Chapter 258: 259 May your future be as bright as brocade
The trouble with this type of illness is the initial syndrome differentiation.
If the syndrome differentiation is unclear, all efforts will be futile.
However, as long as the syndrome differentiation is correct, the only remaining factors are the level of medication and the duration of treatment.
Therefore, today's follow-up consultation, from the moment Du Heng entered until it concluded, lasted only about ten minutes. This was unlike the initial consultation, which involved syndrome differentiation, prescribing medicine, and explanations, taking over half an hour.
As the follow-up consultation concluded and everyone was preparing to leave, Du Heng suddenly called out to the patient, "Let's schedule the next follow-up for Friday. I have something on Wednesday and Thursday next week, so I won't be available."
The patient considered it and, finding no issue, agreed. "Doctor Du, you only prescribed seven days' worth of medicine for me this time. For the two days next week that are uncovered, should I continue taking medicine?"
"There's no need; skipping two days is fine. After the follow-up on Friday, I'll prescribe more medicine for you." Du Heng said with a slight smile, "Don't worry about not having medicine to take. Instead, you should prepare for long-term treatment. You'll need to take Chinese herbal medicine for at least two months before your condition can be considered resolved."
"Thank you, Doctor Du. As long as it cures my illness, I'm willing to drink it for a whole year."
As they spoke, the three of them walked out of the Reception Room. The daughter, who had been waiting by the door, saw Du Heng and the others emerge and eagerly approached, mobile phone in hand.
However, Du Heng's firm attitude earlier made her hesitant to question him directly, so she turned to her mother, "Mom, how did it go?"
The patient herself was quite averse to her daughter filming with the mobile phone, but having heard it could earn money, she tolerated it. "Doctor Du said I'm recovering, and that matches how I feel."
After these two sentences, the patient fell silent. She really couldn't get used to someone filming her with a mobile phone, not even her own daughter.
Seeing her mother's reluctance to speak further, the daughter didn't dare press. But with messages continuously scrolling on her mobile phone screen, she had to brace herself and ask Du Heng, "Doctor Du, when will my mom get better?"
Du Heng frowned. Setting aside the impoliteness of filming him with a mobile phone, the question itself was rather amateurish.
However, he decided to address it, considering it a way to instruct the family. "Your mother's condition is improving, but her smoking habit is slowing down her recovery. Once you're home, as her daughter, you must diligently supervise her and ensure she stops smoking completely."
Just as he was about to turn and leave, Du Heng paused, then added, "Your mother should undergo one more course of treatment, after which her condition should show significant improvement. But, as before, the key is for you to take good care of her. Ensure she doesn't overexert herself, continues with the dietary advice I gave last time, and refrains from smoking and alcohol."
After saying this, Du Heng didn't wait for the girl to ask more questions and walked towards Xu Pinglin, who was approaching from the other direction. He instructed the doctor accompanying him to take the patient and her daughter to get their medicine.
However, he was intercepted by others halfway there.
Ignoring them, Du Heng looked at Xu Pinglin and said, "The follow-up consultation is over."
Xu Pinglin looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, Doctor Du. A few patients who had surgery yesterday were feeling unwell, so I went to check on them and couldn't wait for you."
"Director Xu, you're being too kind."
"Come on, let's go to my office and sit for a while."
Du Heng quickly declined, "No, I can't. I still have unfinished business at the Health Clinic. Besides, the special report is next week, isn't it? I need to prepare thoroughly for that."
Xu Pinglin lightly tapped his forehead. "Ah, I'd forgotten about that! Yes, you should definitely prepare well. When I see you next week, I'll have to call you Director Du."
Du Heng chuckled. "In that case, you might as well call me President Du. That title sounds even grander!"
At this, both men burst into laughter.
"Since you're busy, I won't keep you. Once your professional title is confirmed, I'll treat you to a celebratory meal."
"It's a deal! I'll definitely be looking forward to that meal."
As the two walked side by side out of the Department, Xu Pinglin casually asked, "So, how are your discussions with Li going?"
"Mr. Li's idea is that after I obtain the Deputy Director title, he'll help me with the paperwork. Displaying the Deputy Director title then would be quite impressive."
"That sounds good. By the way, didn't Li mention he wanted to recommend you as a lecturer at their school? Has that been sorted out?"
"No, it's not possible."
"What happened? Can't an Associate Professor like Li manage it?"
"The main issue is the school's strict new rule: lecturers must have a graduate degree. With only a bachelor's, I don't even meet the minimum requirement."
Xu Pinglin found it regrettable. For their university to reject someone of Du Heng's caliber is definitely their loss. If I didn't have teaching responsibilities and held no position at any school, I'd definitely pull Du Heng into our university's TCM Department.
"So, what did Li say?"
"Mr. Li's suggestion is for me to start as his teaching assistant to gain experience. Later, once I've completed a graduate degree, or if an opportunity arises, he'll try to figure out a way to secure a lecturer position for me."
Hearing this, Xu Pinglin couldn't help but admire Li Jianwei. That old boy, Li Jianwei, might have mediocre skills himself, but he's broad-minded, willing to admit his mistakes, and doesn't get hung up on saving face. Moreover, when it comes to Du Heng, he's truly willing to go all out. First, he sought out Du Heng, a doctor from a mere Health Clinic, to conduct consultations at Provincial First Hospital. Then, he brought him in as his teaching assistant, and now he's trying to secure him a lecturer position at the university. Regardless of the outcome, Li Jianwei stands to gain; Du Heng will owe him a significant favor. Of course, this arrangement is also highly advantageous for Du Heng. For medical staff like them, beyond performing their duties well, the ultimate pursuits are often recognition and material gain. While the material benefits from Li Jianwei's arrangements might be negligible, the boost to Du Heng's reputation and social standing is an immeasurable asset.
"Has the time been set?"
"If everything goes smoothly, it should be the week after next."
"In that case, congratulations in advance! We'll officially be colleagues then."
Du Heng smiled happily as well.
Considering the current situation, this arrangement is indeed the best option for me.
On the way back, Du Heng found himself thinking about buying a car again. His heart raced with excitement; he wanted to buy one immediately. He even had a specific model in mind.
However, when he thought about the money in his bank account, he decided to wait a bit longer. He'd buy a car after his June bonus was deposited.
This time, I'm absolutely not asking Wang Shuqiu for her opinion! I'll buy the car first and deal with the consequences later. It's one thing not to buy a house, but I really need to get a new car. As for whether she'll want to skin me alive or cut me to pieces after I buy it, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Worst case, I'll just ask Wei Kaida for some tips on how to smooth things over with her. A little coaxing should do the trick.