The Enhanced Doctor-Chapter 509 "Lucky" Dumplings

It took Director Zhou three hours and thirty-seven minutes to perform the emergency operation. For a child, this was a lengthy procedure.

"Director, how’s the situation?" Liu Banxia hurriedly asked as Director Zhou returned.

"We removed one kidney, and there’s a fracture in the lumbar vertebrae, but it’s not a major issue. The spleen, intestines, and stomach are fine, but a broken rib punctured a lung and grazed the heart," Director Zhou said.

"He’s been sent for a head CT scan. As long as there’s no bleeding, even if there’s just a hematoma, we’ll adjust our plan. Otherwise, he might not have made it off the operating table. Chief Director, why are you here too?"

"I’m always concerned about matters involving children, and this is already on the news. The other children are okay, except for one who will lose an eye," Chen Zhenxing said.

"This is the last year fireworks and firecrackers are permitted, so people have bought more than usual and are really going all out with them. The municipal hospital has many more patients; we’re relatively less busy here."

"Director, the Chief Director hasn’t eaten yet. How about you eat together? I can watch things here," Liu Banxia suggested.

"Banxia, you should go too. Look how late it is. We can take over after we’ve eaten. There’s no telling what might happen tonight, and you’re a key player," Shi Lei interjected.

Liu Banxia grimaced. If it were just Director Zhou, it would be fine, but with the Chief Director present, he really didn’t want to dine with the leadership.

"Good idea. Changhe mentioned the food here is excellent, so I’ll take this opportunity to join you," Chen Zhenxing said.

"Chief Director, I’ve already arranged with Dr. Liu to be on duty here tonight. Please don’t try to take my spot," Sun Changhe said with a smile.

"It’s nothing special, really. We just rustled up a few dishes," Liu Banxia reluctantly explained.

What else could he say? He’s the big boss. Even Director Zhou has to obey him, let alone me.

He knew Chen Zhenxing and Sun Changhe were deliberately trying to promote him, which was why they had brought him along.

In the past, he wouldn’t have considered these things, but after a few talks with his father-in-law, he felt like he’d had an epiphany.

The hospital has its own power structure, and Chen Zhenxing is only now truly consolidating his control over the Second Hospital.

Why bring me, a mere Chief Resident, to dinner? Even if I’ve performed well, there’s still a huge gap between me and the people at the top of the Second Hospital’s power pyramid.

Including me now... is this a declaration that I’m someone they see potential in, someone they’re grooming?

When they arrived at the cafeteria, the implication became even more apparent. Sun Changhe didn’t even sit next to Chen Zhenxing; instead, he declared Liu Banxia the "host" and gestured for him to take a seat. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Chief Director, Deputy Chief Director, Director Zhou, Dr. Liu, why are you all eating so late? Do you need any more dishes?" Manager Zhou hurried over.

"Manager Zhou, we’ll defer to Banxia. Who knows what he’s arranged?" Director Zhou said with a smile.

Manager Zhou looked expectantly at Liu Banxia.

"Actually, it’s nothing much. The staple foods are dumplings and rice. These rascals ordered the side dishes. The portions here are generous, so it should be plenty. Just bring them out," Liu Banxia said with a smile.

"You got it! Coming right up!" Zhou Qiang replied cheerfully and rushed back to give the order.

He was genuinely pleased. Even though Liu Banxia had only praised the large portion sizes, that was the best endorsement he could hope for.

"Your performance has also been quite impressive. According to our Second Hospital’s current records, you interns have participated in the most surgeries," Chen Zhenxing said, turning to the interns.

"But don’t get complacent; you must continue to learn diligently. If you encounter any difficulties, go to Liu Banxia. He’s the Chief Resident and also in charge of teaching and training. This falls under his responsibility. Shuwen, have you informed him?"

Director Zhou smiled and nodded. "Yes, but this kid is quite cunning and doesn’t want to take the bait."

Chen Zhenxing waved his hand. "It’s not up to him. From now on, you’ll oversee the Emergency Center and all teaching and training at the Second Hospital. How can you manage without a reliable deputy? This matter is settled."

Liu Banxia opened his mouth, but what could he say? He’d thought that after stepping down as Chief Resident, he could finally relax a bit, but it seemed the responsibilities were still clinging to him.

The interns, however, were ecstatic. Liu Banxia had been grumbling about this! Now it was official. Tsk, tsk, let the big demon king wear himself out!

"Gloating, are you?" Liu Banxia tossed out casually. "Don’t I also need to pick a little helper?"

The previously cheerful interns immediately sat bolt upright, staring straight ahead, waiting for the food to arrive.

Even Chen Zhenxing was amused. He had a clear grasp of the situation in the Emergency Center. He naturally knew that Liu Banxia’s teaching methods were quite unique, and the relationship between him and these interns was indeed a bit "mischievous."

But regardless, the doctors in the Emergency Center, both from internal medicine and surgery, held them in high regard, and that itself was an achievement.

After a bit more small talk, Liu Banxia went to the service counter to help bring out the dishes and dumplings.

He was genuinely hungry; it was long past mealtime, and he had been waiting anxiously. The steaming hot dumplings and fragrant dishes, once served, immediately whetted everyone’s appetite.

"The portion sizes are indeed generous. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t eaten much in the hospital," Chen Zhenxing remarked.

"Manager Zhou has been constantly worried about his contract for the cafeteria," Liu Banxia said. "He’s afraid his cooking won’t be good enough. Plus, he has that minor blemish on his record, so he’s incredibly anxious."

"Minor flaws don’t negate overall quality. The cafeteria is here to provide sustenance for our hospital’s medical staff, patients, and their families. As long as it offers good value and everyone is satisfied, there’s nothing to worry about," Chen Zhenxing nodded.

"Just making so many dumplings is a lot of work, even with our hospital’s nurses helping. And they haven’t made a large surplus... huh? Are there mustard-filled ones too?"

"Er... um, that’s part of a little activity we organized. They’re lucky dumplings, no coins inside," Liu Banxia stammered, quickly explaining.

He had forgotten all about it and was stunned by Chen Zhenxing’s luck in picking one just like that.

"So, you’re saying this is a lucky dumpling?"

After eating a bit more, Director Zhou looked at the dumpling he had bitten into and murmured the question again.

"Um... we made quite a few to spread the luck," Liu Banxia said, sweat starting to bead on his forehead.

He didn’t know what to say. Both the big boss and the second-in-command had picked the ’lucky’ ones. He was now hoping to get one himself quickly; otherwise, it would look like he’d set this up for the leaders on purpose.

"You’re always up to something," Director Zhou said. "You didn’t prepare these ’surprises’ for the patients too, did you?"

Liu Banxia quickly shook his head. "No, the patients’ dumplings were cooked separately. Some of their family members were very enthusiastic about participating, though. Er... Dr. Chen, did you get lucky too?"

Chen Xuehai wiped away a tear stung out by the mustard. "Can’t you tell by looking at me? I’m definitely treating myself to a good lunch tomorrow."

"Manager Zhou, prepare a pork knuckle for me tomorrow. Put it on this kid’s tab. He tricked all of us while he got off scot-free. We can’t let him get away with it."

"Alright!" Zhou Qiang happily agreed.

"I’m truly innocent! I didn’t even help make them. I also want to get a lucky one, but I really haven’t!" Liu Banxia said helplessly.

"Teacher Liu, I think this dumpling looks suspicious. How about we switch?" Xu Yino asked with a sly smile, holding up a dumpling.

"Sure, let’s switch," Liu Banxia replied nonchalantly, then passed his dumpling to her.

Xu Yino’s dumpling was filled with chives and egg. This particular one did look excessively green, probably from too much mustard.

Liu Banxia took a small bite, savored it carefully, then popped the rest into his mouth.

"Teacher Liu, I regret this," Xu Yino said, wiping away tears and sniffling, looking thoroughly dejected.

Liu Banxia was speechless. Xu Yino had initiated the swap; he hadn’t forced it on her. And just like that, she’d actually gotten ’lucky.’

This little incident actually livened everyone up. They all started picking out "lucky" dumplings for Liu Banxia, so he didn’t even have to pick them from the plate himself.

At first, it was just the interns fooling around, but then even Chen Zhenxing joined in the fun.

But strangely, any dumpling that ended up with Liu Banxia, no matter how much it looked like a "lucky" one on the outside, always contained a normal filling.

"BURP..."

Liu Banxia let out a satisfied belch. "I’m stuffed. Don’t blame me; I’ve eaten a lot already."

Chen Zhenxing shook his head helplessly. "So much for ’lucky dumplings.’ He’s the luckiest one here, managing to avoid several of them."

"Tonight’s shift will be demanding. Those who ate the lucky dumplings are fortunate, and those who didn’t are fortunate too. Let’s ride this wave of luck and get through this New Year period."

"Chief Director, rest assured. We won’t let our guard down in the slightest," Director Zhou replied seriously.

This was no longer a time for joking. Everyone knew how critical tonight would be. It would either be a peaceful night or one so hectic they’d be overwhelmed.

"Teacher Liu, how come you didn’t get a single one? I’ve had three already!" Xu Yino said, her face a picture of misery.

"That just means you’re lucky. If another emergency patient comes in, you can take the lead," Liu Banxia said.

Xu Yino grimaced. After today’s incidents with the children, she felt a bit apprehensive about facing more patients.

Back in the emergency center lobby, Liu Banxia asked around and, sure enough, very few people had actually eaten the lucky dumplings. Someone like Xu Yino, managing to get three in one meal, was definitely in a league of her own.

He inquired about the young patient’s head CT results. There was some edema; the patient had been given mannitol and was currently under observation in the ICU. Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn’t proceed with a craniotomy.

It truly couldn’t be helped. At the time, there simply hadn’t been time for a head CT scan. They had to prioritize stabilizing the chest and abdominal injuries on the operating table; otherwise, the child wouldn’t have survived long enough for the scan.

This, in itself, could be considered a stroke of luck. If the child’s head injury had been severe, the next surgery would genuinely have been a gamble with life itself.