Chapter 758 - 728: Surgery in Progress
After Xu Chunliang received the news that Qiao Rulong had an accident, he immediately informed Mei Ru Xue. He didn’t tell her the details, worried that the true situation of Qiao Rulong might be too much for her to bear, given the deep bond between the siblings.
Xu Chunliang mentioned it to Liu Qingshan and got permission to leave Nanjiang early, with the understanding that he could return anytime if needed.
The phone never stopped ringing as Xu Chunliang traveled, as if disaster had suddenly struck from nowhere. Just the day before, everything was fine; how could things take such a drastic turn overnight?
As the high-speed train approached Dongzhou, Gao Xinhua called, telling him there had been a breakthrough. A matching heart had been found, and Shu Yuanhang was currently performing a heart transplant surgery for Qiao Rulong.
Xu Chunliang felt somewhat relieved; Shu Yuanhang’s skill is well-known, and such surgery should pose no problems for him.
Gao Xinhua asked, "Do you know who provided the heart?"
In fact, Xu Chunliang didn’t really care about that; as long as Qiao Rulong’s life could be saved, who provided the heart didn’t matter.
What Gao Xinhua said next left Xu Chunliang, who was used to major events, utterly shocked.
"Pei Lin. At the same time as Qiao Rulong’s accident, she committed suicide, and she had signed an organ donation document while alive."
Xu Chunliang was stunned for a while before he came back to his senses. "You mean... Zhao Feiyang donated her heart to..."
Gao Xinhua replied, "He’s not having an easy time either."
At this moment, the train arrived at Dongzhou East Station. Xu Chunliang picked up his suitcase and quickly got off the high-speed train.
Following the crowd towards the underground parking area, Xu Chunliang was still thinking about Gao Xinhua’s words. Just before entering the parking area, he looked up at the sky; the clouds were thick, and a violent storm was on the way.
Recently, due to the popularity of Dongzhou Barbecue, many tourists had flocked to Dongzhou. Xu Chunliang queued for a while and got into a taxi.
The taxi driver, upon hearing he was headed to Changxing Hospital, immediately looked displeased, muttering about how he had waited forever to get his turn only to pick up a local heading to nearby Changxing Hospital.
Already in a bad mood, Xu Chunliang snapped back, "Why so much nonsense? Hurry up! I have an emergency. If everyone had your picky attitude, how would Dongzhou develop its cultural tourism?"
The driver, no less short-tempered, retorted, "What does Dongzhou’s cultural tourism have to do with me? We need to make a living too! If you’re in such a hurry, why didn’t you fly over?"
Xu Chunliang looked ahead; the iron grille protected the driver well. Otherwise, he would’ve grabbed him and given him a couple of slaps. Of course, the grille couldn’t stop him, but with bigger issues at hand today, Xu Chunliang didn’t bother to argue: "Just drive!"
The driver kept grumbling all the way, and Xu Chunliang was frustrated. Dongzhou’s taxi service needed reformation; if locals are treated like this, one could only imagine the treatment for outsiders. Suppose an outsider came with high expectations only to face this kind of response; they’d certainly regret coming.
Xu Chunliang could clearly sense the driver was dragging things out on purpose. When they finally arrived at Changxing Hospital, Xu Chunliang got a receipt, deciding to let him off today and deal with him another day.
As Xu Chunliang was hurrying to the hospital ward building, he ran into Yu Xiangdong, the head of security, who greeted him and whispered, "Secretary Zhou is here today." He suspected Xu Chunliang’s visit was related to Secretary Zhou.
Xu Chunliang didn’t engage much, exchanged a few perfunctory words, and headed directly to the VIP lounge.
He saw Zhang Song smoking at the door upon arrival. Xu Chunliang went over to greet him.
Zhang Song glanced toward the VIP lounge door with his eyes. "Secretary Zhou is inside."
Without hurrying in, Xu Chunliang quietly asked, "How’s the situation now?"
Zhang Song replied, "It’s been three hours since they went in; the surgery is underway. How good is Shu Yuanhang, really?"
Xu Chunliang responded, "In the field of cardiothoracic surgery, there’s no one in Pinghai Province better than him."
Zhang Song nodded, "That’s good, that’s good." He was also very nervous; if Secretary Zhou were affected by this, he wouldn’t be spared either.
Zhang Song was having a hectic day; even though he informed the cyber security department at the first instance, some bystanders uploaded videos of the accident scene online. Efforts were underway to remove them.
Xu Chunliang had seen some of the videos online. From the aspect of personal privacy protection to the potential impact that might arise from public attention, it was crucial to nip the rumors in the bud and prevent anyone with an agenda from making a story out of this.
Xu Chunliang entered the VIP lounge where Secretary Zhou was on the phone, so he didn’t disturb him. Instead, Xu Chunliang checked on Secretary Zhou’s teacup and refilled it with hot water.
Noticing Xu Chunliang’s arrival, Secretary Zhou finished his call and said, "Xiaoxu, you’re back?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "Just got here. I’ve notified the families of the injured, and they should arrive soon."
Secretary Zhou sighed, "No one could’ve predicted this disaster. That road prohibits trucks, so what’s the traffic management department doing?"
Xu Chunliang understood Secretary Zhou’s frustration. Indeed, there was a lack of action from the traffic management department. Several city road sections officially prohibit trucks and motorcycles, yet violations occur daily.
Dongzhou’s traffic is all-around chaotic, with electric bikes frequently using fast lanes and violating traffic rules. Who knows how many will be held accountable in the aftermath of Qiao Rulong’s car accident?
Xu Chunliang reassured, "Secretary Zhou, don’t worry. Shu Yuanhang is exceptionally skilled; his surgical expertise is one of the best in all of Asia."
Secretary Zhou remarked, "Hopefully, heaven helps the good." He glanced at the time, "It’s been more than three hours; why isn’t it over yet?"
Xu Chunliang shared the information he had, explaining that Qiao Rulong suffered not just heart damage but also had chest and left lung injuries. Shu Yuanhang had to perform both a heart transplant and left lung repair surgery, which was expected to take a long time. Xu Chunliang suggested that Secretary Zhou could return and be notified as soon as there was news.
In Xu Chunliang’s view, waiting here did not make much sense for Secretary Zhou, as it only adds pressure to the Changxing Hospital staff. However, he knew Secretary Zhou wouldn’t likely leave; before Qiao Rulong’s surgery was over, Secretary Zhou wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else.
At this moment, Gao Xinhua came in, followed by a staff member from the cafeteria. It was lunchtime, and lunch had been specially arranged for Secretary Zhou’s group.
Exchanging a look with Gao Xinhua, Xu Chunliang left the VIP lounge with him without saying a word.
Outside, Gao Xinhua asked quietly, "Has anyone from the Qiao family arrived yet?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "Mei Ru Xue will arrive in the afternoon. Ye Qingya should be here soon. Qiao Yuanjiang is coming from Nanjiang and should’ve been the first to arrive, but I’m not sure what’s happened."
Speaking of Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrives. Qiao Yuanjiang had already arrived at Changxing Hospital by car. He and Xu Chunliang received the news simultaneously, but since Xu Chunliang took the high-speed train and Qiao Yuanjiang traveled by car, Xu Chunliang ended up arriving sooner.
When Secretary Zhou heard that Qiao Yuanjiang had arrived at Changxing, he didn’t even finish his meal before hurrying downstairs to greet him.
Watching Secretary Zhou stride quickly away, Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly. It wasn’t easy for anyone; he decided not to follow because he wasn’t familiar with Qiao Yuanjiang, and it wasn’t his place to host at such a time.
Xu Chunliang and Gao Xinhua went to the entrance of the operating room, where the screen still showed that the operation was in progress, indicating it would continue for some time.
Unable to hold back, Gao Xinhua headed to the smoking area, and Xu Chunliang followed.
Gao Xinhua took out a cigarette, and Xu Chunliang lit it for him with a lighter. Surprised, Gao Xinhua took a puff, gradually realizing that he no longer saw Xu Chunliang as the junior he could summon at will. The young man’s social networks now surpassed his own, and Gao Xinhua felt slightly uneasy even letting Xu Chunliang light his cigarette.
Xu Chunliang asked, "Uncle Gao, what’s the situation with Pei Lin?"
Gao Xinhua sighed, "I don’t know the specifics. There are many rumors recently. You should ask Lu Qi; he was there when Pei Lin had the incident."
Xu Chunliang nodded. During times like these, understanding Pei Lin’s story wasn’t crucial, though it was extremely puzzling. Pei Lin died, and her heart was donated to Qiao Rulong. For Qiao Rulong, this was a life-saving grace.
Gao Xinhua commented, "Dean Zhao is truly unfortunate."
Xu Chunliang didn’t feel sorry for Zhao Feiyang; the real victim was Pei Lin. Though Pei Lin had poisoned Yang Mufeng, it was because Yang Mufeng had blackmailed her first. Xu Chunliang believed Pei Lin wasn’t wrong based on his logic; his agreement was also why he didn’t provide police any leads initially.
"Did Pei Lin volunteer to donate?"
Gao Xinhua nodded, "Of course. She signed the organ donation form while alive, and as her relative, Dean Zhao agreed too. No one expected it to be so coincidental that her heart would be used right away."
Upon finishing, Gao Xinhua realized what he said might be inappropriate, sighing, "Pei Lin accumulated a lot of merit for the child."