C12 A New Beginning

Ten minutes later, Old Madame Wei's face was etched with shock as she stared at her husband.

"You mean to tell me that you were never sick, and it was all just to keep it from Lee Faangtian and the rest?" Old Madame Wei said, astonished. "And Zhao Feng...?"

Old Master Wei nodded affirmatively. "He's in on it. My condition must be kept secret from outsiders, do you understand?"

Old Madame Wei nodded solemnly.

Upon returning to the living room, the persistent gloom that had shrouded Old Madame Wei's face for so long finally lifted. Her gaze softened considerably when she looked at Zhao Feng and Wei Ying. The young couple had chosen to face criticism rather than reveal the old man's ruse. They had shown great discernment, particularly Zhao Feng. Although not wealthy, his devotion alone was commendable.

"Ying, your husband has done quite well. Let him continue treating Grandfather. Once Grandfather is fully recovered, I will make sure to reward him handsomely!" Old Madame Wei said with a smile.

Wei Ying nodded earnestly, while Zhao Feng, who was beside her, seemed to have a realization as he glanced up at Old Madame Wei.

He noticed a depth in Old Madame Wei's eyes and understood—she too was aware of the old man's feigned illness.

Nevertheless, Old Madame Wei's improved attitude toward Wei Ying was a significant gain.

That evening, Chen Min and Qiu Zhaoyang took the opportunity to probe into Old Master Wei's health under the guise of a dinner invitation.

Chen Min was displeased to see Wei Ying and Zhao Feng there.

"After all this time, there's no improvement in his condition. Are you sure you've been following the Godly Doctor's orders?" she questioned disdainfully.

Zhao Feng, busy serving Wei Ying, had no interest in engaging with her.

"Cat got your tongue? Speak up! Grandma, aren't you worried? Do you still trust him? Maybe Zhaoyang should bring in another doctor," Chen Min suggested.

"If you're here to eat, then eat. If not, you might as well go home. Enough with the chatter," Old Madame Wei retorted sharply. This time, she was clear-headed. Qiu Zhaoyang and Director Li's efforts to find a doctor for her husband had likely been in cahoots all along.

These two young ones are nothing but wolves in sheep's clothing, biting the hand that feeds them.

"Grandma!" Chen Min tried to interject, but Qiu Zhaoyang tugged at her sleeve.

"Let it go. If the renowned doctor has entrusted him with the task, then we should let him handle it."

Chen Min was seething, yet he couldn't bear to see Zhao Feng and Wei Ying looking so smug, so he shifted the conversation. "Grandma, did you hear? President Ding of EDonghai Pharmaceutical Industry bought the Qian Qiu House next door. Rumor has it, it's for his wife's wedding anniversary."

"The Qian Qiu House has centuries of history. Acquiring it is no small feat," Qiu Zhaoyang chimed in.

"Exactly, which is why I say, knowing President Ding and securing an exclusive agency deal means little. A mistress will always be a mistress, never in the spotlight, always part of the lower class."

Zhao Feng suddenly choked and spat out a mouthful of water, splashing it all over Chen Min's face.

"Ah! What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?" Chen Min leaped up from her chair, cursing loudly.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Zhao Feng hastily grabbed a tissue, but instead of offering it to Chen Min, he wiped his own mouth, saying, "I couldn't help it."

"You're useless, your wife's playing the mistress, and you still have the stomach to eat!"

Wei Ying snapped, "Enough, Chen Min! Stop spouting nonsense!"

Chen Min shot back with a sneer, "Then enlighten us, how did your company manage to get the exclusive rights to represent EDonghai Pharmaceutical Industry? Unless you've been cozying up to President Ding..."

"Splash!" This time, a full glass of water drenched Chen Min's face.

"Ah!" Chen Min screamed, turning to the person who splashed her. "Have you lost your mind?"

Qiu Zhaoyang, furious, swung a punch at Zhao Feng, but Zhao Feng deftly countered, pinning him against the wall.

Zhao Feng's face was stern as he warned, "Both of you better mind your language, or next time, it'll be boiling water!"

"Enough!" Old Madame Wei slammed the table hard. "If you want to fight, take it outside!"

She appreciated Zhao Feng's family for looking after Old Master Wei, but she also harbored doubts about Wei Ying's ability to secure the exclusive agency rights.

Consequently, she began to disdain Wei Ying deep down.

At that moment, Wei Ying rose to her feet. She had intended to assert her innocence, to claim she'd never acted improperly, but the memory of dining with Faang Chonggong made her falter. "That's enough, Zhao Feng. Let's leave," she said with less conviction.

Zhao Feng released Qiu Zhaoyang and departed with Wei Ying.

"Zhao Feng, I truly have no idea about this exclusive agency business," Wei Ying clarified on their way home.

Zhao Feng nodded. "I trust you."

Wei Ying was torn, unsure whether to feel reassured or concerned. Did his confidence stem from trust, or was it a sign of indifference?

Upon arriving home, Zhao Feng's phone rang. It was his mentor, Prof. Zhang, inquiring about his start date at the hospital.

He was reluctant to make the move. His current hospital was satisfactory—modest pay, but less work and close to home.

Wei Ying, mistaking his concern for a serious problem, inquired, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I'm considering a position at Hai Cheng Hospital tomorrow. My mentor... Prof. Zhang has invited me to join him," he explained.

Wei Ying's eyes sparkled. "That's wonderful news! What are your thoughts?"

Faced with Wei Ying's eager anticipation, as if her husband was on the brink of great success, Zhao Feng found it hard to dampen her spirits. He mustered the words with difficulty, "I'll go."

After submitting his job application online, Zhao Feng set about preparing dinner.

Meanwhile, at Seahold Hospital.

A doctor reviewing Zhao Feng's application furrowed his brow and called Qian Shaoyang.

"Dr. Lin, what can I do for you?" came the voice from the other end.

"Director Qian, Zhao Feng—is he the Wei Family's son-in-law?"

"Yes, indeed. I never expected Prof. Zhang to actually bring him to your hospital. Dr. Lin, he's useless. You can handle him however you see fit."

"Rest assured, Director Qian. As for the hospital procurement's kickbacks..."

"Don't worry, you won't be at a loss!"

The next day at Haicheng Hospital, Zhao Feng finally arrived to check in, and Prof. Zhang was eagerly awaiting him in his office.

With a beaming smile, Zhao Feng stood at the doorway, "Shi Ge, I've made it!"

"About time you showed up, you rascal!" Prof. Zhang greeted him with a chuckle.

Seeing Prof. Zhang's cheerful demeanor, Zhao Feng felt a surge of emotion, "Senior, rest assured, I'll dedicate myself to the job!"

"Ha! I have no doubt about that. You're the future cornerstone of our hospital! When the time comes that I can't keep up, I'll be relying on you to fill my shoes!"

As Prof. Zhang spoke, a young doctor approached with a friendly smile, "Prof. Zhang, is this the Dr. Zhao Feng you've mentioned?"

"Ah, Lin Xin, let me do the honors. This is my protégé, Zhao Feng, whose medical expertise is exceptional. He's sure to be a source of pride for our hospital," Prof. Zhang said with pride.

"Zhao Feng, meet Dr. Lin Xin, your new colleague. He's a rising star and was just promoted to deputy director of the department this year."

"Nice to meet you!" Zhao Feng greeted Lin Xin with a warm smile.

Prof. Zhang continued, "Zhao Feng, I've already spoken with the dean. You'll be taking on the role of deputy director of the department. You'll need to put in the effort, and when it comes to major surgeries, you'll be my right-hand man!"

Zhao Feng was taken aback upon hearing Prof. Zhang's assignment for him as deputy head, "Prof. Zhang, this... Isn't it inappropriate? I've only just arrived, and now I'm to be deputy director?"

"I know what you're capable of. Don't be so hesitant, kid. What's the matter, afraid of a little hard work?" Prof. Zhang said, feigning annoyance.

After finishing, Prof. Zhang led Zhao Feng around to introduce him to the rest of the doctors and nurses in the department. Lin Xin, left standing alone, wore a look of dark contemplation.

"Zhao Feng, is it? I'll be sure to give you a proper welcome!"