The next morning, Mei Peng and Liu Lin came to Liu Hui’s office to request a week’s leave, claiming they needed to go home to meet the parents. Liu Hui chuckled, “Why are you only deciding to meet the parents now? Don’t tell me you’re being forced into marriage because you’re having a child?”
“You’re the one having a shotgun wedding! We are in a perfectly proper boyfriend-girlfriend relationship,” Liu Lin immediately retorted.
“Heh, I know you’re proper. But I’m not so sure about Director Mei being so proper! I despise this kind of behavior—a rabbit eating grass near its own burrow. He should be reported for workplace sexual harassment!” Liu Hui turned his attention to Mei Peng.
“Heh, Boss, since you understand, just don’t say it out loud!” Mei Peng let out a sly chuckle.
“Damn it, Mei Peng, explain what you mean by ‘don’t say it out loud’! Is there anything between us we can’t discuss? Stop right there, don't run!” Liu Lin was furious. Seeing Mei Peng about to bolt, she quickly chased after him.
Liu Hui watched his good brother on the verge of marriage and felt genuinely happy, yet a little curious: who would hold the higher status in their household after they married?
After indulging in these musings for a moment, Liu Hui returned to handling some hospital affairs, only for Mei Peng to push the door open and re-enter.
“Whoa! Second brother, are you still fleeing for your life? Not bad stamina; you haven't been caught yet,” Liu Hui laughed heartily.
“Forget that, I already subdued Linlin. Boss, we have a patient downstairs.” Mei Peng stated.
“If a patient comes, you treat them directly. Why are you coming to me?” Liu Hui asked, perplexed.
“He says he is Chinese, but his current nationality is American.”
“Since his current nationality is American, treat him according to regulations for an American. Why involve me?” Liu Hui was confused.
“He says he just immigrated, and his heart remains Chinese, so he demands to receive the treatment benefits afforded to Chinese nationals, requesting the fees be converted from US dollars to *RMB.”
“That’s impossible. Tell him to immigrate back first,” Liu Hui was amused by the request.
“I explained that to him, but he won't let it go. He claims we are discriminating against our own compatriots and threatens to expose the true, vampiric nature of our hospital,” Mei Peng sounded quite frustrated.
“Have the police outside drive him away. We are not a relief center, and even if we were, he should appeal to the American government,” Liu Hui replied.
“But the police outside say he is an American citizen, and they can’t intervene arbitrarily; they need to contact their superiors before deciding anything.”
“Oh, I see. Go find out the exact situation. If his case is truly special, we can consider it to an extent. If there’s nothing special, we must follow hospital policy. If he still refuses to back down and the police won’t handle it, then let our security staff step in!” Liu Hui thought it better to understand the reality first.
“Fine, I’ll go ask right now,” Mei Peng left with a clear look of annoyance.
Not long after, Mei Peng returned, looking dejected as soon as he saw Liu Hui. “I’ve truly seen it all today. How can such a shameless person be Chinese?”
“Sounds like things went sideways. You’ve clearly been provoked, Old Second; tell me about it,” Liu Hui was now very curious.
“That guy is an official’s second generation. His entire family immigrated to the US, leaving his father behind to hold a government post back home. He used his father’s connections to set up a business domestically, earning quite a bit, it seems. Somehow, he contracted AIDS and came to our hospital demanding payment based on domestic Chinese standards. He even swore that giving us money was treating us well, claiming that by his usual standard, he would just snatch whatever he wanted and smash up the place,” Mei Peng explained.
“Such an arrogant person? Refusing to fulfill obligations while demanding rights? Heh, as if such a thing exists under heaven. Have the hospital security escort him out,” Liu Hui sneered.
“Good!” Mei Peng immediately went to carry out the order. It was clear that the patient had severely angered him.
Liu Hui continued reviewing documents in his office. A brief commotion rose from downstairs but quickly subsided. It seemed Mei Peng had successfully driven the man out. Liu Hui smiled inwardly and soon forgot the incident.
Mei Peng and Liu Lin both took leave, but before leaving, they perfectly arranged all hospital duties. For the next few days, everything at the hospital ran like clockwork without any major issues.
Zhou Tengyun returned to the hospital after paying respects at the graves of his wife and daughter. He was extremely withdrawn, and the smile had vanished entirely from his face, causing Liu Hui to sigh internally.
In the past few days, Liu Hui had contacted Wang Peng, who assured him the arrest warrant would be issued soon and advised Liu Hui to wait patiently.
One morning, Liang Jingyue came into Liu Hui’s office and placed a newspaper before him. “Ah Hui, the situation looks grim. Take a look at this report.”
Liu Hui picked up the paper—a nationally renowned publication. The front-page headline screamed: Hantang Hospital: Pride of China? No, a Disgrace to China! He read closely. The main thrust of the article stated: …Therefore, Hantang Hospital is hypocritical. For selfish gain, it tightly controls the prescription of AIDS medication, earning enormous profits while disregarding the lives of tens of millions of AIDS patients across the nation. Furthermore, according to Hantang Hospital owner Liu Hui, the AIDS drug was discovered through ancient Chinese medical texts. As everyone knows, traditional Chinese medicine is the shared wealth of all Chinese people. Hantang Hospital has exploited our common heritage for massive profit, yet we see little evidence of them dedicating substantial funds to charity. We must ask: Hantang Hospital, are you truly the pride of China?…
After reading the article, Liu Hui stroked his chin and said, “I don’t need to ask. The internet must be condemning us right now.”
Liang Jingyue nodded. “That’s right. All major news sites and forums are reposting this story, and the traffic is explosive. Those AIDS patients who cannot get treatment are particularly enraged, threatening to come to our hospital to demand an explanation. Several media outlets have already contacted us requesting interviews to get our perspective on this event.”
“Are there any other articles targeting our hospital?”
“There are a few more. One suggests that such an important hospital being under private control is unsafe and recommends the state nationalize Hantang Hospital. Several ‘experts’ strongly support this suggestion.”
“Heh, it seems someone has finally gotten impatient enough to make a move. They’re building momentum now. In a few more days, once our reputation is completely ruined, that will be their cue to strike,” Liu Hui murmured to himself.
“Ah Hui, what are you saying?” Liang Jingyue hadn’t heard him clearly.
“Oh, nothing, just thinking about how to handle the media interviews,” Liu Hui quickly clarified.
“Ah Hui, you have to think of a solution, or our hospital will be finished,” Liang Jingyue was deeply worried.
“Jingyue, leave these worries to us men. Just trust in my capabilities; I will take care of it,” Liu Hui said with a smile as he kissed her cheek.
Although Mei Peng was not around to consult with, Liu Hui already had a direction in mind and wasn't afraid of the worst-case scenario. Moreover, the opportunity he had been waiting for might finally be approaching.
“Jingyue, how are those poisoned patients we rescued at the other hospital doing?”
“Oh, the doctors say they are showing improvement, but they haven’t woken up yet,” Liang Jingyue replied, still concerned.
“Heh, why don’t we transfer them to our hospital? Maybe I have a way to wake them up. That might also solve one of your father’s troubles.”
“But will they agree to transfer the patients to our hospital? We are only famous for treating AIDS patients; in other areas, we seem rather mediocre,” Liang Jingyue asked skeptically.
“Take some time to ask. Maybe our hospital truly has a way to revive them. Haven't we already created miracles here?” Liu Hui offered a mysterious smile.
After Liang Jingyue left, Zhou Tengyun pushed the door open and entered. “Boss, I plan to deal with Ma Lao’er tonight.”
“Oh, have you found his exact location?” Liu Hui inquired.
“It’s confirmed. He will be home tonight. I can’t wait any longer,” Zhou Tengyun said expressionlessly.
“Oh, it’s your decision then. When will you act?” Liu Hui asked.
“Boss, I observed Ma Lao’er’s security detail; there isn't a single person who qualifies as an expert among them. I can handle it easily by myself this time; you don’t need to get involved.”
“Third brother, better safe than sorry. I should go with you!” Liu Hui advised.
“Boss, no need. I have confidence in my own strength,” Zhou Tengyun was stubborn.
Seeing that Zhou Tengyun wouldn't listen, and considering the Mad Dragon Gang truly lacked top-tier fighters, plus the element of surprise making success highly probable, Liu Hui finally agreed. However, he stressed that if anything went wrong, Zhou Tengyun must retreat immediately, which Zhou Tengyun nodded and promised.
After work that afternoon, Liu Hui arrived at Liang Jingyue’s house. Liang Bo was delighted to see him. He laughed, “Little Liu is here! Tonight, the two of us old men will have a few drinks!”
“Uncle, what has you so happy?” Liu Hui asked with a smile.
“Heh, the hospital just called and notified me that those few people treated for poisoning have woken up. Furthermore, their bodies didn't sustain any devastating damage; they should recover after six months of recuperation,” Liang Bo laughed heartily.
“Heh, that’s truly wonderful news. As long as the people are fine, the problem is easily solvable. It looks like we need to celebrate,” Liu Hui also smiled.
“Then we won't go home until we're drunk!” Liang Bo was in high spirits.
Liu Hui’s facial muscles twitched slightly. Lately, everyone seemed to be saying ‘we won't go home until we're drunk’! However, drinking with his future father-in-law, Liu Hui dared not play any tricks like diverting the wine using his storage space, as Liang Jingyue was watching nearby!
The poisoned patients' condition began to improve, making Liang Bo’s family very happy. Even Qiu Yue, who rarely drank, had a few cups. The beer Liu Hui and the others drank that night wasn't strong enough to intoxicate easily; it mostly just made their stomachs feel full.
Liu Hui drank five or six bottles of beer with Liang Bo. Perhaps due to the body evolution fluid, he only felt slightly dizzy. Liang Bo, however, had been stressed and emotionally volatile these past few days, and once the beer hit his stomach, he quickly passed out.
Qiu Yue quickly helped Liang Bo into his room to rest. Liu Hui looked at Liang Jingyue and smiled, “See? I told you there wouldn't be any major problems. Later, I’ll contact those big shots above, have them mediate things, and your father will be fine soon.”
Liang Jingyue, however, let out a sigh, looking far from happy. Liu Hui flashed a quick kiss on her face, then climbed into the car. He called out, “Little quiet one, trust me, it won’t be long before we can truly be carefree.”
Liang Jingyue touched the spot where Liu Hui had kissed her, watching him blankly. With a wave of his hand, the car sped away. The car had barely gone halfway before Liu Hui regretted something. He had genuinely consumed several bottles of beer that night, and his stomach felt bloated. He had intended to use the restroom at Liang Jingyue's place, but in the excitement after that lightning-fast kiss, he had completely forgotten. Now, he desperately needed to relieve himself, and where could he find a restroom now?
The car passed several intersections, but Liu Hui couldn't spot a public toilet. The pressure became unbearable. Having no other choice, he told the bodyguard to pull over by a hillside, then hastily got out, instructing the guards not to follow. With a few swift leaps, he crossed to the back of the slope and happily began to relieve himself.
After finishing, Liu Hui shivered slightly, feeling immense relief. He was just about to turn and leave quickly—urinating in the open always felt embarrassing—when several screams suddenly rang out from ahead. Liu Hui paused, and the alcohol in his system stoked his curiosity. He swiftly changed direction and headed toward the source of the sound.