C13 Saving People
For Zhao Feng, the routine work at the hospital was a breeze. He had spent the morning efficiently clarifying patients' medical records and was now making rounds in the wards, accompanied by the head nurse.
Head Nurse Li Yan introduced the wards to Zhao Feng while stealing covert glances at him. Li Yan was known for her discerning taste and had recently been smitten with Lin Xin. Their relationship was heating up, and she had been considering a serious future with him. However, Zhao Feng's arrival presented her with a new prospect.
On his very first day, Zhao Feng had already earned Prof. Zhang's trust, quickly ascending to the role of deputy director of the department. His potential seemed boundless, especially when paired with his striking good looks, which made Lin Xin pale in comparison. Li Yan was convinced that Zhao Feng was the one truly deserving of her time and effort, and she began to craft a plan in her mind.
At the end of a long day, just before leaving work, Zhao Feng got a call from Wei Ying, who suggested they head straight to their grandmother's house. They agreed to meet there at 8:00 PM.
"You're so late, we've nearly finished our discussion," Chen Min chided upon his arrival.
Wei Ying's father explained the situation. "Your brother-in-law, Zhao Yang, received several invitations from President Ding for a banquet at the Thousand Autumn House. But after we allocated them, we realized we were one short, so we don't have one for our family."
It was obvious to everyone that Qian Shaoyang had deliberately excluded them, not wanting the Wei family at the event.
Expecting Zhao Feng to be embarrassed and argue, they were surprised when he simply nodded and said, "No problem. I thought it was something serious."
Elder Ding's decision not to extend an invitation to the Wei family was a clear snub. Firstly, the Wei family was only considered a second-tier family in Donghai City, not high-profile enough for such an event. Secondly, it seemed he didn't think the Wei family was worthy of attending.
Unexpectedly, Qiu Zhaoyang had managed to secure an invitation, indicating he had some influence.
"What's the big deal?" Qian Shaoyang scoffed. "A loser is always a loser, hiding away like a turtle at the first sign of trouble."
"Oh, don't blame Shaoyang. He was aware of the close relationship between Wei Ying and President Ding, so he assumed President Ding would personally extend an invitation to Wei Ying!" Chen Min explained.
"I've heard there's not just a banquet but also a fireworks display. It's going to be a magnificent sight from the prime viewing deck atop the Thousand Autumn Tower!" Chen Min described with vivid detail.
Zhao Feng remained silent, but upon noticing Wei Ying's look of disappointment, he inquired, "Do you want to go?"
Wei Ying, aware that the invitation put him in a tough spot, shook her head, "No, I don't."
"It's no trouble; I'll take you there!" Zhao Feng offered.
"You? Ha!" Qian Shaoyang scoffed. "Your talent for bragging surely outshines your medical expertise. Do you even understand the prestige of the event? You think you can just decide to go?"
Zhao Feng gave him a cool glance. "Of course, it's merely an invitation. What's so difficult about that?"
No sooner had he spoken than an announcement came from outside, "Manager Zhang from EDonghai Pharmaceutical Industry is here to visit."
Everyone was taken aback. Why would someone from EDonghai Pharmaceutical Industry arrive at such a late hour?
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng quietly deleted a text message from his phone, which read: Send an invitation to the Wei Family for Wei Ying immediately.
The elderly lady rose promptly from her seat, "Quickly, please invite him in!"
As soon as Manager Zhang entered, the crowd surged forward, only to see him gesture for them to relax, "Please, there's no need for formalities. I've come to see President Wei."
Qian Shaoyang and Chen Min were taken aback. Visit Wei Ying? For what reason?
Manager Zhang then produced an invitation, approached Wei Ying, and presented it to her with both hands, "President Wei, President Ding has instructed me to invite you to a grand banquet he's hosting in three days. Your attendance is requested."
Wei Ying, surprised by the personal delivery of the invitation from President Ding, was momentarily flustered. "Ah, from President Ding, for me?"
Manager Zhang's demeanor became even more respectful. "Yes, we hope you will honor us with your presence."
Taking the invitation with both hands, Wei Ying observed its exquisite red design with gilded edges, far more lavish than the one Qian Shaoyang had received.
"Why does this invitation look different? It can't be a fake, can it?" Chen Min blurted out, green with envy.
Manager Zhang stood tall, casting a disdainful glance her way, "Because President Wei's invitation is of the highest tier for VIPs."
The highest tier—what kind of perks did that include?
Without further ado, Manager Zhang departed, leaving everyone else in stunned silence.
Chen Min, quick on her feet, snatched the invitation and opened it, bursting into laughter. "Hahaha, I thought you had some real clout, but it turns out Wei Ying is the only guest of honor. Your husband doesn't even have the privilege to attend."
"Zhao Feng, this..." Wei Ying stammered, caught off guard.
Zhao Feng just chuckled, "Keep it. I'm really happy that you can go."
Wei Ying nodded, though a sense of disappointment lingered. In three days, it would be her and Zhao Feng's third wedding anniversary, and she couldn't help but wonder if he even remembered...
…
The next morning, Wei Ying stopped Zhao Feng as he was about to head out, "Wait for me, I'm coming to the hospital with you!"
Zhao Feng, looking concerned, checked her pulse, "What's wrong, are you feeling unwell?"
Blushing, Wei Ying withdrew her hand, "No, that's not it. I've recently taken on the role of representing Donghai Pharmaceutical Industry's products, remember? I'm planning to expand my client base at your hospital!"
"Really? Do you need my help with anything?" Zhao Feng asked, smiling.
Wei Ying shook her head, "No, it's all business. You might not get the ins and outs of it. Just focus on being the great doctor you are."
"Okay, I'll be waiting to hear about your success," Zhao Feng replied with a warm smile.
Together, they drove to Haicheng Hospital. Upon arrival, Wei Ying bid Zhao Feng farewell and made her way to the hospital's procurement department.
To her surprise, the head of the department was Lin Xin, who, as the Vice President's nephew, had landed this cushy position. Over the years, he hadn't missed an opportunity to line his pockets.
Lin Xin plopped down at his desk with a casual air, "I'm Lin Xin, the Deputy Director here. And you are? What brings you to our hospital today?"
"Here's my business card! I'm Wei Ying. Recently... we've secured a deal..."
Before Wei Ying could finish her sentence, Lin Xin interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand, "I get it, you're here to pitch your products, right? Well, I have a certain policy in place here; are you familiar with it?"