Xu Chunliang hadn't left the hospital yet. Since the appointment came through, he had no reason to linger in the medical office. Taking advantage of the fact that it wasn't officially work time, he went to the office to pack his personal items.

He thought he didn't have much stuff, but when he started packing, it filled two large boxes. He suddenly realized that he wouldn't have an office at the main campus in the future.

Zhao Feiyang only arranged for him to go to the branch, not giving him an office at the main campus. On second thought, he's just a small staff member, not entitled to a private office.

As he was wondering if he should temporarily store his things in the medical office, Gao Xinhua came looking for him.

When Gao Xinhua passed by the medical office and saw it open, he guessed Xu hadn't left. Seeing the scene, Gao Xinhua smiled and said, "What, you're packing already? Can't wait to leave?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "Rather than waiting to be kicked out, I might as well smartly leave on my own. They say those who recognize the trends of the times are wise."

Gao Xinhua sat down in his seat. "Dean Zhao arranged for you to work in the foreign affairs department, no need to rush your packing. After the official start tomorrow, just have some workers move your stuff."

The foreign affairs department is a permanent institution in every hospital, mainly responsible for expanding the medical market and external liaison work, establishing the hospital's image, enhancing its reputation, and managing projects and outreach activities like free clinic services in rural areas and health knowledge dissemination in communities.

The foreign affairs department is akin to the hospital's diplomatic department. In the new era, it has been given new functions like investment promotion and talent and technology recruitment.

Though the slogans sound grand, the actual work of the department is minimal, mostly dealing with subordinate hospitals and enterprises.

Xu Chunliang knew a bit about the state of the foreign affairs department; basically, its people are running around outside all day, and in the eyes of many staff at the main hospital, those in the foreign affairs department are seen as idle layabouts.

Xu Chunliang was mainly concerned if he fell under the jurisdiction of the foreign affairs department, but Gao Xinhua told him not to worry. He's now the special assistant to the dean and vice dean of the branch, directly responsible to the dean.

After Yan Huaiyi went to the Infectious Disease Hospital to serve as dean, Geng Wenxiu temporarily managed the departments he oversaw. This means Xu Chunliang could report to Geng Wenxiu for any issues.

When Xu Chunliang heard his superior was Geng Wenxiu, he got a bit of a headache. That woman is no good.

Gao Xinhua suggested he firstly focus on doing a good job in his role and only consider the next steps after the transfer of property rights of the Weishan Island branch is completed. With Zhao Feiyang appreciating him so much, he'll surely be given significant responsibilities.

Gao Xinhua's words seemed more like he was comforting Xu Chunliang. He really couldn't figure out Zhao Feiyang's true attitude now.

Recalling Zhao Feiyang's instructions, Gao Xinhua hesitated. Should he persuade Xu Chunliang to make a proper concession?

This wasn't the first time. When there was a dispute between Huichun Hall and the beauty enhancement clinic, Zhao Feiyang had entrusted Gao Xinhua to advise Xu Chunliang to let bygones be bygones, but Xu Chunliang didn't give him face. This guy considers it benevolent as long as he's not kicking someone when they're down.

Seeing that something was up, Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "Dean Gao, you wouldn't come to me for no reason. What's the matter?"

Gao Xinhua said, "Dean Zhao means there's no need to make things so tense. He suggests you adopt a high posture and go see Tang Tianyi."

Xu Chunliang laughed. "Does he want me to apologize to Tang Tianyi?"

"He didn't say that," Gao Xinhua quickly denied.

Xu Chunliang said, "I know what he means. He's worried my situation might affect his cooperation with the Huayuan Group, so he wants me to give in, apologize to Tang Tianyi, and shake hands and make up. Do you think he's too clever? The police have already defined the case, who does he think he is?"

Gao Xinhua instinctively glanced at the door, ensured it was closed, and then gave Xu Chunliang a reproachful look. "Keep your voice down."

Xu Chunliang said, "I could go, but I can't guarantee to control my emotions. If I see that bastard and can't hold my anger, and beat him again, it'll really blow up."

Gao Xinhua couldn't help but laugh. With this kid's temperament, it really can't be ruled out.

"Dean Zhao isn't forcing you, go if you like."

Xu Chunliang said, "Now I get why you want to fake illness."

Gao Xinhua said, "I never wanted to fake illness. It was your suggestion."

Xu Chunliang laughed. "What are you afraid of? If he offends you, I'll help get him removed, and you can be the dean."

Gao Xinhua raised his hand as if to smack him. This kid dares to say anything, but why does it sound so pleasant?

Xu Chunliang cheerfully dodged to the side. "Dean Gao, you've been exposed, you've been exposed."

Gao Xinhua coughed twice, then lit another cigarette. Xu Chunliang poured hot water into his thermos mug. "Smoke less, your cough sounds like a lung issue."

Gao Xinhua said, "I just got my chest CT done, healthy as can be," he took a sip of tea and said, "Today's meeting ran so late, I couldn't even see off my daughter."

Xu Chunliang said, "It's all Old Zhao's fault."

Gao Xinhua replied, "Isn't that the truth..." Then he realized he was being led on by this kid, and reminded him, "You can't badmouth people behind their backs like this. He's been good to you."

Xu Chunliang said, "Others may not understand me, but surely you do. I'm someone who repays kindness with ingratitude, and the better someone treats me, the more I want to harm them."

Gao Xinhua laughed and said, "I better be careful, or one day you'll sell me and I'll still be counting money for you."

"You should keep an eye out, but given your age, it might not help much."

"Are you saying I have dementia?"

Xu Chunliang laughed too, "You're definitely not demented; you're shrewd and cunning. You know what to do and what not to do."

This flattery was satisfying, and Gao Xinhua took a content puff of his cigarette. If this kid were my son-in-law, it would be fantastic. Handsome, healthy, smart, and capable of protecting my daughter. Such a good kid is hard to find, even with a lantern.

Gao Xinhua originally wanted to match them up, but the two seemed not to have any sparks, not even exchanging contact information.

After that banquet, Gao Xinhua was scolded by his wife. Xiao Chuhong had seen through his intentions and warned him not to meddle and play matchmaker unnecessarily.

Their daughter has a master's degree from Shuimu, whereas Xu Chunliang is just a high school graduate. The educational gap is too wide; there's simply no possibility. Besides, given their daughter's conditions, she could find any outstanding young talent, so why would she be interested in Xu Chunliang?

Gao Xinhua defended Xu Chunliang a bit, arguing that a degree doesn't represent a person's quality, nor their future success. This led to an argument between the couple, and even now, Xiao Chuhong is still upset.

Gao Xinhua had pretty much given up. No matter how much he liked Xu Chunliang, it ultimately depended on the young people's wishes. Gao Xinhua was somewhat curious about Mei Ru Xue, so he took the opportunity to ask, "Chunliang, the girl we ran into at the Marriott Hotel entrance was quite pretty. Is she your girlfriend?"

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "You don't recognize Town Mayor Mei of Hu Shan Town?"

During Gao Xinhua's days on Weishan Island, he hadn't met Mei Ru Xue but had heard her name, and now with Xu Chunliang's mention, he made the connection. He laughed and said, "I've long heard there's a beautiful town mayor in Hu Shan Town. So it's her. She's so young. I really didn't expect it."

Xu Chunliang said, "She became town mayor at twenty-three. I reckon she could become a deputy division chief before she's thirty."

Gao Xinhua sighed, "Look at her—I've lived my life in vain."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don't compare yourself to the younger generation. Just compare yourself to Zhao Feiyang; he's so much younger than you, and yet he's not lording over you."

Gao Xinhua frowned, "I don't like how that sounds. What do you mean by lording over me? Although he's half a rank higher than me in position, we're equal as human beings."

"Do you believe that yourself?"

Gao Xinhua said, "I'm just saying it for your sake. Young man, keep striving—I've reached my cap as a deputy at this level."

Due to renovations at the main branch of Changxing Hospital, many departments were temporarily relocated. The outpatient building's third to sixth floors were temporarily assigned to the internal medicine system.

The administrative departments, prioritizing the clinical outpatient services, partially relocated to the old office building next to the cafeteria. It used to house some logistics departments, and Xu Chunliang had recently stayed in the electrician's room here.

Now, the External Relations Department, computer room, Infectious Disease Department, and Equipment Department have all been moved here. This office building was built in the 1980s. Although it's located at the southernmost part of Changxing Hospital, just south of it lies the majestic twin office buildings of the Dongzhou Cigarette Factory, overshadowing it year-round, making it jokingly called the "sunlight-free corner."

Xu Chunliang didn't bother the workers and carried two boxes by himself to the External Relations Department.

Director Pan Hongwei was very polite to him, giving Xu Chunliang a desk by the window, and even cleared a cabinet for him.

Xu Chunliang wouldn't be working here daily; primarily, he just needed a place to put the office supplies he had accumulated over time. The External Relations Department usually had few people around, as everyone claimed to be out networking. Work attendance wasn't strictly regulated, which suited Xu Chunliang's style.

Pan Hongwei offered him a cigarette, but Xu Chunliang declined, saying he didn't smoke.

So Pan Hongwei lit one for himself, opened the window, leaned against it, and started smoking, making small talk, "Xiaoxu, how's the work progressing over at Weishan Lake?"

"It's going well! The work is pretty much on track now, nothing much to do usually."

Pan Hongwei said, "I heard they're planning to build a national-level resort there."

Xu Chunliang chuckled, "It's true. The city officially announced it yesterday. Director Pan, if you have time, feel free to visit; I'll arrange everything for you." After some time in administration, Xu Chunliang was well-acquainted with the ropes.

Pan Hongwei laughed, "I'll definitely make time to visit."

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