"Knock knock knock, knock knock knock." Wearing pajamas, Peng Kun hurriedly knocked on Peng Haibo's door.

Peng Haibo suddenly opened his eyes, glanced over, and found it was Peng Kun, then raised his eyebrows: "What time is it?"

"Two-thirty in the afternoon."

Though Peng Kun was not young anymore, he could suppress all kinds of his emotions: "Dad, just now Xiang Kuihua from the department called, saying the hospital over there issued a letter saying Professor Tong is applying to extend his time in the countryside."

"Most likely, the assigned ward will also be changed."

Peng Kun efficiently clarified three issues.

This news was from Xiang Kuihua, then it was about the extension and ward change.

Peng Haibo suddenly remembered the real intention behind Xiang Dahong's call, and his brow furrowed: "Why is Professor Tong extending the countryside term?"

Of course, Peng Kun also knew that it was Peng Haibo who specifically called Xiang Dahong over.

Tong Yuan'an extended his countryside term, and Xiang Dahong was held back because of it. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Peng Kun shook his head: "Not sure yet, Xiang Kuihua said he just learned of this news too."

"Dad, if Professor Tong extends his time, what about Director Xiang?"

Tong Yuan'an wants to get a promotion, and so does Xiang Dahong. Can Xiang Dahong keep stepping aside every time?

Peng Haibo glanced at Peng Kun disapprovingly and said, "What were you thinking last night?"

Instinctively, Peng Haibo thought it was Peng Kun who annoyed Tong Yuan'an, so Tong was seeking revenge against the orthopedics department in a roundabout way.

So he played this move to leverage others.

Tong Yuan'an didn't openly target you, but 'normal operation' meant you offended someone.

"Actually, I've been practicing the Tang method for a while, but Professor Tong always says I can't handle it... Even though I was quite skilled practicing on pig tendons..." Peng Kun whispered in explanation.

"Do you think it's possible that Lu Cheng is being two-faced?"

"We're polite to him, but he secretly gives us trouble."

"Actually, he could do the tendon repair, but just doesn't?" Peng Kun speculated.

Peng Haibo shook his head: "Hard to say, but based on my understanding of Lu Cheng, he's not that kind of person."

"If he could do it, he definitely wouldn't refuse, especially since he and Xiang Kuihua have been holding on for so long."

"But we can't completely rule out this possibility; our orthopedics department hasn't been kind towards him lately either."

After pondering for a moment, Peng Haibo, chin in hand, said, "Besides, Tong Yuan'an wants to extend the training period, but it's not something he can decide alone. The organization that has always provided us support is Xiangya Second Hospital."

"Him hogging the position affects more than just Director Xiang Dahong."

"I'll call the hospital office later to find out more details."

To be fair, Peng Haibo didn't like Lu Cheng's talent, but there's no groundless reason to criticize Lu Cheng's character.

...

As the evening approached, Lu Cheng woke up, feeling a slight heaviness at the back of his head.

As he pulled open the curtains, a ray of crimson sunset streamed through the inefficient north-south facing window.

Lu Cheng picked up his phone to check the time; it was already 4:12 PM, indicating he had slept for over seven hours.

After covering his phone on his chest, savoring the remnants of sleep, Lu Cheng sat up and began to check his WeChat messages.

There were only two.

The first was from his parents telling him to sort out lunch and dinner himself since both of them went back to Zhao Market Town for a wake. Last night, his aunt's mother passed away, and since she's his cousin's biological mother, Lu Nanjia and Tian Hui would personally go to stay for a few days.

The second was a cartoon image sent by Mu Nanshu at 2 PM: "/Awake yet?"

"I didn't sleep all night last night, climbed into bed around nine, just woke."

After replying, Lu Cheng got up, planning to wash up, and said, "This time I may have offended Professor Chen Song..."

Lu Cheng briefly recounted the morning's events and then started brushing his teeth and washing his face.

After a long pause, Mu Nanshu replied: "From my perspective, Professor Chen Song is genuinely kind to you. At least from what you've said, he sees himself really as a teacher."

"So, I also can't give you a better suggestion for now."

Lu Cheng was certain he was a complete 'jerk', definitely unable to navigate the 'Purgatory' smoothly.

The moment an adult makes a choice, there's no room for regret; one must take responsibility for their actions.

Lu Cheng replied: "Before sleeping, I sent a message to Professor Chen, but he still hasn't replied. I'll see how it goes when he's back at work the day after tomorrow."

Today is September 21st, and theoretically, Lu Cheng should be on duty with Chen Song!

But yesterday, Lu Cheng spent the whole night with Professor Chen Song, so he switched shifts with someone else.

Chen Song will only be back to work on September 23rd.

"My parents went back for a wake, have uncle and auntie returned? If not, how about meeting up for food later?" Lu Cheng sent an invitation to Mu Nanshu.

"Sure, are you coming to pick me up or should I take a cab to meet you?" Mu Nanshu replied.

"Let me finish freshening up, and then I'll come to find you..." Lu Cheng ended the discussion unilaterally.

Lu Cheng drank two glasses of water before feeling comfortable, then went back to the room to turn off the air conditioner, checked his messages once more, and then circled back to send a greeting message to Professor Tong Yuan'an.

Professor Tong Yuan'an understood Lu Cheng's intention: "We are all awake; Chen Song is here at my place having coffee like a stingy old man."