Lin Qianlong said, "Originally, I just wanted to leave quietly and tell the department about this next week."

"You all insisted on cornering me like this. I have no other choice."

Zeng Long’an said, "Director Lin, how is this cornering you? We want you to stay. We can’t bear to see you leave, understand my intentions, okay?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you can leave if you want? We’ve always been persuading you, hoping you’ll stay!"

"Actually, even without these recent events, I wanted to have a good chat with you, Director Lin."

"It’s just that recently, things have been busy, so I hope this matter can be settled soon, so we don’t waste any more time."

"Lin Qianlong, just say it, what do you need to stay?"

"Is it the deputy dean position, or some other administrative role? Just say it."

"Or perhaps some other benefits, like salary; if there are conditions, we can negotiate."

Lin Qianlong said, "Dean Zeng, we’re both old foxes here, don’t try any tricks on me."

"What I want, the hospital can’t give, and don’t try to guise it with formalities, when who knows when the hospital won’t even be able to pay average performance bonuses."

"With the current finances, even the salaries are delayed repeatedly, how can you talk benefits?"

"I’m a simple man, the neighboring county offers more, eh, I’m going there just for the money!"

"What happens to our county’s emergency department, how does that concern me? That’s how I feel, you can tell others these words, I don’t care."

Zeng Long’an, a mature middle-aged man, stayed silent for a moment, then said, "Lin Qianlong, what about this, Lin Qian gets priority for the nurse promotion, and in the future, the head nurse position is also hers with priority."

"She also gets the spot for further training abroad."

Lin Qianlong said, "These cannot be conditions for negotiation, Dean Zeng, we have known each other for a long time and are friends, there’s sentiment involved."

"Don’t set me up, and I won’t set you up."

"I know you’re in charge of the hospital’s human resources, given the current situation, you want stability and no more upheaval, I understand."

"However, my personal reasons are personal, there are no other conditions to discuss." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"I and the hospital will part on good terms, I’ll just leave and mind my own business." Lin Qianlong did not agree with Zeng Long’an’s words.

Lu Cheng glanced at Lin Qianlong, then at Zeng Long’an, unsure of how to chime in.

At eight o’clock, Tian Zhuang, originally on night duty in the emergency room, arrived since it was his day shift in the ward this side.

Originally, Tian Zhuang could rest after the night shift, but the hospital cut Lu Cheng’s day shift, causing a scheduling mess. Adjustments wouldn’t be made until next month.

Lu Cheng spoke up, "Dean Zeng, Director Lin, shall I go make my rounds while you talk?"

"Dr. Lu, you go ahead and work..." said Zeng Long’an.

Lin Qianlong remained silent.

Lu Cheng then left the doctor’s office with Tian Zhuang, heading towards the ward.

Once the two left, Zeng Long’an closed the door.

"Lin Qianlong, let’s talk civilly, we can both make concessions. You don’t want the hospital to suffer further changes, do you?"

"After all, you have feelings for this place, and we do need you now," said Zeng Long’an.

"There’s nothing more to say." Lin Qianlong’s attitude was clear.

"Aren’t you just throwing a tantrum?" Zeng Long’an threw a jab at Lin Qianlong.

Lin Qianlong replied directly, "So what if I’m throwing a tantrum?"

"I’ll accept any consequences. If I go to the neighboring county and end up a mess, wouldn’t I be the one starving?"

"It wouldn’t affect you, Dean Zeng, would it?"

Zeng Long’an lowered his voice and said, "That position in the nursing department was directed by the State."

Lin Qianlong dismissed, "It’s not important, I don’t need any explanations."

"It’s unrelated to me. I’m leaving by the end of this month, and you’re in charge of hospital staffing, Dean Zeng, why would you need to report to me?"

Zeng Long’an said, "Then I’ll tell you directly, this issue has been brought up at the State level."

"Dean Peng entrusted this matter, and now the position is vacated, but the higher-ups don’t want to make a big fuss."

"So, they won’t expose this issue; it’ll be handled quietly after some time, moving people around."

"By then, if Lin Qian really wants an administrative position, it can be discussed, right?"

Lin Qianlong said, "Zeng Long’an, who are you patronizing? Why can’t you get to the point?"

"Do you think my daughter can’t find a job?"

"Do you think my resignation to Feng County is the only way she can work there? Why are you talking in such a sarcastic tone?"

Zeng Long’an said, "I didn’t mean it like that."

"Let me be clear, sixty thousand — can the hospital afford it?" Lin Qianlong asked bluntly.

Zeng Long’an fell silent.

Lin Qianlong said, "Isn’t that it? Let’s all be realistic. It’s your job to maintain stability."

"I’m after the money, let’s go our separate ways."

"Moreover, I’ll be clear with you, my daughter Lin Qian will not work at Feng County People’s Hospital, nor will she go to E Province; she’s going to take the graduate school entrance exam."

"She’s not going to work!"

"And I can be even clearer, if my daughter Lin Qian does end up in the E Province system, you can report me, it doesn’t matter."

Zeng Long’an spread his hands, "Why would I report you? Setting aside our colleague relationship, why would I report you, Lin Qianlong?"

Lin Qianlong said, "Isn’t that the point, Old Zeng?"