Chapter 120 - 100: Difficult Steps Forward

Xu Daqing looked at Xu Chunliang, his gaze somewhat unfriendly: "Who are you?" He wanted to get closer to Tang Mingmei, but Xu Chunliang ruined his plans.Jin Yonghao was about to introduce him when Yan Huaiyi took the lead: "Changxing Hospital’s Director of the Medical Department, Comrade Xu Chunliang."

Xu Daqing and Zhang Haitao didn’t have much concept of this title, but Zhang Haibin was taken aback. This young guy didn’t look that old, yet he’s already the Director of the Medical Department? The Director of the Medical Department at Changxing should be a mid-level position, wasn’t he half a level higher than him?

Yan Huaiyi suggested everyone drink first and introduce themselves later.

Xu Chunliang had only been here for half a day but already sensed that this quality control work wouldn’t go smoothly. From the moment they disembarked, the driver Old Lu hadn’t shown them a good face, and the two brought by Zhang Haibin were clearly not decent. Especially his Security Section Chief Xu Daqing, whose eyes kept wandering over Tang Mingmei since the moment they entered.

Tang Mingmei felt utterly disgusted, feeling like Xu Daqing’s gaze was flying around her like a fly.

Jin Yonghao regretted inviting Zhang Haibin, as Zhang Haibin clearly had no sincere intentions today and was here solely to make things difficult for the guests.

Sure enough, after Zhang Haibin toasted Yan Huaiyi with two glasses of wine, he immediately brought up the topic of Changxing’s delayed salaries: "Dean Yan, it’s great you’re here. Our hospital hasn’t paid us for two months. Is Changxing facing some problems?"

Yan Huaiyi assured that the hospital was operating smoothly, but due to recent high-level changes and incomplete handovers, salary distribution was affected. However, he had already reported the issue to the dean today, and he believed it would be resolved soon.

"Soon? How soon can it be? It’s been two months without pay. Staff at Changxing headquarters haven’t missed out on a single penny of their salaries and bonuses. Why is only our salary delayed? Wasn’t it promised that we’d be treated equally? Does your leadership’s words amount to nothing?" Zhang Haitao shouted again.

Yan Huaiyi’s face turned grim. This driver was incredibly rude, even allowing him to sit and eat in this setting was a gesture of respect. How dare he speak out?

Jin Yonghao couldn’t possibly ignore this and scolded, "Haitao, how dare you speak to Dean Yan like that?"

Zhang Haitao retorted, "That’s just how I talk. Aren’t you our dean? As our dean, shouldn’t you speak up for us? Can’t I speak for myself? Are you only concerned with your own needs and ignore the lives of us ordinary people?"

Bang!

Zhang Haibin slammed the table hard: "Haitao, watch your mouth! Had too much to drink? If so, get lost immediately and don’t ruin everyone’s drinking mood here."

Zhang Haitao went silent, picked up his glass, filled it to the brim, and then approached Jin Yonghao: "Dean Jin, sorry, I have a short temper. Let’s drink this glass, and don’t hold it against me." He filled Jin Yonghao’s glass as well.

Everyone could see he intended to force drink on Jin Yonghao. Jin Yonghao, an average drinker, couldn’t handle quick drinks, so he waved his hand, indicating he couldn’t drink anymore.

"Looking down on me, huh? Dean Jin, you just had several drinks with Dean Yan, but when it’s my turn, you can’t? Fine, I’ll drink mine first to show my respect." Zhang Haitao tilted his head back and emptied his drink, standing in front of Jin Yonghao with an empty glass, clearly indicating he wouldn’t leave until Jin drank his.

Everyone realized how low his emotional intelligence was. Just a driver, does he truly see himself as someone important? Why should people drink with him? Who does he think he is?

Zhang Haibin, fearing chaos wasn’t enough, urged, "Dean Jin, Haitao admitted his mistake and apologized to you. You have to drink this glass no matter what."

Yan Huaiyi advised, "Drinking harms the body, let’s not force anyone, just drink at ease."

Zhang Haibin chuckled, "Dean Yan, I’m aware of Dean Jin’s drinking capacity. In our tradition, a toast must be accepted."

Not wanting to be caught in a stalemate, Jin Yonghao picked up the glass, indicating it would be his last. He pinched his nose and downed the glass.

Zhang Haibin led the applause, and his lackeys, Xu Daqing and Zhang Haitao, chimed in.

The staff from Changxing headquarters didn’t respond. Xu Chunliang looked at these people, convinced they came today to provoke, beginning with Jin Yonghao. Who knew what embarrassment these three would cause next?

Sure enough, Xu Daqing stood up, walked over to Tang Mingmei, and grinned, "Nurse Chief Tang, we know each other well. I was part of welcoming you last time you came to Weishan Island, and I’ve been thinking of you since. There’s a saying, ’If you don’t give up, you shall see the return of what you long for.’ Here I am, again." He thought himself humorous, with a dash of sophistication.

Tang Mingmei felt a bit nauseous. Even reminiscing about you feels insulting, but she forced a smile for the sake of appearances: "Thank you for your hospitality, Section Chief Xu. Please have a seat and talk."

"No, you’re a distinguished guest, I have to offer you two drinks," Xu Daqing’s shifty eyes roamed over Tang Mingmei’s fair chest.

Indeed, Tang Mingmei’s neckline was a bit low, and she regretted it immensely. Xu Daqing was too sleazy.

"Do people here have the custom of skipping around when drinking?" Xu Chunliang, who hadn’t said much, finally spoke up.

Xu Daqing paused, "What do you mean?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "In Dongzhou, we toast in order, one by one. Did you not see me, or do you look down on me by skipping over me entirely? Doesn’t that seem a bit disrespectful?"

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