Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 52

Jiang Ya and Shao Chunhong finally found He Cheng at the cardiac surgery department. He stood near the entrance to the intensive care unit, while Bao Lanxiang sat on the floor just outside.

Shao Baokui was suffering from acute coronary heart disease with myocardial infarction, and the doctors insisted on immediate surgery.

The medical staff had repeatedly urged for consent signatures from the family, but Bao Lanxiang was overwhelmed and indecisive, kept deferring to He Cheng, urging him to take charge.

Just as Jiang Ya anticipated.

He Cheng briefly explained the situation to Jiang Ya and Shao Chunhong. Bao Lanxiang rose from the floor, leaned her head against the wall, and sobbed, "Da Cheng, make a decision quickly. You're the eldest in our family and the doctor says we can't wait any longer. His life is constantly at risk. Please save your uncle's life."

She continued, "I don't know what to do, especially with Chunlai not here. I'm clueless about these matters, what am I supposed to handle? Da Cheng, it all depends on you now. Cover the expenses first; saving his life is most important. Honestly, I don't know what else to do."

Exchanging a glance with Jiang Ya, He Cheng acknowledged that he had been hearing these repetitive words from Bao Lanxiang since last night without respite.

"He, Mother," He Cheng said, "the doctor already explained it to you. I can cover the immediate expenses for now, but ultimately, the decision lies with you. You must give consent for the surgery. Also, make sure Shao Chunlai returns immediately."

Bao Lanxiang continued crying, insisting she knew nothing about such matters and was too afraid to sign anything - besides, she couldn't even write properly. She also claimed that Shao Chunlai was too far away, and by the time he returned, it would be too late.

This back and forth persisted.

Over the past few years, as He Cheng conducted his watermelon business in the village, there were instances when signing documents became necessary. Consequently, he had feigned learning how to write his own name. Aware of this, Bao Lanxiang, undeterred, pleaded with He Cheng, "Just sign your name, I don't know how to write or understand these things anyway."

"Mother," Jiang Ya interjected, "let's be clear here. We'll openly discuss this in front of everyone, we can cover the initial costs, but money is secondary. Once Shao Chunlai returns, he must bear half the expense, and you need to convey this to him. He Cheng has already paid last night's deposit, so when Shao Chunlai arrives, he should handle the subsequent payments. For now, let's not dwell on the finances, but frankly speaking, Da Cheng is only tangentially involved. Matters involving life and death require someone directly responsible, and he isn't qualified to make decisions or sign any forms. Without your authorization and say so, no matter how often you repeat your pleas, they won't have any effect."

As they spoke, the doctor returned. Upon seeing Jiang Ya and Shao Chunhong, he asked their relationship to the patient. Then, turning to Shao Chunhong, as she was the patient's biological daughter and the most appropriate person present, he requested her signature for certain documents.

Shao Chunhong gave an uneasy smile, "I can't make decisions on this matter either."

The doctor, visibly anxious and helpless, left without further ado.

Shao Chunhong inquired about Shao Chunlai's whereabouts. After some hesitation, Bao Lanxiang mentioned that Shao Chunlai might be far away and unable to return immediately.

Jiang Ya responded, "Whether he returns or not is one thing, but if you don't tell us, we can't contact him. None of us here has the authority to decide, so Uncle Shao will just have to wait - potentially until it's too late. You cannot blame anyone else for this. If something happens to Uncle Shao because you didn't notify him urgently, the responsibility lies solely with you. Even when Shao Chunlai does come back, he may well blame you for any consequences."