Chapter 10: Unforeseen Complications
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Director Sun had not expected Luo Hao’s answer to be so resolute, without a hint of hesitation, and she was momentarily stunned. In her experience, shifting blame was the norm; it was what a "normal person" would do. To truly take direct responsibility was, in fact, abnormal. By the time she recovered, Luo Hao had already wheeled the bedside ultrasound machine into the ward.
Originally, the obstetrics department did not have a bedside ultrasound, but since there were recent hospitalizations for ovarian cyst patients, Lin Yuming had coordinated with the ultrasound department to borrow a machine for Luo Hao’s convenience, allowing him to use it anytime, anywhere.
This was outrageous!
Director Sun finally snapped back to reality, feeling ignored and insulted, grinding her teeth fiercely. Her complexion was extremely unpleasant as she picked up her phone and dialed Lin Yuming.
“Director Lin, I have a patient who suddenly had convulsions from an unknown cause, the situation is critical! I want to transfer her to the ICU for further treatment. But Luo Hao insisted on doing an ultrasound first, delaying treatment, and claimed he was making this decision on behalf of the Medical Affairs Office.”
Director Sun launched into a rapid-fire complaint, her words sharp and fierce.
“If the patient’s treatment is delayed, who will take responsibility?”
“What if the patient suffers aspiration and life-threatening danger? Can Luo Hao take responsibility?”
“What kind of task force did you send? Is this how you operate in our obstetrics department? Are you here to cause trouble or to manage? If you don't like me, just issue a warning!”
Her accusations came one after another, each more forceful, her voice growing sharper and higher, like a soprano singing a fierce aria. The glass cups in the doctor’s office began to vibrate, almost shattering with a loud "pop."
“Nonsense!”
On the other end, Lin Yuming’s face darkened as he first tried to calm Director Sun, telling her he was on his way, then hung up and rushed to the obstetrics department.
That little screw-up was really causing chaos, how could he casually claim responsibility on behalf of Medical Affairs? In the hospital, passing the buck was the usual state of affairs; rarely did anyone dare take real responsibility. No need to be a hero!
Not even at a top-tier hospital like the Mining General, or the health group in the capital—everyone just gathered for joint consultations and shared the responsibility. This was called collective decision-making! Collective decision-making!!
Luo Hao was still young, and perhaps because of his recent streak of successes, having pulled off a few impressive feats, the kid was starting to get cocky.
Lin Yuming nearly ran to the obstetrics department. Before entering the ward, he saw a few familiar faces that should not have been there.
Director Song from the Glandular Department, along with two attending doctors under him. What was Director Song doing in obstetrics? It wasn’t a personal matter, because Lin Yuming saw the junior doctors with him.
A consultation?
Suddenly, Lin Yuming thought of Luo Hao’s ultrasound.
But he couldn’t grasp what exactly had occurred in such a short time. He slowed his pace, caught his breath, and arrived at the ward door.
“It’s obviously a parathyroid tumor, likely hyperparathyroidism. The patient is now experiencing a hypercalcemic crisis. I recommend hydration therapy and lowering serum calcium.”
“Director Song, it really is a parathyroid tumor?” Director Sun asked, puzzled.
“The ultrasound images are quite clear, and the symptoms you described match. I understand you’ve informed the family about inducing labor, but I suggest removing the parathyroid tumor before induction.”
“Then you should take the patient now. We don’t have experience treating this type here,” Director Sun quietly suggested.
“Hmph, why would you transfer an internal medicine case to us? Get the patient stable, then transfer. We’ll do the surgery, then return the patient to you for labor induction.”
Director Song from the Glandular Department was sly and unwilling to take on trouble. Though he spoke seriously, the patient’s condition was essentially just a hypercalcemic crisis, treatable by hydration and calcium-lowering therapy.
Obstetrics really couldn’t handle it. Director Song didn’t say anything offensive, but his eyes showed a hint of disdain.
He suddenly noticed Lin Yuming approaching.
“Director Lin, what a surprise!” Director Song bent slightly and changed his tone to a smile.
He seemed to have guessed something, quickly adding, “That ultrasound doctor is Luo Hao from the Medical Affairs task force stationed in obstetrics, right? Impressive skills, really damn impressive!”
Director Sun’s face flushed crimson, almost spitting blood.
“Parathyroid disease isn’t common; only our glandular and endocrinology departments are somewhat familiar. Little Luo did the ultrasound first thing for the patient—truly a young hero.”
“What hero nonsense. How’s the patient?” Lin Yuming waved his hand dismissively.
Despite his words, a smile crept onto Lin Yuming’s lips.
“The patient’s stable. Obstetrics just needs to hydrate and lower serum calcium,” Director Song said casually. “But I’m serious—if it were someone less knowledgeable, they’d have to wait at least three hours for the endocrinologist’s diagnosis after a full consultation.”
“Don’t say Luo Hao is young; 95%, no, 99% of our hospital’s doctors and directors wouldn’t diagnose parathyroid issues immediately.”
“Impressive—I truly speak from the heart. Luo Hao’s impressive, Director Lin knows talent even better!”
Director Song, short and stout, spoke with flattering sincerity.
Though everyone knew he was buttering up, his words sounded genuine.
Lin Yuming was pleased. Recently, the glandular department had an internal infection outbreak; he was glad to shield them a bit.
“Director Lin, Luo Hao won’t stay in Medical Affairs forever. How about transferring him to Glandular? We need a top-notch ultrasound expert for breast surgery, and Luo Hao fits perfectly,” Director Song half-joked.
“Hmm?” Lin Yuming pondered.
Glandular department seemed a good choice.
“With Luo Hao’s skills, he’d be deputy director in three years. By then, I might retire, and he could do ultrasounds, diagnose, and operate himself, no need to beg Old Li from the ultrasound room.”
“Let’s see how the patient does first,” Lin Yuming smiled.
Director Sun’s face turned deep liver color; her throat felt bitter as she swallowed the blood she almost spat out.
Despicable!
Cowardly!
Shameless!
Lin Yuming had no time for such inner turmoil and entered the ward.
“After giving 700-800ml fluids, push 40mg furosemide intravenously,” Luo Hao was instructing the nurse.
“Luo Hao, why furosemide?” Lin Yuming asked sternly.
“Director Lin, after replenishing extracellular fluid volume, furosemide inhibits sodium and calcium reabsorption, promoting urinary calcium excretion while preventing fluid overload.”
“During volume expansion, monitor blood biochemistry to avoid electrolyte imbalance. Bone resorption inhibitors include calcitonin and bisphosphonates.”
“I’ve explained the precautions to the obstetrics doctors and will stay bedside to monitor the patient’s recovery from hypercalcemia. Rest assured.”
Luo Hao spoke concisely, not exhaustively, but clearly laying out the key treatment plan swiftly.
Lin Yuming nodded in satisfaction. Seeing the pregnant woman’s vital signs stable and convulsions eased, he reminded staff to clear secretions and then left.
“Doctor Luo, can you explain how you made the diagnosis?”
In the corridor, Lin Yuming eagerly asked.
“I saw similar symptoms during my internship; the teacher diagnosed it as ‘hungry bone syndrome,’ which left a deep impression,” Luo Hao answered.
...
The group was speechless.
Why are older doctors more valuable?
Because they’ve seen more patients and have richer experience.
Most clinical cases differ from textbook descriptions, and during emergency rescues, adrenaline and hormones flood the body, making details hard to recall.
Quick diagnosis and treatment often rely on instinct.
Like this time, Director Sun’s instinct was to pass the buck.
An old group of doctors being schooled by this barely-grown kid with clinical experience.
Though Luo Hao graduated from Peking Union Medical College and cited a top professor, the others still felt something was off.
“Interns don’t see many cases, nonsense,” Director Sun muttered faintly.
“Director Sun, Peking Union has patient records dating back to its founding,” Luo Hao smiled, “For example, Academician Yuan Longping was delivered by Lin Qiaozhi, and the records are in the electronic system.”
!!!
Everyone was silenced, filled with admiration for the nation’s top medical institution.
“Are we sure the pregnant woman is okay?” Lin Yuming steadied himself, no longer dwelling on the vast historical cases accumulated for clinical experience.
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“She should be fine. I’ll stay here to monitor her and prevent accidents. Once stable, she can be transferred to Glandular for surgery.”
Lin Yuming was very pleased with Luo Hao but still deliberately wore a stern expression, reminding him to be cautious.
After everyone dispersed, Luo Hao, like a junior doctor, reported the patient’s condition to Director Sun, outlined upcoming treatments, and mentioned an endocrinology consultation had been requested to finalize the plan.
Director Sun saw Luo Hao’s meticulous work and the patient’s improving condition but felt conflicted inside.
Back in her office, she sat silently at her desk, staring at the DIP payment file on her computer.
She remained still, unaware the sky had darkened.
The screen’s glow cast a pale blue light on her face. Sometimes she clenched her teeth, sometimes grimaced, sometimes smiled softly.
After some time, her phone rang, breaking her reverie.
She picked it up and was shocked to see how late it was—she had been lost in thought for four to five hours.
“Hello.”
“Big sis, I’m coming tomorrow to arrange hospitalization. Should I fast and draw blood early?” asked her cousin.
“...” Director Sun hesitated.
“Big sis? Hello? Is the signal bad?”
“Um, don’t come for hospitalization tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“I thought about it, and your condition suits puncture best,” Director Sun reversed her stance completely, mentally slapping herself for her earlier stubbornness.
“!!!”
The phone seemed to fill with exclamations and question marks.
“But our hospital isn’t up to par; the senior experts are gone, and the remaining staff’s skills are average. I’ll arrange for a renowned provincial expert to come,” Director Sun scrambled to make amends.
After much explanation, her cousin hung up half-believing.
Director Sun held the phone, overwhelmed with mixed feelings.
What’s wrong with me?
But whenever she thought about it, she saw Luo Hao’s bright, sunny smile.
Though still believing puncture and endoscopic decompression each had pros and cons, the Medical Affairs Director Lin Yuming and Luo Hao were pushing the former strongly.
With her own relative opting for the other procedure, this was a recipe for internal conflict.
She sighed deeply, unwilling to think too much.
Changing clothes, she returned to the ward. Luo Hao was absent; the patient sat quietly on the bed, stable.
Director Sun comforted her briefly then left.
Passing the doctor’s office, she heard Luo Hao’s hearty laughter.
“I shop online with different usernames on different sites. On Taobao, I’m Luo Taobao; on JD.com, I’m Luo JD. So if I get spam calls, I know which site leaked my info.”
“Is that allowed?”
“Of course, but almost all sites leak personal data. I rarely shop online now.”
Director Sun entered and saw Luo Hao eating with the on-duty doctors and nurses.
“Director Sun, you’re here.”
Luo Hao stood and smiled.
“Eat, eat,” Director Sun said. “Luo, have you arranged for Director Liu from Medical University One to assist with surgeries recently?”
“No idea. I have no patients; Director Lin sets that up,” Luo Hao replied helplessly.
“Do you want to?”
“Yes,” Luo Hao answered firmly.
“Okay, I’ll contact Director Lin. I have a few patients reluctant to undergo endoscopy; I’ll trouble you then.”
“No need, Director Sun.”
She waved off the thanks and left the ward.
Outside, the cold air jolted her. What was wrong with her? Was she crazy? Luo Hao was from Medical Affairs, sent to straighten out clinical departments, why was she so polite?
Puncture could be arranged with provincial experts without Luo Hao; he wasn’t indispensable.
She still wrestled with these thoughts.
Dispirited, she went home, ate, washed up, and went to bed.
She and her husband had long slept separately. Habitually, she put on Guo Degang’s comic sketches on the Himalaya app.
Old Guo had been her sleeping companion for over a decade; without his voice, she couldn’t fall asleep.
Half-awake, she heard Old Guo say: “Disrespecting masters is a crime.”
Startled awake, she gasped like from a nightmare.
She finally understood what her subconscious was thinking.
Luo Hao was young, skilled, and backed by Lin Yuming, likely to become vice dean next year—his uncle.
Why stubbornly offend Luo Hao instead of making peace?
Foolish!
“Disrespecting masters is a crime.”
Suddenly enlightened, her thoughts cleared.
...
Luo Hao called home to inform his mother that a critical patient needed his care, so he wouldn’t be home for a day or two.
After adjusting the patient’s blood calcium, she was stable, but Luo Hao remained cautious at the hospital, fearing the obstetrics doctors might not manage changes promptly, risking delays.
The patient was fine and had fallen asleep; Luo Hao checked the ECG monitor every half hour.
Back in the doctor’s office, he counted the staff and ordered milk tea for the on-duty doctors and nurses. Then he sat at his desk pretending to read but actually monitored the system panel in the corner, reviewing his progress.
Emergency task: “Hungry bone syndrome” completed. Luo Hao earned experience points and fragments for the diagnostic assistant AI.
He tried the diagnostic AI today—it was very useful.
The progress bar showed he needed 20 fragments to fully upgrade the AI.
He looked forward to the breakthrough.
As for the “acting skill” he had drawn in a lottery, he had long forgotten it.
“Is Dr. Luo here?”
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
A doctor stood at the door, wearing white coat and mask.
“Brother Chen! What brings you here?” The obstetrics doctor was visibly excited and nearly toppled his chair standing up.
Chen Yong ignored the on-duty obstetrics doctor and went straight to Luo Hao, hands in pockets, looking down coldly.
“Hello, I’m Chen Yong. My master is Dr. Jiang Wenming from General Surgery.”
“Hello.” Luo Hao stood and extended his hand.
Chen Yong did not reciprocate, keeping his hands in pockets, staring coldly.
“Bed 3-8, liver cyst patient. Director Wen said puncture is needed; an expert from Medical University One will come.”
Luo Hao was not angered by Chen Yong’s arrogance, just relaxed and smiled slightly.
“I’m informing you in case of special pre-op needs. Contact me promptly.”
Chen Yong said coldly, glanced once at Luo Hao, then left obstetrics.
A strange guy, Luo Hao scratched his head.
“Don’t mind him,” the on-duty obstetrics doctor said cheerfully after seeing Chen Yong off, then returned to comfort Luo Hao.
“He’s just like that.”
“Why wear a mask? Bronchitis and sensitive to cold air?”
“Ha!” The obstetrics doctor perked up, “He wears not one but three masks.”
“...” Luo Hao was speechless.
“Chen is ridiculously handsome. Wearing one mask in surgery, even with normal anesthesia doses, patients wouldn’t fully lose consciousness. Wearing three masks helped a bit.”
Damn!
Luo Hao was amazed. What kind of story was this?
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“He’s not doing it on purpose, just too shy to be warm. When he first came, several female patients, before discharge, brought flowers for him during rounds. Some even refused to leave just to chat more with him, causing bed shortages.”
“Awkward, I heard Director Wen was very displeased.”
“Awkward? Not really.”
“Think about it: patients give banners to Director Wen’s patients but to Chen Yong instead.”
Luo Hao laughed heartily.
Indeed, that was pretty awkward.
The on-duty obstetrics doctor excitedly shared what little she knew about Chen Yong. Her joyful smile filled the office with the scent of unrequited love.
Unrequited love is still love.
Luo Hao focused on the diagnosis and treatment of General Surgery’s bed 3-8 patient, uninterested in the obstetrics staff’s crushes or maternal fondness.
Apparently, Lin Yuming, Luo Hao’s uncle, had “persuaded” Director Wen to approve puncture treatment.
Another task had advanced; Luo Hao was pleased.
...
Lin Yuming sat on his sofa, on the phone.
“Lao Liu, I’ve thought about our hospital’s situation and think it’s best to stick to the previous plan.”
“Too troublesome,” Liu Haisen said casually.
“A bit more trouble is fine, but it’s crucial we avoid mistakes,” Lin Yuming said. “Times have changed. Our income is less, but better than getting caught with errors, right?”
“I’m not worried about taxes, Boss Lin, just the hassle. But I respect your opinion; whatever you decide, I’ll follow.”
“Good. Get it done before the weekend. We’ll coordinate as Medical Affairs.”
They discussed further before hanging up.
“Lao Lin, what were you talking about with Lao Liu?” Lin Yuming’s wife asked.
“Surgery for Feidao,” he answered.
“Lao Liu’s radiology, right? What’s with the knives?”
“Who says radiology can’t do Feidao?”
“Sure, sure, you’re something else,” she teased.
“Future medicine focuses on minimally invasive techniques. Doctors who can’t keep up will be left behind. How’s our Mining General? When the group was rich, we were thriving. Patients brought our scans to the capital, and the experts praised our equipment.”
“Now? What a mess!”
“Is this related to Lao Liu’s Feidao?”
“Yes, and our little screw-up cares about this. Looks like he found a future path in clinical work.”
Speaking of the little screw-up, Lin Yuming’s wife’s face softened with affection.
This child had a hard life but was lovable. If possible, no one could refuse to help him.
Under her questioning, Lin Yuming recounted all that Luo Hao had done at Mining General recently.
After reviewing everything, Lin Yuming realized Luo Hao had grown significantly.
If he were an ordinary clinician, Luo Hao would be on Lin Yuming’s shortlist to see if he could stay at Mining General.
If suitable, Lin Yuming wouldn’t mind recruiting him.
But seeing his nephew quietly reach this stage brought Lin Yuming great comfort.
A quiet night passed.
The next morning, Lin Yuming arrived at Mining General and immediately called Luo Hao to his office.
“Little screw-up, do you know what mistake you made yesterday?” Lin Yuming asked.
Luo Hao was not worried. His uncle’s tone was calm, not scolding.
“Director Lin, I shouldn’t have tried to be a hero. Even with a confirmed diagnosis, I should have followed Director Sun’s wishes to send the patient to ICU, and let diagnosis and consultation happen there.”
Lin Yuming nodded. “Good that you know.”
While “lecturing,” Lin Yuming opened his computer, pulled up a document, and put on reading glasses to search.
Luo Hao, seeing he wasn’t dismissed, quietly watched.
After a minute, Lin Yuming picked up his phone.
“Brother Cui, we’ve recently invited experts from Medical University One for minimally invasive surgeries. We’ve observed dozens of patients; the experts are excellent, patients walk back to the ward after surgery.”
“Yes, they walk back. Hard to believe, right?”
“I didn’t believe it either, so I observed longer.”
“Techniques are mature and reliable. The experts charge only 2,000 yuan consultation fees, saving us trouble.”
“Okay, good. Surgery this weekend. Are you free? If not, I can come to your unit to pick up... Great, then I’ll wait for you to admit the patient.”
After business, Lin Yuming chatted casually for a couple minutes before hanging up.
Luo Hao was puzzled.
Lin Yuming gave different versions to everyone?
Lin Yuming made four calls, then recorded notes on his computer and phone, finally exhaling deeply.
He looked at Luo Hao.
“Little screw-up, do you know what I’m doing?”
Luo Hao shook his head, signaling no.
“Never intend harm, but always be wary. Let’s hope no unexpected trouble arises.”
“Uncle, what exactly are you doing?”
“I’ll tell you later; just remember this,” Lin Yuming waved him off. Luo Hao understood and left.
...
A few days later, on the weekend, Lin Yuming went to the train station to pick up Liu Haisen.
“Boss Lin, didn’t expect you to have so many patients.”
“That’s because of you, Expert Liu, patients trust you.”
They joked like old classmates, no need to be cautious like at work.
At the hospital, they saw patients, then went to the ultrasound room for surgery.
As before, Luo Hao had prepared everything needed, occasionally needed, and even rarely needed but potentially lifesaving.
Deputy Director Liu regretted Luo Hao’s skill, wishing to recruit him even for further training, offering better pay.
Many trainees refused to leave superior hospitals; Luo Hao was just one more.
The surgery began.
As before, patients who could pay had Deputy Director Liu as lead surgeon, Luo Hao assisting.
Patients who couldn’t or wouldn’t pay had Luo Hao operating, supervised by Liu.
After several hours, surgery ended; Liu felt a bit guilty.
In less than two weeks between “Feidao” surgeries, Luo Hao’s skill had surpassed his own. Simply put, Luo Hao did better.
Liu thought the money would be better spent letting Luo Hao handle cases.
...
“Director Wen, the surgery is done.” A patient’s family member whispered into General Surgery Director Wen’s office.
“Good!” Wen slammed the table. “We’ll make sure they don’t get away with this! Stealing my patients? They don’t know the meaning of death!!”