...

"Why is it that the phone connects but no one answers?" Professor Cao Qianwei from the Department of General Surgery at Xiangya Second Hospital had been trying to call Lu Cheng without success, adding to his irritation.

After making seven or eight calls, his student finally called back: "Master, Lu Cheng went to the neural suturing competition, and he's preparing for it now."

"Maybe his phone has been taken away."

"What's the point of him competing? Where is he? Still at the neural suturing venue? I'll go find him." Cao Qianwei shouted.

He thought this Lu Cheng probably didn't even know what he had done, yet he was there competing.

Two minutes later.

"Hello, we don't know each other, right?"

"Who are you?" Lu Cheng retracted a stranger's middle-aged hand, taking a few steps back.

"I'm Cao Qianwei, Dr. Lu. I have something important to discuss with you. Could we perhaps go have a cup of tea together?"

"I've been unable to reach you on the phone."

Anyone who knows the name Cao Qianwei would know he's the head of the Department of General Surgery at Xiangya Second Hospital, second in command only to the international Professor Shuzhan.

The problem is, Lu Cheng doesn't recognize him, nor does he have the time to know such a big shot. In Lu Cheng's understanding, the big boss he knows is Director Xiang Dongshan of the Emergency Department.

"I have to compete... Teacher Cao, it's not very convenient." Lu Cheng replied.

"Your competition here doesn't mean much. Come with me, let's have a chat." Though a bit stiff, Cao Qianwei managed to remain polite.

This was a great opportunity. The person waiting in line with Lu Cheng feared he didn't recognize Cao Qianwei and introduced him: "Buddy, this is Teacher Cao, Professor Cao. You should go have tea. What's the point of competing?"

Lu Cheng gave a friendly nod to the person who spoke, but insisted: "Teacher Cao, I'm here to compete."

Lu Cheng didn't want to create conflicts with many people, leading to one confrontation after another. He just wanted to earn some honest money.

Enough to resign, go study, and work.

Lu Cheng wasn't young anymore. In the department, it was impossible to think of making extra money through surgeries. If he could get the competition prize money, he'd take it.

Cao Qianwei was stunned: "Why are you competing?"

"Just for competition?" Lu Cheng replied.

If it weren't for Tong Yuan'an's endorsement, Lu Cheng wouldn't be here for the prize money.

The provincial competition also had prizes.

And it was a major competition for young physicians, with participants at the attending and deputy chief level, so the first-place prize in each category wasn't low.

"Why don't you just give up? I have something good to discuss with you." Cao Qianwei decided to be straightforward.

The suturing techniques Lu Cheng just demonstrated offered enough for the Department of General Surgery at Xiangya Second to support a Spleen Preservation Surgery project. With such ability, he could be both cultivated and recruited.

This was a shortcut, barely stepping onto the 'Cyan Cloud Ladder' of Xiangya Second Hospital, which could introduce someone regardless of their credentials.

As he spoke, Cao Qianwei tried to lead Lu Cheng away, instinctively believing Lu Cheng couldn't refuse.

Unexpectedly, Lu Cheng still removed his hand.

"Teacher Cao, there are too many people here. I still have to compete. Please don't make it difficult for me." Lu Cheng's tone remained polite, even slightly helpless.

Cao Qianwei scratched his neck, his voice slightly distorted: "I wanted to discuss your work unit."

I don't care where you worked before. It certainly wasn't Xiangya. Even if it was Xiangya Third Hospital, my Xiangya Second could surely woo you?

Based on the information Cao Qianwei had, Lu Cheng wasn't even known in the Sha City circle because no one in General Surgery knew him.

In the Sha City circle, if he needed to find someone, even if they were a surgical player at a health clinic, he should be able to find out.

"Teacher Cao, I understand, but I'm just here to participate, not to show off."

"Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it, but I already have a job." Lu Cheng declined again.

Lu Cheng was waiting in line, and the pulling also occurred in the waiting area.

Cao Qianwei appeared quite normal, not like he had a mental issue, but it seemed that the person he wanted to bring in was behaving a bit unusually.

A big-shot like this comes rushing in to discuss employment, and here Lu Cheng claimed he had a job.

This seemed a bit out of touch with reality.

Thankfully, those in the waiting area were all older youths, not quick to curse like youngsters.

Cao Qianwei's voice was not loud, so it didn't draw attention from other spectators!

Cao Qianwei felt a bit of a headache, his legs slightly cramping, and his face twitching, as he raised his tone: "What's your work unit?"

Evidently annoyed, thinking Lu Cheng was being inconsiderate.

"I've had interactions with teachers from Huazhong Union Hospital." Lu Cheng replied steadily.

Lu Cheng's words made everyone around realize, and their eyes began to change slightly as they sized him up.

Cao Qianwei's face turned a bit red from holding back.

Before he came, he only considered that if Lu Cheng had some relationship with Xiangya Hospital, it would be difficult to intervene, but he hadn't expected Lu Cheng to be connected with people outside the province.

Isn't this a huge surprise?

"Ahem, ahem..." Cao Qianwei coughed a few times: "You've already made arrangements?"

Cao Qianwei didn't dare utter a single word against Huazhong Union Hospital! At most, he dared to mention its individuals, but not in such a setting.