Jin Yonghao has been in the position of dean at the Weishan Island Branch for almost a year. Gu Houyi promised him that he would be transferred back by the end of the year, but now he hasn't returned yet, and Gu Houyi has already left. His son will take the high school entrance exam next year. Jin Yonghao reported this situation to the new dean, Zhao Feiyang, but Zhao Feiyang has not shown any response.

The driver Old Lu is a local, so it wasn't convenient for Jin Yonghao to say much in his presence; he only reported the recent medical work to Yan Huaiyi. In the first three quarters, the income improved compared to the same period last year, but it's still far from turning a profit.

There are twenty-three natural villages on the island, which used to have two towns, Shiliang Town and Huahu Town. Last year, for convenience in management and to avoid mutual excuses, and to improve administrative efficiency, the two towns were merged into Hu Shan Town, which is considered one of the leading towns in Weishan County.

Old Lu slammed on the brakes and cursed viciously—a farm tricycle was blocking his way. The island's roads are narrow and have been in disrepair for years, causing traffic chaos. Although there aren't many cars, farm tricycles often cut in front.

The sudden braking caused Tang Mingmei's body to lurch forward due to inertia; this old car doesn't even have a seatbelt.

Yan Huaiyi couldn't help but remind, "Driver, please slow down; we're not in a hurry."

Old Lu cursed, "Damn you, rascal!"

Although the curse wasn't aimed at Yan Huaiyi, it coincided with what he said, making Yan Huaiyi's face blush with embarrassment. The staff at the branch all seemed irritable, showing a lack of respect for the leadership from Changxing.

Jin Yonghao, worried about Yan Huaiyi's embarrassment, explained, "Old Lu just has a fiery temper, Dean Yan, please don't mind."

Yan Huaiyi joked about himself, "Driving around the small island all day would make anyone irritable."

Old Lu honked the horn loudly, but the tricycle in front didn't care. Old Lu gritted his teeth, "I really want to shove him off the road."

Tang Mingmei finally couldn't stand it anymore, "Driver, can't you slow down? We are still in the car!"

Old Lu glanced back through the rearview mirror, "Sorry, I forgot. This car usually transports patients or the deceased, rarely living people."

Tang Mingmei's face turned pale. What was Jin Yonghao thinking, using such an ominous vehicle to pick them up?

Jin Yonghao said, "Old Lu, what nonsense are you talking? These are our Changxing leaders."

Old Lu said, "I'm just speaking the truth. So, you're all leaders? Are you here to solve our salary issue? August's salary hasn't been paid yet."

Jin Yonghao looked embarrassed. Managing the Weishan Island Branch is genuinely challenging. Although Changxing took on this hot potato with minimal investment, they are responsible for the branch's 200-plus employees' salaries and insurance.

Now performance is tied to bonuses. The branch loses money every year, so there's no bonus. It's fortunate if salaries are paid on time. Last month, Changxing happened to be replacing the dean, using unfinished financial handover as an excuse for not allocating salary funds to the Weishan Island Branch.

Most employees rely on their salaries to support their families. Without pay, there is naturally resentment, and this resentment is directed towards the higher-level hospital.

At Weishan Island Hospital, many departments are supported by experts from Changxing Hospital, and their salaries are paid as usual. Compared, the branch employees feel more unbalanced.

Many believe Gu Houyi made poor management decisions at Weishan Island Hospital. Firstly, he retained the original leadership team of the hospital. The branch's vice dean, Zhang Haibin, used to be the dean.

Actually, Gu Houyi tried to advocate for changes, but Weishan County's stance was to avoid major changes in the hospital's leadership, resulting in the current situation, where the leadership of the branch remained the same—only post-titles changed. Meanwhile, Jin Yonghao, the special emissary, has been marginalized by the branch.

Zhang Haibin is a local heavy-hitter, and he's arguably the biggest beneficiary post-acquisition. Yet, he's ungrateful, complaining while benefiting from Changxing.

Jin Yonghao believes the branch's poor operational state is closely related to this person's presence.

Yan Huaiyi, having served long as Vice Director Changxing, is good at pacifying people, telling Old Lu that he's here to solve the branch's problems. He encouraged Old Lu to report any issues, promising to resolve them quickly.

Upon hearing this, Old Lu stopped talking.

The car drove into town. Xu Chunliang observed the buildings along the road and found the place as backward as Tang Mingmei described, completely different from Dongzhou City.

There are few cars on the island, mostly farm tricycles, motorcycles, bicycles, and even carts pulled by horses and oxen. Many fish vendors gather at the market, mostly buying fish at low prices to ship to the water product wholesale market in the county. The island's primary industry is fisheries.

The aging population is severe. Young people can't stand the monotonous and harsh life here, leaving home to work and start businesses, resulting in severe population loss on the island in recent years.

The merged Hu Shan Town is located south of Shiliang Mountain. Shiliang Mountain, over two hundred meters above sea level, is the only mountain on this small island. The island is lush with vegetation and filled with snakes and insects.

Old Lu drove directly to the backyard of Weishan Island Hospital, which is a housing area for families, with weeds overgrowing the yard and a lonely two-story building standing there.

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