Chen Xing'an, who was quite close, saw the logo of Yunquan Villa printed on the matchbox. Gu Houyi was clearly hinting at something beyond just smoking; his intentions were not about the liquor at all.

Gu Houyi took a drag of his cigarette, "Some say the greatest perk of being in charge is not having to light your own cigarette. I haven't even officially retired, yet I have to do it myself."

No one spoke, all aware that Gu Houyi was using this as an opportunity to express something deeper.

Yan Huaiyi said, "Dean Gu, we are all products of your guidance. If we've done anything wrong, just... criticize us." He stuttered a bit.

Chen Xing'an inwardly disagreed; he wasn't promoted by Gu Houyi, and whether Gu Houyi retires or not makes little difference to him. In the hospital, the secretary is just a nominal post, with a level of authority considered less than that of a vice director. Whoever succeeds Gu Houyi, it won't be him anyway.

Qin Guoliang also disagreed with Yan Huaiyi's statement. He wasn't a native of Changxing but came through a talent introduction program at Changxing Hospital, responsible for the cardiology department. Unlike other deputy directors, his role was more honorary and did not involve specific work, but it allowed him to enjoy equivalent benefits.

Gu Houyi said, "I've been the director for ten years. While I haven't made Changxing the strongest hospital in Jiangzhou, I also haven't let it fall out of the leading group. From my first day in office, I set two goals: one was to pass the evaluation to become a top-tier tertiary hospital, and the other to complete the second phase expansion project of Changxing Hospital. The first goal has been achieved, but the second goal can't be fulfilled within my term. However, I've overcome the hardest part by completing the relocation for the second phase. All obstacles before us have been removed."

No one spoke. While the top-tier hospital accreditation was indeed achieved during Gu Houyi's term, whether Changxing Hospital is currently in Jiangzhou's top medical group is debatable. A visit to other top-tier hospitals in the city would make the difference clear.

Gu Houyi said, "My greatest wish before stepping down is to break ground on the second phase project and participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new ward building. This wish isn't excessive, is it?" His eyes scanned every face in the room; everyone chose to avoid his gaze, a sign of wariness towards authority.

"Yet, there are those who wish to thwart my plans, spreading malicious rumors and sending baseless allegations up the chain!"

Gao Xinhua was startled, only now realizing the reason Gu Houyi had suddenly called them for a meeting. The cigarette lighting exercise was indeed purposeful.

Gao Xinhua was sure it wasn't his doing. Chen Xing'an was primarily in charge of party and mass work, and had no conflicts with Gu Houyi—besides, he was not young, so there was little need for it.

Yan Huaiyi had been directly promoted by Gu Houyi, and it's known that Gu Houyi had recommended him as his successor to the higher-ups, highlighting their close relationship. Yan Huaiyi stabbing Gu Houyi in the back was even more out of the question.

Qin Guoliang? He was focused on academia and not interested in official positions. He was a talent that Gu Houyi had recruited at great expense, and owed much of his career to Gu Houyi's favor, so it was unlikely he would bite the hand that fed him.

The only ones left were himself and Geng Wenxiu. Discounting himself, the most likely suspect was Geng Wenxiu. This woman's ambition for power was intense, yet she was blind to her own limits. Among these vice directors, even if he was to be the successor, she wouldn't stand a chance. Could Gu Houyi's favoritism toward Yan Huaiyi as the successor have offended her?

In such a situation, Chen Xing'an had to step up and say something. He coughed lightly and said, "Dean Gu, is there truth to what you're saying?"

"Do I have a reason to lie?"

Chen Xing'an gave an awkward smile, "That's not what I meant. I feel under your leadership, our team has always been very united, and we all respect you highly. Surely no one here would do such a despicable thing."

Gu Houyi stubbed out his cigarette and took out another one.

Suddenly, Gao Xinhua stood up, walked over to Gu Houyi, and pulled out a lighter to help him light it.

Everyone was stunned. Just now, when Gu Houyi was looking for someone to light his cigarette, he had claimed he didn't have a lighter, but now he offered it voluntarily. What was he implying? Was he contradicting himself?

Gu Houyi was also momentarily taken aback, but then he leaned over and lit his cigarette from the lighter.

"Dean Gu, it wasn't me!" Gao Xinhua's declaration was blunt and straightforward. He knew that between him and Geng Wenxiu, one or both of them were suspected by Gu Houyi. As a former soldier, Gao Xinhua wasn't one for beating around the bush; circling around with intellectuals wasn't his style. So he decisively extricated himself from suspicion.

Gao Xinhua's statement instantly drew the animosity of others. Wasn't this shameless? If not him, then who could it be?

Yan Huaiyi stammered, "It's... it's not me either... doing such a despicable thing... I..." The more he tried to defend himself, the less he could articulate.

Qin Guoliang laughed, "Dean Gu has been very kind to me. It was he who created such a good academic environment for me." He couldn't say a single negative about Gu Houyi. After earning his Ph.D., Qin was sidelined and oppressed at Pingjiang Provincial Second Hospital, but Gu Houyi had offered him a high salary to recruit him, allowing him to lead the cardiology department, and awarding him the title of vice director.

Geng Wenxiu said, "Dean Gu, we're all nurtured by you, you know what kind of people we are."

Gu Houyi gave a faint smile, "Yes, very well indeed! I've brought you here not because I suspect or blame anyone, but to prepare you mentally. The higher-ups are very concerned about recent events at Changxing Hospital." He turned towards Yan Huaiyi and said, "Vice Director Yan."

Yan Huaiyi's heart skipped a beat. In the past, Gu Houyi always called him Xiaoyan: "Dean... Dean Gu..."

"The medical work at Changxing has always been under your charge. Recently, complaints have increased. Medical disputes are on the rise; you need to reflect deeply."

"Yes... yes... I will thoroughly... reflect, and rectify the medical order... as soon as possible..."

Listening to him struggle to speak, Gu Houyi gestured with his hand for him to stop. Recommending Yan Huaiyi wasn't because of his competence, but due to his loyalty. Though Gu Houyi also understood, the likelihood of the higher-ups letting Yan Huaiyi succeed him was slim.

Whoever takes over, it doesn't mean much to me personally. The day I leave Changxing, all the plans made in the past will be rejected one by one. Even if Yan Huaiyi takes over, it's no exception. No one will unconditionally adopt their predecessor's policies. Only by denying the predecessor can one stand out. That's human nature, and Gu Houyi has long seen through it.

Gu Houyi stared at Geng Wenxiu: "Vice Director Geng."

Geng Wenxiu felt a bit flustered. In the past, Gu Houyi always called her Xiaogeng, and she felt that Gu Houyi's gaze was incredibly penetrating, as if seeing right through her.

"Present!"

"You are responsible for outpatient administration and oversee the medical affairs office work. The dispute at the beauty center falls within your jurisdiction. From what I understand, you didn't participate in the coordination of this incident at all."

"That's correct. I handed the specific doctor-patient dispute over to the medical affairs office."

"Then what exactly is your responsibility?"

Geng Wenxiu said, "There are many matters in outpatient care. Of course, it was my negligence. I thought Director Zhou from the medical affairs office could solve the problem well."

"Can't you take some responsibility? Pushing problems onto others when issues arise? The reason the beauty center's dispute caused such a significant impact is related to your inaction!" Gu Houyi no longer spared her any dignity, admonishing her directly in front of everyone.

Geng Wenxiu's face turned crimson. In her impression, Gu Houyi had never spoken to her so harshly before. After all, her father was an old leader in Dongzhou, and her elder brother is currently a key figure in the Bell Tower District.

"Dean Gu, I admit that I made a significant mistake in this matter. I will learn from it, handle it quickly, and strive to minimize the negative impact on the hospital."

"Can spilled water be retrieved?"

Geng Wenxiu said, "Things haven't reached an uncontrollable stage. Currently, those news defaming our hospital have been deleted, and the two fabricators behind the rumors have been banned. I will follow up to hold them accountable."

"Xiaogeng, I always thought that, given your family background, your political sensitivity would far exceed that of ordinary people. What a pity." Gu Houyi shook his head: "Not every general's family produces a tigress." This remark was outright sarcasm.

Geng Wenxiu had already more or less determined that today's emergency meeting was aimed at her.

Gao Xinhua breathed a sigh of relief. His crisis was averted. Gu Houyi never suspected him from start to finish. His earlier declaration was somewhat unnecessary. His professional finesse was still lacking—don't play mind games with intellectuals.

Geng Wenxiu said, "Dean Gu, I can accept any criticism you have for me, but I hope it doesn't affect my family." Her innate pride made her reluctant to acknowledge Gu Houyi, a soon-to-depart dean whom she was not afraid to offend.

Gu Houyi leisurely took out a stack of documents and handed them to Geng Wenxiu.

Geng Wenxiu took a glance at them; all materials were about her. Just after skimming two pages, her face had turned pale.

If you don't want others to know, don't do it yourself. Over the years, every rule-breaking act she had done was clearly recorded. Though there were no grave mistakes, these smaller errors were enough to bring her down.

Gu Houyi stubbed out his cigarette and took out another one. Gao Xinhua got up to offer a light but was stopped by his gaze.

Gu Houyi picked up his matches and gently pushed them, and the matchbox slid accurately across the glossy surface of the conference table to stop in front of Geng Wenxiu.

Geng Wenxiu bit her lip tightly, looking up at Gu Houyi.

Gu Houyi wasn't even looking at her, just slowly holding the cigarette between his lips.

Everyone else held their breath and watched the scene. The old tiger still had its might. As long as Gu Houyi hadn't stepped down, Changxing was his territory. He used this method to assert his authority.

After a brief internal struggle, Geng Wenxiu finally stood up, picked up the matchbox, and went over to light Gu Houyi's cigarette, but whether due to nerves or clumsiness, she failed to strike a light twice.

Gu Houyi said, "You can't even manage such a small task."

Geng Wenxiu really wanted to smash the matchbox into his face, but she dared not. On her third attempt, she finally managed to strike a match, but Gu Houyi withdrew the cigarette, saying indifferently, "I don't feel like smoking anymore. Go back."

Geng Wenxiu didn't know how she got back to her seat. She dared not meet the others' eyes. Even if she didn't see them, she could guess everyone was laughing at her. No one had any sympathy for her. She resolved to take revenge. She had never in her life suffered such humiliation.

Given Gu Houyi's stature, he wouldn't usually engage in disputes with a woman in public. However, his time was running out. Thus, he was less and less tolerant of those challenging his authority.

As long as he remained at Changxing, no dark shadows could stir up trouble.

The new book has dropped out of the top ten. Please vote for it!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.