Chapter 35: The Astonishing Surgery

Lu Hongchang was a former soldier; there was a fire burning in his heart. He could not tolerate the idea of lying paralyzed in a hospital bed, simply waiting for death. That was not something he could accept. Therefore, he flatly rejected the option of conservative treatment.

Shao Gang and He Dongfang exchanged glances, their eyes filled with astonishment. The patient insisted on surgery? This made the situation tricky. Shao Gang hesitated for a moment before explaining earnestly, "Gentlemen, I must be clear with you. The location of this tumor is truly unique. While it isn't pressing on the conductive nerves, it is undeniably connected to the brain marrow. Performing this surgery is no different from striking a match at a gas station. Conservative treatment is currently your best option."

Zhang Xiulian looked at Lu Hongchang, her eyes red and brimming with tears. Yet, in the end, Lu Hongchang shook his head and spoke with firm resolve: "I must have this surgery. If you are not confident in performing it, I will have Zhiyan do it. He told me he has the ability to complete this procedure."

"Are you kidding me?" Shao Gang grew agitated. Who was Fang Zhiyan? He was a damn intern! If he says he can do it, you would actually let him? Does the patient not understand what an intern is? Shao Gang was irritated and instinctively wanted to lash out, but He Dongfang quickly covered his mouth.

"Dr. Shao, come outside with me. Let’s discuss this." He then looked at Lu Hongchang and said softly, "Please wait a moment."

The group stepped out of the office. Shao Gang was livid. "Old He, what is the meaning of this? Since when does an intern serve as the lead surgeon? Not to mention for a surgery of this level—is the patient not just joking around?"

He Dongfang shook his head and explained, "I am afraid Fang Zhiyan truly has the capability."

Shao Gang opened his mouth, but the words died on his tongue. He stared at He Dongfang, stunned, thinking he must be joking.

"Fang Zhiyan was recruited by me personally, and he has already had experience as a lead surgeon. Let’s talk to him; perhaps he really does have the ability."

Shao Gang felt as though the whole world had gone mad.

***

Listen to that—is that something a deputy director of the emergency department should say? This was absolutely absurd!

Ten minutes later, Fang Zhiyan walked in from outside. He had just been arranging the hospital room. Since Uncle Lu trusted him, he could not let him down. Without the five thousand yuan from Uncle Lu, Fang Zhiyan would never have been able to graduate, let alone become a doctor.

Inside the office were the patient, his family, He Dongfang, and Shao Gang. This was a brief pre-operative consultation. Since the patient insisted on the surgery, the hospital had to comply. However, who would perform it and how had to be established.

"I can perform this surgery, and there will be no problems," Fang Zhiyan stated first. He couldn't just perform the surgery because he wanted to; at the very least, he needed authorization from He Dongfang. Therefore, his words were merely a statement of his stance.

Shao Gang and He Dongfang reviewed the patient's test reports once more, very carefully. Finally, Shao Gang let out a breath. "Even if you asked me to perform this surgery, I wouldn't have ten-tenths confidence; the risks are immense. Yet, you are actually letting an intern do it?" Shao Gang was filled with suspicion, even shock.

Fang Zhiyan remained silent. He Dongfang glanced at him, then fixed his gaze on the patient. "I trust Zhiyan."

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched, not knowing how to respond. Now that even the patient himself had agreed, was there anything left for others to say?

He Dongfang sighed and spoke slowly, "Since the decision is made to have Fang Zhiyan perform the surgery, fine. I can vouch for you. But, Director Shao must be there to oversee the operation."

Shao Gang nodded, unusually quiet. By being there, he could, on one hand, assess Fang Zhiyan's abilities, and on the other, step in immediately if Fang Zhiyan made any mistakes.

Fang Zhiyan accepted. He had no objections to this arrangement. Seeing that the doctors had agreed, a smile appeared on Lu Hongchang’s face. He gently took Fang Zhiyan’s hand and patted it. "Zhiyan has grown up, so capable now. My life is in your hands, nephew."

"Uncle Lu, don't worry. There will absolutely be no problems." Fang Zhiyan gripped his hand, his eyes filled with absolute determination.

Lu Hongchang was taken back to his room.

***

Next came the pre-operative preparations. Three days later, the surgery would officially begin. During this time, Fang Zhiyan continuously familiarized himself with the procedural steps. He certainly had the ability, but by constantly reviewing and striving for perfection, he could ensure the surgery was done to the best of his capability. To ensure a perfect outcome, Fang Zhiyan even turned down an invitation from Xu Qiushuang. Xu Qiushuang was confused, but she was tactful enough not to disturb him further.

Jiang Xu also came to the hospital several times to check on Lu Hongchang. Lu Hongchang strongly approved of Jiang Xu’s divorce from Fang Jianjun. As a neighbor, he knew better than anyone how unbearable Fang Jianjun was. In the past, even in the middle of winter, Jiang Xu’s hands would be covered in frostbite and cracked, yet she still had to do the laundry and sweep the floors for their entire family. Lu Hongchang saw it all and felt furious, yet helpless. Now, knowing Jiang Xu had escaped that sea of misery, he felt only relief.

Three short days passed in a blink, and the time for the surgery arrived. This operation had attracted the attention of the entire hospital. The reason was simple: neurosurgery is the most difficult of all surgical fields. A hair's breadth of difference could lead to a world of disparity. Even a slight tremor of the hand could cost a life. Therefore, when everyone heard that an intern from the emergency department was going to perform such a surgery, the whole hospital was in an uproar.

The hospital director, Wang Xuewen, was even on the verge of calling it madness. But when he heard the name of the intern, he fell silent.

Fang Zhiyan.

This name kept appearing in the emergency department, accompanied by one astonishing feat after another. More importantly, he had left an impression on Director Tang and Mayor Luo. Did he really need to stop such a person from performing this surgery? Wang Xuewen wasn't sure, so he said nothing.

As the surgery began, the emergency department gradually grew lively. Many people used various excuses just to come and see what was happening. Inside the operating room, everything was quiet. Only the rhythmic beeping of the cardiac monitor seemed to strike at the souls of those present.

Lead surgeon: Fang Zhiyan.
First assistant: Deputy Director of the Emergency Department, He Dongfang.
Second assistant: Deputy Director of Neurosurgery, Shao Gang.

This configuration was staggering; it was hard to believe. Fang Zhiyan looked up at the others and said slowly, "Let's begin."