgery, and a Master-level skill book on ultrasound.

  Even though the two golden c.h.e.s.ts were not exceptional, he was satisfied and used both books immediately even though they were rather common in clinical surgeries.

  Zheng Ren was thrilled when he saw that he needed only 100 skill points to upgrade his interventional surgical skill to the Prime level.

  It did not seem that long ago that he had dreamed of achieving the Master level but here he was, so close to Prime.

  Zheng Ren quickly purchased two more hours of surgical training time and performed another prostate interventional embolization.

  He was now able to complete the surgery within 2 hours. It was a huge improvement from his previous performance. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could only reach 90% completion.

  He had hoped to see some changes after reaching the Prime level in interventional surgery.

  After 1 hour and 49 minutes, he finished the System's surgery, but the completion status remained under 91%.

  Quantitative change translated into qualitative development, finally upgrading Zheng Ren's interventional surgical skills to Prime.

  There was no brilliant aura surrounding him, nor was there any petals falling from the sky. It was as if nothing had changed.

  Zheng Ren sat next to the pond and slowly closed his eyes, his fingers pinched gently as if holding a micro guide wire to pass through some blood vessels and reach its d.e.s.i.r.ed location.

  It felt just right.

  Half an hour later, Zheng Ren opened his eyes. They were gleaming, as clear as the pool of water before.

  So this was how it felt to reach Prime level.

  With this realization, the System's operating theater emerged from the ground once more and Zheng Ren entered it, now a Prime rank interventional surgeon

  Sure enough, quantitative changes had resulted in a qualitative one. After Zheng Ren conquered his summit, he was greeted with a world much greater than the one he had known.

  Prostate interventional embolization. Time spent: 1 hour and 32 minutes. Completion status: 100%

  Zheng Ren grinned and purchased a bottle of energy elixir.

  When he opened the bottle, a minty scent filled his senses.

  He frowned as he was still not used to the smell. Then, he raised the energy elixir to the little fox across the pond.

  A toast to success.

  After downing the energy elixir, Zheng Ren exited the System.

  …

  …

  Huang Zhishan, a 40-year-old Singaporean Chinese was the Regional Director for Biosensors International's operations in East Asia.

  He had grown up in the US where he received western education. After graduating from Caltech, he had had a startup in Silicon Valley which eventually failed.

  Nevertheless, he did not give up, but got back onto his feet and returned stronger.

  At the age of forty, he was in his prime with the energy and ability to create. He had won this latest battle by leading a sinking ship through a narrow strait.

  Huang Zhishan was very pleased with himself. The bet he had taken by going against the board was paying off.

  After sending off Professor Rudolf Wagner on his flight back to Germany, he returned to his office. He looked out of his window and stared at the Huangpu River as he imagined his future, filled with great plans and promises.

  Had it been worth offending every top professor in the country currently present in Imperial Capital? It was, without a doubt.

  Among all the tools of interventional surgery, those used in cardiovascular surgeries contributed half of all total profit, followed by those used in neurological surgery and peripheral vascular surgery.

  The prostate interventional surgery had just been a stepping stone. If he were able to get through to hospitals with capitation, there would be more opportunities for medical insurance reimburs.e.m.e.nts in the future.

  Huang Zhishan also could not care less about the production line that had been specifically reserved for Professor Rudolf Wagner's prostate surgery.

  It was disposable, after all.

  It had served its purpose and would be retired from the stage after the surgery was complete. In Huang Zhishan's opinion, prostate interventional surgery was not practical for the common folk. The cost of one was so exorbitant that it almost surpassed that of drugs used in targeted chemotherapy.

  The main focus of Biosensors International was still catheters and stents used in cardiothoracic surgeries. There was vicious competition with other international manufacturers!

  Huang Zhishan was neither anxious about nor afraid of the upcoming battle. Instead, there was excitement; in this fight, his throne would be paved with the blood and bones of his opponents.

  What could trump this?

  Huang Zhishan snickered at the thought of his oblivious competitors, although no one could see him.

  He then picked his phone and made a call.

  "It's me.

  "What are those losers in Imperial Capital doing?

  "Uhm, don't bother. We will have a really nice Christmas celebration this year."

  After hanging up, despite being extremely satisfied with his effort, Huang Zhishan felt a twinge of regret.

  Local pioneers in interventional surgery had been quite displeased to find out that Professor Rudolf Wagner had succeeded.

  After all, they had not had the support of a personal product manufacturing line. Most of them had also exceeded the golden age to perform surgery as interventional technology was a fairly recent introduction.

  Like Wu Haishi, many of them had chosen to leave the Imperial Capital in the night.

  Huang Zhishan treated this scattering to the winds as the glorious pinnacle of his achievements. Nonetheless, there was something missing in this chapter, as if there was one missing note keeping the finale from absolute perfection.

  Unfortunately, no one had stood up against them. It would have been perfect if some ignorant bloke had attempted the prostate interventional embolization.

  Nevertheless, this small issue had no effect on the big picture.

  Huang Zhishan stood and waltzed his way over to the bar, where he opened a bottle of scarlet wine and filled a glass.

  The residual color on its side resembled thick, fresh blood as he swirled the wineglass.

  He walked towards the window wall to admire the bird's eye view of the Huangpu River. As he stared down at the Huaxia Financial Center, pride and ambition filled his heart.

  He raised his glass to the city lights twinkling outside the window and said gently, "A toast to success."

  Chapter 241 - Sorry, I Don’t Know You (Part 5 of 5)

  When Zheng Ren opened his eyes, the sun was peeking over the skyline.

  Was that what counted as a sleepless night?

  After drinking the energy elixir, Zheng Ren felt recharged and energized as if he had just gotten a full night's sleep.

  He smiled and picked up his phone to send a morning greeting to Xie Yiren.

  That simple exchange with her was enough to make him happy.

  There was no response as Xie Yiren was still asleep.

  The giddy smile on Zheng Ren's face did not falter, however. Mission accomplished, he rolled off the bed and went to take a shower.

  When he came out, his phone chimed. He bounced over to pick it up. It was not Xie Yiren.

  How d
isappointing.

  He typed out a short reply to Feng Xuhui, then started to plan for the day ahead. He knew Su Yun had to still be asleep. Zheng Ren decided to let the man rest as the latter did not have the same energy elixir he did.

  It was surgery day. They were going to complete Qin Liren's hepatic embolization surgery, then check out Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery's neuro micro-guidewire. It was important to oil one's guns before battle and testing the flexibility and elasticity of the guide wire was part of that.

  The prostate interventional embolization surgery was scheduled for tomorrow. After that, they could finally go back to Sea City.

  Sea City… He wondered if Xie Yiren would pick him up from the airport and hug him…

  He was daydreaming again. A knock on the door shook him out of his stupor and Feng Xuhui entered with breakfast.

  "Manager Feng, you're too kind," Zheng Ren said perfunctorily.

  It had become a habit.

  Feng Xuhui placed the bag of food on the table, then turned to bow to Zheng Ren. "Thank you, Chief Zheng."

  "Huh?" Zheng Ren did not know what had prompted this.

  Feng Xuhui explained, "Yesterday, Chief Kong told me to call my chairman over to draft a supply contract for the hospital's interventional surgery department. I know you probably had a hand in the arrangement."

  'Me? I did no such thing,' Zheng Ren thought.

  He said nothing, though, knowing he would owe Department Chief Kong for this favor.

  This was how the web of society worked. His acquaintance with Zheng Yunxia had led him to Feng Xuhui and Feng Xuhui had caused him to become beholden to Department Chief Kong.

  These favors were hard to keep track of, so he let it be. He had his own principles and would not break them even when a favor was called in.

  "It's no big deal. Come, join me for breakfast," Zheng Ren said.

  "Chief Zheng, can you arrange for a meeting with Chief Kong? The chairman will be here on the earliest flight available," Feng Xuhui asked gingerly.

  "I'll ask him when I see him and update you via WeChat."

  At this, Feng Xuhui visibly relaxed and enjoyed the rest of breakfast. He had bought mung bean juice this time, but it seemed the young master who craved it was still asleep.

  It was a small matter. Following the advice of the restaurant owner, he told himself to stick close to Zheng Ren.

  The conversation at the door of Tang Song Restaurant had reaffirmed his beliefs. He would stay true to his course.

  Once they finished their meal, Feng Xuhui quickly cleaned the table while Zheng Ren went to change. The two men then paid a visit to the interventional surgery ward.

  It was peak hour at the hospital and they waited a long time for the elevator.

  As they stepped out of it, Feng Xuhui stopped. "Chairman Ma…"

  Zheng Ren glanced to the side and saw an older gentleman standing in the lobby area with unrestrained anger clouding his features. Alongside him was another man with a beard and a rather attractive woman whom Zheng Ren remembered seeing before.

  Who were these people?

  Zheng Ren could memorize the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance and the Twenty-Four Histories, but facial features remained elusive to him.

  "Feng Xuhui, what's your excuse?" Chairman Ma asked in a low voice.

  Feng Xuhui felt a shiver run down his spine.

  "Excuse? I don't understand." He was at a loss.

  Zheng Ren wanted no part in the drama and excused himself. He headed straight into the interventional surgery department.

  When Chairman Ma and the others had arrived, Feng Xuhui arranged for them to rest in their respective accommodations. The group had then made their way to the hospital at 7.00 am.

  Feng Xuhui was determined to bring breakfast to Zheng Ren and Su Yun but Chairman Ma had no patience for that. There was only one goal in his mind: to meet Intervention Surgery Department Chief Kong.

  As for the junior doctor from Sea City, Chairman Ma would pay him a visit later. The doctor was just a chief resident and should be thankful for a personal visit from a successful business such as himself.

  The chairman had not stopped Feng Xuhui from bringing food to the Sea City doctors. Instead, he had brought his two managers to the hospital to meet Department Chief Kong.

  However, they had not foreseen being unceremoniously kicked out of the office by the grumpy department chief.

  The chief was not pleased to have his much-deserved rest interrupted, not even bothering to ask who they were.

  "Little Feng, why didn't you make the arrangements?" President Peng scolded.

  Uncertain as to what he had done wrong, Feng Xuhui lowered his head and stayed silent.

  "Did Department Chief Kong ask for me personally?" Chairman Ma asked, his tone controlled despite his brimming anger.

  Feng Xuhui could clearly recall the events of yesterday. "Yes."

  At that point, Feng Xuhui's phone rang.

  "Chief Zheng. Yes. Yes. Okay." Feng Xuhui hung up. His worries crumbled away after that one call. With a smile, he addressed his boss, "Chairman Ma, Chief Zheng says Department Chief Kong is waiting for you in his office."

  The earlier humiliation had left a bad taste in Chairman Ma's mouth.

  However, he swallowed his pride for the sake of his company's future. Such was the nature of business relationsh.i.p.s. If the department chief had spat on him, he would praise the accuracy of the man's spittle.

  Doctors and nurses were rushing all around the wards. Mistakes caught during Department Chief Kong's ward rounds would result in a haranguing.

  The department chief was not mild-mannered to his own staff.

  The group strode through the flurry of activity and arrived at Department Chief Kong's office for the second time that day. Chairman Ma gestured for them to wait.

  He adjusted his suit and puffed out his c.h.e.s.t.

  Then, he knocked on the office door. "Come in," came the response.

  Chairman Ma put on a winning smile as he pushed the door open.

  He took in the scene inside as he shut the door behind him.

  There were two people in the room. Department Chief Kong was on the bed, yawning. Another figure was at the computer browsing through CT scans.

  Zheng Ren had his back to the door. "Manager Feng, did you bring the neuro guide wire?"

  "I'm the chairman of Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery, you can call—" Chairman Ma began to introduce himself but was cut short by Zheng Ren.

  Facing the group with confusion on his face, Zheng Ren asked, "Sorry, I don't know you. Where's Manager Feng?"

  Chapter 242 - Live Surgery Recording? That’s A First For Me (Part 1 of 5)

  Chairman Ma was stunned.

  Competent and independent subordinates were what every leader wanted.

  However, right now, Zheng Ren was giving only Feng Xuhui the time of day. It was absurd.

  What had that newbie done to deserve such loyalty?

  Confusion gripped the CEO of Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery.

  "Let Little Feng in," Department Chief Kong called out in a frustrated tone. He had only agreed to meet the people from Changfeng Microinvasive Surgery at Zheng Ren's request.

  Department Chief Kong and his team went through roughly 5 to 6 million yuan worth of supplies each year. They had their pick from the many medical equipment and material suppliers out there.

  He did not mind locally-made materials even though they were less user-friendly. His ultimate goal was to get into Zheng Ren's good books.

  This was a form of investment.

  Chairman Ma turned and barked an order for Feng Xuhui to join them with the suitcase of products.

  "Boss Zheng, you're sure about the surgery?" Department Chief Kong asked.

  "Oh, stop calling me 'boss'," Zheng Ren said with a laugh. "I'll have to get a feel of the materials before we start. I have 90% confidence."

  Ninety percent; that was a good number.

  Depart
ment Chief Kong did not expect Zheng Ren to surpass Professor Rudolph Wagner. A successful surgery would be enough to save face.

  It was the best he could hope for.

  "Thank you for last night. When do you intend to start?" Department Chief Kong asked.

  "If the patient's condition permits, the sooner the better," Zheng Ren said. "And if you can, keep an ear out for the patient from Sorcery Capital. I suspect there will be some complications three days after surgery."

  Department Chief Kong's face twisted in shock.

  The surgery recording had been observed by a dozen expert surgeons. Professor Rudolph Wagner's skills were top-notch and, performed with premium tools, the surgery had been near perfect.

  Why did Zheng Ren say that?

  Was this simply youthful skepticism?

  A few days ago, Department Chief Kong would have voiced his objection, but now, he held his tongue.

  Zheng Ren had to have a reason behind his statement.

  Chairman Ma caught Zheng Ren's words as he turned around. Who did this youngster think he was?

  Despite his inner turmoil, Chairman Ma maintained a cheery demeanor as he brought Feng Xuhui to his side.

  "Professor Rudolph Wagner performed the surgery well, but the superior vesical artery was blocked. I predict there will be urinary complications within three days." Zheng Ren took the case from Feng Xuhui's hands and placed it on the table, opening it to inspect the micro guide wire and micro guide catheter.

  "There are many arteries that supply the bladder. Are you sure it will flare up?" Department Chief Kong asked.

  "A geriartric patient recovers more slowly. If there were signs of blood vessels forming to restore blood supply to the bladder, the same would happen to the prostate. The surgery performed by Professor Rudolph Wagner was a failure and a waste of the patient's money."

  The conviction in Zheng Ren's tone did little to convince Department Chief Kong. In the time leading up to this experimental surgery, Department Chief Kong had done some research into the genitourinary system. Although it was not his specialty, he had opinions of his own.

  He kept them to himself, however. The silence was his answer.

  "This should be fine," Zheng Ren said as he picked up the finest neuro guide wire and tested its flexibility, oblivious to the department chief's thoughts.