Practicing Medical Skills in a Small Clinic-Chapter 56: Thought It Was a Big Deal

Although I don’t know what Xie Guiqiu does, I can be sure that he’s not an ordinary person.

The hospital where Li Jingsheng used to work was considered a medium-sized big hospital.

To be honest, Xie Guiqiu gives off a more imposing aura than the dean.

He probably is an official or an entrepreneur.

The former seems more likely.

Even if a private entrepreneur has assets exceeding a billion, it’s hard to possess this kind of commanding presence without anger. Only someone who holds significant power for a long time could exude such an aura.

If he’s a senior executive of a state-owned enterprise, then he’s pretty much indistinguishable from an official.

"Since I’ve become friends with Brother Qiu, taking care of your mother to the best of my ability is my duty."

Li Jingsheng agreed quite readily.

The old lady is quite elderly, basically a chronic patient. His small clinic needs customers like her.

When the time comes, offering careful check-ups and consultations to the old lady would make up for the friendship conveniently brought by Xie Guiqiu.

Everyone is an adult, it’s impossible for Li Jingsheng to see Xie Guiqiu as a close friend just because of this.

In his mind, Li Jingsheng considers Xie Guiqiu a ’familiar acquaintance.’

In the future, as their interactions deepen, they might upgrade to good friends or even become genuine friends.

"Thank you, thank you!"

Xie Guiqiu clasped his hands together, expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

"By the way, I noticed a worried look on your face when I walked in. Is the clinic short on funds?"

"What, would Brother Qiu be willing to lend me some money in an emergency if I’m short?"

Li Jingsheng asked tentatively.

"If you need it, I can lend you a little."

Xie Guiqiu’s tone, expression, and gaze were extremely sincere.

It seems he truly considers Li Jingsheng a friend.

Otherwise, he would unlikely lend money to someone he just met.

Li Jingsheng intended only to probe but was surprised by the sincerity of this big brother, making him feel a bit embarrassed.

"Brother Qiu isn’t afraid I won’t pay back?"

"I don’t have much to lend, but if it’s within a hundred thousand, and you borrow it without paying back, that’s a loss I could still bear. It would be like repaying your kindness in saving my mother. Once I understand you better, I wouldn’t have financial dealings with you. Moreover, I trust my eyes to not misjudge you; you aren’t the type not to repay borrowed money."

Xie Guiqiu answered calmly.

Look at his magnanimity, his grace—Li Jingsheng suddenly felt several inches shorter in front of him!

"Brother Qiu, I don’t need to borrow money at the moment. My worry is about other matters, but discussing them would only burden you." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"What exactly is it? I might be able to help!"

Xie Guiqiu smiled mysteriously.

"Well, it’s not a big deal. My small clinic got unexpected publicity from your visit, which brought many new customers. The stock of medicinal and wellness supplements is nearly sold out, desperately needing restocking. However, the partnered pharmaceutical company is reluctant about my infrequent orders, each time worth just a few hundred bucks, and uninterested in dealing with me. Since yesterday, I’ve been ignored by a salesman named Tian. My clinic may face a situation with no medication to sell tomorrow, which is worrying."

Li Jingsheng hesitated briefly and recounted the situation at the clinic to him completely.

"You’re not in this industry, even if willing to help it can’t be forced. I can figure it out myself by finding other pharmaceutical companies, so you don’t need to worry."

He added a sentence.

Offering Xie Guiqiu an exit.

Who knew, after listening, Xie Guiqiu chuckled, "Hey, thought it was something serious but it’s just medication supply issues? A small clinic isn’t like a pharmacy; sales are limited, lower if business isn’t good. Overstock risks expiration. A pharmaceutical company disliking you is normal. Need medicinal and wellness products urgently? How much? Any requirements?"

An expert here!

Li Jingsheng’s eyes lit up.

"Brother Qiu also works in this field?"

"Sort of!"

Xie Guiqiu didn’t reveal his profession.

It’s visible he’s cautious, speaking and acting with measure, showing no ambiguity when vigilance is required.

Sharing childhood hardships after losing his father and struggling with his mother and sister to Li Jingsheng, and even willing to lend him up to a hundred thousand.

Even if unrecoverable, he’d consider it repaid.

Yet, he’s unwilling to reveal his position readily.

"Do you know anyone in this field?"

Li Jingsheng needs introductions to acquainted individuals badly. If Xie Guiqiu indeed knows influential pharmaceutical agents or company salespeople, it might truly relieve Li Jingsheng’s urgent worries.

"I know a few, if you want prescription drugs, procedures might take time. For wellness and medicinal supplements, delivery could be arranged by tomorrow."

Xie Guiqiu spoke confidently.

Li Jingsheng listened, rubbing his hands in excitement, erasing much of the worry shown between his brows.

"Fantastic, fantastic! Brother Qiu really is my lucky star! This is exactly what I’ve been worrying about; if you solve it, I won’t be anxious tomorrow."

"Little brother, do you believe in fate? Everything seems predestined. You saved my mother, a good deed. I coincidently have connections in this area that can help you, as if divinely arranged. Isn’t it often said good begets good? This must be it."

It seems Xie Guiqiu has some study in metaphysics.

Many prominent people often show interest in metaphysics, but Li Jingsheng isn’t much of a believer.

He does good out of conscience, merely being taught by his parents since childhood, never seeking any return.

"Here’s the list of medications I urgently need to restock. Today’s sales are seemingly larger than yesterday’s, might need to increase it more."

He handed the medication list to Xie Guiqiu for inspection.

Xie Guiqiu reviewed it carefully.

"You usually get supplies from Litong Pharmaceutical Company?"

"How did you know?"

Li Jingsheng asked in surprise.

"Didn’t I tell you? I’m also in the industry! Litong Pharmaceutical is just a small company in the province. Their business has expanded nicely over the past two years, and they’re probably a bit overconfident now. Their supply isn’t great and the quality can’t match the goods from bigger companies. So, if you trust me, I’ll make a call right now, and soon someone will contact you. This pharmaceutical company just arrived in the city not long ago, their attitude is definitely warmer and friendlier than Litong Pharmaceutical. Besides, their medicine quality is very good, and the price is at least 10% cheaper than Litong."

Xie Guiqiu is indeed an industry insider.

He seems to know a lot about these pharmaceutical companies.

"I don’t know how good this pharmaceutical company is, but I trust Brother Qiu. Please make the call now! I’m so anxious about getting medicine that my hair is turning white."

Li Jingsheng gladly agreed.

"Haha, no problem."

Xie Guiqiu took his phone to the side and made a call.

Li Jingsheng’s small clinic, business was so slow even medical representatives avoided it, leaving him no choice but to cooperate with small companies like Litong Pharmaceutical.

When you’re poor, even dogs look down on you.

Before, his small clinic indeed struggled quite a bit.

Getting bullied by the local boss Zhao, other pharmacies, community health service stations, and Jinkui Clinic teamed up against him.

He was barely managing to get scraps between the cracks.

The one who troubled Li Jingsheng the most was Boss Zhao. As for the other pharmacies, clinics, and health service stations, they just excluded him.

No one else went out of their way like Boss Zhao to play dirty tricks.

The worst they’d do was suggest customers go to Quick Recovery Clinic or Jinkui Clinic instead of Sunshine Clinic.

Never underestimate the influence of those pharmacy salespeople.

At least half of the patients go to pharmacies first to buy medication before heading to clinics or local hospitals when they’re sick.

If their medication doesn’t resolve their issue, they’ll need to go to a clinic or hospital.

A salesperson’s recommendation can largely influence which clinic the patient decides to visit.

Boss Zhao’s Quick Recovery Clinic’s medical skill is mediocre, yet why is its business booming?

There’s a lot behind it.

Pharmacy salespeople don’t earn much, but they get a kickback for successfully referring patients to his clinic.

How can newcomer Li Jingsheng compete for customers with these well-rooted, established clinics?

He doesn’t have the reputation they do.

His network connections are far inferior.

His business tactics are also lacking.

Boss Zhao has been running his clinic for over twenty years; it’s not just for nothing.

Understanding a patient’s or customer’s needs, how to satisfy them, earning money from it while making them happy... there’s a lot to learn here.

Li Jingsheng surviving for over nine months is truly remarkable.

Things are different now; he has the attribute panel to quickly improve his medical skills.

This gives him a chance to dominate in core competence over these established clinics.

As his medical skills improve, his network seems to be gradually expanding too.

Sister Huan, Ms. Ou, the elderly man treating abscesses, Xie Guiqiu—within just three days, he’s expanded his network by four people.

Ordinary patients and those buying medicine aren’t even counted yet.

Isn’t reputation built little by little like this?

If this trend continues, within a year, Li Jingsheng might press Boss Zhao down.

Xie Guiqiu finished his call and came over.

"I’ve coordinated with the other side; they’ll contact you soon. If you encounter any issues, feel free to call me. Also, whenever you have time, prepare a set of documents for your clinic. I’ll let you know next Monday to send it over and see if I can help you secure a spot in group procurement. This will make prescription procurement much easier for you in the future."

Xie Guiqiu put on his duckbill cap, waved at Li Jingsheng.

"I’m off."

He must be particularly busy.

Li Jingsheng just stood up to send off this benefactor, but he had already hurried away.

Watching Xie Guiqiu’s departing figure, Li Jingsheng felt like he was a light in the dark, filling him with endless hope.

The official group procurement system has been implemented for several years now.

Small private clinics like his wouldn’t even dare to think about it.

But now, there’s finally some hope.

Xie Guiqiu must have some confidence to ask him to prepare the clinic’s documents.

"Now, just waiting for Brother Qiu’s introduction of the new pharmaceutical company to contact me. I need to quickly add the medicines to the list."

Thinking this, Li Jingsheng quickly sat at the computer to act.

Before he could even finish, the delivery person came in with boxed meals.

"Boss, eat first and then work!"

"I’m almost done, you eat first!"

Li Jingsheng rapidly typed on the computer, confirming the names and quantities of the medications to add.

As for prices, he’ll need to wait for the pharmaceutical company to quote.

Sometimes, prices change daily; it’s very normal.

It’s not fixed.

As the order list was nearly done, his phone rang.

Looked at the screen—a strange phone number ending in 9999.

Impressive.