Surgery Godfather-Chapter 566 - 514: The Moon Over the Sea

Human nature is universal. This father may be mute, and Doctor Yang may not have exchanged even a single sentence with him.

However, from his gaze, Dr. Yang could understand -- like most other fathers, he deeply loved his son. The whole world could abandon his child, but he never would.

Otherwise, he would not have risked his life, crossing deserts and war zones, even when his wife had already lost her life in the process.

He agreed very much with Professor Li Zehui’s statement.

Everyone has the right to pursue a bestowed right to life, and the existence of doctors is to help people realize this inherent right.

"Please trust us, no matter the outcome, we will give it our all!"

Dr. Yang encouraged the child’s father.

The man’s gaze fell on Dr. Yang once again. He didn’t speak, or make any gestures, he just looked at Dr. Yang, expressing his gratitude through his eyes.

Or perhaps he was trying to remember the face of this unfamiliar doctor and that was it.

The preparation for the surgery needed to be more comprehensive. Marshall was in charge of this task, and the surgery was scheduled for the third day - the eve of the Chinese New Year.

The perfusionist and anesthesiologist had already come from Cleveland. Their services were voluntary this time and they did not charge any fee.

For the success of the surgery, Professor Li Zehui mobilized all the best resources at his disposal.

Waiting can sometimes seem boring but in the coming time, Professor Li Zehui arranged many activities to relax their bodies and minds, such as having barbecued meat and drinks on a yacht.

As one of the world’s top cardiac surgeons, his income could easily support his luxurious lifestyle.

His surgical services are very expensive around the world unless it’s for charity.

On the yacht, Professor Li Zehui hired a team of chefs to prepare the ingredients. Fresh lamb sizzled on the grill, wafting an irresistible aroma for all around.

There was no alcohol, just cola and juice.

But it did not hinder everyone from enjoying the delicious food. Apart from Professor Li Zehui, there were also several American and local Saudi doctors, including the Korean one.

Brin hadn’t been invited, but he took the initiative to ask Professor Li Zehui if he could attend this private yacht party.

Of course, Dodge and Melvin Mason wouldn’t be invited. Professor Li Zehui didn’t want to dampen his guests’ moods.

Dr. Yang was a meat lover, particularly fond of beef and lamb, so he feasted freely. He thought that being overly modest with food, letting oneself go hungry, was a foolish thing to do.

When dusk fell, the moon rose above the sea. The yacht was anchored offshore, where the air carried a faint salty taste. The atmosphere was excellent.

They discussed the details of the surgery while enjoying the barbecue. Work and life could find harmony in moments like this, even if the cost seemed rather significant.

Professor Li Zehui was a fifth-generation Chinese American. His ancestors came to the United States as laborers during the Qing Dynasty to seek a living. They were part of many U.S. railway constructions.

While his ancestors did manual labor, they highly valued education. Each generation spared no expense to provide the best education for their descendants.

By the time of Professor Li Zehui’s father, education had already changed their destiny.

When it came to Professor Li Zehui, he had been able to attend Stanford to study medicine.

The efforts of several generations, climbing step by step were not easy.

In Professor Li Zehui’s generation, they’ve become completely westernized, essentially the so-called "bananas."

Professor Li Zehui chose Chinese as an elective in college, not because his ancestors were from China, but because he foresaw that China would rapidly develop and become a significant pole in the world. Mastering Chinese was necessary.

However, he did not do well learning Chinese, and even now, he could not pronounce several sounds correctly.

After discussing the details of the surgery, Professor Li Zehui started introducing Dr. Yang to Saudi Arabia’s medical conditions.

Saudi Arabia is a feudalist autarchy, but it’s incredibly stable, primarily due to its oil and wealth, which benefits the citizens.

Their wealth makes things easier, and their healthcare system is splendid. Not only do they nurture numerous high-level local doctors, but they also spend lavishly to invite renowned doctors from Europe and America for consultations and teaching.

Saudi Arabian hospitals are divided into public and private hospitals.

At public hospitals, as long as you have Saudi nationality, all hospital expenses are free, including all check-ups and treatments. Food is also complimentary, as are toiletries.

Private hospitals, on the other hand, are profit-oriented and require either self-payment or commercial insurance to cover expenses.

Neighboring Yemen is not so fortunate, with daily conflicts forcing the common people to live a bitter life.

"Dr. Yang, the first time I watched you performing surgery, I was deeply shocked and my understanding of surgical limits was completely upended. At that time, I thought no one could perform that operation, but you accomplished it easily. So, when encountering this patient, I immediately thought of you. I was initially worried you would refuse, but to my surprise, you agreed readily. Thank you, my compatriot! ’The bright moon is rising above the sea, everyone faraway enjoys the same moment’! Let’s toast!" Professor Li Zehui toasted Dr. Yang with iced soda.

Dr. Yang was speechless. This poetic Tang verse was completely changed in flavour when spoken in English by Professor Li Zehui. He waved: "If we could afford to wait, I would not want to rush. However, the young lad cannot wait. The more we delay, the greater the surgery’s risk."

Stick to normal conversation, don’t suddenly produce half-baked Tang poetry, Dr. Yang thought to himself.

"My fellow countryman! Come, have some dates. They are rich in vitamins."

Professor Li Zehui had introduced Dr. Yang to Brin but Dr. Yang was deep in conversation with Professor Li Zehui initially, so Brin hadn’t got a word in. Now he found an opportunity to chat with Dr. Yang, offering him a few dates.

The overused appellation ’compatriot’ made Dr. Yang feel both amused and helpless.

This term actually came from the Korean, who was now around the grill, one of Professor Li Zehui’s valued guests.

At that time, Professor Li Zehui could not find a suitable Chinese adviser and resorted to this Korean. This guy knew nothing, had never been to China, but to please Professor Li Zehui, he shamelessly claimed he had relatives in Northeast China and frequented China, proclaiming himself an expert on China.

Professor Li Zehui trusted him deeply, wondering how best to address Yang Ping, a title that could promote their relationship and reflect their cooperative alliance.

The South Korean doctor replied, "Fellow-townsman!"

Fellow-townsman!

Thinking about how, in the next few days, people of different skin colors from various countries would call him ’fellow-townsman’, made Yang Ping feel uneasy.

"After the surgery, let’s go camping in the desert. We need a thorough relaxation, my nerves are too tense, I believe you must feel the same, excited yet tense. Aming! Is the convoy ready?"

Professor Li Zehui was indeed feeling a mixture of excitement and tension, a sentiment he believed Yang Ping must share.

Aming, a student of Professor Li Zehui and a local Saudi doctor, gave an OK gesture, signaling that the diesel Land Cruiser convoy was ready, with guides, logistics, and security teams all set.

Li Zehui dared not stay out too late, fearful it would disturb Yang Ping’s rest.

At ten o’clock in the evening, the yacht docked and Yang Ping returned to the hotel to rest.

——

"Bro! I heard you’re at the IMC Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia right now?"

That was a call from Robert, a junior alumnus.

Dodge frowned and reluctantly admitted, "Yes, I’ve been there for a few days."

"Great! Have a fencing match. It’s been a long time since our last duel, I am arriving tomorrow. Ready for a serious contest this time?"

Robert was absolutely thrilled on the phone.

Good heavens!

Dodge almost hung up the phone in frustration. One of the people he detested the most was Robert. Intensely proud, Dodge felt an inferiority complex in Robert’s presence that had taken root during their student days.

Dodge hailed from the Northeast of the United States, often insisting he was a quintessential American. Blessed with a high IQ, he was excellent at everything, be it fencing, football, or boxing; he was the pride of the heavens, sweeping all competitions from elementary to high school.

Even during his four years in the College of Engineering, he was among the most outstanding stars, an all-around handsome guy with an academic halo.

This experience fostered his arrogant character.

But at Harvard Medical School, he met Robert, who was in the same class with him. His unbeaten streak was broken. It seemed that Robert was born his nemesis, destined to defeat his lonely heart.

In football, he lost to Robert’s team, a team Robert led as the captain.

In boxing, he was KO’d by Robert in the championship at a school competition.

In fencing, he was consistently suppressed by Robert.

For the four years of college, he remained second place.

Robert seemed to always exude energy, forever victorious. Dodge was most reluctant to encounter Robert, yet he did so on a regular basis.

At least after graduation, he didn’t have to face him, as Dodge went to Cleveland to specialize in cardiac surgery while Robert, following in his father’s footsteps, went to New York for special surgery, specializing in sports medicine.

The two brightest stars of their year at Harvard, each shone brilliantly in their respective fields.

Recently, Dodge heard that Robert, much like someone with a life cheat, had achieved numerous remarkable successes in his professional field.

This trend was suppressing Dodge again!

Although their respective fields differed, Robert was always a thorn in Dodge’s side. He always wanted to shake Robert off, to defeat him once.

Dodge and Robert were like a mix of love and hate.

"You there, bro? Get ready! My fencing skills have improved again. Be careful."

Over the phone came Robert’s exhilarated voice.

"Don’t get cocky too soon. I have been improving too, and I will win this time."

Dodge cut off the call.

Robert was very familiar with Saudi Arabia, having been invited to perform surgeries for royal family members. He had once driven an off-road vehicle across the desert, enjoying the sense of adventure it brought.

"Hey! Why did you hang up on me? I wasn’t done talking."

Robert called again.

Although the two were rivals, having competed throughout their four years of college, they were also close friends.

"Spit it out if you have something to say, and let it rip if you’re farting!"

Dodge really wanted to hurl an insult at the phone, but he dared not. This guy would surely outdo him with more biting words.

"I mean, we’ve got to wager something, right? Let me think about it. I haven’t figured it out yet, we’ll talk about it when we meet."

Robert hung up the phone himself.

This arrogant guy, Dodge seethed, yearning to win, but unable to. How distressing!