When Zhou Wenbin left the dean's office, it was already six o'clock, well past the end of the workday, and he unexpectedly encountered Deputy Dean Geng Wenxiu on the way.

Zhou Wenbin greeted her. Geng Wenxiu was very arrogant; in the past she would just nod when she met these mid-level cadres, but today she took the initiative to strike up a conversation: "Old Zhou, you are truly dedicated, reporting work to Dean Gu at this hour?"

Zhou Wenbin had just walked out of Gu Houyi's office, seen by her, so he couldn't deny it and smiled, "Dean Gu assigned me some work."

"Is it about Tong Meili's matter?"

Zhou Wenbin sighed silently. This matter was already widely known. He did not answer, just smiled, letting Geng Wenxiu interpret it herself.

Geng Wenxiu took his silence as an admission, sighed, and asked, "I didn't expect it to cause such a big stir. How's Dean Gu feeling?"

At Changxing Hospital, few people liked Geng Wenxiu. Arrogant and mysteriously confident, carrying a high and mighty attitude, gaining presence everywhere; how she got her position was unclear, nor how many people cursed her behind her back.

Zhou Wenbin really didn't want to walk with her; this woman was trouble.

But she was the deputy dean, and he couldn't just walk away, so he endured his dislike for her and said, "It's hard to fathom the leader's thoughts."

Geng Wenxiu laughed, "Old Zhou, you haven't been in administration long, but you really handle things flawlessly."

Deputy Dean Gao Xinhua also came out of the office. Everyone left later than usual today; a few hours ago, Gu Houyi had gathered several leaders for a small meeting, instructing them to use their connections to quickly suppress the Tong Meili incident. Everyone understood why Gu Houyi was so nervous; no one felt comfortable leaving before the matter was resolved.

Now that it was confirmed the Tong Meili couple had been deactivated and related videos widely blocked, everyone finally left the hospital one by one.

Zhou Wenbin saw him and felt as if he'd found a savior: "Dean Gao, I was just looking for you."

Gao Xinhua saw Geng Wenxiu beside him and immediately guessed Zhou Wenbin's purpose, laughing, "Let's talk in your office." He too didn't want to walk with Geng Wenxiu.

Geng Wenxiu said, "Then I'll be off."

The two waved her off, "Take care, Dean Geng!"

Gao Xinhua glanced back and whispered, "The big boss hasn't left yet?"

Zhou Wenbin sighed, "He's had a tough day too."

"You didn't handle this matter elegantly."

Zhou Wenbin said helplessly, "I couldn't help it."

The two went downstairs to the entrance of the medical office. Gao Xinhua didn't want to get involved in his matters, but Zhou Wenbin insisted on inviting him in, claiming he wanted him to try some new tea he'd bought.

Gao Xinhua also wanted to wait before leaving. Otherwise, he'd have to listen to Geng Wenxiu's chatter again.

In the medical office, they found Xu Chunliang there. He greeted Dean Gao.

Zhou Wenbin hesitated for a moment, recalling he'd asked him to wait. Today's events had affected his memory. Zhou Wenbin wasn't really planning to serve tea; at this hour, neither of them had eaten, so he proposed hosting a dinner.

Gao Xinhua knew Zhou Wenbin had something to ask, so he immediately said he already had a meal prepared at home.

Zhou Wenbin was unusually persistent today about hosting dinner, suggesting Gao Xinhua invite his wife to join them.

Gao Xinhua couldn't refuse and reluctantly agreed.

Xu Chunliang felt this kind of private leadership interaction wasn't for him and was getting ready to leave.

But Gao Xinhua called him back, insisting he join them. His purpose was to use Xu Chunliang as a shield; with him present, there were some things Zhou Wenbin wouldn't bring up.

Zhou Wenbin had no objections and invited Xu Chunliang along.

Xu Chunliang called his grandfather to inform him, as Zhou Wenbin invited them to the Canal Restaurant near the hospital.

This restaurant had a small facade, positioned middle-class, offering authentic Gusu dishes.

Gusu cuisine is a branch of the Huaiyang cuisine, featuring Huaiyang characteristics with distinct local traits, popular in Dongzhou.

Zhou Wenbin was a regular here, booking a small private room beforehand and asking the owner to have the air conditioning on early.

Upon arrival, the room was comfortably cool. The restaurant owner, actually Zhou Wenbin's cousin, set up a table of local specialties.

Gao Xinhua especially liked their roast chicken, sausage, stuffed rolls, and old tofu.

The wine was Tian Zhi Lan, brought over by Zhou Wenbin from the office.

Gao Xinhua preferred strong liquor, but he didn't mention it. Zhou Wenbin usually wasn't generous, so it was rare for him to host.

Xu Chunliang, being the junior, took on the serving duties, not only pouring wine but also helping scald their utensils with hot water. In the past, when he was the Five Poison Sect Leader, even without an official title, others served him. Now he was serving others, but he didn't feel inferior, rather finding this life leisurely and interesting. A person should know when to rise and when to bend.

Gao Xinhua found time to check his phone again. Negative videos about Changxing Hospital were nearly gone, and he breathed a sigh of relief: "Dean Gu acted fast, those distorted and slanderous negative news have all been blocked."

Zhou Wenbin glanced at Xu Chunliang. Although he didn't reveal the full truth in front of Gu Houyi, he couldn't take credit in front of Xu Chunliang, so he explained how the issue was resolved from start to finish.

Gao Xinhua learned it was Xu Chunliang who resolved the crisis, surprising him, as he hadn't heard of Xu having such connections.

"Chunliang, you actually know Lu Ming?"

"I know his brother, Lu Qi. We're friends."

Gao Xinhua said, "No wonder!"

Zhou Wenbin added, "I haven't had the chance to tell Dean Gu about Xiaoxu's involvement."

Gao Xinhua quickly realized the unspoken reason: it wasn't about not having the chance, but rather not wanting to share. He raised his glass, "No need to mention it; even if you did, he wouldn't connect the dots."

What Gao Xinhua said was true. Why would the hospital dean, Gu Houyi, concern himself with a minor office staff member?

"Director Zhou, please don't mention me. I don't want to get involved in Tong Meili's matter," Xu Chunliang didn't expect things to turn out this way, had no idea Lu Qi's side had such a background. Using personal connections for official matters felt awkward, not to mention his aversion to the Aesthetic Department Director, Cai Rongjuan. By helping quell the negative news, he inadvertently helped Cai Rongjuan.

Zhou Wenbin chuckled, "As a member of the medical office, do you plan to stay uninvolved? Not possible."

Gao Xinhua stated, "This incident has caused a big stir, seriously damaging our image at Changxing. You can't take it lightly; there might be more developments."

Xu Chunliang replied, "Does Changxing even have an image to speak of? Among the six tertiary hospitals in Dongzhou, our reputation is undoubtedly at the bottom."

Gao Xinhua and Zhou Wenbin exchanged looks. Though unpleasant to hear, it was the truth.

Gao Xinhua drank, saying, "A child doesn't criticize a mother for being ugly, nor does a dog mind a poor home; you are a formal employee of Changxing, after all."

Zhou Wenbin said, "I hope our second-phase expansion can start soon. Once the new inpatient building is completed, our hardware level will match other hospitals."

Gao Xinhua replied, "The demolition is done, and the building's groundbreaking is at the end of the month."

"There's hope then. With sycamore trees at home, phoenixes will come," Zhou Wenbin mused.

Gao Xinhua said, "Construction, decoration, plus the installation and commissioning of equipment will take at least three years, and there's currently a significant funding gap."

Zhou Wenbin asked, "Dean Gu is retiring next year, right?"

Gao Xinhua nodded. Gu Houyi and Zhou Wenbin were from the same area, making it inconvenient for him to say much; he believed Zhou knew Gu's future plans better than himself.

"When Dean Gu retires, who will succeed him?" Zhou Wenbin looked at Gao Xinhua.

Gao Xinhua said, "Why are you looking at me? It certainly won't be me."

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