"You should stop texting him, he's not going to reply. He said you two were just passing acquaintances and don't have any real friendship."

"Friendships between gentlemen are as light as water."

Lu Cheng: "..."

Alright, these two teachers—one's a perpetual 'autistic' and the other just 'passing acquaintances'?

But Lu Cheng couldn't blame Chen Song; he'd already laid his chips down in his own heart.

…

In Long County, within Tianyue District.

Peng Haibo dialed the familiar number of Vice Dean Hu Qingshan, adopting a cheerful, ingratiating tone: "Dean Hu, do you have any plans for tonight?"

"I'm at home with the kids tonight; what's up, Director Peng?" Hu Qingshan, an old fox, replied.

"Oh, it's nothing—just wanted to report an issue to you."

"If you're busy tonight, I can come by your place to report face-to-face?" Peng Haibo quickly adjusted his tone.

Hu Qingshan: "Just tell me..."

"Well, Dean Hu, I just heard the hospital issued a letter saying they agreed to extend Professor Tong Yuan'an's targeted support program in our department."

"Dean Hu, this isn't right, as you know. Our hospital's support target is Xiangya Second Hospital. I've been in contact with Xiangya Second Hospital professors to come out for county placements recently."

"It seems inappropriate for Professor Tong from Xiangya Hospital to extend his support."

"It's making my work difficult," asked Peng Haibo.

Originally, Peng Haibo had thought if Tong Yuan'an wanted to cause trouble, he'd send him back, as the road is high and far, not intending to offend him.

Tong Yuan'an can change the department placement, but Peng Haibo can't control it.

But I can't be the beneficiary and can't stay for long.

Unexpectedly, Tong Yuan'an extended his training period, and the hospital agreed. He called the staff office and got confirmation they agreed.

"Oh, you mean that matter. I have some good news, Director Peng: with our efforts, Long County People's Hospital will sign a targeted support contract with Xiangya Hospital this October."

"This is fantastic news, Director Peng. Xiangya Hospital's orthopedics department is one of the strongest in the province. Director Lei from Xiangya Hospital's orthopedics is also the dean of Xiangya Hospital..."

"With Professor Tong now extending his training period, it's the best news for your orthopedics department—you can't ask for more."

Peng Haibo immediately felt his brain buzzing.

"Dean Hu, when did this happen?" Peng Haibo's tone was slightly anxious.

"It's quite recent, the contract will be signed this month! We snagged this advantage from Feng County, given Long County's remote location and poverty."

"Unlike over there, where they have tourism, thriving economy." Hu Qingshan's voice was hearty, formally returning.

"Director Peng, don't be ungracious when you've gained a favor."

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up; I've got some personal matters. My son's birthday is today, and I'm still setting it up..."

After hanging up, Peng Haibo gave Peng Kun a severe look before pondering many things: "Dean Hu, I won't disturb you then."

Including but not limited to what those 'second generation' in orthopedics might be doing behind his back...

Lu Cheng went down to the underground parking lot, just sat in the car, and as soon as he started it, Peng Haibo's call came to his cellphone.

Lu Cheng thought Peng Haibo was referring to last night's issue, so he chose to answer: "Director Peng."

Peng Haibo's voice on the other end trembled: "Xiao Lu, do you know where Professor Tong Yuan'an is? Can you contact him?"

"Director Peng, I just woke up... and haven't had lunch yet. Are you looking for Professor Tong for something?" Lu Cheng asked.

Lu Cheng first needed to determine if Peng Haibo was looking for Tong Yuan'an or for him.

"Xiao Lu, can you help me make an appointment with Professor Tong? It's urgent." Peng Haibo said.

Lu Cheng thought for a moment and replied, "Director Peng, I've already arranged lunch with my classmate, and we've confirmed the location."

"I haven't contacted Professor Tong in advance."

"Why don't you try getting in touch with Professor Tong yourself?"

Regarding last night's issue, Lu Cheng was not the least bit guilty.

He wasn't hard on himself; when faced with cases he couldn't handle, he admitted defeat!

Peng Kun wanted to fish in troubled waters, and when he got himself tangled, who could he blame?

It's not the first time—with me previously, he'd find all sorts of ways as 'practical clinical practice.' 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Peng Haibo said: "Xiao Lu, when you were in orthopedics, there were indeed misunderstandings between us."

"But you know the orthopedics situation well; we don't have many patients, Xiang Kuihua came first, so for them to perform surgery, I couldn't interrupt."

"In fact, I also wanted to support Xiao Lu more."

"Xiao Lu, you came from our department too, you wouldn't want our department to decline either, right?"

Peng Haibo was steering the conversation away, Lu Cheng responded: "Director Peng, I don't get what you mean..."

Peng Haibo exhaled a long sigh: "Our hospital will sign a support contract with Xiangya Hospital this October, which means Xiangya Second Hospital will no longer be our unit's support target but Xiangya Hospital."

"Professor Tong and we had misunderstandings."

"Professor Tong wants to apply for a change of department placement, probably heading to the second department."

Lu Cheng was surprised: "Director Peng, I didn't know about this?"

Peng Haibo seemed to age a dozen years: "Not just you, I'm also unaware of this. But the reality is now like this, Xiao Lu you better start planning early."

"Since Professor Chen Song from your department will be returning soon."

"Those who will come down later may not be people familiar with Professor Chen Song."

Peng Haibo also made a thoughtful gesture to Lu Cheng.

It's understandable Lu Cheng didn't know about this 'hospital direction'!

But if Director Peng knew none of this as the orthopedics director, it showed Director Peng was merely a deputy chief physician.

He could retire in his director's position if he chose to be honest; if not, orthopedics wouldn't mind changing directors.

"Thank you, Director Peng, I can't arrange anything but thank you for informing me," Lu Cheng replied.

Peng Haibo continued to ask: "Xiao Lu, are you really unable to contact Professor Tong?"

Lu Cheng had previously refused meals with Professor Lan Hualuo, let alone with Peng Haibo's setup.

"Director Peng, I've already scheduled ahead. Professor Tong is probably busy right now. I didn't ask." Lu Cheng knew his reason was weak.

As long as one wants, they'd try. Key is, in adult conversations, even if one wishes not to connect, they shouldn't outright refuse to avoid direct conflict.

Offending someone is one thing, but tearing apart a facade is another.

Whatever you do requires a plausible reason.

Peng Haibo, being seasoned in the workplace and of considerable age, naturally understood Lu Cheng's implication.

The relationship between him and Lu Cheng wasn't good. Initially, Peng Kun and Lu Cheng maintained a decent relationship, but that layer of tenuous connection washed away over time.

In orthopedics, Lu Cheng was never favored, watched getting blocked, and no help lent.

Now with Lu Cheng unwilling to assist, it was no surprise.

The critical point is Lu Cheng belongs to the emergency department now, so Peng Haibo said: "Alright, Xiao Lu, go have lunch. Don't starve."

After disconnecting, Lu Cheng opened the car window, and with the car slowly starting, fresh air circulated through out the cabin, cool and refreshing.

After a few steps, Lu Cheng played car music leisurely, winding out of the underground garage.

Not particularly happy either...

(ps: Start of the month, asking for monthly tickets!)