Just as Zhang Yang and Mi Xue stepped out of their building, they ran into Hu Xin and Xiao Dai, who were walking from the opposite direction, laden with shopping bags full of supplies. It was Hu Xin, with his booming voice, who called out to Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang glanced at them with a smile. "We have some business at the hospital. What about you guys, are you moving?"

"Moving? No way! We agreed to have a barbecue today, remember? The food we ate at your place yesterday—we brought everything today so you wouldn't have to prepare anything!" Xiao Dai chimed in quickly. Her words jogged Zhang Yang's and Mi Xue's memories; they had indeed planned a barbecue for today.

"I'm so sorry, look at me forgetting all about it. I can't make the barbecue today; I have something pressing at the hospital. Why don't you all come with us?"

Zhang Yang clasped his hands together apologetically, then glanced at Mi Xue, hesitating slightly. It was fine if others went, but Mi Xue could not leave his side right now. That cursed mission had passed five days with no sign of activity, and the longer it went, the more anxious he became about letting Mi Xue stray far from him.

"Zhang Yang, I won't go either. It’s a good chance for me to check on Xiao Xue!" Mi Xue immediately followed up. Xiao Xue was Director Zhao’s daughter, only seventeen and currently in her senior year of high school. Mi Xue had spent a lot of time comforting her outside the intensive care unit yesterday, and the two had quickly become like sisters.

Zhang Yang considered it for a moment, then simply nodded. "Alright then, you guys go ahead. We’ll catch up another day!" It was probably better that Mi Xue didn't go; at this critical juncture, he truly didn't want her out of his sight. This mission was explicitly labeled 'Mi Xue's Peril,' and if she encountered danger while he wasn't near, there would be no chance for regret—or tears. Losing mission points was one thing, but if anything happened to Mi Xue, he would regret it forever. After living together these past few days, Mi Xue’s importance in his heart had only grown. Even without the threat of the mission penalty, he would fiercely guard this beautiful and lovely girl.

"If you two aren't coming, this will be such a downer!" Hu Xin grumbled, looking quite dejected. The barbecue was everyone's idea from yesterday, and he hadn't expected Zhang Yang to change plans at the last minute.

"I'm genuinely sorry, Hu Xin. How about I treat you all to a lavish Western meal another day? Today, I have to go save someone!" Zhang Yang chuckled, patting Hu Xin’s shoulder. The mention of a Western feast instantly lit up Hu Xin’s eyes, and he immediately perked up, his entire demeanor changing.

"You said it! Come on, we’ll go to the hospital with you today. We can eat barbecue another time. Let's just drop this stuff off at your place first!" Hu Xin declared. Without waiting for Zhang Yang's reply, he dragged him back inside. Only after seeing the refrigerator stuffed full did Hu Xin finally leave with satisfaction.

"Zhang Yang, who are you going to save at the hospital?" Hu Xin remembered Zhang Yang's earlier words and couldn't help but ask once they were outside again.

Zhang Yang glanced at the time and shook his head lightly. "Let's get to the hospital first. We can talk about it there; we’re running short on time!" Zhang Yang knew that the optimal window for the second acupuncture session for Elder Zhao should not exceed twelve hours. He had administered the needles at 11:00 PM yesterday, and it was already past 10:00 AM now; he needed to arrive before 11:00 AM.

"Okay, let's go to the hospital!" Hu Xin didn't press further. Everyone quickened their pace, and soon they were out of the residential area.

They hailed two taxis and headed straight for the Third Hospital. Xiao Dai and Nannan were a little disappointed about missing the barbecue, but they were far more curious about why Zhang Yang needed to rush to the hospital. Unfortunately, Mi Xue and Zhang Yang were in the first cab, leaving the girls no way to immediately interrogate them.

A little over ten minutes later, the taxis arrived at the Third Hospital. Since it was the weekend, the entrance was bustling with people coming and going for appointments, and the parking lot was full. Judging by the sheer volume of activity, the Third Hospital seemed quite reputable. A high volume of patients indicated widespread trust, and a hospital’s reputation was built during its day-to-day practice. The hospital's success clearly reflected the significant contributions of its leadership, suggesting that Director Zhu Zhixiang possessed considerable capability.

"Xiao Zhang, you’re here!"

As soon as they entered the rear ward building, Zhang Yang spotted Wu Youdao and the others. Wu Youdao greeted Zhang Yang with a hearty smile. Behind him was Zhu Zhixiang, who was greeting an acquaintance. Upon seeing Zhang Yang, his eyes immediately lit up, and he walked over quickly.

"Xiao Zhang, you’ve arrived. Come rest in my office for a bit; I have something I need to discuss with you!" Zhu Zhixiang’s smile was exceedingly warm, causing the passing nurses and doctors to stare in surprise. In their experience, the respected Director Zhu rarely displayed such an expression; he was usually stern-faced.

"No need, Director. I need to check on the patient first. The second needling session is approaching, and I need to prepare," Zhang Yang replied, slowly shaking his head. Hu Xin and Gu Cheng followed closely behind Zhang Yang, observing their surroundings.

"Treatment is paramount; I won't delay you. Come to my office after you’re done with your work; all you’ll need to do then is sign an agreement. Regarding the conditions you proposed to the hospital last time, we have discussed them thoroughly and agreed to all of them. You can arrange your own weekly working hours freely. In addition to the 200,000 yuan sponsorship, the hospital has decided to award you an extra 20,000 yuan to commend your contribution this time. While 20,000 yuan isn't a huge sum, it’s just for this one instance; there will be further rewards for future contributions!" Zhu Zhixiang said, his eyes narrowed in a smile.

After Wang Guohai saw Zhang Yang off yesterday, he had a conversation with the director, which served as a timely reminder. After Zhang Yang cured Director Zhao’s illness, he was no longer the obscure university student he once was. If word got out, many hospitals would certainly become interested, and poaching Zhang Yang later on could become very complicated. That wasn't the main point, though; the crucial factor was a single statement from Wang Guohai that woke him up. Zhang Yang had saved Director Zhao’s father; for a filial son like Director Zhao, it was nothing short of saving a life. If other hospitals tried to leverage this connection and pull Zhang Yang away, the Third Hospital would be left with nothing but regret. Even setting aside Zhang Yang’s medical prowess, the fact that he was the savior of the Health Bureau Director alone was enough to attract the attention of major municipal hospitals. This prompted his resolve to finalize the matter with Zhang Yang immediately upon seeing him today, lest things drag on unnecessarily.

"Thank you, Director. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head over now." Zhang Yang offered a slight smile. Zhu Zhixiang agreeing to his terms was within Zhang Yang’s expectations. The current Zhang Yang wasn't naive; after letting the hospital staff witness his true value yesterday, they were bound to agree. This was why he appeared so composed. In truth, becoming an intern at a municipal hospital held little interest for Zhang Yang; he wouldn't even spare a thought for internships at national-level hospitals. After all, he himself had once been the Vice President of a national-level hospital.

"Very well, Doctor Xiao Zhang, please go ahead. If you need anything, tell Old Wu, and the hospital will do everything in its power to assist you!" Zhu Zhixiang immediately nodded with a smile. The fact that Zhang Yang didn't refuse was a huge positive sign, indicating a strong possibility of him joining their hospital. At this moment, Zhang Yang had become an absolute treasure in Zhu Zhixiang’s eyes.

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