Chapter 678 - 337: Power and Influence

Tian Zhiliang now occupies the position of Director of Emergency Surgery, thanks at least partly to Lu Cheng.

Leaders are leaders, seen as the lofty future.

Lu Cheng represents the present, the supportive force behind Tian Zhiliang.

The future's assistance is uncertain, but Tian Zhiliang won't betray his brother, Lu Cheng.

If Lu Cheng were to fall, Tian Zhiliang doesn't think he could lead the emergency department well or improve it.

Lu Cheng and Tian Zhiliang quickly brought the patient into the operating room.

With closed injury and massive bleeding, the likelihood of organ damage is high.

This is indeed the case.

Tian Zhiliang swiftly sterilized and draped the patient upon entering the OR, while Lu Cheng reviewed imaging diagnostics on the computer.

After an accurate diagnosis, Lu Cheng washed his hands, donned surgical attire, and approached the table.

Second assistant Xiang Kai passed instruments with a friendly voice: "Brother Lu, no matter what the leadership does, we fully support you."

"At least, Director Huang unconditionally supports you."

Lu Cheng nodded, accepted the scalpel, and made an incision in the patient's abdomen, revealing the hematoma inside.

Flowing blood from the internal organs was visible, but instead of panicking, Tian Zhiliang and Xiang Kai remained calm.

Xiang Kai speculated: "Compared to the case two days ago, the vital signs seem more stable?"

"It's somewhat better, with less liver damage. The pancreas is unharmed."

"First, pack the wound for temporary hemostasis while I manage the artery." Lu Cheng was experienced in this response.

The anesthetist, still anxious, urged: "Circulating nurse, call the blood bank."

"No blood test results have come back yet."

The circulating nurse kept refreshing the computer: "No, the results are out!"

Her voice was urgent and concise: "Blood bank, emergency OR 3, we need blood urgently. Hemorrhage situation—bring as much as possible."

Having worked together extensively, Tian Zhiliang and Lu Cheng collaborated expertly: "Circulate, set up one more negative pressure suction device."

"Xiaoxiong, prep the large S retractor…"

"Anesthesia doctor, remember to administer antibiotics." Tian Zhiliang coordinated with the anesthetist.

"Already administered!" The anesthetist was overwhelmed and could hardly spare a glance at Tian Zhiliang.

Lu Cheng's phone, left on silent mode, began to ring.

The circulating nurse was on a call.

The ringtone continued, unattended.

Lu Cheng didn't look in its direction even once.

A minute later, the call ended automatically, but shortly after, the phone rang again.

After making the blood bank call and opening two packs of gauze, the circulating nurse approached the supply table.

"Director Lu, the call is from Director Wu Yuxiang. Should I answer?" the circulating nurse called out.

Those in the emergency OR knew Wu Yuxiang was one of the deputy directors, overseeing the emergency internal medicine sector.

"Answer it, put it on speaker." An internal call within the emergency department; Lu Cheng couldn't ignore it.

"Lu Cheng, where are you?" Wu Yuxiang seldom contacted Lu Cheng, but as an associate director, she was senior to Lu Cheng in age.

"Dai Linfang and Liu Nongqiu mentioned you were in the resuscitation room; I'm there but didn't see you."

"Director Wu."

"I'm in OR 3, performing emergency surgery," Lu Cheng precisely responded.

"Has the surgery finished?" Wu Yuxiang grasped Lu Cheng's implication.

"Just started," replied Lu Cheng.

"Lu Cheng, there's a matter I may need to discuss with you personally, regarding your trauma center's Du Hua'an."

"I just went for a look myself." Wu Yuxiang's tone softened.

"Dr. Du is currently in a good state, and ENT doctors say his recovery will be favorable."

Lu Cheng: "Thank you, Director Wu, for being concerned. I've also contacted Du Hua'an; he's managing well at present."

"I've instructed him to rest and recover properly."

Du Hua'an is part of Lu Cheng's team; Lu Cheng cannot ignore this.

With duties during the shift, Lu Cheng couldn't leave to convey leadership concerns, at least not today.

"Lu Cheng, I think you might further counsel Du Hua'an."

"He's young and impulsive..." Wu Yuxiang hesitated briefly but spoke up.

Lu Cheng said: "Director Wu, are you here as a mediator?"

"I don't have time; I'm not a party involved."

"You could directly discuss with Du Hua'an."

Wu Yuxiang would usually hang up by now: "I tried speaking to Xiaodu; Du Hua'an said he listens to you, Lu Cheng."

"Director Lu, you stand at a crossroads in Du Hua'an's life."

Lu Cheng: "Director Wu, no need to praise me; I'm only Hua'an's boss, not a close relative."

"I don't warrant his complete trust."

"All I can do is respect his personal choices."

Wu Yuxiang paused, then said: "Lu Cheng, there's no need to pit yourself against stone; there's always an elegant solution."

"Though both sides face consequences, it can be mutually beneficial."

"You're clever; you should understand my perspective."

"I've received a call requiring appearance, relaying compelling reasoning."

"Consider if it regards Xiaodu…"

Lu Cheng interrupted: "Director Wu, I'm in surgery!~"

Wu Yuxiang: "Lu Cheng, don't be stubborn. Let me finish speaking."

"You're still young; perhaps some matters…"

Lu Cheng interrupted again: "Director Wu, I'm in surgery, performing emergency surgery, managing severe hemorrhage!~"

Wu Yuxiang paused again, then hung up.

Wu Yuxiang is a genuine clinical physician, not just administrative; she understood Lu Cheng's admonition!

Simply put, Lu Cheng's leading the operation, so he could even chastise if necessary!

In terms of legality, sentiment, or crisis, the law allows Lu Cheng priority to operate without interference!

As long as the medical affairs leadership doesn't step in, nobody can directly take Lu Cheng off the operation!

Even top-level leadership must involve medical affairs to call off Lu Cheng's surgery, otherwise he'll carry on!

...

Tian Zhiliang and Xiang Kai didn't probe Lu Cheng for specifics but focused earnestly on completing the emergency bleeding control.

After around ten minutes, the internal hematoma was completely washed away.

Lu Cheng exhaled a sigh of relief and grinned: "Not bad, this time the patient's injuries aren't extensive, mostly contusions affecting several organs."

The successful operation stabilized the patient's vital signs, halting drastic declines.

The surgical atmosphere became noticeably relaxed.

The anesthetist finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Thankfully, blood pressure has stabilized."

Tian Zhiliang praised: "You'll always have a way, Director Lu!"

Glancing at the OR timer: "Ten-plus minutes, stabilized crisis."

"Director Tian, later you can liaise with the specialists; the damage isn't extensive, no need for my involvement."

The resuscitation room and trauma center focus solely on saving lives, not treating ailments.

Organ damage, unless severe requiring Lu Cheng's intervention to save the spleen or liver, he prefers not to interfere.

The hospital isn't a stage for self-aggrandizement; if others perform adequately, you must delegate.

It saves time and reallocates resources.

"Alright, I'll head over later." Tian Zhiliang nodded.

Carefully observing the details: "These operational details are excellently done."

No sarcasm intended; simply attentively viewing Lu Cheng's surgical technique and outcomes.

Lu Cheng stepped away from the table and began undoing his attire.

Seeing many missed calls, he chose to return a call from Deputy Director Yao Xin.

"Uncle Yao, are you calling to advise me?" Lu Cheng exited the OR, speaking through the corridor with a wry tone.

Yao Xin's voice held some conflict: "Talking sense, I'd suggest you compromise, make concessions."

"But emotionally, I should support you."

"Honestly, I don't know what advice to offer, just wanted to call, inquire on your current pressures?"

"Lu Cheng... We're all small individuals, you know?"

Civilians shouldn't oppose officials.

Doctors are simply civilians.

"Uncle Yao, you could say you've advised me."

"Doesn't matter to me, my contract expires next month; this situation doesn't concern me, lacking authority to mediate indifference…"

"I'll just do my job, heal patients. Be an observer, objectively and firmly supportive." replied Lu Cheng.

Lu Cheng wouldn't persuade Du Hua'an, not urge him to concede nor endorse mutual defeat.

"Alright, that's fine!~" Yao Xin replied.

Ended call, Xiang Dahong's call arrived, not touching extra-professional matters: "Director Lu, will you make rounds in our department?"

Lu Cheng replied: "Director Xiang, I can't come right now... My phone's flooded with messages; our department's Director Huang just summoned me again."