Chapter 291: Chapter 291

The emergency department had a calm night yesterday. There were three patients involved in fights, and the most severe injury was a forehead wound requiring five stitches, which wasn’t a big deal.

After Liu Banxia got up in the morning, he changed into a new white coat. Today was the day his parents were coming for a check-up, so he had to look presentable.

Upon arriving at the emergency department, his parents took a careful look around and were somewhat disappointed. The place didn’t seem very large; in fact, it looked less spacious than the hall in the county hospital.

"Mom, you and Dad can have your blood drawn here first, then have some breakfast. Afterwards, we can proceed with the other tests using medical equipment. Everything should be done by the end of the morning," Liu Banxia explained.

"Alright. Make sure to thank Qiaoqiao properly. She took us to many places yesterday," Peng Xiuqin said.

"Auntie, there’s no need to be so formal with me," Qiaoqiao replied with a grin.

"You two became such good friends so quickly? Impressive. Mom, let me introduce you. This is Shi Lei, and this is Sister Wang, our head nurse. They’ve been looking after me since I came to the Second Hospital," Liu Banxia began the introductions.

"And there’s Zhou Li, whom I often mention to you. She’s on the night shift, so she’s not here right now. She often brings me stewed pork bones, and they’re just as good as what you’d get in a restaurant."

"Thank you all. This boy of mine can be quite impetuous sometimes and often causes us worry," Peng Xiuqin quickly responded.

"Auntie, please don’t say that. Dr. Liu takes good care of us here in the emergency department," Shi Lei said with a smile.

"Yes, Banxia is really great," Wang Ying chimed in.

Hearing this, Peng Xiuqin felt very pleased; her son was being praised.

"Dandan, you’re free this morning, right? I’ll leave my parents in your care; you’ll accompany them for the rest of their check-ups," Liu Banxia said, looking at Xu Dan.

"Consider it done!" Xu Dan replied, her round face looking very serious.

"There’s no need. We can manage by ourselves. Why would we need someone to accompany us?" Liu Qingdong, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

He was worried his son was abusing his authority. If his superiors found out, he’d be in trouble, wouldn’t he?

"Uncle, it’s okay! Dr. Liu takes good care of me. I’ll draw your blood," Xu Dan said cheerfully.

In fact, this level of "special treatment" really wasn’t much. The emergency department didn’t have many patients at the moment, so the staff had plenty of free time. Liu Banxia’s parents were having their check-ups without jumping the queue, which showed they were already following the rules.

"How about you? Don’t you want a round of tests? At the very least, you should have a colonoscopy, right?" Liu Banxia asked Qiaoqiao.

Qiaoqiao glared at him. "Why are you so fixated on my intestines? Where’s the patient Brother Qu brought in? I’m going to check on him."

"He’s upstairs; you can go by yourself. When you get back, figure out how much it cost, and I’ll transfer the money to you," Liu Banxia said.

"How much could it possibly be? Do you need to fuss over it so much?" Qiaoqiao retorted, then headed directly to the second floor.

Liu Banxia shook his head helplessly. Qiaoqiao’s personality was very hard to grasp; you never really knew what she actually cared about.

Just as Liu Banxia was stretching lazily, he froze. He saw Lu Gang walking over from the waiting lobby. I’m probably going to hear some very bad news today, he thought with an inward sigh.

"Dr. Liu, I’m back," Lu Gang said, forcing a smile.

"Sit down. How did the new test results turn out?" Liu Banxia asked.

"I’ve given up. It’s still not responding to treatment. I don’t want to spend the money just to suffer more," Lu Gang said, his expression surprisingly calm.

For a moment, Liu Banxia didn’t know what to say. Any words of comfort would seem so pale at this moment.

"Dr. Liu, don’t feel sorry for me. Everyone has their time to be born and their day to die; I’m just leaving a bit earlier," Lu Gang said with a smile.

"I came here this time because there’s something I need to ask of you. It’s about Tiggie, whom I mentioned last time. You said there was a good family. Since I can still get around, could they take Tiggie now?"

Liu Banxia nodded. "They’ve seen Tiggie’s video, and the whole family really likes him. Don’t you want him to stay with you a little longer?"

"He can’t stay with me anymore. Tiggie is very perceptive; he’s been listless and unwell lately. He’s been with me for two years. What’s the point of keeping him tied to me any longer?" Lu Gang shook his head.

"Dr. Liu, I won’t say thank you anymore. It’s useless even if I do. At most, I have about three months left. I want to ask, when I’m really about to go, can I come to your hospital? I just want it to be less painful when I die."

"Okay, that’s no problem," Liu Banxia nodded.

"Today is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time, Dr. Liu. Can they take him tonight? I’ll go to the market later to buy some meat for Tiggie and make him one last meal," Lu Gang said.

"As for his little toys and things, I won’t send them over with him. I plan to put them in my urn later; that way, it’ll be like Tiggie is still with me."

"Alright, I’ll contact them now," Liu Banxia said, standing up immediately.

As a doctor, one becomes accustomed to life and death. However, hearing Lu Gang speak so calmly about his final arrangements, Liu Banxia also felt a lump in his throat.

He sent a message to Qiu Mingyuan, briefly explaining the situation. Qiu Mingyuan replied quickly, saying it was no problem; he could take leave from his evening self-study session.

When Liu Banxia turned back, he saw Lu Gang was already walking out. He wanted to call out to him, but the words wouldn’t come.

"What’s wrong?" Shi Lei asked, approaching him.

"Sigh... it’s nothing, really. Sometimes, I just feel our lives are so fragile. It was early-stage lymphoma, but two rounds of chemotherapy had no effect because he wasn’t sensitive to the drugs, and now it has already metastasized," Liu Banxia said listlessly, slumping into his chair.

Shi Lei patted his shoulder, also unable to offer any comforting words.

Early-stage cancer patients do have a certain cure rate, but it’s just a rate, not a guarantee that everyone will be cured. This is especially true for lymphoma, as the lymphatic system spreads throughout the body, making treatment extremely difficult.

"Boss," Liu Banxia asked Shi Lei, "if I hadn’t diagnosed him back then, could he have lived happily for this period? Even if it developed slowly, he could have at least happily lived for another seven or eight months, or even more than a year, right?"

"Who can say for sure? Cancer can sometimes progress exponentially," Shi Lei said.

"Even if the chemotherapy stimulated the cancer cells, our intentions were good. We can’t let one case make us think negatively."

"If everyone gave up on treatment, there wouldn’t be so many success stories. You’re a chief resident now; can’t you understand something this simple? Isn’t that embarrassing?"

Liu Banxia nodded honestly. "It is quite embarrassing, but I still can’t help thinking about it."

Shi Lei felt helpless. He’s really getting hung up on this, he thought. But many doctors have moments when they get bogged down .

Liu Banxia’s diagnosis was standard, and the oncology department’s chemotherapy regimen was also a standard form of treatment. Everyone’s goal was to get the patient’s cancer under control.

However, the patient proved unresponsive to the chemotherapy drugs, which, in turn, seemed to accelerate the cancer’s progression. This burdened Liu Banxia with guilt, making him feel as if he were the cause of it all.

This feeling was sometimes even more agonizing than losing a patient on the operating table.

He had experienced it before and knew exactly how it felt.

"Giving up on treatment might be for the best; at least he won’t have to suffer anymore," Liu Banxia said, stretching lazily.

"When I first met him, he was such a cheerful and optimistic young man, and in good shape too. It was only because I scared him a bit that he got the rabies vaccine and underwent the examination."

"And look at him now, after such a short time. He’s so thin there’s hardly any flesh left on his bones, and he’s lost most of his hair. Continuing treatment would only mean more suffering."

"I’ve arranged for his dog to go to the Qiu Family. Let Tiggie enjoy the good things in this world on his behalf, to live out the days Lu Gang won’t get to experience."

"The Qiu Family doesn’t mind?" Shi Lei asked.

Liu Banxia shook his head. "Not in the slightest. Even though President Qiu’s family has a large business and pays attention to things like feng shui, they all feel Tiggie is a good dog, one that will bring good fortune to their home."

"When I sent them the video, the whole family fell in love with him. President Qiu even built a doghouse with Ming Yuan. Though I suspect Tiggie probably won’t actually live outside; it’s more for the novelty of it."

"That’s good. I was worried they might have accepted him reluctantly, just to do you a favor," Shi Lei said, relieved.

People in business often have many particular rules and beliefs. Even if Tiggie is a good, obedient dog, not many families would be willing to take him in, considering Lu Gang’s situation.

The fact that the Qiu Family isn’t bothered by it is already excellent. It fulfills Lu Gang’s wish and also brings joy to the Qiu Family.

"Alright, I won’t dwell on it anymore. Can you cover for me for a bit tonight? I still need to handle Tiggie’s handover," Liu Banxia said.

"Sure, go ahead. You should spend some time with your parents too. It’s a rare visit for them, and things aren’t too busy here right now," Shi Lei agreed.

"I wouldn’t dare. Too many eyes are watching me right now. I’m afraid if I make one wrong step, someone will find fault," Liu Banxia said with a bitter smile.

"You and Brother Xu should hurry up and pick a house. The discounts are really good this month. Don’t worry about other things; finding a house you’re happy with is the most important thing."

Shi Lei nodded. "We’ve narrowed it down to three housing communities. Want to give me some advice?" Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel•fire.net

"Don’t ask me. Wait until Sister Li comes in for her shift tonight and talk to her. I don’t know anything about this stuff, but Sister Li has researched it thoroughly," Liu Banxia said.

"But as long as the developer is reputable, the community environment seems good, and there are schools nearby, I think that’s fine. I’ll worry about all that when I’m ready to buy a house myself."

"Alright, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Anyone in this situation would feel down, but I’m over it now. If you keep hovering, I’ll get embarrassed," Liu Banxia said.

Shi Lei shook his head helplessly. This kid... it would be best if he genuinely weren’t affected. But this matter will probably weigh on him for at least the next few days.