Chapter 004

However, even Chen Li, who has been mingling in hospitals for many years, encountered such a scene for the first time today

Chen Li was almost "kidnapped" and sent to the emergency room bed, left to fate as a group of doctors in white coats began to examine him. Although the sensation of hydrogen peroxide washing over his wounds was unpleasant, he did not even furrow his brow, not out of bravery, but out of fear.

I did not expect Director Liao Jialiang to be here as well, and Zhang Haoran directly approached him: "In the middle of the day, it is truly too much trouble for Director Liao to come in person, I am really very sorry"

Alright, I understand. You assist the police in handling the case first, and I will take a taxi back to the city later on. With that, Zhang Haoran hung up the phone

Gao Weiguo completed all the arrangements, exchanged a few polite words with Zhang Haoran, and then exited the hospital room

Liu Shengqiang reminded Zhang Haoran again over the phone that there is a meeting at 4 PM regarding the development of the Shangdong New District, and Deputy Mayor Luo is waiting to hear his report

Gao Weiguo led the way ahead, passing through a vast expanse of tranquil garden lawns, until he stopped in front of a three-story building covered in climbing ivy. The lush leaves rustled softly in the gentle breeze, and at a casual glance, one might mistake it for just another part of the garden

Qian Wanli certainly understood the implications behind Zhang Haoran's words, but he did not intend to follow Zhang Haoran's lead in the conversation. He smiled and said: "How about this, Secretary Zhang, you go ahead with your work first, and I will take care of things here. I will have the driver take you back to the city first, so as not to delay your important matters."

Amidst it all, both Zhou Bin and Zhao Yang walked with a certain stiffness. As they made their way, the small building exuded a sense of the times, yet who could have imagined that the interior would resemble that of a five-star hotel suite

After leaving the ward, Zhang Haoran gently closed the door and found Qian Wanli sitting on the sofa in the reception room with his driver. Chen Li's two classmates were also present, carefully observing him.

Behind the screen adorned with splendid mountains and rivers lies the staircase, yet Gao Weiguo turned and entered the corridor. The terrazzo floor in the corridor was clean and polished, devoid of the distinctive smell of disinfectant typical of hospitals; instead, every two meters there was a flower stand, with blooming flowers exuding a faint fragrance.

The head of the emergency room stated that Chen Li's injuries are not serious, and he currently appears to be fine. Zhang Haoran no longer wishes to trouble Liao Jialiang to accompany him around.

Among those present, apart from Zhou Bin and Zhao Yang, everyone else was quite astute. When Gao Weiguo and Qian Wanli saw Chen Libo's calm demeanor, they secretly speculated that his background must be quite extraordinary

Upon seeing Zhang Haoran get out of the car, the quick-witted paramedic immediately rushed to the front to assess Chen Li's injuries at the first opportunity, and briefly inquired about the circumstances of the injury. Several strong and robust caregivers directly lifted Chen Li onto the mobile stretcher

"Secretary General Zhang, you are too kind. Ensuring proper hygiene is my responsibility." Liao Jialiang, having navigated the political arena for many years, was well-versed in the intricacies of such interactions. He engaged in polite conversation with Zhang Haoran without inquiring about the relationship between the injured youth and Zhang Haoran, simply urging Gao Weiguo to promptly arrange for medical personnel to provide treatment

If this were to happen to the family members of an ordinary patient, such doubts about the diagnosis would likely have already drawn the doctor's disdain as soon as they were voiced. However, at this moment, the head of the emergency room could only explain again with a hint of grievance: "Apart from the knife wound, the arms and legs have soft tissue contusions, accompanied by muscle strains. The bones are not severely damaged, and with some bed rest, recovery is possible..."

He had a cut on his arm, and his arm got caught in the car window. Later, the car also crashed into a flower bed. "Doctor, are you sure there is really nothing wrong? Will there be any lasting effects in the future..." After the diagnosis results came out, Zhang Haoran still asked a series of questions with some concern.

At first glance, this statement may seem somewhat unsettling, but upon further reflection, it is indeed the case. Surgeons deal with patients who have suffered external injuries, and they encounter scenes of blood and chaos on a daily basis. For an ordinary person, even if they are not in pain themselves, they would still empathize with such situations. However, for doctors, it is different. If they were to overly focus on the feelings of their patients, it would inevitably slow down their work efficiency. Devoting all their energy to the patients means that handling a simple external injury requires nearly as much effort as performing a minor surgical operation.

Shangdu City First People's Hospital

After painstakingly toiling for nearly half an hour, Chen Li finally emerged from the emergency room

Zhang Haoran exerted such great energy, Chen Li did not want to appear overly relaxed, as that would make Zhang Haoran seem to be overreacting. With a furrowed brow, he said: "My arm still hurts quite a bit; it's somewhat difficult to lift it."

Due to family circumstances, Chen Li spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital during his childhood, witnessing many scenes of treating external injuries. A phrase that his father often mentioned while mentoring students was, "Those who practice surgery must be ruthless and decisive"

The doctors and nurses, fully prepared in front of the emergency building, were in position. The hospital director was on an overseas inspection, and the administrative secretary, who was supposed to be on duty today, had matters to attend to at home, so the deputy secretary, Gao Weiguo, was assigned to cover for him. Unexpectedly, this incident occurred.

After finally cleaning up the bloodstains, the middle-aged nurse's face had turned pale, and even her legs had gone numb from standing.

Chen Li, however, remained calm. After all, his grandfather enjoyed the privileges of a senior official after retirement, so he had seen a bit of the world. He understood that all of this was due to the favor of Liao Jialiang, the director of the Health Bureau, and ultimately, it was Zhang Haoran's influence. He walked into the inner ward and lay down, allowing the nurse to set up an intravenous drip for anti-inflammatory treatment.

Chen Li observed that there were many people at the scene. At this moment, Zhou Bin and Zhao Yang hurried over from the school, along with the director of the health bureau and the deputy secretary of the hospital, Gao Weiguo. Additionally, there was a group of medical personnel who had followed along the way. This gathering was indeed quite substantial.

Chen Li knew that Zhang Haoran had just transferred to work and was not so free, so he said: "Brother Haoran, I don't have much to do here now, you can go back to work first"

Zhang Haoran naturally understood that Chen Li, whether in business or politics, had the old man paving the way for him, and thus did not need such a potentially troublesome title. He thought it was for the best that Liu Shengqiang did not mention Chen Li's name to the police, to prevent a crowd from coming to the hospital to take statements and disturbing Chen Li's recovery

Looking at the many fast food boxes on the marble coffee table, Zhang Haoran thought to himself that Qian Wanjin was quite meticulous. After all this commotion, he had missed lunch, but now he couldn't care less about eating. He waved his hand, smiled, and said: "I can't worry about lunch anymore, I have matters to attend to and must return to the city government immediately. Today has been quite troublesome for you, General Qian..."

Seeing him safe and sound, Zhang Haoran still asked with concern, "Chen Li, how do you feel?"

Well, go rest in the ward. Don't go anywhere these days, just stay in the hospital for now

Due to the urgency to check for any bone injuries, Chen Li's laceration was only subjected to preliminary hemostasis and debridement. At this moment, a large group of people emerged from the CT room, and further bandaging was required for Chen Li.

The police have arrived at the scene. After a brief investigation, it was discovered that the carjacker was already a wanted criminal registered at the police station. It is audacious that he dared to commit a crime right at the university entrance. Unfortunately for him, just as he attempted to steal a car, he was noticed by Chen Li, and not only did he fail in his attempt, but he was also interrupted by a group of indignant bystanders who broke his arms and legs

The necessary tasks have been completed, and the appropriate respect has been given; there is no longer any need to linger. Liao Jialiang, therefore, did not hold back, taking his secretary to bid farewell first. The throng of medical personnel that had gathered now dispersed, leaving only those familiar with Chen Li to follow Gao Weiguo into the secluded depths of the hospital; Qian Wanli felt somewhat awkward as he closely followed the footsteps of the crowd

Before long, a black Mercedes rushed to the front of the emergency building

Seeing Chen Li being pushed into the emergency room, Zhang Haoran felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if half of the weight on his heart had been lifted

He arrived in front of the emergency building just in time to encounter Director Liao's secretary rushing over. At this moment, seeing that Director Liao had personally come, he felt even more anxious, wondering if someone from the city had been injured

Zhou Bin was rather ruthless, breaking the arms and legs of the trafficker with just two strikes. If he were to strike two more times, it is likely that half of the trafficker's life would be lost here

Returning to the waiting chair outside the bandaging room, Zhang Haoran felt somewhat exhausted after a long period of activity; Qian Wanli, who had been running back and forth, called the driver over at this moment and gave him a few instructions, after which the driver hurriedly dashed out.

On one side of the desk is a wooden door, behind which is the patient room. Although it is called a patient room, it resembles a hotel suite, complete with a Simmons king-size bed, a sofa and coffee table, and a small office desk, as well as a treadmill and several fitness equipment.

Just now, a young nurse accidentally touched the wound that had been cut by a knife while cleaning the bloodstains. Chen Li couldn't help but gasp, and the young nurse was immediately called out and replaced by a serious-looking, experienced middle-aged nurse. Observing the surrounding medical staff who appeared to be on high alert, Chen Li realized that they had misunderstood his identity

At this moment, Zhang Haoran's phone in his bag rang; it was the driver Liu Shengqiang, who was waiting at the scene for the police to arrive and handle the subsequent matters.

Liu Shengqiang could tell that Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Haoran had known Chen Li for some time and was very concerned about him. Moreover, Zhou Bin and Zhao Yang were classmates of Chen Li, and they thought that they might not need the hollow reputation of being brave and righteous. They were worried about leaving behind clues such as names and contact information, fearing that the carjacker might come looking for revenge after being released from prison

Zhang Haoran's meaning is very clear, there is nothing going on now, I will certainly remember your good intentions regarding the money, I have something to attend to and need to leave, I don't have time to discuss this in detail with you today, shouldn't you also be leaving?

As soon as Zhang Haoran finished speaking, Gao Weiguo immediately stood up and said: "I have already arranged for the patient’s ward; they will be observed in the hospital for a few days. Our medical facilities here are among the best in the province, and we also have the most renowned orthopedic specialists in the province. Secretary Zhang can rest assured." He then led the way, guiding everyone towards the inpatient department.

The hospital room assigned to Chen Li is located on the third floor. Upon entering, there is a spacious reception area, featuring understated yet luxurious leather sofas arranged on either side of a marble coffee table. Further inside, there is a sturdy and antique office desk, and behind it stands a large solid wood bookshelf.

From the moment he received the call from Secretary Liao, Gao Weiguo immediately notified the emergency room to prepare for the reception. Although Gao Weiguo enjoys a deputy division-level status within the municipal health and medical system, the addition of the word "deputy" means he is one rank lower and must act according to the wishes of others, thus he had to personally step in and make an appearance

He originally thought he was going to have an X-ray, but was directly sent to the CT room. Chen Li felt quite helpless as he was placed on the CT machine amidst the hustle and bustle. Feeling fatigued, he simply closed his eyes to rest while they went about their procedures.

It was confirmed that Chen Li only sustained some superficial injuries, and Zhang Haoran also let out a sigh of relief

Liu Shengqiang called to seek Zhang Haoran's opinion

Due to being cut by a knife, the wound is elongated. Although the gaping cut has mostly stopped bleeding, it was also dragged a bit by a car. Therefore, after simply wrapping a few layers of gauze, Chen Li was once again placed on the hospital bed

Qian Wanli escorted Zhang Haoran out of the hospital room, instructing the driver to ensure that Zhang Haoran was taken to the city

I had thought I would be assigned to stay on the first floor, but I was taken directly to the end of the corridor, where there was surprisingly an elevator hidden. Seeing the astonished expressions of everyone, Gao Weiguo also revealed a hint of satisfaction on his face: "The facilities are quite complete"

Each time the disinfectant cotton ball wiped the bloodstains from Chen Li's arm, the middle-aged nurse would glance up at Chen Li. Even the slightest tremor would prompt her to immediately stop her cleaning work and hurriedly inquire about Chen Li's feelings

Zhou Bin and Zhao Yang are still unaware of Zhang Haoran's background; upon seeing the luxurious state of the hospital room, they cannot help but be astonished

Zhang Haoran's thoughts shifted slightly as he said, "Very well, then I will trouble you, Old Qian. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first"

Although Zhang Haoran is the Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, he is not an ordinary figure; more importantly, they do not know who has been injured

Gao Weiguo hurriedly arrived at the scene, already struggling to stand. He kept giving subtle signals to the emergency room director standing nearby. In such a situation, the emergency room director could only quietly nod, drenched in sweat, occasionally glancing back at the fully prepared medical staff behind him

At this moment, in the surveillance room just a wall away, the atmosphere began to ease slightly

Qian Wanli quickly got up and said, "Secretary Zhang, have something to eat, you must be hungry at this time."

Moreover, when Zhou Bin acted against the carjacker who had lost the ability to resist, he struck particularly hard a few more times. At that moment, the extent of the carjacker's injuries had not yet been assessed. To avoid any unnecessary entanglements that might arise later, Liu Shengqiang felt it was unnecessary to mention Chen Li and Zhou Bin to the police, stating that they were merely bystanders acting in the interest of justice. Most of the people had already dispersed, and it was sufficient to leave a few witnesses to assist in the case filing.

Zhang Haoran felt a stir in his heart, thinking that even though Qian Wanli was facing some difficulties at this time, he was already in his forties and should be considered accomplished. At this moment, repeatedly approaching him like this would not be something an ordinary person could endure with such patience.

Outside the small building, there are three flights of steps leading up to a typical 1990s style wooden-framed glass sliding door. Although the style is outdated, the spotless glass and the gleaming door paint indicate that it is regularly maintained.

Zhang Haoran raised his hand to check the time; it was nearly 3 o'clock. There were many matters that could not be delayed. He said, "There is a meeting this afternoon that I must attend. You are lying here now, and I will come back in the evening if I have time. Don't go running around."