Surgery Godfather
Chapter 872 - 774 The World Changes So Fast_2

Chapter 872: Chapter 774 The World Changes So Fast_2

A routine health check-up in junior high revealed a problem. After listening with his stethoscope, the doctor said, "There’s an issue with your heart. I’ll write you a referral and have your parents take you to a big hospital for a check-up. You should really go to a hospital in the Provincial City. The hospitals in our town or county definitely won’t suffice. Make sure you go, don’t delay."

The doctor repeatedly urged the child and the homeroom teacher to take this seriously and to remember to inform the parents.

The homeroom teacher, taking initiative, not only passed on the doctor’s message but also printed out a notice which he personally delivered to Teng Xinmei’s home, giving it to her parents.

Her father, Teng Shaokui, seeing the teacher so concerned, felt his daughter might indeed have a real problem and wasn’t just being lazy about doing farm work, so he took it seriously.

"What sickness? I think she’s just being lazy and wants to shirk her duties," Teng Xinmei’s mother, Zeng Cuiling, grumbled on and on.

Squatting at the doorway and taking a few puffs of his water pipe, Teng Shaokui said, "I’m afraid she might really be ill. She’s already fourteen. When I have a chance, I’ll take her for a check-up. We can’t neglect the child’s health."

"During the busy farming season, who has time for check-ups, and even at hospitals in the Provincial City? Do you think it’s free?" Zeng Cuiling was unwilling.

"A few days’ delay in farm work won’t matter, but we can’t neglect the child," Teng Shaokui said, puffing on his water pipe. He felt a mix of fear and regret. Despite Teng Xinmei’s frail health, she was obedient and studied hard, always scoring well. The homeroom teacher had visited several times, insisting she continue her education beyond middle school, as she could certainly get into a good university.

Yet, given their financial situation at home, there was no money for high school. The consensus in the village was to find work after middle school graduation, and Zeng Cuiling thought the same.

"How much money do you even have in your wallet? Don’t you know your own finances, and yet you want to go to a big hospital in the Provincial City?" Zeng Cuiling was very angry.

With no choice but to grin and bear it, Teng Shaokui said apologetically, "Our daughter is old enough now. After graduating from junior high, she can go out and work to earn money. Seeing a doctor won’t cost much."

"You’re daydreaming. It won’t cost much? You’re always cooped up in the mountains and have no idea. In those big city hospitals, money flows like water. Even selling this ramshackle house wouldn’t cover a day’s medical expenses. My second brother fell at work and fractured his spine; it cost him over a hundred thousand in the Provincial City, and he still can’t do any heavy lifting now. We can’t go. We can go to the town hospital, or at most to the county one."

Teng Shaokui, getting angry, shouted, "Money, money, money, that’s all you think about! Whose child is this, ours! Are you even her mother? I’ll decide on this. We’re going to the Provincial City. The doctors already said we need to go to a big hospital and not delay."

"Da Kui, are you going against me today?" Zeng Cuiling had never seen Teng Shaokui lash out at her like this; usually, even if she berated him right to his face, he would keep silent.

"Yes, I’m going against you! What about it? I’ve decided. Help me pack some clothes; I’m taking the child to the Provincial City," Teng Shaokui stood up, knocked his pipe forcefully against the door frame, snapping the bamboo shaft in two.

Zeng Cuiling was first startled, then collapsed to the ground: "You, Teng Shaokui, are a tyrant. My life is so miserable, having married into your Teng family---"

Teng Xinmei and her younger brother, witnessing this scene, hid in the inner room, not daring to come out. But this behavior from their mom was nothing new to them.

When the father went inside, Teng Xinmei timidly approached and said to him, "Dad, let’s not go see the doctor. I’m fine."

"What do you know, girl? Don’t listen to her. Dad is making preparations; we’ll head to the Provincial City in a few days."

And so, Teng Shaokui took his daughter to the Provincial City, but once there, he was at a loss for which hospital was best.

Although Teng Shaokui had spent most of his life in the hills, he had worked on construction sites and had some experience.

Clinging to the money hidden inside his clothes, he asked his way to the provincial government, and from there, he inquired at the Security Room by the government building about which hospital was good for treating serious conditions.

He figured the security at the provincial government wouldn’t lie to him. It was more reliable than asking random people on the street.

The security staff at the provincial government was very helpful, not only saying where to seek medical treatment but also advising on where to find affordable lodging, along with some other tips.

The security pointed out several hospitals, saying Nandu Affiliated Hospital One and Fuer were among the top, and then mentioned that Sanbo Hospital was also strong, particularly the Comprehensive Surgery Department, which was capable of treating serious illnesses. An acquaintance with a severely bent spine had been straightened out there and was now doing well.

Thus, Teng Shaokui brought his daughter to Sanbo Hospital, to the Comprehensive Surgery Department.

---

The next morning, the father and daughter arrived at the Comprehensive Surgery Department’s outpatient clinic. The clinic hadn’t opened yet, so they waited outside.

Professor Cao, upon arriving for work, saw the father and daughter: "You’re here. Come on in. I’ve already discussed with the inpatient department colleagues. You definitely need surgery, which carries a fairly high risk, and you’ll need to stay in the hospital for about two weeks."

"Can it be cured, Professor?" asked Teng Shaokui tentatively.

Professor Cao nodded, "It was discovered a bit late, but at this age, it’s still manageable. If everything goes smoothly, she can study, work, get married, and live a normal life in the future."

Hearing that it could be cured, Teng Shaokui felt much more relieved. Then, timidly, he asked, "How much will the entire surgery and hospital stay cost?"

Professor Cao thought for a moment, "That’s difficult to say. It’s not like buying something with a fixed price. Your case is serious. Radiofrequency ablation won’t be sufficient; you’ll need open-heart surgery, which will roughly cost a hundred thousand. The New Rural Cooperative Medical system can cover part of it, but the reimbursement rate is quite low. You can inquire with our medical insurance department for specifics."

A hundred thousand!

Teng Shaokui had only brought a little over ten thousand, which was all the savings the family had.

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