Granting You A Second Life

Apartment 5- Friday 12th 8 am

Li Xiuying was sitting at the kitchen counter having breakfast; steamed vegetable buns with soy milk. She had practiced making steamed buns the whole of Thursday, and she had perfected a vegetable and meat recipe and technique.

This morning she had woken up at 6 am, she was really excited about starting work.

She took quite some time choosing the perfect outfit.

Li Xiuying decided on a thin black turtleneck tucked into a pair of plum-colored high waist loose fitting trousers. She was planning to wear a pair of retro black chunky heels. She also had a burnt orange woman's briefcase and a pair of black gloves.

She had applied some light make up after watching a few videos online. She put waves in her bob so it wouldn't look as messy because it was currently growing out. She wanted her waist-length her back.

Li Xiuying looked at her watch it was 8:10 am. She decided to leave her apartment early and walk to the hospital. It was only a 20-minute walk.

She headed for the front door grabbing her key card, phone and purse from the top of the table in the hallway. She put on her sleek black coat and slipped her shoes on.

She opened up a map on her phone and started slowly strolling to the hospital.

...

8:45 am Large lecture hall Unity hospital.

The Lecture hall was filled to the brim. Everyone was talking among themselves.

"What do you think today is about?"

"I don't know but it's definitely something big, I heard that some doctors were even stripped of their medical licenses and are going to be replaced!"

"I haven't seen Fu Meng or Cheng Wu or their feathers for the last few days; do you think it could be them?"

"Nah they probably just went on vacation like usual; remember last year they all decided to take a week off to go to a Japan and claimed they needed it to improve their productivity."

"I heard someone new was coming in today."

The conversations quietened down at 8:59, when Elder Qin stood behind the podium whilst Qin Song and a woman sat on the table to the side. All three had microphones in front of them.

At exactly 9:00 am Elder Qin began speaking.

"Good morning everyone, I'm Qin Weimin. Today, I have come here with my son and niece to talk about the future of this hospital.

On Tuesday 9th, there was an incident involving Former Dr. Fu and Former Dr. Cheng. I say former because they have both had their medical licenses revoked along with their fathers. They demonstrated a level of incompetence, deceit, treachery and negligence that is not fitting for a human being let alone doctors who have the lives of children in their hands.

Due to this incident, the Qin family considered it our moral duty to reform Unity hospital. We will be implementing new guidelines and protocols. I hope that everyone here will help us to clean the deep-rooted poison that has managed to seep into the very bones of this hospital. My niece Dr. Qin Jingfei will be taking over as director; since director Bing decided to have an early retirement."

He gestured to Qin Jingfei to step up to the podium.

Everyone in the hall immediately started discussing the monumental news! Medical licenses revoked! Qin family takes over! Director Bing's early retirement!

Elder Qin was now seated at the table: "Quiet"

There was instant silence.

Qin Jingfei: "I am the new director Qin Jingfei. I have worked for over a decade as a Clinical Professor in America in some of the top medical institutes. When my uncle informed me of the situation at Unity hospital, I immediately decided that I would have to come home and help Unity hospital return to its former glory. I was born in this hospital, as I'm sure many of you were, this hospital is the one constant in many people's lives, it is the place that can change people's lives for the better.

As Elder Qin mentioned we want to implement structural reforms. One being that only competent staff may be employed in this hospital. People will not be favored simply because they have connections. We will be reshuffling staff from top to bottom, people will be promoted and demoted within the next two months. Everyone has a chance to be promoted, I encourage you all to do your best and work your hardest. Unity Hospital stands for: Only the best person for the job!"

There was a round of applause.

The final piece of news made some people delighted but others fearful. Some were happy at having the opportunity to progress, whilst others were afraid they would be demoted or worse yet lose their jobs altogether.

Qin Jingfei invited Qin Song to the stage and took a seat beside Elder Qin.

Qin Song stood up and went to the podium: "I'm Qin Song, I'll be around the hospital for the next several months to check on the progress of the hospital. Do not forget that a hospital is also a business, I do not need people who are a drain on resources.

We need to improve the public perception of Unity hospital. There are a few projects that are currently in the pipeline. One example is a children's activity day hosted by the hospital to begin sometime in December. We encourage everyone to volunteer for at least one of the future projects we hope to launch. You will be sent information regarding projects in due course.

I would also like to add that we will be hiring new staff members to help fill the inevitable vacancies which will appear after letting various staff members go. We have already hired someone who we believe will undoubtedly be a major asset to Unity hospital.

Dr. Li Xiuying will be working across the hospital in many of the departments here; her timetable has been added to all the rotas on the relevant wards. Additionally, Dr. Li has generously decided that she will be conducting a one hour lecture every Friday at 1:00 pm. The teaching sessions will be open to all members of staff regardless of the clinical area and profession.

Dr. Li would you mind saying a few words please."

Everyone started looking around.

Li Xiuying had chosen to sit at the very back of the hall at the end of the row.

She got up and slowly descended the stairs.

Qin Song was shocked that she looked so different. He only moved back a small step from the podium so Li Xiuying had squeeze passed.

Li Xiuying frowned 'Why is he creating an obstacle course so early in the morning?'

Li Xiuying stood at the podium with Qin Song standing close behind her.

To everyone in the hall CEO Qin was like a protective deity standing guard over Li Xiuying. Everyone averted their gazes from Li Xiuying.

Li Xiuying: "I'm Dr.Li, today I will be with the general surgical department. For each of my surgeries, I allow two people to be present in the theater with me. If you would like to attend theater then make sure you know the patient and surgical procedure before you step into my operating space. The first surgery at 10 is in theater 7."

As Li Xiuying was talking Qin Song could feel his heart beating rapidly. He was so close to Li Xiuying he could feel the heat emitting from her body. Qin Song felt his heart skip a beat.

She smells light and airy, like summer with a hint of citrus.

Qin Song woke from his daydreaming 'Where did that relaxing and delightful fragrance go?

He looked around. Li Xiuying had stepped away from the podium and was standing near Elder Qin.

Elder Qin: "Thank you all for your time, please get back to work."

Everyone started to leave. They all had to process the news they had received today.

Elder Qin: "Xiuying, I would like to introduce you to Qin Jingfei."

Qin Jingfei and Li Xiuying shook hands.

Li Xiuying was wearing gloves so she could make contact with people outside of medical examinations. It was only skin touching skin that she detested.

Qin Jingfei tried to look professional: "Dr. Li I've heard so much about you, maybe we could grab lunch later my treat?" She was so excited to be shaking hands with her idol.

Li Xiuying: "Okay."

Qin Jingfei almost screamed. Dr. Li was the rock-star of the surgical world. She had created new procedures and technologies that had revolutionized the world of medicine. 80% of the reason that she had chosen to be the director of Unity hospital was because of Dr. Li. 'Wait until I tell all my friends!'

Elder Qin: "Xiuying, I'll take you to your office and introduce you to your new PA."

Elder Qin led Li Xiuying and Qin Jingfei to the office.

Qin Song was still standing near the podium.

Qin Song sighed: "I have a checkup tomorrow, I hope whatever it is I have isn't life-threatening."