The child’s limbs were gradually warming, and they had transitioned from deep coma and lethargy to mild irritability, even coughing up phlegm.
After arriving in critical condition, the child had endured over two days of respiratory failure, multiple instances of respiratory arrest, and dangerous drops in body temperature. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the medical team, the child was finally out of danger.
Exhaustion was palpable among all the doctors, and even the directors who had been mere bystanders looked utterly drained. The mental strain had proven far more taxing than physical exertion.
Seeing the child stabilize, Li Runyu felt a complicated mix of emotions.
Gao Yuan approached him and asked, “Do you regret it?”
Li Runyu froze, unsure how to answer.
Gao Yuan sighed softly and walked past him without waiting for a reply.
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The subsequent meeting was noticeably lighter in tone. With the success of saving this critically ill child, resistance toward integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine significantly diminished.
The results spoke for themselves. Without Western medical techniques, such as life-support measures, TCM practitioners would have struggled to address the child’s recurring respiratory arrests. Conversely, the effectiveness of TCM’s Shengfu Decoction had proven vital in turning the tide, likely saving the child from an untimely death the previous day.
During the meeting, Wang Hanzhang affirmed the value of this collaboration, encouraging the team to document their experiences thoroughly.
The county hospital staff were thrilled. Compared to city hospitals, they lagged in both equipment and expertise. Yet, they had successfully treated a patient even the city hospital could not save. It was a morale-boosting achievement, eroding preconceptions and fostering willingness to collaborate with TCM practitioners.
The integration of the two approaches hinted at a promising synergy, one that might rival or even surpass city hospitals.
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Gao Yuan presented his notes from the previous night, outlining his reflections on adenovirus pneumonia, the phases of the disease, and corresponding prescriptions. He also provided a framework for integrating TCM and Western medicine in rescuing critically ill patients.
Wang Hanzhang was impressed. “If everyone worked like Gao Yuan, my job would be much easier,” he remarked.
As the meeting concluded, the clinic directors prepared to return to their respective sites. Before leaving, they all gave Gao Yuan a complicated look.
Gao Yuan, in turn, clasped his hands together respectfully.
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The others nodded, saying nothing, and left one by one.
Yan Qiao lingered for a moment before departing as well.
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Gao Yuan returned to the county hospital and stopped Li Runyu, who was preparing to leave. “Dr. Li.”
“Hm?” Li Runyu turned to look at him.
“You heard the discussion during the meeting, right? Critically ill children will be sent to the county hospital for integrated treatment. Dr. Li, the responsibility now falls to you,” Gao Yuan said.
“Aren’t you staying in the county?” Li Runyu asked.
“As I mentioned before, I’ll be spending most of my time in Zhangzhuang. The county’s burden will need you to shoulder,” Gao Yuan replied.
Behind them, Shen Congyun glanced toward the hospital courtyard, where staff were dismantling equipment to be transported to Zhangzhuang. Gao Yuan’s plan for combating adenovirus pneumonia revolved around two main battlegrounds: Zhangzhuang Clinic in the countryside and the county hospital.
While Gao Yuan would personally oversee Zhangzhuang, the county hospital required a capable TCM leader. From his gaze, it was clear Gao Yuan intended to entrust this responsibility to Li Runyu.
Realizing Gao Yuan was serious, Li Runyu nodded solemnly. “Thank you for your trust, Dr. Gao. I’ll do my utmost!”
“There will be many critically ill children sent here…” Gao Yuan began.
“I’ll do everything in my power to save those who can be saved!” Li Runyu interrupted passionately.
“And those who can’t be saved?” Gao Yuan pressed.
Li Runyu faltered, unsure how to respond.
Gao Yuan fixed him with a penetrating stare.
The intensity of that gaze unsettled Li Runyu. It felt as though Gao Yuan had seen through him, uncovering the unspoken rule he lived by: avoiding patients with less than a 60% chance of survival.
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Gao Yuan reached for a blank sheet of paper and dipped a brush in ink. He placed a single dot on the paper, then set the brush down.
“Dr. Li, what do you see?”
Li Runyu examined the paper. “An ink dot.”
“And do you know what I see?” Gao Yuan asked.
Li Runyu hesitated.
“I see a vast expanse of white around it,” Gao Yuan said.
Li Runyu was taken aback.
Shen Congyun blinked in confusion. Since when did Commissar Gao start speaking like a Zen master?
“Do you know why I shared my knowledge of high-dose Wutou and Aconite usage with you?” Gao Yuan continued.
Li Runyu shook his head.
“Because I’ve never considered you a rival,” Gao Yuan replied. “My focus has never been limited to the county level.”
Li Runyu froze, stung by the implication. Did this mean he wasn’t even worthy of being Gao Yuan’s opponent? A mix of shame and anger welled up within him.
Gao Yuan picked up the paper and said, “If you only fixate on this single ink dot, you’ll never see the broader blank canvas. I remember when you were the best doctor in the county during my youth. Years have passed, and you still hold that title. But I hope, by the time I reach middle age, you’ll have surpassed even that.”
Li Runyu was speechless.
Gao Yuan handed him the paper. “When I first began studying medicine, you were my benchmark. I hope you’ll continue to be so in the future.”
Instinctively, Li Runyu reached for the paper but hesitated halfway.
“No one is born the best doctor in the county, nor does anyone remain the best in the city or province forever,” Gao Yuan said firmly. “Dr. Li, you started from nothing. Have you lost the courage that once drove you?”
Li Runyu stood there, stunned. Images of his younger, more determined self flashed through his mind—the tenacity that had propelled him to become the county’s best. Yet now, in clinging to his reputation, he had grown cautious and timid.
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Gao Yuan raised the paper. “Today, I entrust you with the care of half the county’s critically ill children. Dr. Li, will you reclaim the fearlessness of your youth? Dr. Li, your future should not end here. Can I count on you?”
Shen Congyun also turned to look at Li Runyu.
Li Runyu’s breathing quickened, and his trembling hand finally clenched the paper. He met Gao Yuan’s gaze with renewed determination. “Dr. Gao, I hope one day, I’ll once again become your benchmark.”
Gao Yuan smiled. “I look forward to it.”