The Provincial Party Committee Office building, Zhao Min strode quickly inside. Many people inside the office building who saw or encountered him would greet him, and everyone treated him with deep respect, almost as if he were their own direct superior.
He nodded back to each of them in turn, but his pace never faltered, and soon he arrived outside a particular office. Straightening his clothes in his own spot, Zhao Min finally knocked on the door.
The respect or flattery shown by those outside had not made him lose his bearings; he understood clearly who had brought him this far. Without the person inside, he would be nothing; serving his leader well was his fundamental duty.
Upon entering the office, Zhao Min first glanced at Zhang Keqin, who was buried in paperwork, before speaking softly, "Boss, I just heard some news!" Zhao Min’s words compelled Zhang Keqin to lift his head. This secretary had been with him for several years, and he knew his secretary very well; this one would never bring up trivial matters.
Since he mentioned it right upon arrival, it must be something significant. "What news?" Zhang Keqin asked mildly.
"Comrade Mi Zhiguo, Mi Xue's father, was in a car accident on the way to Changjing yesterday. He was sent to the Third Hospital.
It seems the Young Master performed the surgery for him, and now he's been transferred to the Provincial Hospital!" Zhao Min spoke quietly, carefully watching Zhang Keqin's expression. He was an astute secretary, knowing exactly what should be said and what should be kept silent.
Zhang Keqin had been in good spirits these past few days. Although his relationship with his son hadn't completely smoothed over, it was night and day compared to before.
At least the friction between them had vanished; Zhang Yang had proactively sought a talk with his father. This made Zhao Min very clear: the boss cared deeply about this son, and he could not conceal anything related to Zhang Yang—in fact, he had to report it proactively.
"Surgery yesterday, now at the Provincial Hospital?" Zhang Keqin lowered his head, tapping his desk, lost in thought. "Yes, Comrade Mi Zhiguo works in Lieshan County.
He is the Standing Committee Deputy County Chief, and he only obtained this Standing Committee position after the Young Master visited Lieshan," Zhao Min added smoothly, stating Mi Zhiguo's position with perfect timing. In truth, he had made specific inquiries about this news; it wasn't a mere coincidence that he "overheard" it.
As the leader's secretary, official duties could not be neglected, but he had to look after the leader's private affairs as well. Zhang Keqin was fully aware of this; he simply chose not to expose it.
Indeed, he genuinely wished to know everything concerning his son. "What work is scheduled for this morning?" Zhang Keqin tapped his desk and asked faintly.
Zhao Min's heart tensed; he immediately understood his superior’s intent. "At 9:30 AM, we receive Comrade Huang Rui, the Mayor of Gangzhou City.
At 10:30 AM, there is an enterprise symposium. That is all for now!" Zhao Min spoke rapidly.
He had to keep every detail of the leader’s schedule firmly in mind, ready to answer clearly whenever asked. "Postpone the meeting with Comrade Huang Rui.
Depart immediately; we are going to the Provincial Hospital!" Zhang Keqin nodded once. Zhao Min instantly went to arrange for a car.
When Zhang Keqin asked about the morning's schedule, Zhao Min knew the leader intended to go to the hospital personally. Going in person was the only way to convey the importance of the matter.
Mi Zhiguo, as a mere Deputy County Chief, certainly didn't warrant such a gesture, but his other identity was crucial: he was Mi Xue's father. Mi Xue was the girlfriend Zhang Yang had chosen.
Their relationship was very strong, and barring unforeseen circumstances, they were destined for marriage. Zhao Min knew perfectly well that Zhang Keqin would never interfere with Zhang Yang's significant life decisions.
In fact, he lacked the ability to interfere. Furthermore, Zhang Keqin was quite satisfied with Mi Xue.
The girl lacked great wisdom but was entirely devoted to Zhang Yang’s well-being and happiness; she would surely be a virtuous wife and loving mother in the future. His son was already quite accomplished; having a wife capable of managing the household would be a good thing.
After calling for the car, Zhao Min considered calling Zhang Yang, but Zhang Keqin stopped him. There was no need to notify him in advance.
He was merely visiting a relative by marriage in a personal capacity; they would mention it upon arrival, avoiding any potential misunderstanding from Zhang Yang. As Zhang Keqin was on his way, the hospital was already quite lively.
Nurse Xiao Liu had summoned security guards, and with the arrival of these guards, Doctor Sun became even more arrogant, staring coldly at Zhang Yang. "Old Zhang, what's going on here?" Six security guards had arrived, and immediately after them entered another man, looking to be in his mid-forties, who asked in surprise.
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Doctor Sun standing there and instantly felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. Seeing Doctor Sun and the security guards together, he already guessed the situation.
"Director Li, you've arrived at the perfect moment. This person is indiscriminately trying to kick us out and force us to be discharged—is this the hospital's policy?" Zhang De stepped forward, his tone not entirely polite.
He was genuinely fired up at the moment, and moreover, he had a decent relationship with this Director Li, which emboldened his direct address. "Old Zhang, calm down, don't get angry.
Is there some misunderstanding? Doctor Sun, why are you here too?" Director Li first comforted Zhang De, then turned to Doctor Sun and inquired.
This doctor was named Sun Liang, but his character lacked any virtue. "This is my assigned area; why do you think I'm here?" Upon seeing Director Li enter, Sun Liang’s arrogance soared even higher.
He thought it was just some Director Li, but it turned out to be a minor director from the Logistics and Miscellaneous Department. The highest-ranking Director Li in the hospital was the Director of the Office, and even that director would have to give him some face.
His remark made Director Li frown sharply; Sun Liang clearly showed him no respect whatsoever. Zhang De also sensed something was amiss.
Although his friend managed logistics and held a minor official position, he was still a leader. Judging by Doctor Sun's demeanor, he held Director Li in utter contempt.
In that case, calling Director Li had been utterly useless, merely an act of self-humiliation. "Doctor Sun, could you grant some face?
Old Zhang is an old friend of mine of many years. If there's a misunderstanding, let's talk it out.
Don't involve the security guards, and don't throw them out. Afterward, I’ll arrange for us to sit down together properly!" Director Li was also quite displeased, but he felt obligated to say what needed to be said, as he had already arrived on the scene.
In truth, he regretted rushing over without clarifying the situation. Most doctors would offer him some deference; he controlled some aspects of logistics, which meant he could potentially impede certain doctors.
Unfortunately, this Doctor Sun Liang was a notorious troublemaker who, relying on his father being the Vice President, looked down on everyone. Had he known it was this man causing trouble, he would have found an excuse not to come.
"Face? Is your face more important than mine?
Guards! Immediately throw them out!" Sun Liang let out a cold snort, and Director Li froze instantly, his face shifting between pale and ashen.
He had already humbled himself and shown the utmost deference, yet Sun Liang’s sharp retort left him utterly disgraced, feeling as if he had been physically slapped. Sun Liang had shown absolutely no regard for him, effectively stating that his standing wasn't high enough to warrant respect.
The security guards began to advance. Zhang Yang remained still.
He would not act until they crossed the final boundary, but once that line was breached, not even the Heavenly King himself could save them. If Zhang Yang made a move, the consequences would be severe.
"What's happening? Why is it so crowded here?" Just as the security guards made their move, the ward door suddenly opened again, and several people entered at once.
Seeing the scene inside, they all froze. Their arrival caused the guards to pause their actions temporarily, and they hurriedly stepped aside.
The newcomers, displaying expressions of surprise, entered the large private ward one by one; if the room were smaller, it wouldn't have accommodated so many people. "Old Zhang, I'm sorry, I'm powerless in this matter!" Director Li walked over to Zhang De, shaking his head with a bitter smile.
He felt thoroughly embarrassed today and might even have offended this troublemaker. "I apologize.
I failed to grasp the situation. Who exactly is this person?" Zhang De murmured quietly.
He wasn't stupid; he had long understood that Director Li couldn't control the situation and that the person in question didn't value his friendship at all. Calling his old friend had only resulted in Director Li losing face, which made Zhang De feel uncomfortable as well.
"An ordinary doctor, not very skilled, just has a Vice President for a father!" Director Li shook his head helplessly and whispered this into Zhang De's ear. He could complain to Zhang De, but he absolutely dared not say this out loud publicly.
Hearing this, Zhang De finally understood everything. It turned out this was the pampered son of a powerful figure, the 'prince' of the hospital, no wonder he was so arrogant, daring to drive them out without any reason.
"Why are you all here?" Zhang Yang was also slightly surprised to see the group entering. These were none other than Young Master Su, Long Cheng, Li Ya, and Chang Feng.
Some of these men carried gifts, while others held flowers. Upon entering, everything except the flowers was set aside.
"Uncle Mi is hospitalized after surgery; of course, we came to visit. As for you, what happened here?" Young Master Su spoke, gesturing toward the surrounding security guards.
From the appearance of things, it was clear something was amiss. "Nothing much.
Someone is trying to drive us away and forcibly discharge us from the hospital!" Zhang Yang gave a slight smile, his tone still even, but carrying a current of icy chill beneath the calm surface. Young Master Su, who knew Zhang Yang well, immediately realized that Zhang Yang was genuinely angered.
"What? Trying to kick you out?
Who is so audacious, not wanting to live anymore?" Li Ya, who had a somewhat volatile temper, was the first to shout out. Wang Chen, leaning on his crutch beside him, chimed in, appearing fierce despite his injury.
"What are you all standing around for? Why haven't you acted?
This is a hospital, not a gang's turf! Throw these people out, and if anyone resists, call the police!" Seeing them chatting so casually, Sun Liang felt slighted again and became even more enraged.
The security guards who hadn't moved immediately stepped forward again, but before they took two steps, several people blocked their path. Long Cheng, Wu Zhiguo, Chang Feng, and Li Ya all stood there.
Long Cheng's eyes fixed coldly on the guards. There were six security guards, but Zhang Yang’s side seemed to have just as many, perhaps even more, causing the guards to feel a bit uneasy, and they froze once more.