Chapter 28 - 18: Facing Provocation

The crowd burst into laughter, while Cheng Xiaohong pretended not to hear. Zhao Yongsheng making this kind of joke in front of her was a bit excessive, although she understood that many people in the hospital enjoyed making such jokes at social gatherings, thinking themselves humorous and witty, but in reality, they were very vulgar and even somewhat lewd.Zhao Yongsheng was quite skilled in medicine and very capable in department management, but his moral conduct left much to be desired.

Tang Mingmei was observant and noticed Cheng Xiaohong’s discomfort, so she suggested going to the restroom and invited Cheng Xiaohong to join her.

On their way back, they ran into an acquaintance, the pharmaceutical representative Pei Lin. Tang Mingmei knew her well. Although Pei Lin was not yet thirty, she was doing business with great success.

Pei Lin had a particularly close relationship with the neurology department. The dinner that Zhao Yongsheng arranged tonight was covered by her. Min Nan Seafood City was a place she often frequented, and most of her business arrangements were held there. She greeted Tang Mingmei and feigned ignorance of their presence, asking Tang Mingmei to tell Zhao Yongsheng that she would come by later to toast the leaders.

Cheng Xiaohong worked in administration and rarely interacted with pharmaceutical reps. It was only after asking Tang Mingmei that she learned about Pei Lin’s identity.

The moment they sat back down, Pei Lin arrived.

Zhao Yongsheng pretended not to understand the situation and remarked, "President Pei, you’re dining here too?"

With a lovely smile, Pei Lin replied, "It’s a family dinner. I heard the leaders are here as well. It’s rude not to toast, but to toast would disturb your enjoyment. Dean Gao, please don’t blame me."

Though Gao Xinhua was in charge of logistics, he knew who Pei Lin was. This woman was quite adept; she was well-connected with everyone at Changxing Hospital. He had seen much of the world, knowing there weren’t so many coincidences. A little thought made him realize that Pei Lin was the one actually footing the bill for the dinner. There were many rumors surrounding Pei Lin - the hospital had even received reports of an improper relationship between her and Zhao Yongsheng. However, without evidence, the matter fizzled out.

Pei Lin’s presence made Zhao Yongsheng slightly irritated. In his view, Pei Lin didn’t need to flaunt her presence here. Over the years, Pei Lin had earned a lot through him, and it seemed natural for her to arrange the dinner.

Pei Lin first toasted Gao Xinhua with two glasses, then moved to Zhou Wenbin. She knew everyone present except for Cheng Xiaohong and Xu Chunliang.

Zhou Wenbin helped introduce her. Cheng Xiaohong didn’t drink, so Pei Lin toasted with tea. She finally reached Xu Chunliang.

Tang Mingmei intentionally joked, "Pei Lin, I remember you asking me to set you up a couple of years back. How about Xiaoxu?"

Zhao Yongsheng was taken aback but quickly realized Tang Mingmei was speaking deliberately for him to hear. Despite their close relationship, nothing improper had happened between him and Pei Lin. Zhao Yongsheng was not oblivious; Pei Lin’s attempts to please him were merely for medicinal sales, from which he could also profit. Such beneficial relationships couldn’t be recklessly disrupted as the consequences would be disastrous.

Having been socially adept for many years, Pei Lin managed such situations with ease and laughed, "Sister Tang, that was two years ago. Now I’m about to get married. With such a handsome Director Xiao Xu, why didn’t you introduce him to me sooner? I now understand the saying ’meeting too late for marriage."

Xu Chunliang smiled, indicating he just arrived this year.

Although Pei Lin was beautiful, she wasn’t quite captivating to Xu Chunliang. He had met countless people. Even though it was his first time meeting Pei Lin, he had already discerned the hidden ambition and greed from her eyes. He wasn’t fond of overly calculating women.

Everyone chuckled, and Gao Xinhua noted Xu Chunliang’s composure, handling the situation with poise, unlike a fresh high school graduate. It suddenly struck him that this young man was over twenty, not just an ordinary high schooler.

Pei Lin had a drink with Xu Chunliang and began distributing her business cards, noting everyone’s contact.

Holding his cup, Zhao Yongsheng silently sipped his tea, pondering. Pei Lin’s primary target was Gao Xinhua, seeking to connect with him through this opportunity. Zhao Yongsheng found it strange since Gao Xinhua was merely the vice dean responsible for logistics, not drug procurement. Why was Pei Lin approaching him? Given his current authority, it seemed he couldn’t offer Pei Lin much help.

Zhao Yongsheng thought of the soon-to-depart Dean Gu Houyi. Who was most likely to succeed him? As the saying goes, "The duck knows the warmth of the river first." Had Pei Lin already gotten wind of related news? But considering Gao Xinhua’s military-to-civilian background, his resume didn’t qualify him to lead Changxing. Zhao Yongsheng was lost in thought.

After staying for over ten minutes, Pei Lin excused herself. She had obtained Gao Xinhua’s contact, achieving her goal. Zhao Yongsheng’s suspicion was correct; Pei Lin hadn’t planned on toasting initially. She came specifically for Gao Xinhua.

Gu Houyi, due to age, would step down in the first half of next year. Many were eyeing his position. The prevalent rumor was about promoting an internal vice dean from Changxing Hospital, deemed the most reasonable choice since such a candidate would be deeply familiar with Changxing’s operations.

However, Pei Lin had heard another rumor—that an outsider might be parachuted in. This potential candidate, highly likely to arrive at Changxing, attended Party school with Gao Xinhua, whose father was also once Gao Xinhua’s military superior, and the families had close personal ties.