Even from dozens of meters away, Li Jingsheng could clearly see the triumphant smile on Boss Zhao's greasy face.
Even the ambulance had arrived, so he naturally assumed that Li Jingsheng had fallen into a trap and had killed that old lady.
This area had a population of only so many, 100 people, and each month three people fell sick, a rather high ratio. Even if two out of ten patients chose to visit a clinic, the overall number of patients would not be that large.
The pie was only so big.
Even if Li Jingsheng's clinic business was bleak, picking at cake crumbs, Boss Zhao still found it an eyesore and wanted to eliminate it as soon as possible.
This is the most real side of human nature.
A mosquito flies around us, and even if it doesn't bite anyone, it will still be mercilessly swatted dead.
Like in "Three-Body," the discovery leads to destruction, regardless of whether there is a threat or not. If an alien civilization considers Earth humans a potential threat, they would annihilate humanity to play it safe.
No reason is needed to kill; as long as the strong think it's in their interests.
The business at Boss Zhao's clinic was booming, sometimes overflowing with patients. Yet he was unwilling to see a second clinic survive on this street.
Jinkui Clinic had strong backing, so he dared not touch it.
Li Jingsheng's Sunshine Clinic posed no deterrent to him, so he spared no effort in employing tricks and sly tactics.
Now that Li Jingsheng had allegedly killed someone, Sunshine Clinic would soon be out of business, ridding Boss Zhao of yet another potential risk, much to his delight.
But he had rejoiced a bit too early.
Though young, Li Jingsheng had been fooled numerous times over the past nine months, making him highly vigilant and cautious at all times.
Boss Zhao's sly trick had been successfully discerned by him.
Once the patient was carried onto the ambulance, the doctor and nurse on board quickly implemented life support and a series of temporary rescue measures.
"What are you standing there for? Get on the car quickly!"
The ambulance doctor called out to Li Jingsheng.
"Am I... supposed to go too?"
"Of course!"
"Alright then, let me lock up."
Having no other choice, Li Jingsheng quickly ran back to the clinic to gather today's earnings, locked up, and then got onto the ambulance.
Once aboard, the doctor and nurse ignored him, focusing solely on the patient and the monitoring equipment.
Li Jingsheng internally calculated, uncertain if he'd have enough to cover the medical expenses later.
The total revenue at the clinic that day was only 1,275 yuan, including a 100 yuan deposit and some prepayments.
A heart attack certainly required hospitalization.
Based on his previous hospital work experience, a minimum deposit of 2,000 yuan was necessary for hospitalization.
This life was truly difficult!
With medical skills advancing rapidly, Li Jingsheng pondered how to forge a path of survival amidst the siege of Quick Recovery Clinic, Jinkui Clinic, the City South Community Health Service Center, and numerous pharmacies.
The best wine fears no alley.
Moreover, his medical skills were far from being deemed excellent.
Plus, the time left for him was running short.
With clinic rent due in just over two months, if he couldn't pass this hurdle, that plump landlady would certainly toss all his belongings onto the street.
What a worry!
He was worried without having a golden finger, and now, even with one, he was still worried.
The main issue was the incredibly short time for development.
"Have you contacted the patient's family?"
The female nurse's cold voice snapped Li Jingsheng out of his chaotic thoughts.
Seeing this young clinic owner filled with worry, she assumed Li Jingsheng was concerned about what to do with the old lady.
"No."
Li Jingsheng shook his head.
"The patient's blood pressure is a bit low, but in general, her vital signs are acceptable. Since you defibrillated in time, her life should be saved, so you don't need to worry too much. Things have happened, you always have to face them bravely. Consider it a lesson learned."
Though the female nurse's face and tone were cold, her words carried warmth.
"Thank you!"
Li Jingsheng couldn't help but think of those fierce nurses at the hospital in his past days.
Back then, he thought they were tough and difficult to deal with, but now he found them incredibly endearing.
After driving for more than ten minutes, the ambulance entered the emergency passageway of the Second Hospital.
Dialing 120 generally assigned the nearest rescue vehicle.
Back then, the first public hospital in the city was the People's Hospital, followed by the establishment of the First Hospital in the early 40s. Later, the number-tagged hospitals experienced a rapid development phase.
This city alone established seven number-tagged hospitals.
Facts have proven that the development strategy of the People's Hospital was correct. The aggressive expansion of new hospitals led to overly dispersed technical resources, eventually failing to achieve the ideal of a hundred schools of thought contending, gradually declining amid competition.
Currently, Jiangli People's Hospital, Qiaobang Hospital (joint venture), and Aerospace Hospital (with military background) were recognized as the most comprehensive in strength.
Aerospace Hospital specialized in orthopedic treatments, formerly a military hospital.
Jiangli People's Hospital boasted a profound history, deeply rooted and strong in comprehensive capability.
Qiaobang Hospital, established through the collaboration of patriotic overseas Chinese, introduced foreign investments and advancements in technology, forming a joint venture hospital with a similarly illustrious history and robust strength.
Moreover, excellent doctors who worked at this hospital for more than five years were granted opportunities to study abroad for further education.
There were also exchange student opportunities at renowned medical centers abroad.
It attracted a large influx of top-notch talent.
Coupled with extensive foreign capital, technology, equipment, medical supplies, mentors, and comprehensive support, its advantages were obvious. Currently, it's undisputedly Jiangli City's healthcare champion.
"We're at my hospital now, don't just stand there, help me carry the patient out!"
The outgoing doctor reminded Li Jingsheng, who was standing dumbfounded.
Helping carry the patient out of the ambulance, they pushed her into the emergency room.
"We can't notify the family yet, the incident happened at your clinic. Are you going to handle her paperwork first or what?"
It seemed like a consultation, but it offered Li Jingsheng no chance to refuse.
"Alright!"
Li Jingsheng agreed helplessly.
When prepaying the rescue fee, they demanded 5,000 yuan upfront, but having worked in a hospital, Li Jingsheng knew some of its hidden practices.
"Miss, let me explain, I'm not the patient's family, just voluntarily rescuing her," he said to the fee window lady who was in a bad mood from working a night shift, glancing at the nurse beside him.
"Should I process this patient's bill as outstanding or what?"
"Sister Mei, let me talk to him first," the nurse said, before turning to Li Jingsheng. "The incident happened at your clinic, right? If you refuse to cover the medical fee now, it'll be quite troublesome when the family comes!"
The warning tone was intense.
"It's true it happened at my clinic, but what could I do about her having a heart attack?"
Li Jingsheng wasn't naive.
He had several years of hospital work experience.
And was a licensed doctor.
"Let me ask you, did it happen during treatment at your clinic? You failed to check before infusion, which was a mistake, and now you refuse to take responsibility. Our hospital could let you handle it however, but dealing with the family won't be easy."
The nurse, familiar with such situations, had arguments ready and could overwhelm ordinary people.
But Li Jingsheng remained calm.
"Who says I administered an infusion?"
He rolled his eyes.
"Don't all small clinics do that? Hooking patients up for an IV drip regardless of their condition," the nurse fired back with equal intensity.
Few people could hold their ground against a nurse in an argument.