After the surgery, Zhao Heng and Liu Ziang walked out of the operating room together.

As soon as they came out, Miaomiao's father approached them, very anxious and asked Zhao Heng worriedly, "Dr. Zhao, how was the surgery?"

"The surgery went smoothly, don't worry."

Zhao Heng gave Miaomiao's anxious father a reassuring look, comforting him.

"Thank you, thank you Dr. Zhao, thank you.."

This very strong middle-aged man, who had traveled far and wide with his daughter and endured so much hardship without complaint, now had tears welling up in his eyes.

"Go rest for a bit."

Zhao Heng said to Miaomiao's father again, observing his appearance, it seemed like from the time they heard about the surgery until it was completed, he hadn't slept at all, and going so long without sleep was not sustainable.

"It's fine, Dr. Zhao, I can manage."

Miaomiao's father dismissed the concern, although his disheveled hair and bloodshot eyes clearly reflected a severe lack of rest.

However, Miaomiao's father was not the only one in front of the operating room.

There were also journalist Wei Wei and Ms. Liu, the leader of a charitable organization, standing at the entrance.

Seeing Zhao Heng finish talking with Miaomiao's father, Wei Wei, along with Ms. Liu, stepped forward.

Upon seeing Ms. Liu again, Zhao Heng was still struck by a certain aura she possessed; this middle-aged woman indeed seemed wealthy and distinguished, as Zhao Heng had guessed, otherwise she wouldn't exude such an air.

"Dr. Zhao, how was the surgery?"

Ms. Liu spoke first. She maintained a very calm and composed demeanor, but there was still a trace of anxiety in her voice. She truly hoped not to see another flower-like girl wither so prematurely due to a malignant tumor.

"Ms. Liu, the surgery went very smoothly."

Zhao Heng replied.

In all honesty, Ms. Liu was quite admirable. Since the time she visited young Miaomiao and talked with Zhao Heng, learning about the situation, her charitable organization had covered nearly all of Miaomiao's medical costs.

What Zhao Heng admired most about Ms. Liu was that she hadn't made any demands in this process, neither regarding Miaomiao nor the hospital. Her sole request was to use every available means to heal Miaomiao.

"That's good, that's good."

Hearing Zhao Heng's affirmative answer, Ms. Liu visibly breathed a sigh of relief, her expression relaxing considerably.

"Dr. Zhao, congratulations on completing yet another challenging surgery."

Standing beside Ms. Liu, Wei Wei timely added with a smile to Zhao Heng.

"The surgery was conducted by Director Liu and me together."

Zhao Heng felt that Wei Wei's tone seemed like she was about to instigate something, so he brought Liu Ziang into the conversation.

"Surgery is just one part; the treatment plan for the patient was all designed by you. I'm busy on my end, so I'll take my leave first."

Seeing how the journalist spoke to Zhao Heng, Liu Ziang couldn't help but smile slightly, pat Zhao Heng on the shoulder, and turned to leave.

He's already quite renowned; he doesn't need that publicity at all.

However, for Zhao Heng at this stage, such publicity could be beneficial.

Next, Zhao Heng invited Ms. Liu and Wei Wei to his office together.

The three of them sat on the sofa. The more Ms. Liu looked at Zhao Heng before her, the more satisfied she felt. Such an exceptional young man, skilled in medicine, with good character, and also very distinguished-looking—where else could one find such a person?

"Dr. Zhao, I have a niece who just returned from abroad and is still single. She's excellent in every way. Would you like me to introduce you?"

Unexpectedly, Ms. Liu suddenly asked Zhao Heng.

Ms. Liu's sudden question caught Zhao Heng off guard, and Wei Wei's previously steady smile also froze for a moment.

"Ms. Liu, I'm sorry, but I already have a girlfriend."

Zhao Heng promptly declined politely. Given Ms. Liu's manner, if he had delayed the response even a minute, he would've found himself being arranged for a blind date.

I don't understand why people of a certain age are so fond of arranging blind dates for young people?

Is this somehow a pastime for elders?

"Oh.. that's really a pity. My niece isn't fortunate enough."

Hearing Zhao Heng had a girlfriend, Ms. Liu's face expressed clear regret. Such an outstanding young person like Zhao Heng was someone she hadn't met in years.

Although there were numerous young talents within her social circle, she knew that many appeared as such due to family prestige and a bit of packaging.

Finding someone like Zhao Heng, who seemed a truly rare gem, was indeed a first for her, hence her sentiment for nurturing talent.

Moreover, at the first meeting with Zhao Heng, she felt like encountering a thoughtful junior, a sentiment even young family members couldn't provide her.

"Dr. Zhao, I noticed that you seem to have particularly special research into tumor treatment, is that so?"

After a pause, Ms. Liu continued.

She had done her homework, learning about Zhao Heng's background and achievements, finding that Zhao Heng's rise to fame was just in the past two months or so. However, a genius's sudden success was understandable.

Yet, Ms. Liu realized Zhao Heng was particularly adept at dealing with the kind of difficult and rare cases that other hospitals or doctors couldn't handle, which was truly commendable.

For the wealthy, health is indeed the top priority, so such a doctor genuinely piqued Ms. Liu's interest.

"Yes, I do have some research, but the main focus is still on stem cell therapy."

Zhao Heng pondered for a moment before replying.

Although he was primarily a doctor at the anesthesia and perioperative center, with the establishment of this ward, he was practically semi-independent and could choose his research and treatment directions.

Of course, looking across all the departments at Eastern Hospital, only Gao Jun could provide him with such autonomy and shield him from pressures.

"I wonder if Dr. Zhao has any understanding or research on spinal muscular atrophy, this rare disease?"

Ms. Liu asked Zhao Heng expectantly.

"Spinal muscular atrophy?"

Hearing this specific disease name, the details of this ailment flashed through Zhao Heng's mind instantly.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a collection of diseases characterized by weakness and atrophy of muscles due to degeneration of spinal anterior horn motor neurons.

This is an extremely rare disease, affecting approximately one in ten thousand newborns. Without treatment, patients will lose basic functions such as swallowing or lifting their heads, affecting eating and breathing, and eventually leading to paralysis or even death in severe cases.

"Yes, Dr. Zhao, you know that? Currently, in our country, there are about 30,000 to 50,000 patients with SMA, and right now the best treatment for this disease is a specific drug called Norinazen."

"However, this special drug is currently priced at 550,000 per dose domestically, requiring six injections in the first year. The cost decreases in the second year, but still requires repeated injections. I've consulted relevant doctors, and if a child is born with this disease, at least three years of treatment are needed for a chance of complete recovery."

Ms. Liu spoke with a heavy tone about the group she has been focused on, children with spinal muscular atrophy, whom she desperately wants to help as much as possible.

But, even with her modest wealth, at 500,000 per injection, that amounts to three million a year, and close to eight or nine million over three years, even if costs decrease; that covers only one child's treatment.

The key point is, there are not just one or two such children, such assistance could even overwhelm the world's richest person.

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