The final decision was entirely unexpected by Zhu Zhixiang; he had never anticipated assigning Zhang Yang to Obstetrics and Gynecology, though he conceded that the department’s issues certainly needed resolution, and it remained to be seen if Zhang Yang could make a difference.

“Director Wang, you managed to get ahead of me!”

The moment they stepped outside, Wu Youdao greeted Wang Guohai with a laugh, equally surprised by Zhang Yang’s popularity within the hospital.

Had he known earlier, he would have acted sooner, at least consulting with Zhang Yang. If Zhang Yang himself had been willing, and with Wu Youdao’s efforts, the chances of Zhang Yang joining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) would have been quite high, after all, Zhang Yang’s background was in TCM.

“Elder Wu, everyone knows discovering Zhang Yang was your achievement. I will certainly rely on your guidance in the future!”

Wang Guohai was delighted to have secured Zhang Yang from so many vying for him, making his address to Wu Youdao extremely courteous. He wasn't entirely wrong; most of the credit for Zhang Yang joining the Third Hospital belonged to Wu Youdao. Wang Guohai had certainly helped, but his contribution paled in comparison. It was Wu Youdao who had stood firm against opposition to insist on inviting Zhang Yang.

“Zhang Yang is a fine prospect. You must not let him feel slighted there; don't truly treat him like an intern!”

Wu Youdao nodded, a slight pang of regret in his heart, but the decision was made, and he had to accept the outcome.

“Rest assured, Director, I am fully aware of his capabilities!”

Wang Guohai grinned, offering no further pleasantries to Wu Youdao before departing. He understood Zhang Yang’s true value very clearly; this was like striking gold. Setting aside the fact that Zhang Yang was a talent recruited through a 200,000 sponsorship from the hospital, his placement in Obstetrics and Gynecology alone would bring immense benefits. With Zhang Yang present, even Dean Zhu would be inclined to favor the department, making future applications for support much easier to secure.

Not far off, Zhu Zhixiang watched the two men, letting out a soft sigh. He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to end up in Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, one thing he was certain of: no matter how hard Wu Youdao pushed, he would never place Zhang Yang in the TCM department. The influence of TCM simply could not yet match that of Western Medicine, and the TCM department already had Wu Youdao. He could not allow the hospital's two most famous external doctors to be grouped together; it would be detrimental to hospital management. This was precisely why he had called the meeting—to decide Zhang Yang’s placement through official procedure, leaving even Wu Youdao with no grounds for objection or complaint.

“Director Wang, Zhang Yang came to see you just now. I told him you were in a meeting!” Upon returning to his office, the on-duty physician reported to Wang Guohai.

“Zhang Yang is here? Oh, right, a relative of his classmate is hospitalized; he’s likely here to see his classmate.”

Wang Guohai slapped his forehead, dropping his things immediately and heading out. Having Zhang Yang here was perfect; he wouldn't need to make a phone call to notify him. He could tell Zhang Yang right here that he could start his internship and work directly in Obstetrics and Gynecology. As for the weekly schedule, Zhang Yang could set it entirely himself; apart from the intern status, he would receive the best possible benefits—this was the greatest convenience Wang Guohai could offer.

Watching Wang Guohai hurry away, the on-duty physician shook his head again. If anyone was famous at the Third Hospital, it wasn't the Dean or even the Department Directors, but the yet-to-be-employed intern, Zhang Yang. Rumors about Zhang Yang were rampant throughout the hospital, claiming the entire leadership valued him highly. Now, the physician finally understood that the rumors were true, judging by Wang Guohai’s demeanor.

Wang Guohai had arranged Nannan’s mother’s room, and he quickly found the location. There were quite a few people in the room; Zhang Yang and the others hadn't left yet, all sitting and listening to Hu Xin recount amusing anecdotes from their school years. Hu Xin's storytelling was highly animated, causing Nannan’s mother to laugh continuously. Most of what he spoke of were shared experiences. However, these events belonged to the ‘old’ Zhang Yang; listening to them now gave Zhang Yang an indescribable feeling, as if he had lived them, yet these memories felt dreamlike, somewhat ethereal and unreal.

“Dr. Wang, you’re here!”

Nannan, seated closest to the door, was the first to spot Wang Guohai.

“Just stopping by to check in. You all seem quite lively!”

Wang Guohai strode in cheerfully. Nannan’s mother immediately stood up to greet him, knowing he was a senior director in the hospital, a very powerful figure, and that without him, she wouldn't have received such excellent care.

“We’re fine, just a few classmates chatting,” Zhang Yang replied with a smile, rising to his feet. He glanced back and said softly, “Auntie Fang, I’ll step out for a moment. Hu Xin, please continue telling Auntie your stories!”

Nannan’s mother was named Fang Yun. Everyone had become familiar enough that they called her Auntie Fang. Zhang Yang had felt a slight awkwardness initially, but now it felt natural; after all, he was only in his early twenties, still a university student, so calling a classmate’s mother 'Auntie' was perfectly normal. After speaking, Zhang Yang followed Wang Guohai out of the ward.

“Zhang Yang, come, let’s go to my office!”

The Obstetrics and Gynecology office was not far from the ward building. Once inside, Wang Guohai enthusiastically invited Zhang Yang to sit down first, personally pouring him a glass of water. His demeanor was baffling to Zhang Yang; Wang Guohai seemed markedly different today than he had been that afternoon when arranging Nannan’s mother’s care—he certainly hadn't been this warm.

“Our Third Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department is renowned throughout Changjing City and is one of the hospital’s most critical divisions. We alone have over forty full-time doctors, plus an entire nursing team!” Wang Guohai began, his excitement evident. In his eyes, Zhang Yang was already his Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang frowned slightly and said quietly, “Director Wang, why are you telling me this? I only want to know the specific arrangements for my classmate’s mother’s surgery!”

“Surgery?”

Wang Guohai paused briefly, then immediately laughed, “Don’t worry about the surgery; I will personally handle the arrangements. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the hospital has assigned you to intern with us. From now on, we are colleagues!” Wang Guohai’s smile was brilliant; securing Zhang Yang when so many departments were competing for him was no small feat.

“What did you say? I’m interning here?”

Zhang Yang exclaimed suddenly. He knew exactly where he was—Obstetrics and Gynecology. He had never imagined being placed there. Zhang Yang had always assumed he would land in the TCM department at the Third Hospital, given his background. Even if he had to go to Internal Medicine or Surgery, he never pictured himself in O&G, even though his proficiency in Gynecology was high; it didn't mean he preferred that environment.

“Yes, Zhang Yang, don’t be agitated. You are a rare talent, and I assure you, no one here will treat you like a mere intern!”

Wang Guohai quickly nodded, mistaking Zhang Yang’s reaction for nervousness and hastening to reassure him. Regardless, Zhang Yang had no prior hospital work experience; he was currently an intern. Of course, that was only in this lifetime; in his previous life, Zhang Yang held a status that even Wang Guohai would have envied, so he wasn't nervous about starting work at the hospital.

“I—I didn’t mean that. Why am I being sent here?”

Zhang Yang shook his head with a wry smile. He held no prejudice against patients, but as a man, working in Obstetrics and Gynecology felt decidedly strange.

“Zhang Yang, the first time you demonstrated your talent at the hospital was in Gynecology. It is only fitting that you start here!”

Wang Guohai smiled. He naturally couldn't explain the politics discussed in the meeting to Zhang Yang, so he offered a convenient rationale first. Zhang Yang considered it; what Wang Guohai said was true. The first critical patient he saved had a gynecological condition. He hadn't realized this minor detail would lead to him being assigned to O&G. Although the department was split into Gynecology and Obstetrics, he was certain he wouldn't be assigned to the latter, yet he still felt uncomfortable. However, at that moment, Zhang Yang didn't dwell on it. He only secretly chided himself for signing the contract without clarifying his placement. Since the contract was signed, he would adhere to the hospital’s assignment. Honesty and keeping one’s word was paramount.

“Zhang Yang, don't worry, you won't be here for too long. If an opportunity arises, you might transfer to Internal Medicine!”

Wang Guohai coughed lightly, finally realizing Zhang Yang was genuinely conflicted about being placed in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“That’s good to hear. Alright, I’ll stay here then. When do I start working?”

Zhang Yang nodded reluctantly. The possibility of a transfer was a relief. In fact, even if Wang Guohai hadn't mentioned it, he would have sought out Zhu Zhixiang to request a transfer. He would follow the hospital’s arrangement, but he would also express his own preference. Since Wang Guohai had already offered this assurance, and considering their relatively good rapport, plus the debt he owed Wang Guohai for helping Nannan’s mother, it would be awkward for him to push for a transfer immediately. He would commit to working here for a period.

“You can arrange your working hours freely; just let me know beforehand. Also, since you are an intern, normally you wouldn't have a private office and would have to share space with others. Would that be acceptable?”

Wang Guohai spoke slowly, his primary goal being to stabilize Zhang Yang for now. Mentioning the two specific patients wasn't appropriate at this moment.

“That’s fine, I don’t mind. I’ll come in Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.”

Zhang Yang thought it over and nodded. Wednesday afternoons had the lightest class load, and he could skip if necessary, or just request leave. Saturdays had no classes, so squeezing in half a day was manageable.

“No problem. Wednesday, starting this week. Come directly to me when you arrive, and I will give you a detailed orientation!”

Wang Guohai immediately agreed, already mentally planning which doctors currently managed those two patients. When Zhang Yang started, he would have them work together, then arrange a joint visit to see the patients, allowing Zhang Yang to become aware of their existence. With a little support from Wang Guohai, he could then skillfully request Zhang Yang’s assistance.

Second update, more to follow!