MEDLIFE 3

Luo Jingyi watched as a male surgeon walked inside OR-5 with his hands wet from the viewing room. The OR Tech draped him.

After speaking a few words, he took a scalpel and made a midline incision directly above the xiphoid and through the subcutaneous tissues. He swept as much fat over the pericardium until it was clean. Using the scalpel, he incised the pericardium to drain the fluid. He excised the pericardial tissues to create a window, and a suction catheter was placed. Then a drain was put into the pericardial sac to remove the fluid build-up.

It was not a complicated procedure, but Luo Jingyi observed the whole process with interest to learn more about the other surgeon. OR Habits could tell the type of person one was. Like this particular surgeon, he was careful, so he ran the case over with his first assistant and the rest of the OR team before proceeding. After that, no words were ever exchanged again.

"You are here." A familiar voice said behind Luo Jingyi. Turning around, Luo Jingyi saw Dr. Bai. She was wearing a doctor's coat with the MedLife logo on it. She met Dr. Bai in Sanya during the Medical Conference, but she never mentioned working for MedLife.

"What's your assessment?" Dr. Bai asked, taking a seat next to her.

"Of him?" Luo Jingyi's eyes pointed to the man performing the surgery. When Dr. Bai nodded, she replied, "He is capable."

Dr. Bai laughed. "You are amiable. I want the perfectionist Dr. Luo's opinion."

Luo sighed. It seemed she wasn't letting the topic go. "He is very thorough. He followed the procedure according to the textbook. It's not necessarily bad, but in dealing with trauma patients, it could be an inconvenience."

Dr. Bai had a similar opinion of him. She was afraid that was limiting him to move out of his box. "I'll let you teach him. He needs your guidance." Dr. Bai stated. She eyed him with fondness.

That didn't slip past Luo Jingyi's observation but never asked about the kind of relationship Dr. Bai has with the young surgeon. When he started closing the incision, Dr. Bai stood, "Come on. Everyone is excited to meet you."

Luo Jingyi followed Dr. Bai out. They met two doctors along the way, and judging by the length of their coat, they were still residents. 

"Good morning, Vice President." They greeted and smiled. Dr. Bai nodded, and they moved forward.

"I didn't know you are working here." Luo Jingyi asked, trying to glean information.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you in Sanya. The Board designated me as the VP for Diagnostic Services."

"How do you like your role so far?"

Dr. Bai laughed at the implied meaning of her question. "It has its moments." Her new designation made her walk on eggshells sometimes. The Board of Directors and the President are all about profits while doctors are about quality care and saving lives. Then there are VIP patients who need to be treated well. Sometimes, they have excessive demands. Without their support, it would be challenging to run a private hospital. Being in this position was troublesome, but she had more important reasons for agreeing to it. 

"It's hard on you." Luo Jingyi consoled, which made Dr. Bai chuckle.

…..

Luo Jingyi was curious. There was a crowd when she was ushered to the meeting room. The meeting room was like a lecture hall at the university. There was a lecture platform, widescreen, and ascending rows of chairs. One had to use a microphone to speak because it was large. 

Dr. Bai introduced Luo Jingyi to everyone. When she gestured to her to step forward, Luo Jingyi was hesitant. Albeit that, Luo Jingyi took the microphone and spoke, keeping her speech short and minimal. 

"Is it like this every time there's a new staff joining the hospital?" She asked Dr. Bai once there were only two of them. The VP laughed. "No, it's because everyone looked forward to working with you."

Luo Jingyi got a feeling that someone purposely made her arrival a big issue. But what for?

"Come on. I'll show you around the hospital." Dr. Bai led her to the CICU as they talked about the current trends in medicine. From there, they went to the next floor and visited the NICU. Both departments had modern furnishings. There were nurses stationed at a large central desk monitoring the patients closely. MedLife lived with its name as one of the best cardiology and pediatric hospital. 

Dr. Bai was enthusiastic about showing her around like it was really her first time in the hospital. MedLife Hospital was big. Initially, there was only one building, but as the hospital grew, Luo Xiaofei bought the nearby empty lots and added new wings.

Coming out of the surgical ward, Dr. Bai started, "You mentioned that you wanted your own OR team. Having the same people working with you is great…." Dr. Bai trailed off and looked at her.

"But?" Luo Jingyi prodded. When Dr. Bai didn't answer, Luo Jingyi surmised, "But the President thinks differently." The VP nodded, which made Luo Jingyi smile meaningfully. She could somewhat guess why. He wanted someone to watch over her and report to him. Luo Jingyi had expected that. 

"Okay. I'll listen to his arrangements, but I'll pick the anaesthesiologist and first assistant. The rest will be up to him. That is non-negotiable." Luo Jingyi said with finality.

Director Bai was happy that she agreed. She was worried it was difficult to convince her. She thought Luo Jingyi would be like Luo Xiaofei, unyielding once she made the decision. Apparently, Luo Jingyi was different.

Director Bai hadn't noticed that one corner of Luo Jingyi's mouth turned up. They never knew that this was Luo Jingyi's intention all along. All she needed was a capable anaesthesiologist and first assistant. The other roles didn't matter.

Luo Jingyi requested her own OR team because she wanted to test the waters. It was to see how the Director and the people around him would react and move. Luo Jingyi laughed in her head. Whatever difficulties she would encounter to take back this hospital, she would face them.

After that, Luo Jingyi went to her office. She specifically requested for a corner office. The Trauma Department and CardioThoracic Department were in the new building. The OR was on the 2nd floor, the CICU on the 3rd floor, and the general ward on 4th-5th. So, she wanted something in between. They gave her an office with a balcony, which was facing the back garden. The room was furnished with a sofa set, mahogany desk, and a swivel chair. All were new.

Sitting, the first thing that got her attention was a bouquet of flowers on her desk. She brought the flowers to her nose and took in the scent with fondness. The fresh flower blossoms were fragrant and sweet. 

Taking the note, she read what was written on it. As she guessed, it was from Yun Jinghan. He was sending well wishes on her first day. Without realizing it, the corners of her mouth quirked up beautifully. 

=====

EvilMe: (Shivering) I'm going to get a toothache!