Chapter 38: Emergency Clinic Meeting

Zhang Jing handed the prescription he had just written to Gui Cui.

Gui Cui took only a glance before exclaiming, "Wow! Dr. Zhang, your regular script is getting more and more beautiful. It’s practically a piece of calligraphy."

This was no mere flattery; Zhang Jing’s handwriting had always been decent, but he simply hadn't been writing with such care until now.

A thought crossed Zhang Jing’s mind, and he took the opportunity to ask, "If I continue to write out prescriptions by hand and have you help input them into the computer, would that be too much trouble for you?"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Gui Cui shook her head like a rattle. "No, of course not!"

However, after saying that, she asked curiously, "But Dr. Zhang, isn't it much faster to type them directly into the computer?"

"I hope to avoid touching the computer as much as possible from now on. It helps me stay more focused while seeing patients," Zhang Jing replied truthfully.

"Oh, I see." Gui Cui had a sudden realization and immediately added, "Then what about the records in the medical charts? Should I help you enter those into the outpatient system as well? I’m a very fast typist, anyway."

"That won't be necessary; it would take up too much time. Once we have more patients, it would be impossible to keep up. If a patient needs a follow-up visit, I’ll just make sure to remind them to bring their medical charts along."

Gui Cui hadn't considered that angle. It was hardly surprising; they rarely dispensed more than a few prescriptions a day, and in the two-plus years the clinic had been open, there had never been a time when they were overwhelmed.

However, upon reflection, she felt that Zhang Jing’s words made sense.

After all, Zhang Jing was no longer the man he once was. His medical skills had reached an incredible height almost overnight. Therefore, as long as his treatments were effective and word of his reputation spread, would they ever have to worry about a shortage of patients?

The lunch break lasted only an hour and a half, and before they knew it, it was time for the afternoon shift.

Clutching the prescription in both hands, Gui Cui headed downstairs, beaming. She ran straight into Huang Biao, who was rushing in to start his shift.

"Xiao Cui, what happy news did you encounter to be so joyful?" Huang Biao took the initiative to greet her, hoping to smooth over the unpleasantness from the morning.

"Nothing. I’m going to work," Gui Cui replied coldly before disappearing into the pharmacy.

Huang Biao could only shrug helplessly and head toward his consulting room. As he walked, he shook his head to himself, thinking, *That silly girl is truly infatuated with Zhang Jing. But that’s fine; soon, I’ll be able to get Boss Ma to step in and help me vent this frustration.*

After a bustling morning, Mingde Hall returned to its usual afternoon quiet.

The only person who came by was there to see Wang Sen, and it was just for a health massage using a prepaid course card; strictly speaking, they weren't even a patient.

Finally, with half an hour left before the end of the shift, Huang Biao couldn't sit still any longer and called Ma Hui on his phone.

"Hello? Old Huang, what’s the matter?" Seeing it was Huang Biao, Ma Hui’s first instinct was to wonder if his health had taken a turn for the worse.

"I’m fine. I just wanted to talk to you in person about something."

"Is it urgent? Can’t you say it over the phone?"

"Uh... it’s not really easy to discuss over the phone. If it’s inconvenient, I can come to the clinic tomorrow morning."

"Fine, I’ll drive back to the clinic right away. Please wait for a moment."

"Alright, alright. Boss Ma, I’ll be waiting for you."

About fifteen minutes later, Ma Hui’s white Ford Focus hatchback pulled up in front of the clinic.

Huang Biao went out to meet her from a distance, immediately offering pleasantries. "I’m sorry to have troubled you to rush back like this."

"It’s no problem. I was thinking the weather had turned cold, so I dropped off some clothes at my daughter’s school today. Even though her university is in the city, only a few dozen kilometers away, the round trip takes the whole day. I had just gotten off the highway when you called."

"You are such a devoted mother. Most people would have just sent a courier," Huang Biao flattered.

"Oh! Sending a courier would have worked, but I wanted to take the chance to see my daughter and have a meal with her. Young people these days aren't very attached to home. Even though she’s so close, she never comes home on weekends unless it’s a long holiday."

"That’s true, that’s true. A daughter is still better than nothing; at least she calls to check in. My two sons are even worse—every time they call, it’s just to ask for money."

"Let’s stop talking about the kids. Old Huang, you’re in such a rush to have me back—don't tell me you’re unhappy with your salary and want to resign? That won't do! You’re the 'face' of our clinic!" Hearing him mention money, Ma Hui immediately jumped to conclusions.

"Ha! Boss Ma has treated this old man so well, even renting a dormitory for me; how could I bear to resign? It’s not that I don't want to work, but rather that someone won't let me work in peace."

"Who? Who has the nerve to go against our Director Huang? Tell me about it," Ma Hui said in a mocking tone.

She knew her employees well and didn't believe for a second that anyone would target Huang Biao; it was likely just a misunderstanding.

"It’s true, Boss Ma, I’m not joking. If you don't believe me, why don't you call everyone in for a meeting right now and let us confront each other?" Huang Biao said solemnly.

"Fine, fine, we’ll do as you say. Old Huang, take my keys and wait in the office. I’ll go notify them one by one." Seeing his insistence, Ma Hui couldn't help but frown slightly.

Soon, the owner and staff of Mingde Hall were gathered around a modest-sized conference table.

Ma Hui rarely held staff meetings, with the only exception being the annual year-end summary and awards ceremony before the Spring Festival. Consequently, Zhang Jing, who had been there for less than half a year, had never attended one. She didn't spend much time at the clinic, fearing her presence would make the staff nervous.

"Ahem..." Ma Hui cleared her throat and began her opening remarks. "Everyone, please allow me to address you as family. I feel that since we are all gathered here to work, it is a great stroke of fate, and we are no different from a family. Don’t you all agree?"

"Agreed," Huang Biao was the first to respond, just as enthusiastic as he was about his work.

"Agreed," followed Gui Cui, a girl who always spoke her mind.

"Agreed," and "Agreed," Zhang Jing and Wang Sen said almost simultaneously. This was not surprising, as Wang Sen had been waiting for Zhang Jing to speak first so he could follow suit, demonstrating his respect for his teacher.

"Very good," Ma Hui nodded.

Then, her tone shifted abruptly. "However, I heard from Old Huang today that there has been malicious ostracism among our family. I would like to ask everyone here: is there any truth to this?"

Upon hearing this, Gui Cui realized that this emergency meeting was actually a kangaroo court set up by Huang Biao. She couldn't let the villain get the first word and gain the upper hand.

She was the first to raise her hand. "Big Sister, I have something to say."

"Oh?" Ma Hui frowned, seeing Gui Cui jump out so impatiently. She immediately recalled the rumors that Gui Cui had been giving Huang Biao nicknames behind his back. Clearly, the problem lay between these two.

She sighed and said slowly, "Very well, Xiao Cui. You speak first."