125 – Opportunist

“This is preposterous, why would the family request a trauma surgeon to remove a cancerous tumor? What idiot recommended it!?” The elderly man with a cane screamed at his innocent looking assistant.

“I heard it was a recommendation from Professor Shao Shan,” the assistant replied meekly.

“Hmph! Even more ridiculous. He may be a well known cardiologist, but liver cancer is nothing to joke about. Magic City Cancer Center is the best in the city and possibly in the country. With the best team and equipment available, why would he make such a hasty decision?.”

“It was Minister Yue and Dr. Kong’s decision. I don’t think we can change their minds.”

“Who said we can’t!? The young Dr. Yue is my student, she will not allow this travesty to happen.”

The elderly man, Academician Tan, was one of the most well respected scholars and oncologists in the country. Although long retired, he maintained academic posts and a professorship in many leading hospitals.

He instructed his assistant to drive him to the Magic City Cancer Center. Shortly after, they arrived at the lobby, and were immediately greeted by the attendings and directors rushing to assist him to his destination. He had already messaged his student, Dr. Yue, who gave him the location to her father’s room. As the two arrived near the suite, they heard people talking from inside the VIP suite.

“Why are you agreeing with father about his transfer?” Yue Fenyu’s voice could be heard. She was Academician Tan’s student. 

She looked impatiently at her father and then her husband. “Do you really think a random city hospital can operate on him better than what he is receiving here?”

“You’re not aware of this, but Qinbei Hospital has a surgeon that can perform minimal surgery procedures without imaging,” replied Kong Bolin, her husband who was a primary care physician. 

“Isn’t that just an exaggerated report?”

“Not from the sources I have gathered.”

“Father, you have to reconsider, this is liver cancer we are dealing with.”

The elderly man sitting on the hospital bed shook his head. “Fenyu, you already know about the prognosis.” 

The man was once a surgeon himself, so he knew his chances. His other identity was the deputy minister in charge of regulating and enforcing health guidelines in Magic City. He was the 2nd in command at the Ministry of Health, Minister Yue. 

“This young man was recommended to me by Professor Shan Shao, and I’ve already vetted him with other doctors.” Minister Yue continued to reassure his daughter of his decision.

As they were talking, an elderly man rushed into the room, limping along with his cane.

“I don’t understand why you’re taking such a big risk,” Academician Tan spoke in a harsh tone, but he was rather concerned about his friend. The two had been friends for decades. "The best doctors are in Magic City, there is  no need to travel so far away."

“Teacher, you’re here,” Yue Fenyu greeted the Academician, followed by her husband.

Minister Yue ignored the new arrival. The old man was constantly complaining about everything, one of the reasons he hadn’t discussed his decision with the old academician.

“What medicine did they put you on to make such an asinine decision?” Academician Tan demanded.

“Uh, teacher, father isn’t in the shape to argue,” Yue Fenyu was well aware of the two men’s habits. They were always bickering and arguing, so strangers were often surprised when they learned that the two were good friends.

“It’s about his health, it should be important to discuss this with multiple professionals,” Academician Tan emphasized the word professionals.

“I have already consulted with Yuan Yu and Ma Zong,” Minister Yue explained. “Although it is not their field, they believe in the doctor’s ability. I don’t want to leave this world too soon. There are so many things I still need to accomplish.”

“Then it is better to stay in Magic City.”  Academician Tan calmed down a bit after hearing his friend's defeated tone of voice.

“The 10% guarantee is not good enough. I have spoken to Dr. Li, he believed that based on the scans, he can guarantee a better five year survival rate.”

“The words from a young opportunist, do you really believe that?”

“You have not spoken to him, so you do not know. He’s telling me that I do not need a dying agent. You know my kidney isn’t the best these days.”

Academician Tan was shocked. “And you believe him?” Academician Tan was not convinced.

“He’s my only hope. I will fly out to see him after the holiday break.”

“Then I will join you.”

The discussion did not change Minister Yue’s mind, but Academician Tan was hoping to somehow discourage Dr. Li from Qinbei Hospital

“You know how my father is headstrong about something he has already put his feet on.” Mr. Kong did not want it either, but his father-in-law was adamant about undergoing surgery. 

In the midst of their discussion, Li Yun returned to the Qinbei Hospital after looking through the request Chief Zhang had sent him. 

He appeared only two times a week, and mostly to focus on patient’s care or couped up in the OR, so many new doctors were not aware of him. On Wednesday, he greeted all the patients and shook their hands, gathering as much information as possible before forming an approach and surgical team.

Surgeries were usually scheduled the following day if there were no major complications. He hadn’t performed as many surgeries, but he continued to watch live surgeries through Zuowang to keep his mind sharp.

Chief Gao had sent Li Yun the list of scheduled surgeries scheduled for the week after the National Holiday. There were 8 surgeries, and it was mainly interventional surgeries for patients with severe kidney deficiency who couldn't receive angiograms.

After several miraculous surgeries, people were slowly realizing that patients under Li Yun’s care were healing faster and had better postoperative outcomes. The people who knew were mostly people in the medical field. Out of the eight, seven were all family members of doctors who recommended Li Yun. 

There were also people who did not have any iodine allergy or kidney problems, but still requested surgery from Li Yun based on how well patients were recovering.

“Minister Yue, as in the existing deputy minister of the Ministry of Health?” asked An Luchang, who was reviewing the case with Li Yun. “He’s a personal hero of mine.”

Li Yun rolled his eyes. Young boys had Iron Man, but this guy had Minister Yue.

Before leaving the hospital, Li Yun chatted with the old gang. He only worked when there were scheduled surgeries, so it was good to meet up with the others. He often preferred physical conversations over chatting on Ourchat, and An Luchang rarely commented on Ourchat.

“You’re becoming a celebrity surgeon to other doctors,” said Lui Jing. “Don’t forget us when you become famous on TV.”

“Do I have a face for television?” asked Li Yun sarcastically.

“Well, if you apply makeup over your scar, you would probably gain a lot of fans,” said Mi Xuan.

“Nah, don’t hide it, some girls are into scars,” Yang Kang joked. “You probably have to be careful your girlfriend doesn’t get jealous.”

Li Yun wondered if it was possible to make Rouxi jealous. She didn’t seem like the type, or was she really good at masking her jealousy?

“How are the new interns?” Li Yun was curious how the gamer was doing.

“Surprisingly well,” said Mi Xuan. “Fan Geng is surprisingly more technical, and the patients think he’s funny. He’s been shadowing Chief Lim and An Luchang quite often and he’s rather good with robotics. Not at An Luchang level, but he’s pretty proficient.”

Zuiba would be glad to hear.