Chapter 1363
Surgical vans sell like hotcakes, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine go globa
"These three thousand field surgical vehicles are the result of our rigorous review. If we had sold them openly, the original intended order quantity would have been more than five thousand!"
Hearing the somewhat proud tone of the foreign trade department leader, Li Aiguo's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized what was going on.
Good heavens, we've already started playing the "ban on sales" card here!
Indeed, while field surgical vehicles are not as sensitive as heavy weapons such as airplanes, tanks, and artillery.
However, in this era, it could significantly improve combat capabilities and could be considered a high-value military equipment.
The reasons behind this are self-evident.
If you're a close, understanding buyer, we'll sell to you without hesitation, and we'll all make a fortune together.
As for those troublemakers who don't get along well with you normally and always like to stir up trouble behind your back, sorry, go cool off somewhere else.
I won't make money off you even if I have it!
"This order is of great significance, Comrade Aiguo, you need to pay close attention to it," the foreign trade department leader instructed.
"Please rest assured, leaders! Our Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop guarantees to complete the task with high quality and quantity, and we will not let you down!"
This wasn't just empty talk; Li Aiguo was truly as confident as a rock.
Our current workshop at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot is no longer the makeshift operation it once was.
Not only are their troops strong and well-equipped, but they can even build large transport aircraft.
A mere field surgical vehicle? That's a piece of cake, like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
In particular, the battlefield surgical vehicle was developed by our workshop, which has mastered the core manufacturing technology.
Upon returning, Li Aiguo immediately entrusted Zong Xianfeng with the glorious and arduous task of manufacturing a battlefield surgical vehicle.
"Old Zong, this is a military order, it's of great significance, you absolutely can't let us down."
Zong Xianfeng: "."
Just as Li Aiguo finished his work, Professor Martin knocked on the office door.
“Professor, I have an idea.” Professor Martin said in increasingly fluent Chinese.
Li Aiguo asked Professor Martin to sit down and poured him a cup of tea.
This French expert has really been working hard lately; he's gotten quite tanned, but he looks much more energetic.
Professor Martin took a sip of tea before continuing, "Teacher, after this period of practice, I think our model of Sino-foreign medical outreach is very good and very meaningful."
So I'm thinking, shouldn't this free clinic become a regular occurrence?
"From our French side, we can regularly send our best medical experts over on a rotational basis to be deeply involved in this project."
At this point, Professor Martin paused, his eyes becoming somewhat meaningful: "Teacher, I won't hide anything from you. To be honest, this is not only my idea, but also the intention of our Commander Dai."
Li Aiguo raised an eyebrow slightly, instantly understanding.
It seems that President Dai has tasted success and wants to use the "Chinese and foreign medical teams" as a springboard for medical cooperation to further strengthen the relationship between the two sides.
"This is great news. I'll report it right away."
Li Aiguo naturally supported this idea, and after seeing Professor Martin off, he reported the idea of the Gallic family to the health department.
Several top leaders in the health department were delighted after hearing the report.
After all, the French have made significant achievements in surgery, and more exchanges would be of great help to us.
However, as happy as they were, problems arose.
Although the Chinese and foreign medical teams were operating under the guise of "civilian medical exchange."
But anyone with eyes to see knows that behind this is the official power of both companies.
With such a large operation, a suitable person with significant influence and deep expertise in foreign affairs is needed to oversee it comprehensively.
The meeting room was quiet for a moment, and then the eyes of several leaders fell on Li Aiguo at the same time.
"Patriotism, since Professor Martin took the initiative to initiate this matter."
And Professor Martin is your student, so besides you, no one else can handle the overall responsibility here. You'll have to take on this role.
Li Aiguo's lips twitched slightly, and he couldn't help but complain in his heart.
Well, my super gold brick has been moved to wherever it's needed!
But I'll definitely agree.
After discussing the details, just as the meeting was about to end, Li Aiguo suddenly spoke up: "Leader, I'd like to add something."
As our ancestors wisely said, it is impolite not to reciprocate.
Since France is being so sincere, sending experts from so far away to share their expertise, shouldn't we also show some generosity and send some of our own experts over for an exchange?
"Yes, that makes sense. That's how it should be. We can't let people think we're only taking in and not giving out." The leaders all nodded in agreement.
"But what kind of expert should we send? An internal medicine specialist? Or a vascular specialist?" Several leaders were unanimously at a loss.
Although China's medical standards have improved, there are still some gaps compared to those abroad.
The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became somewhat heavy.
"Leader, I think we should leverage our strengths and send some experts in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture out," Li Aiguo said.
“Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture are indeed good methods.” Several leaders instantly understood Li Aiguo’s intention.
There are indeed a small number of people in China who have prejudices against the traditional medicine passed down from our ancestors.
If we can take advantage of this rare opportunity to let traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture go out with dignity and shine on the stage of the big family, that would be the best proof of our strength!
"Then it's decided. Comrade Aiguo, you select the personnel." The leader from the Ministry of Health made the decision.
Alright!
Li Aiguo rubbed his temples helplessly.
My own brick was moved a second time at the same meeting.
However, Li Aiguo is well-versed in the ways of the workplace.
He knew very well that the best way to complete the tasks assigned by his superiors was to delegate them to the right people!
As the sky outside the window gradually darkened and it was time to leave work, Li Aiguo didn't even go back to his office. Instead, he made a phone call to Chen Baiya.
This kid comes from a family of doctors; both his parents are doctors, so he's a second-generation doctor. This task is perfect for Chen Baiya.
"What? Master, what did you say? Send our acupuncture doctors abroad for exchange?!" On the other end of the phone, Chen Baiya was so shocked by Li Aiguo's instructions that her jaw almost dropped.
"Yes, you heard right, the top leader of the ministry has personally approved it!" Li Aiguo said in a relaxed tone.
"The top priority now is to quickly select the first batch of twenty TCM acupuncture experts with superb medical skills and high medical ethics."
"I'm entrusting this glorious task to you, Master. Is that alright?"
"Alright! Master, just watch, I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"
Having grown up in a family of doctors, Chen Baiya was well aware of the significance of sending Chinese medicine doctors and acupuncturists abroad.
This is truly a giant leap forward for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in reaching the world!
This was also Li Aiguo's intention.
This is precisely where Li Aiguo's profound foresight lies.
In this special era, many precious traditions of traditional Chinese medicine have not actually been lost.
Those ancient prescriptions and exquisite acupuncture techniques scattered among the people are still in the hands of those older generations of doctors.
If we can take advantage of this opportunity to revive these national treasures in time,
Letting them shine again on the world stage would be a truly meritorious and wonderful thing!
Off-get off work time.
As usual, Li Aiguo rode his motorcycle toward the courtyard house.
As soon as he turned the corner of the alley, the scene before him made Li Aiguo slow down.
Not far away, under the large locust tree, a crowd of neighbors had gathered, three or four deep, to watch the spectacle.
In the very center of the crowd, Jia Zhangshi, like a mad tigress, straddled a man and was brutally beating him with both hands.
Who else could have gotten beaten so badly that his teeth were knocked out on the ground but Yi Zhonghai!
"You damned Yi Zhonghai, you want to slip away like that, don't you?!"
I'm telling you right now, I'm going to have you by my side for the rest of my life!
You want to have fun in a third-tier factory?
"Fine! Take me with you, or you're not going anywhere!"
While cursing loudly, Jia Zhangshi grabbed Yi Zhonghai's collar tightly.
"Jia Zhangshi, you old shrew, don't be unreasonable here! Let go... Ouch, my face!"
Yi Zhonghai wanted to reason with Jia Zhangshi.
But Jia Zhangshi was not the kind of person who would reason with others.
Seeing that Yi Zhonghai still dared to talk back, Jia Zhangshi didn't say a word. She took off her tattered cloth shoes, picked up the soles, and slapped them hard across Yi Zhonghai's face.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
The crisp, clear sound of the shoe soles making intimate contact with the old face echoed through the alley.
Yi Zhonghai was so slapped that he saw stars, felt dizzy and disoriented, and even had blood gushing from his nose.
He completely gave up on reasoning with her, shoved Jia Zhangshi aside, scrambled to his feet, turned around, covered his head, and ran away.
Just as he was fleeing in a panic, he looked up and met Li Aiguo, who was riding a motorcycle with a half-smile on his face.
Yi Zhonghai's face turned deathly pale instantly.
However, at this moment, he couldn't care less about saving face.
He gritted his teeth and didn't dare say a word, continuing to run forward like a stray dog.
Why? Because Jia Zhangshi was chasing after him!
Li Aiguo also showed no intention of interfering.
As the saying goes, evil people will always be punished by other evil people.
Yi Zhonghai has schemed for most of his life, but now he's ended up like this, stuck with that piece of filth, Jia Zhangshi. It's a case of reaping what he sowed.
When they got home, Chen Xueru had already prepared dinner, and He Yushui was helping to serve it.
"Hey, school's out! Our college students are back!" Li Aiguo said to He Yushui with a smile as he washed his hands.
He Yushui has now transformed from that skinny, scrawny young girl into a graceful and beautiful college student.
"Yes, Brother Aiguo!" He Yushui ran over excitedly as soon as she saw Li Aiguo.
"University is so much fun! Not only can you learn a lot of new knowledge, but all the professors are incredibly knowledgeable!"
While eating, He Yushui chattered on about her university life.
Li Aiguo listened with his eyes slightly narrowed, fully enjoying the atmosphere of life.
Just as the Li family was celebrating their happiness.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Yi Zhonghai's home had plummeted to freezing point.
Yi Zhonghai sat on the edge of the bed, his old face swollen like a pig's head, and he was slurping his lips.
An older woman carefully applied mercurochrome to his wound with a cotton swab.
Seeing Yi Zhonghai's miserable state, the old lady couldn't help but sigh repeatedly.
"Ouch, be gentle!"
That damned Jia Zhangshi! Do you know that she actually went to the factory leader's office today and threw a tantrum!
She threatened to kill herself in the office of anyone who dared to sign off on my transfer to the Northwest to support the Third Front construction! "Well, now that the factory leaders see her thuggish and unruly behavior, they don't want to get involved anymore. My transfer application has been suppressed!"
"This Jia Zhangshi really went too far this time." For once, the older woman didn't criticize Yi Zhonghai, but instead surprisingly echoed his sentiment.
"No way! I, Yi Zhonghai, am smart enough as I am, I absolutely cannot be so pathetic as to be controlled by an old widow!"
A fierce glint flashed in Yi Zhonghai's eyes.
An older woman was applying medicine when she inadvertently caught Yi Zhonghai's terrifying gaze. Startled, her hand trembled so violently that the cotton swab fell to the ground.
"Old...old man, you...you're not planning to do something outrageous, are you?"
Yi Zhonghai snapped out of his daze, immediately put on a hypocritical face, and gave a dry laugh to cover it up.
"How could that be? I'm the oldest man in our compound, always law-abiding. Do you think I'm the kind of impulsive person?!"
Although he tried his best to be perfunctory, Yi Zhonghai's lowered eyes gradually turned cold.
The next morning, as the golden sunlight bathed the streets and alleys of Beijing, Li Aiguo arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot in high spirits.
I had barely stepped into the office, and before I could even make myself a cup of hot tea, there was a knock on the door.
"Good morning, Master!" Chen Baiya was clutching a document tightly in her hand.
"This is the list of overseas exchange assignments that I compiled overnight. Please take a look."
Li Aiguo took the list and carefully looked through it.
"Master, here are twenty people on this list."
They are all well-known figures in the Chinese medicine community in China, and each of them is extremely skilled in acupuncture.
The key point is that most of them are relatively young, and their ideological awareness has undergone strict political vetting, so there are absolutely no problems.
"If that's alright, I'll notify them one by one later."
Li Aiguo took it and looked at it, then said, "Go and make some contact. Those who are willing to go abroad should first participate in French training."
"clear."
Chen Baiya left with the list, and Li Aiguo, after working in the office for a while, went to the supercomputing center.
After a period of intense and rapid construction, the basic infrastructure of the supercomputing center has been largely completed.
The wide and flat cement road has been poured, and various flowers and plants have been planted in the yard.
Through the glass windows, one can see the spacious and bright interior of the computer room, where the installation of various sophisticated equipment has already begun.
The most critical issue is electricity; without electricity, the supercomputer will shut down.
In those days, the power lines in Beijing generally had low power output. To solve this problem, the power bureau arranged for a dedicated line to be installed.
At this moment, outside the power distribution room of the supercomputing center, more than a dozen experienced workers from the power bureau are installing a new transformer.
"I don't know what this company does, that they're building such a big transformer."
"Yes, these transformers are usually only used by large factories."
"I heard they work on supercomputers."
What is a supercomputer?
"It's just for calculations, that's all. My sister-in-law's aunt's third maternal aunt, her nephew's classmate works in a ministry. I heard from insiders that once this thing is powered on, its calculation speed is equivalent to a thousand of us old accountants using an abacus at the same time!"
"Wow~"
Upon hearing this, the craftsmen all perked up.
When Xia Zhongsu saw Li Aiguo coming over, he greeted him with a smile: "Aiguo, the progress is going very smoothly. The cooling system is currently being installed, and it should be completed this week."
As they were talking, an old Russian professor came out from inside.
"Professor Xia, there's a problem with the cooling system."
"Come on, let's go take a look together." Li Aiguo patted Xia Zhongsu on the shoulder and went into the supercomputing room.
The courtyard of the Third Machinery Factory in Beijing was quiet at this moment.
As usual, Shen Guan sat in front of the door, holding the acupuncture books left by his master and flipping through them.
"Oh dear, Xiao Shen, you're always reading that tattered book, how are you ever going to ever stop!"
Grandpa Zhou, the head of the compound, strolled over with his hands behind his back. Looking at Shen Guan, who was engrossed in his book, he shook his head repeatedly, his old face full of disappointment.
“Listen to this old man’s advice, this can’t go on! These days, the regular hospitals are all hiring Western doctors who wear white coats and carry stethoscopes.”
You've learned the tricks of traditional Chinese medicine, but you don't even have a proper diploma. Where are you going to find a job?
I heard that the grain station in front is currently recruiting temporary workers to carry heavy loads. Although it's physically demanding work, at least it's a way to earn a living.
"Or, I might as well swallow my pride and write your name down?"
No wonder Grandpa Zhou was worried about him.
Although Shen Guan was young, only in his early twenties, he was the last disciple of the famous "Liu Yizhen" before the liberation.
Who is Liu Yizhen? In this place of all sorts of people, his superb acupuncture skills are renowned.
If anyone in the family has a headache, fever, backache, leg pain, or is suffering from a cold, they don't need to go to a big hospital, queue up, or waste money. They can just come to the courtyard and find Liu Yizhen.
Wealthy customers would bring two catties of the finest steamed rice cakes and a red envelope containing their consultation fee.
If he encountered a poor family who couldn't even afford to eat, Liu Yizhen would never refuse a handful of freshly dug wild shepherd's purse and would greet them with a smile.
The most amazing thing is that no matter what kind of difficult or complicated illness it is, as long as Grandpa Liu inserts a few silver needles, the patient can be almost completely cured on the spot.
Shen Guan was intelligent and quick-witted from a young age, possessing an extraordinary talent for understanding acupoints and meridians.
Within a few years of becoming a disciple, he had mastered most of his master's skills and had even begun to practice medicine independently.
Everyone says that if things continue this way, Shen Guan will soon be able to take over completely and become the next "Shen Yizhen" in the capital.
But then liberation came, and some people proposed to formalize medical practice and prohibit private medical practice, especially acupuncture.
Shen Guan also wanted to get into the hospital, but his background was problematic, and he wasn't formally trained, so it was impossible for him.
Left with no other choice, he now has to take the risk of privately treating minor ailments for acquaintances and neighbors in exchange for a few kilograms of cornmeal to make a living.
"Uncle Zhou, I appreciate your kindness. It's not that I'm concerned about saving face as a doctor; I can endure the hardship of carrying heavy loads."
But... I'm unwilling to just watch the mantle passed down from my master be lost in my hands.
"Oh...you child! Your stubbornness is exactly the same as your master's back then, how can you be so obstinate!"
Grandpa Zhou was speechless, and could only sigh helplessly, shake his head, and walk away with his hands behind his back.
Just as Shen Guan was about to continue burying himself in studying medical books, the sound of a bicycle bell suddenly came from not far away.
Shen Guan looked up and his eyes lit up instantly when he saw who it was.
"Baiya, what brings you here?"
Liu Yizhen and Chen Baiya's father were old friends. After Liu Yizhen passed away, the Chen family took good care of Shen Guan.
Chen Baiya leaned her bicycle to the side, ran over breathlessly, and grabbed Shen Guan's shoulder: "Old Shen! Great news! I've found you a decent job!"
"Looking for work?" Shen Guan was taken aback for a moment, then made a self-deprecating joke.
"Brother Baiya, you didn't use Uncle Chen's connections to get me a job as an apprentice dispensing medicine in a hospital's Chinese medicine pharmacy, did you? That would be great, at least I could smell the medicine."
"Get lost! What are you dreaming of? Do you think I'd let your hands, which hold silver needles, cut medicine tablets?"
Chen Baiya laughed and punched Shen Guan lightly, then lowered her voice and said mysteriously.
"This time, you can pick up your acupuncture needles again with dignity and continue your old profession and your acupuncture career!"
"Really? Which hospital?"
"Not a hospital in China." Chen Baiya stared into Shen Guan's eyes, enunciating each word clearly: "It's going to—France!"
"."
Shen Guan remained silent for a full half minute. After confirming that Chen Baiya was not joking with him, he inquired about the whole story.
Chen Baiya explained the situation regarding our plan to send a medical exchange team to France.
Upon hearing these words, Shen Guan was thrilled, but then frowned, looking somewhat worried.
“Going abroad… Brother Bai, do you think those blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners will trust us with these few thin silver needles?”
"Won't they think we're practicing witchcraft?"
"Hey, you can rest assured about that!" Chen Baiya slapped her thigh confidently.
"Comrade Li Aiguo said it himself: the people of France are inherently romantic and curious."
They not only do not reject our mysterious traditional Eastern medicine, but are also full of great interest in it!
"Once you get there, you'll have plenty of opportunities to show off your skills!"
Shen Guan knew that Li Aiguo, whom Chen Baiya mentioned, was Chen Baiya's master, whom Chen Baiya described as a genius.
"How about it? This is a great opportunity."
"I'm signing up!" Shen Guan nodded emphatically.
As long as we can promote and develop acupuncture, what does it matter if we go abroad now?!
"Before you go, you will need to undergo French training and learn about precautions for going abroad. There's no time to lose. Tomorrow morning, take your household registration booklet and report to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot!"
The next day, Shen Guan arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot with a letter of introduction.
He had long heard of the reputation of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.
But today, being here for the first time, his biggest feeling was one of awe!
On the station yard, the steam engines hummed incessantly.
Inside the workshop, the machines made a lot of noise.
"The atmosphere here seems much more lively than outside." Shen Guan looked around, asked for directions to the education room, and then strode over.
He must seize this opportunity.
In the classroom of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot's education room, Shen saw Chen Baiya's mentor.
Shen Guan originally thought it would be a middle-aged person, but he didn't expect it to be about the same age as himself.
However, he knows a lot. He knows French, French customs, and even how to handle being flirted with by a French woman.
What shocked Shen Guan even more was the afternoon's professional class.
Let's talk about acupuncture!
Shen Guan believed he had received his master's true teachings and was well-versed in various medical books. In the field of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, he was definitely a leader among the younger generation.
He originally thought that Li Aiguo, who was in the industrial sector, might only know a little about traditional Chinese medicine, and that it would be superficial.
However, when Li Aiguo picked up a pointer, pointed to the diagram of human meridians and acupoints on the blackboard, and began to talk eloquently, Shen Guan realized how ignorant he was.
Although different schools of acupuncture in China have their own merits and different techniques, they all share the same fundamental principles.
"Our acupuncture technique emphasizes the concept of 'qi'."
The meridians are the key to life and death, the treatment of all diseases, and the regulation of deficiency and excess; they must be kept unobstructed.
When the Qi and blood are not in harmony, all kinds of diseases will arise...
Looking at Li Aiguo on the podium, who was speaking with ease and radiating dazzling light, Shen Guan was so surprised that his mouth was slightly open.
He thought he was already a rare acupuncture genius in the capital.
Only today has he truly come to understand what it means to be "there are always people better than you, and there is always something beyond your understanding".
Li Aiguo is simply a grandmaster of acupuncture!
Even if I can't go to France, just listening to this lecture is worth it!
(End of this chapter)