Chapter 78: 078 Happiness Comes Too Suddenly
Liu Banxia was in high spirits. He excitedly ran to the canteen and ordered four dishes and a soup, all of them hearty meals. As he was about to leave, he saw Liang Xiaolin also come to eat in the canteen, so he ordered two more dishes for her. Only then did he grab the boxed meals, hurrying to Zhou Shuwen's office.
"Director Zhou, Director Jiang, I'm not sure what dishes you all like, so I just ordered a few at random," Liu Banxia said with a smile upon entering the office.
"Take a seat. You made quite a bit yesterday, so it's only right we eat at your expense," Zhou Shuwen responded casually.
"Hehe, that was all thanks to Dr. Shi looking out for me. I tried to give him a bigger cut, but he wouldn't take it. Director, um, was I too impulsive again today?" Liu Banxia asked.
"It's nothing. Anyone would feel the same way if they were wronged," Zhou Shuwen said dismissively.
"We called you over to ask your opinion: do you really want to stay at our Second Hospital? Don't even think about General Surgery; you can only be in the Emergency Department."
Hearing this, Liu Banxia felt every pore on his body constrict.
"Director Zhou, as long as I can stay in our hospital, that's enough," Liu Banxia solemnly replied.
"Then just wait for the announcement," Zhou Shuwen replied without even lifting his head.
Liu Banxia felt somewhat dizzy, as if happiness had come all too suddenly. Had something he thought would be incredibly difficult really been resolved so easily?
"Why are you pinching me?" Shi Lei asked in exasperation between bites.
"Isn't it said that if you feel pain, you're not dreaming? I was afraid it would hurt if I pinched myself in the dream," Liu Banxia replied with a silly grin.
"Are you so glad you've gone crazy? Hurry up and eat," Jiang Tao said, laughing.
"Um... I won't eat. I need to calm down, or I'm afraid I'll scare you," Liu Banxia said, then darted out of the room.
Zhou Shuwen helplessly shook his head. "This kid, always so impulsive."
"Haha, isn't impulsiveness part of being young? If everyone were like Director Qin, always calculating this and scheming that, what would the Second Hospital become?" Jiang Tao said with a laugh.
"Is the hospital planning to renovate the Emergency Department? What's the plan? Many departments are discussing this; it feels like it's about time."
Zhou Shuwen nodded. "The Emergency Department has to be reorganized; otherwise, problems will arise sooner or later. Some people will be transferred to become full-time doctors in the Emergency Department. How they are transferred will likely depend on individual willingness."
"Then what about the Director of the Emergency Department? We can't let Old Qin continue like this, can we?" Jiang Tao asked.
"That isn't settled yet. After all, he won't be long until he retires," Zhou Shuwen shook his head.
"The hospital has big ambitions this time. They want to build an Emergency Department that can rival those of the First Hospital and the City Hospital. Many aspects are still under discussion; nothing is set in stone yet."
"Tsk, tsk, that's truly remarkable. But the choice for the Director position is proving difficult. It will probably be someone from your General Surgery Department. Er... Old Zhou, tell me honestly, are you going to take it?" Jiang Tao asked.
"Old Jiang, to be honest, I do have that in mind. However, it still depends on how determined the hospital is to reform the Emergency Department. If it starts strong but peters out, what's the point of me going?" Zhou Shuwen said.
"But seeing Old Qin's working style today really angered me. He doesn't treat patients himself and spends all his time in his office, scheming against people. Let him scheme all he wants; this time, I'm determined to keep Liu Banxia."
"Haha, that kid really has Old Qin to thank for this," Jiang Tao said.
"Now, don't play coy. If you hadn't taken a liking to him, would you meddle in this? Don't worry, if it really needs to be discussed at a meeting, I'll have a proper word with them. Those people in the hospital administration have indeed gone too far this time."
Meanwhile, what about Liu Banxia? He felt as if he were walking on clouds, his steps light and airy. He was just too happy; it truly felt like a dream.
Good news was meant to be shared. He first checked with Xu Dan; they hadn't started their meal shift yet. That settled it; he was treating them to lunch today.
He excitedly ran to the canteen and saw Liang Xiaolin returning her tray after finishing her meal. Delighted, he rushed over, grabbed the girl's shoulders, and started shaking her.
"You... I'll hit you!" Liang Xiaolin threatened as she finally broke free.
"Hehe, hit me, go ahead. I have a secret to tell you: just now, Director Zhou..."
"Stay away from me."
Seeing Liu Banxia trying to get close and whisper in her ear, the girl raised a hand and pushed him away.
"Hey, I don't want others to hear. Director Zhou just said my staying at the hospital is a done deal! It's so awesome, unbelievably awesome, the kind of awesome that's just overflowing!" Liu Banxia gushed.
"Ah? Really? If Director Zhou said it, it should be true," Liang Xiaolin exclaimed, then lowered her voice.
"Yeah, I really have Old Qin to thank for this. If he hadn't pulled that stunt, Director Zhou might not have made this decision," Liu Banxia said, beaming with joy.
"So, did Director Zhou say if it's a formal employment or a department-level contract?" Liang Xiaolin asked.
"Err... That... I didn't ask. Oh well, it doesn't matter. Just knowing I can stay is better than anything. Hehe, have you eaten yet? I'll treat you to a meal," Liu Banxia said, grinning.
Liang Xiaolin rolled her eyes. This guy was truly delirious with joy. He had just bought lunch for her, and now he'd completely forgotten.
This time, Liu Banxia was incredibly generous when ordering, specifically picking dishes the young women in the Emergency Department loved. Snow-covered red bean paste, though delicious, was difficult to make, but he ordered it anyway. He even ordered two portions to be sent over later.
"Calm down, can't you keep your mouth shut for a while?" Liang Xiaolin reminded him on the way back.
"Hehe, I'm just really happy," Liu Banxia said, beaming.
Liang Xiaolin felt a headache coming on and edged away from him. He was being too embarrassing; his exaggerated happiness made people think he was crazy.
However, upon returning to the Emergency Department, Liu Banxia didn't announce the news. After all, the official notice hadn't been issued yet, and it wouldn't be good to speak too soon.
After this period of excitement, his restless heart finally calmed down. The reason he gave everyone was that he had cleared his name and earned Director Zhou's praise.
Watching the lively scene outside, Qin Hai's expression was grim. He hadn't expected his seemingly foolproof plan to backfire so spectacularly. Now he had to figure out how to explain this to Wu Qiang.
He had provided the information, and now Wu Qiang had not only been berated by Liu Banxia in front of so many people but had also drawn Zhou Shuwen's unfavorable attention. Qin Hai knew he had to appease his old friend.
Glancing again at Liu Banxia, who was eating and laughing lightheartedly with the nurses, Qin Hai made a firm decision: no matter the cost, he would make sure Liu Banxia was dealt with.