Life is Like a Journey – Chapter 63
by Little PandaVolume 2: Inheritance
To Win Over
A nano knife worth twenty million
Since the last conversation with Gu Yanzhi, there had been a period without bothering her. French Fries’s illness gradually improved, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to pick it up from the hospital. Lu Qingshi placed the cage in the passenger seat and stuffed the bought cat food, litter box, and other items into the trunk. After returning home, she played with it for a while. The little fellow had been well-cared for these days, looking tiger-headed and tiger-brained (chubby and adorable). She scratched under its chin, and the kitten contentedly purred.
“DΔ«ng dΕngβ” The computer alerted that an email had flown in. Lu Qingshi, holding French Fries, went over to open it. It was an email from Paris.
She was stunned for a moment, lowered her eyes, but didn’t reply immediately.
French Fries wriggled out of her arms and ran towards the door, meowing. From outside came a few dog barks and the sound of a door closing. The fire instructor had also returned home to rest.
Today was the day Fang Zhiyou was returning to Zengcheng. Unfortunately, Yu Gui had the night shift, so she specifically changed her ticket to 10 o’clock the next day. This way, after finishing her night shift, the two of them would still have time to meet.
At nine o’clock, Fang Zhiyou sent her a message: “Are you off work yet?”
She replied: “Not yet, doing rounds with Director Xu, should be soon” and attached a covering face and crying emoji.
Fang Zhiyou couldn’t help but smile: “Okay, I’ll wait for you”
At 9:30, the train station was bustling with people. She had her ticket checked and entered the station, sitting in the waiting hall.
“Xiaogui?”
The last message still lingered from half an hour ago, with no further response.
At 9:55, five minutes before they stopped checking tickets, Fang Zhiyou’s phone rang. She answered it in the crowded throng of people.
“Xiaogui?”
Yu Gui’s voice was urgent and breathless: “I’m sorry, Zhiyou, emergency surgery, my leave has been canceled”
It was both unexpected and expected. Fang Zhiyou had a premonition. What else could she say? How many days and nights like this had there been, where a quick “I’m busy,” “I have to work overtime,” or “I have surgery” had abruptly ended their calls?
She believed that Yu Gui was truly busy, and she was also truly disappointed.
“I understand, go ahead with your work”
Fang Zhiyou stepped onto the train. The doors closed before her eyes. The green-skinned train (referring to older, slower trains) was crowded beyond capacity. She stood by the door, her face pressed against the glass, watching as the city’s skyscrapers gradually receded.
Just as trains are divided into high-speed and regular ones, sometimes, although we really don’t want to admit it, there’s an unbridgeable vast gulf drawn between people.
“Zhiyou,” Yu Gui called her name, “Next timeβ¦ next time I have a leave, I’ll definitely come to see you”
“Xiaogui, Zengcheng isn’t suitable for you,” Fang Zhiyou’s final words were gradually drowned out by the train’s whistle.
“Hello? Zhiyou, Zhiyou, what did you say?” Yu Gui shouted in the corridor, finally hearing the “dΕ« dΕ«” sound of the call being disconnected.
Her previous call record was to Lu Qingshi. At that time, the person had just woken up, brewed a pot of coffee for herself, and was reading the newspaper on the balcony.
“Hello?”
“It’s not good, Wu Xinyuan has already signed the informed consent form for the NanoKnife surgery, and the operation is scheduled for today⦔
Lu Qingshi interrupted her: “Who’s the lead surgeon?”
“The hospital dean, andβ¦ Director Xu”
The doctor took a sip of coffee, turning a page of the newspaper: “Oh, then there’s nothing bad about it”
Yu Gui’s hand gripping the phone tightened: “Teacher Lu, aren’t you coming?”
“No, I’m on leave. In the future, don’t bother me with these messy and disorderly matters”
She hung up the phone, put down the newspaper, and casually picked up a foreign journal, opening it to the dog-eared page titled γThe Shortcomings of NanoKnife Ablation and Can It Really Double the Two-Year Survival Rate for Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis?γ
The part circled in red pen was the mortality rate, 43.9%.
Lu Qingshi closed the journal and poured herself another cup of coffee.
After hanging up the phone, Yu Gui fell into a brief dilemma. On one side was a rare opportunity for surgery. Although she couldn’t be at the operating table, the chance to observe was also precious, especially for this new NanoKnife technology that she had only seen in journals before.
On the other side was Zhiyou, who had been waiting for her. Guilt and the thirst for knowledge were in a battle between heaven and man (an internal struggle). Finally, she took a deep breath and made that call to Fang Zhiyou.
After the “NanoKnife” abdominal cavity was opened and the tumor exposed, two probes were connected to the power supply. Yu Gui held her breath, and the people from Changsheng Biological Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. observing from above also stood up.
“Do you know how much these two needles cost?” Hao Renjie nudged Yu Gui’s arm, gossiping.
Yu Gui honestly shook her head. Hao Renjie, with his back to her, quietly made a gesture.
“Twenty thousand?”
Hao Renjie rolled his eyes, too lazy to bother with her.
“Two million???”
That’s so valuableβ¦
Hao Renjie wore an expression of hating iron for not becoming steel: “Twenty million!!!”
“Cough cough⦔ Yu Gui choked on her own saliva. Looking at those inconspicuous two probes again, she suddenly felt they were made of gold inlaid with jade.
“Can Wu Xinyuan’s family afford this?” During those two days of the chemical plant explosion, they were in the dark sky and black earth (extremely busy). By the time they came to their senses, Wu Xinyuan had already signed the informed consent form for the surgery, white paper black characters. Even if Lu Qingshi wanted to stop it now, it would be impossible.
“Don’t you understand yet?” Hao Renjie glanced upwards: “Changsheng’s people are all up there. This is a joint clinical trial between our hospital and Changsheng Pharmaceuticals. As volunteers, they definitely get it done for free.”
“Actually, if the surgery is successful and the domestic NanoKnife becomes widespread, it’s a good thing for patients,” Xu Qiankun’s disciple standing nearby raised his eyebrows proudly.
“Intern, don’t just stand there like an idiot, come help,” Perhaps their whispers were too loud, finally disturbing those at the operating table. Xu Qiankun glanced at them, and Yu Gui felt the gaze fall on her, quickly lowering her head to pretend to be a turtle (hide).
Sure enough, the senior male apprentice next to her took a step forward but was sent back: “Not you, the one next to you.”
Yu Gui felt unlucky, and had to harden her scalp (steel herself) to put on the surgical gown: “Yes, Director Xu.”
Fortunately, Dean Meng was also present, and Xu Qiankun didn’t have the guts to act up under the eyelids (right under someone’s nose) of the dean. The surgery proceeded properly throughout, only that he ordered her around more frequently. Tasks like retracting, suctioning, and pressing, which were originally for the third assistant, were all in one lump pushed to her. This made the original third assistant visibly disgruntled – after all, who wouldn’t want to show off in front of the director during such a rare surgical opportunity?
“Come, change the needle direction,” Xu Qiankun slightly moved the pancreas, exposing the tumor.
Meng Jihua’s skills were still sharp, his gaze as keen and clear as ever. Only Liu Changsheng, observing from above, secretly squeezed a handful of sweat for him.
“Alright, turn on the power,” Meng Jihua gripped the NanoKnife with both hands and inserted it into the patient’s abdominal cavity. Everyone else stopped and took a half step back.
The NanoKnife is a brand-new tumor ablation technology that creates permanent nanoscale pores in tumor cells by releasing high-voltage pulses, rapidly causing cell apoptosis. Thus, visibly, the shadow on the surgical navigation was gradually shrinking.
Yu Gui opened her eyes wide: “How impressive!”
Maintaining the same posture for a long time, a thin layer of sweat appeared on Dean Meng’s forehead: “Good, now change the needle direction again. We must ablate the tumor completely.”
“As expected of Dean Meng. After so many years, your skills are still top-notch,” sincerely praised an employee from Changsheng Biological Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., wearing a temporary visitor badge.
Director Liu wiped the nervous sweat from his shiny forehead: “You’re too kind, you’re too kind.”
“Is that all?” Lu Qingshi wore sunglasses, half of her delicate face hidden, revealing only a sharp chin.
The man sitting in the passenger seat, dressedin a suit and leather shoes, made a sour face: “These are all trade secrets and industry insider information. It’s already quite good that I managed to get you this much.”
Lu Qingshi held a thick stack of documents in her hand. She weighed it, feeling somewhat satisfied, and decided not to give him a hard time. She pulled out a few red notes, referring to red-colored Chinese banknotes from her wallet and handed them over.
“Thanks for your trouble.”
The man hurriedly refused: “That won’t be necessary. Next time when there’s a bid, Dr. Lu, please consider our company’s equipment and pharmaceuticals more.”
“You’re quite good at calculating,” For a hospital of Renji Medical University’s scale, a single procurement of medical equipment or pharmaceuticals could easily be a multi-million yuan business.
The man rubbed his hands and smiled: “Well, can’t help it. After all, this is how I eat rice (make a living). I hope Dr. Lu can keep today’s matter confidential.”
“Alright, close the car door for me,” Lu Qingshi stuffed the documents into the storage box in the front of the car.
“Sure, then I won’t disturb Dr. Lu’s leisure anymore,” The man said, closing the car door for her, and watched as her silver-white sports sedan gradually disappeared from view.
“The success of this surgery is thanks to Dean Meng and Director Xu. In the future, when the NanoKnife is promoted nationwide, more patients will surely benefit. This is inseparable from your two’s high skill and great courage. All patients across the country will⦔
This string of rainbow fart (excessive flattery) made even Yu Gui feel embarrassed, but Dean Meng and Director Xu maintained their composure, shaking hands and bidding farewell to the speaker one by one.
“Pleasant cooperation”
“Pleasant cooperation”
Liu Changsheng saw the people off to their car, then turned and imperceptibly supported Meng Jihua: “Let me escort you back to your office to rest.”
“Postoperative management must be done well. Have the ICU monitor closely, and report immediately if there’s any situation,” Meng Jihua said as he walked, with a group of people following behind. Yu Gui noticed that the hand he used to support Director Liu was trembling slightly.
When she wanted to look a few more times, the elevator doors closed, and the group could only bow and bid farewell.
“Alright, everyone’s been tired all day. Those who are off duty, go home. Those on duty, go grab a bite and rest for a while,” Xu Qiankun instructed, massaging his waist as he turned around.
Yu Gui tried to slip away with the others, but was unexpectedly called out again: “Yu Gui, come to my office for a moment.”
“Uhβ¦ Director Xuβ¦ I still have outpatient clinic⦔ She stiffly turned her toes slowly.
“I see you’re quite interested in the NanoKnife. Let’s discuss some related papers. It won’t take more than a few minutes,” he said with a smile, looking amiable. In public, Yu Gui couldn’t possibly refuse him outright, unless she really didn’t want to work there anymore. (LP: This dude is a creep!)
“Alright, Director Xu.”
Unlike the simple decor of Lu Qingshi’s office, Xu Qiankun’s office was so grand it could rival the dean’s. In this palm-sized space, he had placed genuine leather sofas and even set up a pretentiously cultured tea room. Yu Gui felt uneasy as soon as she entered.
Xu Qiankun closed the door and prepared tea for her: “Sit down, Xiaoyu.”
“No need, I have work to do in the emergency department soon⦔ Yu Gui was ready to grease her feet (to slip away).
Xu Qiankun’s words stopped her in her tracks: “Tomorrow is the new intern competition in the department. Are you confident?”
It was a tradition at Renji Medical University for clinical departments to conduct monthly assessments of new doctors, linked to performance bonuses. They used a last-place elimination system. The rules were cruel, but winning also came with a considerable cash prize.
He patted her shoulder: “Don’t embarrass your Teacher Lu, okay?”
Fang Zhiyou returned home, smoked a few cigarettes, then opened her computer. A message quickly popped up.
ShΓ ngsΓ¬ ruΓ² shuΗ: γWent to Jinzhou to see your girlfriend again?γ
WΓΉ lΗ kΓ n huΔ: γMmγ
After saying this, White-robed Swordsman sat down on the spot, looking like he wasn’t in a good mood.
The young girl spun in circles next to her: γNext time you come to Jinzhou, give me a heads up. I’m in Jinzhou too, we could have a meal together and have some fun, hahahaγ
Fang Zhiyou had no intention of meeting anyone other than Yu Gui, so she slowly typed: γYou’re thinking too muchγ
The girl poked her with an action emoji: γAre you going to join our guild or not? I’ve asked you so many times already!γ
Fang Zhiyou was a solo player, without guild or organization, but with solid skills, good equipment, and excellent awareness. They had teamed up for battles a few times, and her performance was outstanding, which sparked the idea of recruiting her.
Annoyed by the constant pestering, Fang Zhiyou would sometimes tell her to roll away, but unexpectedly, this time White-robed Swordsman didn’t refuse.
γIs there a salary?γ
γYes, equipment drops are split 50-50, and for daily attendance in battlefields, JJC (Arena), and guild wars, there are gold coin rewards based on kill count. City wars and server-wide competitions are calculated separately.γ
She knew the young girl’s guild had transformed from a casual guild into a war force, and they were in need of fighters.
γAlright then, invite me.γ
A red battle flag popped up on the screen. She clicked accept, and a dark red symbol appeared above her head, the same as the young girl’s: “YΗ shΔ zhΗ shΔ” (To kill in order to stop killing).
It was their guild name.
Fiery red wings spread towards the sky, and White-robed Swordsman stood up. The character’s sword-wielding motion was like rain, shaking off a sky full of starlight.
γWhy did you suddenly decide to transform into a war force?γ
The young girl turned around, silver needles in her hand emitting starlight: γBecause we don’t want to be looked down upon.γ
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