Xu Chunliang walked over to shake hands with Zhao Feiyang. Unlike Yan Huaiyi, he extended both hands—it's natural for subordinates to be more enthusiastic towards superiors.

Xu Chunliang always stood straight, neither humble nor arrogant.

Zhao Feiyang grasped his two hands with his right hand and affectionately patted them twice with his left: "Not bad, young and promising. You've solved the long-standing tough issues of the branch hospital."

He publicly announced: "Based on the decision of the hospital leadership, in light of comrade Xu Chunliang's outstanding performance and achievements during this period, we are awarding him 50,000 RMB!"

In fact, the reward for Xu Chunliang had been decided long ago. He recovered the long-overdue rent from the tenants at the branch hospital's entrance. According to the hospital's previous reward plan, 10% of the rent would be given as a reward.

This money is essentially the commission Xu Chunliang deserves; it's nothing special as a reward. Zhao Feiyang mentioned it publicly to, first, affirm Xu Chunliang, and second, to counter Yan Huaiyi's earlier demand for a bonus.

What have you accomplished since you came, Yan Huaiyi, is crystal clear to me. It was Xu Chunliang who did the real work; you guys are completely useless.

Gao Xinhua proposed that everyone stop standing outside and go inside to talk.

A group of people accompanied Zhao Feiyang into the hospital. Zhao Feiyang naturally took the central position; beside him were Jin Yonghao and Yan Huaiyi. Jin Yonghao was responsible for introducing the situation in each department. A group of subordinates followed step by step, flocking around Zhao Feiyang, wearing flattering smiles, with the air filled with the scent of hypocrisy and obsequiousness.

Xu Chunliang had no interest in mixing in, staying at the back. Gao Xinhua was also at the back, smoking. Just as he took out a cigarette, Xu Chunliang lit a lighter to help him light it.

Gao Xinhua leaned in to light his cigarette, complimenting that he was improving, becoming more observant and learning to be considerate of leaders.

Neither of them joined the main group for ward rounds. Gao Xinhua told Xu Chunliang that Dean Zhao planned to have a working meal here at noon, and Tong Guangsheng, who was originally scheduled to host a meal, rescheduled it to the evening.

Plans of leaders could change swiftly. Xu Chunliang immediately called Zhang Haitao, asking him to notify the cafeteria to prepare at once. However, no matter how hard their cafeteria tried, it couldn't offer much variety. But Zhao Feiyang wasn't here for the food anyway.

Zhao Feiyang ate at the cafeteria primarily to build a persona of being down-to-earth and frugal. Xu Chunliang thought there wasn't much need for it. Anyway, this time, he wasn't here to inspect medical quality; the main purpose was to meet with leaders of Hu Shan Town Government to discuss property right changes. If not for this matter, it's likely Zhao Feiyang wouldn't bother to come to Weishan Island.

After finishing that cigarette, Gao Xinhua lit another one; his smoking habit remained strong.

Xu Chunliang reminded him, "Uncle Gao, smoking isn't beneficial; your addiction seems to be growing."

Gao Xinhua said, "I'm just used to it. I even switched to slimmer ones; two of them aren't as strong as one used to be."

"You're just fooling yourself."

Gao Xinhua gave him a glare, "You young guy, starting to act up just days into your deputy dean role, daring to lecture a superior leader?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I wouldn't dare. My deputy dean role can't compare to yours. You're deputy director level; at best, I'm just a section member, unacknowledged once I step out of the branch hospital."

Gao Xinhua burst into laughter, knowing Xu Chunliang was telling the truth. Zhao Feiyang recently introduced two PhD scholars from outside and gave them the title of deputy dean. It's said another deputy dean would soon replace Yan Huaiyi.

Zhao Feiyang hasn't been here two months, and there are already two more deputy deans. At this rate, it won't take long for the number of deputy deans to double.

The hospital internally jokes that deputy deans are now in wholesale, no longer valued. In reality, nothing has changed; the deputies with real power are still those few. Even those few must act according to Zhao Feiyang's preferences; he tightly grips power, personally signing off on expenses over 5,000 RMB.

This is also the art of management. No matter how many deputy deans there are, they're all just supporting roles. Among the sea of green, a single red stands out, emphasizing Zhao Feiyang's importance; it also aids his balancing act.

Gao Xinhua said, "This trip wasn't in vain; a 50,000 yuan reward is solid cash."

Xu Chunliang nodded knowingly, "Don't be envious. I'll treat you when I return next week. You can help arrange for Dean Zhao to join us."

Gao Xinhua took a puff and said, "Do I even need to? You two are closer than I am now."

"How is that possible? In his eyes, I'm just a pawn; you're his right-hand man."

Gao Xinhua shook his head, though he didn't truly think so in his heart. Zhao Feiyang is a man of many thoughts and likes to take risks in his actions, already raising his vigilance. Gao Xinhua also maintained a distance from Zhao Feiyang, who should be aware of this.

Gao Xinhua regarded Xu Chunliang as his own child, planning to remind him appropriately when the time came.

Just then, Jin Yonghao came panting over, "Dean Gao, Xiaoxu, you are here."

Gao Xinhua raised the half-cigarette in his hand, "Smoking."

Jin Yonghao was here to inform them that there would be a meeting in the conference room in ten minutes. Xu Chunliang told him to go ahead, and they would follow shortly with Gao Xinhua.

Gao Xinhua extinguished the half-smoked cigarette, tossing it in the nearby trash bin, "Enough smoking, let's go!"

On the way, when asked about the contact situation with Hu Shan Town, Xu Chunliang told him that it had been arranged, and at three o'clock this afternoon, Town Mayor Mei Ru Xue will meet Zhao Feiyang in her office.

During the morning meeting, the discussion was all about quality control work; Zhao Feiyang did not touch upon other aspects, mainly affirming the efforts of the second quality control team.

Several deputy deans also said a few words briefly; under such circumstances, no one wanted to steal Zhao Feiyang's thunder.

The meeting was declared over in less than half an hour.

There was still some time before lunchtime, and Zhao Feiyang offered to visit Xu Chunliang's office.

Xu Chunliang knew he had something to discuss with him, so he took Zhao Feiyang to his office, telling him in advance that this office was handed over to him by Zhang Haibin.

Zhao Feiyang sat down on the sofa in the office, and Xu Chunliang poured him a cup of tea.

Zhao Feiyang asked why he hadn't arranged a meeting with Secretary Kong Xiangsheng.

Xu Chunliang said Kong Xiangsheng wholeheartedly supports the Da Heng Group and is resistant to Changxing, meeting him would be meaningless, just a waste of time, and might even cause unpleasantness.

Zhao Feiyang didn't agree, thinking that Kong Xiangsheng supports Da Heng purely for political achievements; if he realizes that supporting Changxing would yield more achievements, he'll change his stance. Young people still lack consideration in these matters.

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, "Do I need you to teach me? Aren't you just trying to take advantage? I can't be bothered dealing with people like Kong Xiangsheng." He smiled and said, "In these matters, I'm still lacking experience; someone like Secretary Kong needs a super hunter like you to deal with." With one sentence, he kicked the ball back to him.

Zhao Feiyang laughed heartily and pointed at Xu Chunliang, saying, "You've become slippery since you came to Weishan Island. By the way, isn't there a bit of tension between this Town Mayor Mei and Secretary Kong?"

Xu Chunliang said, "That I'm not sure of; in any case, Town Mayor Mei should be supporting us."

Zhao Feiyang said, "A twenty-three-year-old female town mayor, what's her family background?"

"How would I know? With all your connections, you'll definitely be able to find out."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, "Aren't you the youngest section-level cadre in the health system?" Zhao Feiyang is clearly projecting. However, he was not wrong; Mei Ru Xue has a background, and an extraordinary one at that. Compared to her, Zhao Feiyang is likely insignificant.

Zhao Feiyang had little interest in investigating a township section-level cadre, nor did he think Mei Ru Xue could play a crucial role in this matter: "I'm not that bored. By the way, how's the work feeling at the branch?"

Xu Chunliang was worried that he might want to stay long-term, so he quickly stated that he had a seventy-year-old grandfather at home who needed looking after.

Zhao Feiyang knew this kid was slippery and actually never planned to keep Xu Chunliang on Weishan Island long-term. If he were to arrange for him to be the dean of the branch, at least he would have to be promoted to vice-section level. This time bringing him here was unplanned, initially suggested by Yan Huaiyi. But now it seems the decision was extremely correct; Xu Chunliang indeed completed the task swiftly and excellently.

At noon, Zhao Feiyang went to the staff canteen for a work meal, mingling with the employees to act approachable, though in reality, it was just political showmanship.

The previously delayed wages were all issued; otherwise, Zhao Feiyang wouldn't dare to mingle with the masses. Otherwise, he would be engulfed in a sea of people's criticism, possibly even subjected to rotten eggs and tomatoes.

Xu Chunliang and Gao Xinhua sat facing each other. Since Zhao Feiyang chose to eat a work meal, they couldn't act differently either. Xu Chunliang hadn't eaten such a low-standard meal since coming to Weishan Island.

Gao Xinhua said, "I heard someone spread rumors against you a few days ago?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "The innocent will always be innocent. You wouldn't believe those trivial rumors, right?"

Gao Xinhua reminded him to stay away from trouble since he wasn't married yet, and such rumors aren't good for him.

Gao Xinhua realized he was becoming more concerned about Xu Chunliang, in a way that even felt like how he cared for his daughter.

The more time he spent with Xu Chunliang, the more he liked this kid. Gao Xinhua even considered setting him up with his daughter; of course, this idea would certainly face family opposition, given their significant educational background differences.

But Gao Xinhua didn't see education as an issue. There's plenty of highly-educated young people in the hospital, but he hadn't met anyone as outstanding as Xu Chunliang. A person's worth should not be judged by their education alone.

In the afternoon, Xu Chunliang accompanied Zhao Feiyang and Geng Wenxiu to Hu Shan Town Government.

Mei Ru Xue showed great sincerity by personally welcoming them at the parking lot.

The news of Mei Ru Xue receiving Zhao Feiyang quickly reached Kong Xiangsheng.

Kong Xiangsheng sat in his office, holding a purple clay cup, sipping slowly. In fact, Mei Ru Xue had already sought his opinion in advance; Kong Xiangsheng said he was not available and not interested in wasting time on Zhao Feiyang.

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