Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 565 Treatment
Private rooms on the second floor of the wild game restaurant.

Factory Director Yang picked up the wine bottle and poured the wine. He shook it vigorously at the end, and a drop of the fine wine fell into the seven-tenths full wine glass.

He put down the bottle regretfully. "It's gone."

Chen Fan immediately stood up. "It's okay, I'll go get another bottle."

"Never mind, never mind, never mind."

Factory Director Yang quickly pulled him back and pressed him into a chair, saying, "I can't afford it, I really can't afford it!"

The table was laden with food, and even though everyone ate their fill, more than half was left over. The wine was consumed, the food eaten—Director Yang felt he'd regret it for three years. This meal was way over budget and couldn't be reimbursed; he'd have to pay for it himself, which wouldn't even cover a month's salary—a huge loss!

I absolutely must never invite this kid to dinner again, or at least I must never let him choose the restaurant!
Just then, the driver, who had been sleeping, woke up and took Director Yang's briefcase to pay the bill.

When I came back, I brought a few lunchboxes with me to pack up the leftover food.

They definitely couldn't take the leftovers with them, so they could only give them to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan, carrying a mesh bag containing lunchboxes, followed Factory Director Yang out and asked, "Has this year's graduates not been assigned jobs yet?"

As Director Yang just mentioned, one of the purposes of coming to the provincial capital this time is to ask the higher-level unit for staffing quotas.

These days, every organization has a fixed number of positions available. Temporary workers are one thing, but for all formal positions, including worker positions, administrative positions, and cadre positions, the number of people is determined by the higher-level department.

An organization can have "vacant positions," but it cannot have "excessive staffing." This is because superiors will not recognize the salaries and benefits of positions that are overstaffed. They also cannot use the excuse of temporary workers to cover up the truth, because paying high salaries to people without reason would first and foremost fail to pass the financial review.

Therefore, if Yunqi Factory wanted to add more people, it had to apply for staffing quotas from the Machinery Industry Bureau's staffing department. Without quotas, nothing could be discussed.

A factory like Yunhu Automobile Factory is considered relatively good; you only need to come to the provincial capital. But if it were a ministry-affiliated institution like Jiangnan University, you'd have to go all the way to Beijing to get a permanent position, which would be incredibly troublesome.

Director Yang was already somewhat drunk, and he walked with a swaying gait. He hummed twice and said, "The college entrance examination was only reinstated last year. Now, seventy or eighty percent of the students in colleges and universities have connections. They have to go back to where they came from."

Only a small percentage are recommended by the school, and those who do usually have connections and backgrounds, securing jobs well before graduation.

Hearing this, Chen Fan nodded in deep agreement.

Isn't that how it is with my own little secretary? She was directly assigned to the Writers' Association. As long as she doesn't have too much ambition, she can stay there peacefully until retirement. Not only are the benefits high, but everyone will also look up to her when she goes out into the world!

A complete relative.

In other words, her work attitude and ability are both quite good, making her a "high-quality" among those with connections.

Factory Director Yang continued, "However, although the destinations have been decided, the assigned units can be adjusted as long as the people haven't reported for duty. Also, it's not just college and vocational school students; I want skilled workers, technicians, engineers, and workshop managers!"

He started shaking as he spoke, raising his forehead high, "Although our Yunhu Automobile Factory is not in the provincial capital, it is not far from the provincial capital. During the day, it only takes six or seven hours by bus, and at night, it only takes one night by boat. It is also a unit recognized by the ministry, so its future is clearly visible."

Once I release this news and list out the benefits, believe me, there will be plenty of people asking to transfer to another unit. I might even attract engineers from Jiangnan Automobile Factory, since they're just coasting along there anyway, they might as well come to Yunqi Factory and shine.

Of course, the main focus still needs to be on the Ministry of Machinery Industry's allocation. We used to be a small third-tier city, but now we've become their 'favored son,' so we have to get some assets, right? Hahahaha.

Each time Chen Fan travels between the provincial capital and Yunhu, it only takes about 4 hours, when he drives himself. If he takes a long-distance bus, it would take more than 5 hours, which is considered fast. Under normal circumstances, it would take about 6 hours, and 7 hours would not be too late.

If it rains or snows... then forget about the time, just make it there!
However, for today's workers, this distance is indeed very close.

If there is a transfer order from the superior, let alone a distance of 6 or 7 hours, even 6 or 7 days, one must pack up and set off immediately.

For example, when Wuhan Iron and Steel was being built, Anshan Iron and Steel sent 2900 people at once, nearly 300 of whom were grade 7 and 8 workers. In total, Anshan Iron and Steel sent out 12.5 people to support more than 300 units across the country. It can be said that in old steel plants all over the country, there are people who speak Anshan dialect.

The "eldest son of the Republic's steel industry" not only enjoys the benefits, but also makes significant contributions.

The practice of concentrating personnel to support the production of the new factory is an old tradition of human resource allocation in this era. Yunhu Automobile Factory really needs the support of the Machinery Industry Bureau to put it into mass production as soon as possible.

I wonder how many people Director Yang can "cry" to get?
……

After dropping off Director Yang and the others at the Machinery Bureau's guesthouse, Chen Fan turned the car around and headed back to his unit.

He still has six boxes of wild game delicacies in his hand, and he needs to find someone to share them with.

Although he could finish his meal by himself, his need for food gradually decreased after he started practicing the Taoist skills given to him by Master Zhang. Now he only needs to eat normally like an ordinary person, so there's no need for him to force himself to keep going.

Today I happened to borrow a favor from the gatekeeper, Uncle Xiang. Although it was for the collective good, I dug the hole myself, so I still have to acknowledge this favor.

Let's invite him to dinner. ...It's not that he intentionally invited him to eat leftovers, but it's too formal, and the elderly might not accept it. Besides, people nowadays don't care about that; they only care about the quality of the dishes. If there's meat, it's a good dish, especially with so much game. It's more expensive than a regular banquet, so it's definitely not shameful to bring it out.

After parking his car at the gate, Chen Fan carried the lunchbox into the guardhouse, picked it up and shook it, laughing, "Uncle Xiang, look what this is."

Grandpa Xiang was sitting in a chair reading the newspaper when he saw Chen Fan come in carrying a net bag containing a lunchbox. He immediately took off his reading glasses, looked at him, and asked, "What's that?"

He sniffed, took a deep breath, and frowned slightly. "It looks like wild game?"

Chen Fan gave a thumbs up, "Great skill! It's exactly the kind of food from the wild game restaurant, and it's from the second floor."

He placed the lunchbox on the table, pulled up a chair, sat down, and handed over a cigarette.

Grandpa Xiang took the cigarette, his brows furrowing even more as he looked at him and asked, "The person who came to see you earlier, did he treat you to a meal? With public funds?"

Chen Fan tilted his head back and said, "Uncle Xiang, do you still want to be a people's supervisor?"

Grandpa Xiang snorted twice, put his glasses back on, shook the newspaper, and said irritably, "Mr. Li said countless times back then that the masses should act as good supervisors and oppose all unhealthy practices."

Chen Fan's lips twitched slightly. "That's Secretary Yang from Yunhu Automobile Factory. I designed the cars for their factory, and he's also my elder, so this meal was a private treat for him. Besides, without a proper reason, no unit could reimburse that much money. You must know the prices at wild game restaurants; a table of dishes costs over two hundred."

Grandpa Xiang looked up from the newspaper, peered at him through the gap above his glasses, and asked, "Really?"

Chen Fan's face fell. "They came to the provincial capital on business, and it was inconvenient for them to bring leftovers, so I took them. I was originally planning to heat them up and have a drink with you as a way of thanking you for solving this big problem for the unit's dormitory. Since you don't believe me, forget it, I'll take them home and eat them myself!"

After saying that, he went to get the net.

Grandpa Xiang quickly threw down the newspaper, snatched the lunchbox with both hands, and grinned, "You're taking it home? Don't think I don't know, you stay in the guesthouse every day, where would you get a stove to heat it up?"

He then got up and walked to the corner. "Perfect timing! I have a coal stove and a big clay pot here. Let's make a stew. Then we can add some potatoes. It'll be delicious!"

Chen Fan grinned and said, "Sure, I'll get you another bottle of wine, we can drink it here, it won't interfere with your work."

While busy at his work, Grandpa Xiang turned around and said, "Get a bottle of wine? Where are you going to get it? Are you going to steal from Chairman He's office again?"

Chen Fan immediately and vehemently denied it, saying, "I didn't, I didn't, don't talk nonsense."

Grandpa Xiang rinsed a large earthenware pot clean with water, opened the lunchbox and poured the contents in, then asked with a smile, "Where are you going to get this?"

Chen Fan coughed lightly, "Sister Xu is in charge of external reception, she should have it."

Grandpa Xiang scoffed dismissively, turned back to pouring the dishes, and said, "I knew you weren't holding back."

He then pointed to the table under the windowsill, "There are two bottles of Xifeng liquor in the cabinet below. We'll drink those later."

Chen Fan bent down and looked inside, then opened the cabinet door. Inside were not just two bottles of Xifeng liquor, but also various other liquors such as Laobaigan, Erguotou, Hanfenjiu, Liantang Gaoliangjiu, and even two bottles of Yunhu Daqu. In total, there were more than a dozen bottles of various liquors.

He couldn't help but turn around and ask, "Uncle Xiang, others collect stamps, but you collect wine?" Uncle Xiang poured all the vegetables into the pot, put the casserole on the coal stove, opened the stove door, turned around and took out a few potatoes from a cloth bag, picked up a knife and was about to peel them.

Hearing Chen Fan's words, he laughed without turning his head and said, "What wine are you collecting? These are all from my old comrades-in-arms. Some of my colleagues from work came over on business and asked someone to bring them over. They are from different parts of the country, and the wines they sent are all kinds of different. I have already drunk most of them, so there are only a few left."

He slowly peeled the potatoes, then turned to look at Chen Fan and said with a smile, "If you want a drink, take whatever you like."

He pointed to the large earthenware pot on the coal stove and said, "This pot of food is much more expensive than those bottles of wine."

Chen Fan took out two bottles of Xifeng liquor, the most expensive liquor in the cabinet, and said with a smile, "I dare not take the liquor in your cabinet. This is not just liquor, it is full of the friendship between your comrades."

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Xiang nodded vigorously. "Yes, I love to hear that. We went through thick and thin together back then, surviving the battlefield by sheer luck. Our relationship is closer than that of blood brothers..."

Then, just like Captain Xiao, Master Zhang, and Master Lin, he began to recount stories from the battlefield back then, speaking with great emotion and passion.

Chen Fan listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with a few words, which made the old man even more excited.

At the same time, he was also observing Grandpa Xiang's expression.

He Qingsheng had mentioned this morning that Grandpa Xiang still had several pieces of shrapnel in his body, and now it seems that they are indeed having a significant impact on his health.

After Grandpa Xiang finished speaking, Chen Fan offered a few compliments as usual, then suddenly changed the subject, "I heard you still have a few pieces of shrapnel in your body that haven't been removed?"

Grandpa Xiang was stunned for a moment, then pointed to his body and laughed, "Chairman He told you, right? There are still 4 pieces, none of them are big, not even the size of a fingernail. The doctor said they are pressing on nerves and are not easy to remove. If they are removed properly, there will be no problem. The main problem is that the piece on my back is pressing on my spine. If it is not done properly, there is a possibility of paralysis, so we left it untouched."

He said, shaking his arms and laughing, "Anyway, it doesn't affect the activity, so let him be."

"The doctor is right. Since it involves the nervous system, we really need to be careful."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "I'm a doctor too, how about I take a look at you?"

Don't be fooled by how easily the old man spoke; if it really had no effect, he wouldn't have shown such pained expressions so many times in just a short while.

Carrying shrapnel in one's body, how could it not be painful? It's just that the old man could bear it. If possible, he would naturally want to help this decorated veteran relieve his suffering.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Xiang didn't hesitate and laughed heartily, "Alright, I've heard that your medical skills are quite good. Let me take a look."

He stood up and asked, "What do you think?"

Chen Fan also stood up and asked, "Do you remember where the shrapnel is?"

Grandpa Xiang pointed to his back, "There are three on my back, all near my spine."

Then he pointed to his chest, "There's another one right next to the heart."

Chen Fan's eye twitched slightly. Well, they were all in dangerous areas; no wonder he dared not remove them.

Without saying much, he walked over and placed his hand on the spot that Grandpa Xiang pointed to, gently pressing his fingers.

Chen Fan's medical skills are beyond question. When he treated Jiang Tiantian, several senior doctors from Fudan University were humbled by his expertise. Finding the pulse and asking questions were absolutely no problem for him.

On the other hand, he is also a master of Chinese martial arts with exquisite strength, especially after practicing Taoist arts, his grasp of qi and energy is even more meticulous.

He gently pressed his fingers on his back, using the muscle tremors to quickly pinpoint the location of the three shrapnel pieces. After a few seconds, he couldn't help but frown slightly.

After a while, he checked his chest again.

After the examination, Grandpa Xiang asked with a calm smile, "So, can you cure it?"

Chen Fan raised his head and said seriously, "It can be cured, and it must be cured."

Grandpa Xiang was taken aback and asked, "Is treatment absolutely necessary?"

Chen Fan nodded. "The shrapnel is now right next to the spine. If it's not removed soon, there's a risk of paralysis at any time. The shrapnel near the heart, on the other hand, is moving away, which makes it easier to remove them together."

Grandpa Xiang seemed a bit confused. "When they examined me back then, they took X-rays. You can just feel it like that?"

As early as the end of the 19th century, my country imported its first X-ray machine from Germany. In 1952, the Shanghai Precision Medical Instrument Factory, formerly the No. 2 Instrument Factory of the East China Industrial Department, developed the first domestically produced 200 mA medical X-ray machine, which was installed and tested at Zhongshan Hospital.

Therefore, in large hospitals these days, some medical devices that are common in later generations are already widely used.

As an injured veteran, Grandpa Xiang was naturally a person who received special attention, so it's not surprising that he had an X-ray taken.

Chen Fan looked at him and said, "If you don't believe me, you'd better go to the hospital for a check-up today and see if what I said is right."

Grandpa Xiang pondered for two seconds, then suddenly looked up and smiled, "Okay, I'll listen to you. I'll go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow."

He glanced back at the fragrant clay pot and said, "We can't waste such good food. We can talk about everything tomorrow."

Chen Fan laughed and said, "Alright, it won't make a difference if it's just a little bit more. Besides, I need to prepare you before the surgery, otherwise it will be too dangerous and difficult to proceed."

Grandpa Xiang looked at him curiously, "How do you treat it?"

Chen Fan took a thin cotton bag out of his pocket, spread it out on the table, and smiled, "It's very simple, acupuncture."

Grandpa Xiang blinked, looked at the densely packed silver needles in the needle pouch, and without saying a word, took off his undershirt. "Go ahead and needle me."

Without hesitation, Chen Fan picked up a fine needle and slowly inserted it into his back.

This time, only three needles were used, but it took more than half an hour.

When performing acupuncture, he also had to use force to push the shrapnel pressing on the spine outward through the acupuncture needles. This kind of acupuncture requires extreme care, as the slightest mistake can affect the main spinal nerve. It was only because Chen Fanyi was highly skilled and daring, relying on his subtle strength, that he dared to perform the acupuncture. If it were any other ordinary doctor, probably no one would dare to do it.

After the acupuncture was finished, Chen Fan removed the needles. Grandpa Xiang couldn't help but stand up and move around a few times, his face full of surprise. "Huh? Huh? It doesn't hurt anymore?"

He turned to look at Chen Fan and said, "Wow, your acupuncture skills are truly amazing!"

Chen Fan put the needles away, exhaled a long breath, and shook his head, saying, "This is the first time I've used acupuncture, so it feels good, but it's only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. I need to use acupuncture continuously for at least a week to force the shrapnel pressing on my spine away, creating enough space for surgery, and then perform surgery to remove the shrapnel. That will be the only way to achieve complete success."

Grandpa Xiang put on his undershirt, grinning from ear to ear. "It's okay, it's okay. You have no idea, these few pieces of iron filings made me feel uncomfortable all day long. I couldn't sleep well day and night. I saw many doctors before, but they couldn't do anything about it. I didn't expect that you could just prick me with a few needles and the pain would stop. Amazing! You're really amazing!"

He stood up and walked towards the coal stove. "The food is ready now, I must toast you with two drinks!"

Chen Fan quickly said, "No, starting today, you can't drink alcohol."

Grandpa Xiang turned around, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "But I used to feel better after drinking alcohol, didn't I?"

Chen Fan patiently explained, "In the past, there were no other treatments. The pain could be reduced by numbing alcohol. In addition, after drinking alcohol, the blood flow is accelerated and the blood vessels expand, which increases the space for the shrapnel to move and reduces the pressure on the nerves, so it feels comfortable."

However, this method is like drinking poison to quench thirst; the shrapnel is closer to the spine, which is partly due to the alcohol involved.

I just used acupuncture to separate the shrapnel from my spine. If I drink alcohol now, it could very well undo all the progress. So you must refrain from drinking until the surgery is successful and the wound has healed.

Grandpa Xiang looked disappointed. "Is that so...?"

After a two-second pause, he shook his head regretfully. "Alright then."

(End of this chapter)