This Doctor Is Too Wealthy

Although Du Heng himself felt uneasy, Wu Shengnan’s father was unaware. This made the man hesitate, even considering calling the head of the Health Department to inquire about the specific situation.

At this moment, Li Jianwei suddenly said, ”Secretary Wu, while our Provincial First Hospital’s reputation in orthopedics and its overall standard are slightly weaker than the first affiliated hospital’s, our Director Zhao Xingde of the orthopedics department is a highly respected figure throughout Northwest Orthopedics. His joint replacement surgery is considered expert-level, even in places like the Capital. If Secretary Wu entrusts Officer Wu to us, I guarantee Director Zhao Xingde will be involved every step of the way. Should conservative treatment ultimately fail, Director Zhao’s extensive experience in joint procedures would ensure the best possible quality of life for Officer Wu post-surgery.”

Du Heng’s bold proposal had created an opening, and Li Jianwei immediately recognized the opportunities.

Although I don’t know how the first affiliated hospital managed to admit Wu Shengnan, a lower limb amputation isn’t a difficult procedure for our Provincial First Hospital. Why shouldn’t I seize this risk-free chance to curry favor with the Wu family? Why let the first affiliated hospital have it? If the Dean and Director Zhao Xingde knew about this, they’d probably bring a pig’s head to my home to thank me personally!

Wu Shengnan’s father was now in a quandary. Whether to trust Du Heng had become the critical question.

”Doctor Du, could you give me some time to consider?”

”Of course.” With that, Du Heng departed, not even bothering to acknowledge Director Chen and Dean Wang from the other hospital.

Once outside the hospital, as they walked towards the parking lot, Li Jianwei chuckled. ”Xiao Du,” he said, ”you’ve got some serious nerve. Do you even know who Secretary Wu is? To think you dared to show him such an attitude.”

Du Heng smiled. ”And who might he be?”

”Only the top police chief in our province, that’s who!”

”What does his position matter? To me, he’s simply the patient’s father.” Du Heng’s pace was firm as he walked steadily onward. ”Even if he were the paramount leader, he’s the one seeking my help for treatment, not the other way around. Besides, Professor Li, do you really think someone of his stature cares about us ’little shrimp’ making a fuss?”

Li Jianwei chuckled and nodded. ”You do have a point.”

Laughing, they continued on their way.

Once their laughter died down, Du Heng turned to Li Jianwei. ”Professor Li, thank you.”

Just moments before, Li Jianwei had unequivocally taken a stand, staunchly defending him. Du Heng had been deeply moved, and his words of gratitude were heartfelt and spontaneous.

Li Jianwei merely smiled, unfazed. ”Ah, you kid,” he said softly, ”no need for such formalities.” After a few more steps, he asked, ”Xiao Du, how confident are you about this treatment?”

”It’s hard to say for certain before administering the medication, but I have confidence in my abilities. And naturally, I wouldn’t do anything that might necessitate delaying Wu Shengnan’s amputation, should it come to that.”

”That’s good to hear.” Hearing Du Heng’s assured response, Li Jianwei didn’t press the matter further. Instead, he changed the subject: ”Do you think Secretary Wu will agree to transfer his daughter?”

”He definitely will.”

”You’re that certain he’ll trust you?”

Du Heng nodded again, his confidence unwavering.

I have no doubt that a father would seize any sliver of hope for his daughter’s well-being. Besides, with Sir Wu vouching for me, there’s already a foundation of trust.

When they reached the parking lot, Li Jianwei suddenly extended an invitation. ”Xiao Du, how about coming over to my place?”

Du Heng chuckled. ”Professor Li, I was planning to visit you anyway. I saw your on-call schedule and was thinking of dropping by this afternoon to offer New Year’s greetings. I even have your gift in the car.”

”Excellent. Let’s go then.”

In high spirits, they got into their respective cars and drove to Li Jianwei’s home.

Li Jianwei’s home was empty when they arrived. He insisted on cooking himself to treat Du Heng.

Under the circumstances, Du Heng couldn’t just watch. He wasn’t so presumptuous as to sit and wait to be served, so he rolled up his sleeves and joined Li Jianwei in the kitchen.

During a lull in their kitchen prep, Li Jianwei suddenly asked, ”Xiao Du, are you still in touch with that girlfriend of yours?”

Du Heng, who had largely put the matter behind him, replied while prepping vegetables, ”She went to Africa on a support mission. We’re not in contact anymore.”

Li Jianwei pressed, ”Didn’t you try to get her new contact details? She seemed like a good girl. It’s a shame you two broke up.”

Du Heng wasn’t quite sure what Li Jianwei was getting at, but he calmly explained, ”I tried, but to no avail. Besides, she left without telling me and changed all her contact information afterward. It was pretty clear she didn’t want any more contact.”

”That truly is a pity.” After finishing with the shrimp he was handling, Li Jianwei placed them in a nearby bowl and joined Du Heng in prepping vegetables. ”So, haven’t you thought about finding someone else? You’re at the age when you should be thinking about marriage.”

Du Heng chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the question. ”How could I not? My brother and sister-in-law are practically hounding me about it. But these things depend on fate; you can’t rush them.”

Hearing this, Li Jianwei’s hand, busy with the vegetables, paused. He asked tentatively, ”Actually, I might know someone suitable. Would you be interested in an introduction?”