Chapter 547: and translation of chapter title

One pot is stewing catfish and eggplant, another pot is stewing mushroom and little foolish chicken.

Translation: One pot stewed catfish eggplant, another pot stewed mushroom little foolish chicken? Actually "little foolish chicken" is a type of chicken? Could be "little stupid chicken" but it's a dish name maybe "mushroom little foolish chicken" meaning mushroom and small chicken? We'll translate literally: "One pot stewed catfish eggplant, another pot stewed mushroom little foolish chicken." Keep as is.

But maybe "little foolish chicken" is a breed? We'll translate as "little foolish chicken". Keep.

Upon entering the house, the fragrant aroma made his mouth water.

Translation: Upon entering the house, that wafting aroma made people's index fingers twitch (i. e., made them hungry). We'll translate: "Upon entering the house, that wafting aroma made people's index fingers twitch."

Professor Rudolf Wagner was particularly interested in the practice of taking off shoes and eating on the kang; sitting on the kang, he found everything curious.

Translation: Professor Rudolf Wagner was especially interested in this mode of taking off shoes and sitting on the kang to eat; sitting on the kang, he found everything curious.

Charcoal and iron pots are just one of this restaurant's specialties.

Translation: Charcoal and iron pot are just one of the specialties of this shop,

The wall was covered with old newspaper, its dark yellow color seeming to attest to the passage of time. The water jar was an enamel basin from decades ago, chipped in many places, offering a novel sensation to those used to drinking from tall glasses.

Translation: The old newspaper pasted on the wall, its dull yellow color seemed to prove the passage of time. The basin used for drinking water was that kind of enamel basin from several decades ago, with many places where the enamel had chipped off, letting Fugui'er, accustomed to highball glasses, experience something novel.

Director Lao Pan and Director Kong sat down and began to chat, starting from their military units, going through every unit number they could recall and sharing rumors from the troops. Although one mostly worked at the capital's top-tier hospitals and the other was a military doctor at a grassroots regiment, their conversation encountered no obstacle.

Translation: Director Pan and Director Kong sat down and began chatting, starting from the military, each able to talk about their unit numbers, one piece after another of rumors from the troops. Although one mostly worked in the top-tier hospitals of the capital, the other was a military doctor in a grassroots company, yet their conversation flowed without any hindrance.

Feeling enthusiastic, he downed one vat of white liquor after another.

Translation: Their interest soared, and they downed one vat of white liquor after another.

Su Yun had no intention of stealing the spotlight; he merely took small sips. Of course, no one noticed him.

Translation: Su Yun had no intention of stealing the spotlight; he merely took small sips here and there. Of course, no one paid attention to him.

Stewed catfish with eggplant has a flavor completely opposite to Cantonese cuisine—heavy on oil and strong in taste, yet it is especially fragrant. It is particularly good with rice, making it an excellent dish.

Translation: Stewed catfish with eggplant has a flavor completely opposite to Cantonese cuisine—heavy on oil and strong in taste—but it smells especially fragrant when eaten, especially as a side dish for rice; it is an excellent dish.

After three rounds of drinks, Directors Lao Pan and Kong felt a slight buzz, but they didn't pressure each other to drink more and began discussing the matter at hand.

Translation: After three rounds of drinks, Director Pan and Director Kong felt a bit tipsy, but they didn't keep pressing each other to drink more; they began to discuss the matter at hand.

The so-called matter at hand was that the Capital's 912 Hospital sent personnel, under the pretense of supporting local development, to have Zheng Ren transferred over.

Translation: The so-called matter at hand was that the Di Du 912 Hospital sent someone, under the pretense of supporting local construction, to have Zheng Ren transferred over.

Such things are best left unspoken; saying them out loud spoils the flavor.

Translation: Such things can be understood tacitly; speaking them aloud ruins the flavor.

Director Kong is fairly down-to-earth, but once he starts speaking in official jargon, he goes on at length without end.

Translation: Director Kong is fairly down-to-earth as a person, but once he starts speaking officialese, it becomes a long-winded discourse that never ends.

He first strongly affirmed the significance of Director Lao Pan's post-retirement work supporting local development. Zheng Ren only heard up to that point before feeling a bit drowsy.

Translation: He first fully affirmed the significance of Director Pan's post-retirement support for local work. Zheng Ren only heard up to that point before feeling a bit drowsy.

In Zheng Ren's view… well, Director Kong was just boasting after drinking too much; a sober Director Kong is still not bad.

Translation: In Zheng Ren's view… well, Director Kong was just boasting after drinking too much; a sober Director Kong is still not bad.

Professor Rudolf Wagner, meanwhile, was curious about everything, looking east and west. This time he didn't drink; no matter how much Director Lao Pan urged him, he shook his head like a rattle drum in refusal.

Translation: Professor Rudolf Wagner was curious about everything, looking east and west. This time he didn't drink; no matter how Director Pan urged him to drink, he shook his head like a rattle-drum in refusal.

It's probably because he got hurt from drinking the last time with Chang Yue.

Translation: Probably he hurt himself drinking with Chang Yue last time.

Zheng Ren felt bored; after eating for twenty minutes, a few of the large pancakes stuck to the pot's edge went down, and he was full.

Translation: Zheng Ren found it boring; after eating for twenty minutes, a few of the large pancakes stuck to the pot's edge went down, and he was full.

Listening to the two senior directors reminisce about hardships and sweetness, talking about the glorious traditions of the troops… Although Zheng Ren felt genuine respect for Director Lao Pan, Director Kong's praises of Director Lao Pan were so exaggerated that Zheng Ren couldn't even take them in.

Translation: Listening to the two old directors reminisce about hardships and sweetness, talking about the glorious traditions of the troops… although Zheng Ren felt genuine respect for Director Pan, Director Kong's praises of Director Pan were such that Zheng Ren couldn't even take them in.

Not knowing what Xiao Yi Ren was doing, Zheng Ren felt embarrassed to pull out his phone and chat casually with Xie Yiren in front of the two directors.

Translation: Not knowing what Xiao Yi Ren was doing, in front of the two directors Zheng Ren also felt embarrassed to pull out his phone and chat openly with Xie Yiren.

Su Yun, meanwhile, was like a fish in water, finding every opportunity to please the two directors, making them very happy. He even took a moment to teach Professor Rudolf Wagner how to eat the large pancakes stuck to the pot's edge.

Translation: Su Yun, however, was like a fish in water, slipping in here and there to please the two directors, making them very happy. He also found time to teach Professor Rudolf Wagner how to eat the large pancakes stuck to the pot's edge.

Zheng Ren was spacing out, waiting for the drinking session to end, when suddenly the volume of Director Lao Pan and Director Kong's conversation rose.

Translation: Zheng Ren was spacing out, waiting for the drinking session to end, when the volume of Director Pan and Director Kong's conversation suddenly rose.

This is…

Translation: This is…

Leaning in to listen, it turned out Director Lao Pan believed the emergency department was especially busy and needed a certain number of staff, while Director Kong thought that Hai City's First Hospital, being a local hospital, wouldn't have that many emergency cases.

Translation: Listening closely, it turned out Director Pan thought the Emergency Department was especially busy and needed a certain number of staff, while Director Kong believed that Haicheng Shi Yiyuan was merely a local hospital and wouldn't have that many emergency cases.

This is a negotiation, Zheng Ren knows, and he himself is the core of this negotiation.

Translation: This was a negotiation, Zheng Ren knew, and he himself was the core of this negotiation.

Yet he himself had no say in the matter, and both Director Kong and Director Lao Pan genuinely had his best interests at heart.

Translation: Yet he himself had no say in the matter; both Director Kong and Director Pan genuinely meant well for him.

It's all a matter of personal connections, Zheng Ren rested his chin on his hand and drifted off again.

Translation: This is all about personal connections, Zheng Ren propped his chin and drifted off again.

"I've been observing Director Zheng's TIPS procedure these past two days, and incidentally checking the emergency volume. I just don't believe that Hai City, with such a small population, could have so many emergency cases!" Director Kong, having had his fill, said boldly.

Translation: "I'll observe Director Zheng's TIPS surgery these couple of days, and by the way check the emergency volume. I just don't believe that with Hai Cheng's small population there could be so many emergencies!" Director Kong, having had his fill, said boldly.

Upon hearing the first half, Zheng Ren felt a chill run up his spine, goosebumps rising; he had just wanted to stop Director Kong, but having been lost in thought, he didn't get a chance to speak before Director Kong launched into grandiose statements.

Translation: Zheng Ren heard the first half, and a chill ran down his back; he had just wanted to stop Director Kong, but having been lost in thought, he didn't get a chance to speak before Director Kong already let out his bold words.

"Wait..." Zheng Ren's words fell on deaf ears; it was already too late.

Translation: "\"Wait…\" Zheng Ren's words fell behind, already too late."

A sense of foreboding settled over Zheng Ren's heart.

Translation: An ominous premonition settled over Zheng Ren's heart.

"Huh?" Director Kong didn't know what Zheng Ren wanted to say, looking at him somewhat puzzled.

Translation: "\"Huh? \" Director Kong didn't know what Zheng Ren wanted to say, looking at him somewhat surprised."

Su Yun gave a wry smile, put down his chopsticks, and softly said, "Tonight, we're likely to be busy."

Translation: Su Yun gave a wry smile, put down his chopsticks, and whispered, "Tonight, we're probably going to be busy."

In clinical work, what's most feared is this kind of defiance. The Night Shift God is the existence that specifically treats all kinds of defiance, and is fully endowed with divine authority.

Translation: In clinical work, what's most feared is this kind of non-compliance. The Night Shift God is the existence that specializes in treating all kinds of non-compliance, and is fully endowed with divine authority.

It's likely that Director Kong hasn't handled emergency cases in a long time; even if there is emergency surgery, admitting patients is usually manageable. Each year, those brought in from home are mostly tasked with health check-ups, and genuine hospital emergencies are few and far between.

Translation: Probably Director Kong hasn't handled emergency cases for too long; even if there were emergency surgeries, the Inpatient Chief could manage them. Each year, when summoned from home, most are tasks of the health maintenance group; genuine hospital emergencies are few and far between.

Having been away for so long, he also lost some reverence for the Night Shift God.

Translation: Having been away for so long, he also lost his reverence for the Night Shift God.

Zheng Ren and Su Yun exchanged glances and gave a wry smile.

Translation: Zheng Ren and Su Yun exchanged glances and gave a wry smile.

"Boss Zheng, what's wrong?" Director Kong asked, puzzled.

Translation: "\"Director Zheng, what's wrong? \" Director Kong asked, puzzled."

Actually, it's nothing much compared to Director Lao Pan and those few drinks. Director Lao Pan is getting older, and Director Kong doesn't want him to drink too much.

Translation: Actually, it's nothing to do with Director Pan and those few drinks; Director Pan is old, and Director Kong doesn't want him to drink too much.

He wasn't drunk at all, and he knew it clearly. So Director Kong couldn't understand Zheng Ren's expression, wondering if he had just said something wrong.

Translation: He wasn't drunk at all, and he knew it clearly. So Director Kong couldn't understand Zheng Ren's expression, wondering if he had just said something wrong.

"It's fine..." Zheng Ren moved his foot a bit, already preparing to return to the hospital.

Translation: "\"It's nothing…\" Zheng Ren moved his foot a bit, already preparing to return to the hospital."

Tonight, it's unlikely to be calm.

Translation: "Tonight, it probably won't be quiet."

Zheng Ren's phone suddenly rang, breaking the awkwardness at the table.

Translation: Zheng Ren's phone suddenly rang, breaking the awkwardness at the table.

Because he was mentally prepared, Zheng Ren's blood pressure and heart rate didn't spike much. A glance showed it was the emergency department calling.

Translation: Because he was mentally prepared, Zheng Ren's blood pressure and heart rate didn't rise much. He glanced at it—it was a call from the Emergency Department.

"Director Zheng, there's a large-scale brawl at the Da Ziran Bathhouse; nearby ambulances have all been dispatched." the other side said.

Translation: "\"Chief Zheng, there's a mass brawl at the Da Ziran Bathhouse; all the nearby 120 ambulances have gone. \" The other side said."

"Got it, I'm heading back now." Zheng Ren said, then hung up.

Translation: "\"Got it, I'm heading back now. \" Zheng Ren said, then hung up."

Zheng Ren helplessly lifted his head, giving Director Kong a slightly resentful glance.

Translation: Zheng Ren helplessly lifted his head, giving Director Kong a slightly resentful look.

Director Kong laughed heartily and said, "Director Lao Pan, thank you for your hospitality; I'll go check out the situation at your City First Hospital. If there are many emergency cases, I'll apply to the institute to send more staff."

Translation: Director Kong laughed heartily and said, "Director Pan, thank you for your hospitality; I'll go check the situation at your City First Hospital. If there are many emergency cases, I'll apply to the institute to dispatch more staff."

Zheng Ren hailed a car and rushed back to City First Hospital together with Su Yun and Director Kong.

Translation: Zheng Ren hailed a car, and he, Su Yun, and Director Kong rushed all the way back to City First Hospital.

Su Yun had consumed a little alcohol, though not much, but he didn't want to show his face in front of patients, so he went straight to the operating room, letting Zheng Ren call him if needed.

Translation: Su Yun had drunk a bit, though not much, but he didn't want to show his face in front of patients, so he went straight to the operating room, telling Zheng Ren to call him if anything came up.

Zheng Ren and Director Kong headed straight for the emergency resuscitation room.

Translation: Zheng Ren and Director Kong headed straight for the Emergency Resuscitation Room.

The patients hadn't arrived yet, and the emergency department remained temporarily quiet. Zheng Ren seized the moment to change clothes and waited at the door of the resuscitation room.

Translation: The patients hadn't arrived yet; the Emergency Department was temporarily quiet. Zheng Ren seized the moment to change clothes and stood waiting at the door of the resuscitation room.

"Director Zheng, how busy is your emergency department here?" Director Kong, dressed casually, asked while standing beside Zheng Ren.

Translation: "\"Director Zheng, how busy is your emergency department? \" Director Kong, in casual attire, asked Zheng Ren from beside him."

"Director Kong, if you don't say anything, it should be fine." Zheng Ren was still feeling uneasy; he had eaten well, but Director Kong insisted on having a look… well, the emergency cases were about to arrive.

Translation: "\"Director Kong, if you don't bring it up, it should be fine. \" Zheng Ren was still feeling uneasy, having eaten well, but Director Kong insisted on having a look… well, the emergency cases will arrive shortly."

The mournful wail of a 120 ambulance came from afar; Zheng Ren stood ready, like a soldier sleeping on his arms awaiting dawn.

Translation: The mournful wail of the 120 emergency ambulance sounded from afar; Zheng Ren braced himself, like a soldier sleeping on his arms awaiting dawn.

Having received no call from the 120 ambulance, Zheng Ren knew it probably wasn't a major incident. Still, he didn't relax, staying alert and waiting.

Translation: Not having received a call from the 120 emergency ambulance, Zheng Ren knew it probably wasn't a major incident. Yet he didn't relax, staying focused and waiting.

The escort brother had early on pushed a gurney to wait at the door, but Zheng Ren saw him return pushing an empty gurney, followed by a group of disheveled middle-aged people.

Translation: The brother accompanying the examination had early pushed a stretcher to wait at the door, but Zheng Ren saw him return pushing an empty stretcher, followed by a group of disheveled middle-aged people.

What the heck is going on? If there were blood everywhere and screams filling the air, Zheng Ren would still be able to cope.

Translation: "What the hell is this? If there were blood everywhere and screams filling the sky, Zheng Ren would still be able to cope."

But this quiet group of people walking in left Zheng Ren feeling uncertain.

Translation: "But this quiet group of people walked in, and Zheng Ren felt uncertain."

……

……

This matter was a house call in the winter of year 12, a dozen or so big shots, that injustice ah…… to this day I still can't forget the teary little eyes.