Chapter 77: Chapter 77 - 0075: Thank You Dinner

Everyone followed the patient to the ICU.

In the ICU, Director Tian personally checked the patient’s laryngeal edema and found it had already receded.

Therefore, he personally removed the tracheal intubation. Seeing the patient’s vital signs were stable, he again personally checked the bedside backup tracheal intubation and tracheotomy kit.

The patient regained consciousness and complained of hunger, wanting to eat. The family, led by Director Miao, looked through the glass to visit, and seeing the patient’s good spirits, they were also relieved.

Sanbo Hospital had many surgeries, and fearing that Director Han would be too busy, they had originally planned to take Yang Ping and Song Zimo back overnight. But Director Miao firmly refused, saying that after helping with such a big surgery and not having a good meal, how could he face Director Han and have the audacity to ask the professor to perform surgery.

This dinner had escalated to a moral level, and they could not decline. Caught in the middle, Director Han ordered over the phone: have dinner at Shipo and return tomorrow – he would handle all tomorrow’s surgeries.

Since Director Han had spoken, they stayed, letting these two youngsters taste the local flavors of the mountain area.

Song Zimo said: “Old Han can only perform pelvis surgery with Little Five and Zhang Lin tomorrow.”

Yang Ping chuckled: “Zhang Lin will have more moments to post on WeChat.”

It was already six in the afternoon, so Director Miao drove everyone to a hotel – the Shipo Hotel. The hotel was old and shabby, but carried the word Shipo in its name, indicating its status within the county.

Inside, there were shady trees. Everyone went along the winding path to a separate room. Inside was a large round table that could seat at least twenty people.

The patient’s brother, wearing a shiny black shirt, was already waiting there. He immediately stood up, bowed, and shook hands: “Thank you, thank you. You have traveled a long way and endured many hardships to operate on my brother. I am deeply grateful. I have prepared a little wine, please sit down.”

His words were very articulate, as if he was reading a drafted speech. The phrase ‘operate on’ stuck out to Yang Ping, although he couldn’t tell why.

At the head of the table, facing the entrance, was a seat for Director Miao. He ushered Tian Yuan to sit: “This is the patient’s brother, Mr. Du, a capable man of Shipo.”

“Nice to meet you, I have heard a lot about you!” Tian Yuan shook his hand again.

“Oh no, it’s just the times are good, the policies are good, I am merely a pig caught in the tide, not worth mentioning.” Mr. Du waved his hands.

Tian Yuan let Director Miao sit: “Director Miao, it’s a bit awkward. The guest should follow the host’s lead, please!”

After some back-and-forthing, Tian Yuan took a seat, Director Miao took the seat to his right, with Yang Ping and Song Zimo on his right. To Tian Yuan’s left was an empty seat, then the deputy dean of medical affairs and the department head of Shipo People’s Hospital, as well as Mr. Du’s brother-in-law.

A pot of wine was placed on the table, contained in an earthenware container – an antique. The label was hand-written and affixed to the container.

“This wine is home-brewed by Mr. Du, made from select sorghum, a traditional formula, brewed in an antique way. The wine is a treat used by our county to welcome visiting investors and distinguished guests.” Director Miao introduced.

The Du family started their business in Shipo with their inherited brewing skills, then diversified their developments, with industries covering surrounding counties and cities, including tourism, real estate, hotels, etc.

At this moment, someone came in. Director Miao and others stood up: “President Dong, President Dong is here!”

President Dong, carrying a document bag, walked with a bit of a stoop, giving the impression of leaning forward. As soon as he entered, he shook hands with Tian Yuan: “Professor Tian, you’ve worked hard, please sit down,” then took a seat to the left of Director Tian.

Director Han and Sanbo Hospital’s Orthopedics was a solid backing to Shipo People’s Hospital. To show his importance, President Dong specifically took the time to come over.

Everyone was here, the dishes were served, and the wine was poured. Nine people sat at such a large table that it was inconvenient to reach for dishes, thought Yang Ping.

“Xiao Song and Xiao Yang drove here, so they can’t drink!” Tian Yuan explained for them, then he took a drink for himself.

Once the first round of wine was poured and several dishes served, President Dong raised his glass saying: “To express gratitude on behalf of others, thank you to Professor Tian, Professor Yang, Professor Song for your hard work, coming down to the countryside to guide the surgery, along with Director Han, and Sanbo Hospital, cheers!”

President Dong turned the first dish in front of Tian Yuan, picked a piece of chicken with public chopsticks, and placed it into Tian Yuan’s bowl: “There isn’t anything special about Shipo. This is a free-range chicken from Shipo’s Nan village, which even has some fame in the province. These chickens are all raised in the wild, not a single feed given, purely grain-fed, fried with vegetable oil, and very delicious. Do try it.”

Tian Yuan picked up the chicken, took a small bite, and said: “It truly lives up to its name. No wonder people say Shipo is full of treasures. Everyone please have some!”

“Come, come, these two young professors are too low-key.” President Dong picked a piece of chicken and placed it in each of their bowls.

“This is a Shipo river fish, wild river fish freshly caught by fishermen. Just an hour ago, I specially asked the fishermen to catch some, and then immediately sent to the kitchen to be steamed. We didn’t dare delay them for even a moment.” Mr. Du began to introduce the second dish.

“Although our Shipo is a small town in the mountains, it has advantages that big cities don’t have—green and natural. In your words, these are wild forest mushrooms, freshly picked.” Mr. Du introduced each dish one by one.

When the mushrooms were turned in front of Yang Ping and Song Zimo, Yang Ping looked at Song Zimo, and Song Zimo looked at Yang Ping. Both of them didn’t dare to pick up their chopsticks. These wild mushrooms—who dares to eat them? They’d seen too many cases of mushroom poisoning during their on-call shifts in the ER.

Director Miao noticed this, laughed loudly: “Professors, there’s been a misunderstanding. These are not just any wild mushrooms. The mushrooms were sown in the forest on the mountain, but they are all edible and non-toxic. Look,” and then he picked up one and began to eat it with pleasure.

So that’s why nobody dared to touch their chopsticks before everything was clear. Song Zimo picked up a piece, followed by Yang Ping; the taste was indeed good.

“Regarding this wine, be sure to take some with you later to gift to Director Han. Don’t refuse,” said Director Miao as he clinked glasses with Tian Yuan.

Tian Yuan’s demeanor was obviously more mature and composed than Yang Ping’s and Song Zimo’s. He was neither rough-around-the-edges nor pedantically scholarly, capable of fitting in at any occasion. A skilled scholar who navigated the world adeptly, he had been following Director Han for many years and could stay on top of any situation.

Despite his refined demeanor, at Sanbo Hospital, when it came to drinking, he was a deadly contender, on par with Xiong Sihai from the emergency department. His drinking style was deliberate and careful, able to keep the pace.

“Here, let me propose a toast to President Dong. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us,” he said.

“Another toast to Director Miao. You’ve been most hospitable. The next time you come to the provincial capital, allow me to reciprocate your hospitality.”

“Mr. Du, thank you for meticulously preparing these rare delicacies. Each one is a rare treat.”

“Wild vegetables, wild vegetables!” Another dish was served, and Mr. Du hurriedly introduced it.

“Times have changed, it has flipped around. In the past, rural people ate wild vegetables, but now city dwellers treasure them. At my farm, the annual sales of these wild vegetables are astounding,” Mr. Du added, further elaborating on the dish.

“Look at this. You’re here today and will leave early tomorrow morning. You’re all busy, I can’t insist you stay longer. But if you have time, come to the countryside for a vacation. Let Director Miao know and I will arrange for you – fishing, crab catching, rafting, hot springs… You’re busy working all day, so come to the countryside for some relaxation,” Mr. Du said as he scooped some wild vegetables onto Tian Yuan and President Dong’s plates.

“Mr. Du has a tourist area under him. It’s well-known in Shipo County. The rafting and hot springs there are unbeatable!” Director Miao interjected.

“Old Miao, don’t call me Mr. Du. Just call me brother Du. Else, you owe me a drink. Old Miao and I have been friends for many years. I must admit, Professor Tian, that I had a herniated lumbar disc. I was in so much pain that I could’t walk. It was Old Miao who performed the surgery. It’s been 10 years and it hasn’t recurred. My father had colorectal cancer, and it was Old Miao who helped bring a professor from the provincial capital to operate; now Little Two at home is again troubling Old Miao. Old Miao has practically become my family’s private physician,” Mr. Du, a businessman, was able to control the situation effortlessly in these circumstances.

“You ought to give him a salary for that,” President Dong joked.

“Salary? No need. Just drink three cups as a token!” Director Miao said.

“Was the surgery successful today?” President Dong asked.

Director Miao replied, “Extremely so. For such a difficult surgery, I would guess that there are only a few in the provincial capital capable of performing it. But Professor Tian acted as if it was as simple as an appendectomy. There was an incident of anaphylactic shock during the surgery, which was really scary. But Professor Tian was unshaken and resolved the issue in no time. The surgery proceeded without delay, and the patient has woken up from anesthesia and is complaining of hunger, wanting to eat.”

“Such talent at a young age, Professor Tian. Here’s another toast to you,” President Dong stated.

Yang Ping and Song Zimo took full advantage of this time to eat, not caring whether it was wild vegetables, freshwater crabs, or free-range chicken. Their priority was to fill their stomachs first.

Yang Ping didn’t delight in these types of occasions, but he was interested in the food. One should never neglect oneself, especially one’s stomach. Thanks to his polished skill of using both hands at the same time to eat, he picked up the food with his chopsticks unerringly.

The banquet lasted several hours with a variety of dishes – truly a unique countryside flavor. Mr. Du, this local tycoon, did indeed know how to put on a good show. No wonders he was able to make a fortune.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door and came in. They whispered something into Mr. Du’s ear.

Mr. Du stood up, an apologetic expression on his face. He whispered something to President Dong and then said, “Excuse me, everyone. I’ll be back shortly. County Chief Wu is entertaining an investor at a meal, and I need to go greet them.”

“Go ahead!” President Dong gestured him off.

Riding high after a few drinks, Director Miao put his arm around Tian Yuan and said, “The friendship that Director Han and I share, we’re like brothers. Ask President Dong, he knows best. When President Dong took office, he was full of enthusiasm and energy, looking to develop the hospital with orthopedics taking the lead. President Dong led us to the provincial capital to look for hospital collaborations. Collaborations? What a joke! We rural hospitals, with our few shabby resources, talk about collaborations? Begging would be more like it. Nobody paid attention to us; people were even unwilling to chat with us. Only Director Han listened to us patiently, even treating us to a meal. Do you remember that day, President Dong?”

President Dong replied, “How could I forget? We didn’t have to eat our boxed meals for once and had a big feast in the city. We almost developed pancreatitis from overeating.”

“Yes, after the meal, Director Han agreed to collaborate with us on the spot, but it was more like poverty alleviation or border support. We knew it in our hearts. Collaboration should be mutually beneficial, but we had nothing to offer. When we first invited Director Han for surgeries, some of the equipment, he had to prepare himself, bring it over, sterilize it, clean it up after the operation, and bring it back. Not to mention, he guided me in performing surgeries, and even pulled strings for us to go for further training in Beijing and Shanghai. That’s how our orthopedic department developed. Director Han must not have told you this,” Director Miao concluded, his voice filled with sincerity.

Tian Yuan mentioned, “Yes, he has shared this with us.”

“Back then, the hospital was drowning in debts. Doctors were thinking of leaving. They were desperate to leave. The talent drain was severe. Who knew we would be able to make it to today? Now, in these three provinces across dozens of counties, they’re all under our feet,” Director Miao emptied his glass.

“Professor Tian, it’s no secret that President Dong had an important dinner tonight, but he postponed everything. When he heard that someone from Director Han was coming, he had to accompany them to dinner no matter what.”

As he spoke, Director Miao’s eyes started to well up with tears.

President Dong interrupted, “What are you talking about? You’re bringing up all these old stories. Let’s not spoil the mood! Drink, drink, and for our two young professors, make yourselves at home. If you don’t drink, eat freely as if you’re in your own hospital’s cafeteria.”

His phone buzzed with a WeChat alert. Yang Ping stealthily checked his phone. Su Yixuan had sent him a WeChat message. The operating room needed Yang Ping’s photo. As Yang was new, he hadn’t handed in a photo yet so his picture was not on the introduction wall in the operating room. The head nurse was asking for it.

Yang Ping sent a reply: Right now, I’m in Shipo County. I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. Will take a photo in a few days’ time.

Song Zimo was picking up some food when he casually glanced at it.