Granting You a Second Life 148 The Black Curtain

The maître d' led Li Xiuying through the dining room. She felt her phone vibrate and saw it was a message from Ren Daiyu [Either I just saw you on the news or it was your doppelganger!]

Li Xiuying replied [Meeting at The Enchanted. Talk later]. She put her phone back in her bag.

Li Xiuying looked straight ahead and did not glance at the seated guests. She both did and didn't want people to remember her. On one hand, she wanted people to remember her in case anything went wrong. On the other hand, if things went fine she didn't want people to remember her and assume she had any sort of special relationship with the owner of The Enchanted. She was damned is she did and damned if she didn't. 

In all likelihood, nothing would happen to her today. Qilin wasn't the type to leave evidence and witnesses around. However, it was human nature to be cautious when entering a lion's personal den. 

The maître d' and Li Xiuying then walked into the back area where there was a set of stairs. She looked up at all the flights and frowned.

Maître d': "We will be there before you know it. The building at the back is actually connected to the restaurant but it is difficult to see from the front or side."

Li Xiuying: "Elevator?"

Maître d': "The boss wants to create obstacles for people who come in. It will tire out any assailants or at least slow them down."

Li Xiuying saw various cameras dotted around as she kept ascending.

The maître d' finally stopped on the 5th floor. He opened the door to the level and waited for Li Xiuying to pass through.

Li Xiuying looked down at the stairs in disgust. She couldn't even curse them otherwise she would be stuck in this building forever.

The maître d' lip twitched as he saw the scorn on Li Xiuying's face. 

Li Xiuying was greeted by 2 men in casual clothing on either side of the door. They turned and stared at her.

Maître d': "This is the boss's 7 pm."

The 2 guards returned to causal sitting on either side of the door. They may have appeared relaxed but Li Xiuing could tell they were poised to attack when required.

Maître d': "This way please."

Li Xiuying followed silently whilst scanning her surroundings, there were guards positioned every 10 meters. 

The maître d' eventually stopped at a door and knocked 5 times; leaving a gap of 3 seconds between each knock.

Qilin: "Come in."

The maître d' opened the door for Li Xiuying: "I will escort you out when you are finished."

Li Xiuying entered and the door was closed behind her. 

Li Xiuying expressionlessly looked at the 3 people in the room.

A distinguished grey-haired middle-aged man sat in the chair at the desk. Qilin was reclining on a sofa on the other side of the room with another man who looked to be in his early 20's sitting alongside him. 

Qilin: "Take a seat Dr Li." 

Li Xiuying went forward and sat in the seat in front of the desk.

Tu Zedong: "I am Qilin's father. You may address me as Elder Tu. This is my grandson Tu Nianzu. He is currently studying medicine at Northwest University and is here to observe this consultation." He was not giving Li Xiuying any choice. 

Li Xiuying looked indifferent: "Medical records."

Tu Nianzu walked over and pulled a chair to his grandfather's side. Tu Nianzu passed her 2 stacks of medical notes.

Li Xiuying slowly went over all the contents.

When Li Xiuying was done she asked for the images: " for visiting.

Li Xiuying: "How would you feel about being awake in an operating theater?"

Elder Tu: "I think I would feel more reassured to know what was happening when a blade is at my neck."

Li Xiuying: "I suggest doing the operation with you mildly sedated. Some general anesthetic will be used to put you to sleep initially, then a nerve block around the area I will be operating. After that, we will keep you mildly sedated throughout the operation. We will be able to talk to you during the operation. This will help me to assess your neurological function."

Elder Tu: "My doctor didn't mention it was possible to have this procedure done while I was awake. He said I would have to be put to sleep."

Li Xiuying: "It is possible to do the procedure with the patient awake/slightly sedated or fully asleep. It is dependent on the surgeon's experience and training. It is the surgeon's choice and they take into account many factors such as the patient's pain tolerance and ability to remain calm during the procedure."Carotid doppler: Ultrasound used to visualize the carotid arteries located in the neck.one of the trade names for Clopidogrel- antiplatelet

Often described as blood-thinning medication to help prevent clotsTIAReferring to a heart valve - there are 4Atrial fibrillation - irregular and often fast heartbeat. It is a risk factor for stroke.

ECG pattern - is often described as irregularly irregular.

The person's pulse can feel irregular - not necessarily at all times

Chapter end