Chapter 24

Wang Dalei's matter was smoothly resolved, and the hospital ultimately compensated with 30,000 yuan. According to hospital regulations, 20% of this amount had to be borne by the primary responsible party, which would be deducted from the head of the urology department, Tan Guoliang.

In Zhou Wenbin's view, this was the best possible resolution. Wang Dalei had initially demanded 3 million yuan, and the hospital's bottom line was 50,000 yuan. An actual compensation of 30,000 yuan should be acceptable to all parties.

However, to everyone's surprise, Tan Guoliang was extremely resentful. Upon learning the outcome, he immediately went to the medical affairs office and slammed the table at Zhou Wenbin: "Zhou Wenbin, on what grounds did you make this decision for me? I didn't do anything wrong. If the hospital wants to compensate, let them! Why should my money be deducted?"

Zhou Wenbin smiled and said, "Old Tan, don't be angry. Wang Dalei wanted 3 million yuan, and now it's 30,000 yuan. For you personally, it's only 6,000 yuan. I think we should just let this go."

The medical affairs office had been troubled by this matter for quite some time. They had finally managed to settle with Wang Dalei, but now Tan Guoliang was causing a fuss.

Tan Guoliang said, "Who's纠缠 (entangling) who? 6,000 yuan isn't much, but it shouldn't be my responsibility. If it were my mistake, I would accept even 60,000 yuan. But the problem is, I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Old Tan, I know you feel wronged, but that's how our hospital policy works. In medical disputes, everyone is treated equally. Even if you didn't make a mistake, this dispute did start because of you, right?"

"What do you mean 'start because of me'? Wasn't it for the hospital? We work hard to earn money for the hospital, what do you do? Can't you even handle such a small matter?"

The medical affairs office staff worked in an open space without a private office. For confidential matters, they usually went to the adjacent mediation room. Tan Guoliang's outburst completely disregarded the presence of Xu Chunliang and Cheng Xiaohong.

Zhou Wenbin was also angry. He had already cleaned up the mess, and now Tan Guoliang was still causing trouble. Since Tan Guoliang wasn't giving him any face, he didn't need to be polite: "Old Tan, if you have any complaints, go to the leadership."

"Don't try to scare me with the leadership. You made the decision, you set the compensation plan. I'm coming to you. Did you even ask for my consent?"

Xu Chunliang couldn't stand it anymore: "Deputy Director Tan, I handled this matter. If you have any complaints, direct them at me."

Tan Guoliang glanced at him and said, "Step aside, this isn't your place to speak."

Zhou Wenbin was truly angry: "Tan Guoliang, what kind of attitude is this? We've been busy with your matter, enduring a lot of criticism and frustration. Even if we didn't do a great job, we at least put in the effort. Now you're repaying us with ingratitude!"

"Who are you calling ungrateful?"

"You!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Director Zhou, calm down. It's not worth it to argue with him. Since he doesn't appreciate it, let's not bear the blame. I'll talk to Wang Dalei and have him return the money. We'll also return the mediation agreement. He's not satisfied with the compensation either. I admire people who stand by their principles, and Deputy Director Tan, you truly impress me."

Tan Guoliang was stunned. He didn't expect Xu Chunliang to be so ruthless.

Xu Chunliang wasted no time and called Wang Dalei right in front of him: "Wang Dalei, come to the hospital." He deliberately used the speakerphone.

Wang Dalei was confused: "Director Xu, wasn't the matter already resolved? Why do I need to come?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Deputy Director Tan has something to discuss with you." He handed the phone to Tan Guoliang: "Deputy Director Tan, you speak. What do you need to say to Wang Dalei?"

Tan Guoliang was cornered, his face turning red with embarrassment. He could vent his anger at the medical affairs office, but he didn't dare to do so with Wang Dalei. Wang Dalei's persistent纠缠 (entanglement) had become a nightmare for him. He didn't think the 30,000 yuan compensation was unreasonable, but he was reluctant to pay 6,000 yuan himself. He came to the medical affairs office to cause a fuss because he hoped the hospital would make a concession and he wouldn't have to pay.

Tan Guoliang stammered, "Wang Dalei, the matter is resolved. It's all over."

Zhou Wenbin listened and inwardly cursed him as a coward. Where was his bravado now?

Wang Dalei laughed on the phone: "Director Tan, don't worry. I've already promised Director Xu. It's better to resolve disputes amicably. We'll still be friends in the future."

Tan Guoliang grunted and looked at Xu Chunliang, signaling him to hang up.

Xu Chunliang said, "Wang Dalei, there's one more thing I need to clarify. The 30,000 yuan from the hospital includes 6,000 yuan from Deputy Director Tan. The payment will be made in two installments. If the 6,000 yuan doesn't arrive on time, just remind Deputy Director Tan, don't come to the medical affairs office."

"Got it, got it."

Tan Guoliang was completely dumbfounded. This guy was ruthless, directly exposing him.

Zhou Wenbin felt a sense of satisfaction. Tan Guoliang, you're not so tough now, are you? Picking a fight with the medical affairs office was a mistake.

Xu Chunliang hung up the phone: "Deputy Director Tan, I'll notify the finance department to transfer 24,000 yuan to Wang Dalei. I'll give you his account. If you feel wronged, you can continue to stand by your principles. I admire you, but I must remind you that if he causes you trouble in the future, it will be a personal debt issue, not related to the medical affairs office or Changxing Hospital. If you face any threats, report it to the police. I believe they will help you."

Tan Guoliang's face was a mix of red and purple. He had brought this embarrassment upon himself. He didn't know how to back down from this situation.

Zhou Wenbin was very cooperative and had already started calling the finance department.

Tan Guoliang quickly stopped him: "Old Zhou, I need to talk to you privately."

Zhou Wenbin put down the phone. Tan Guoliang pointed to the adjacent room. Zhou Wenbin didn't want to push things too far, sighed, and followed him to the mediation room.

As soon as they left, Cheng Xiaohong laughed: "He deserves it. What a person, ungrateful and mean!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Not me."

Cheng Xiaohong rolled her eyes but was deeply impressed. Since Xu Chunliang joined the medical affairs office, the department had undergone a complete transformation. Even she felt more confident and no longer feared patients causing trouble.

Zhou Wenbin returned after a short while and smiled at them: "It's resolved. He agreed to pay."

Cheng Xiaohong said, "I used to think he was a decent person. How could he be like this?"

Zhou Wenbin said, "People change when it comes to money. He's just upset about having to pay."

Cheng Xiaohong said, "He earns a lot, doesn't he?"

"Definitely more than us. As a deputy director, he makes around 400,000 to 500,000 yuan a year. His wife, Cai Rongjuan, is also from our hospital, the head of the cosmetic surgery department, and earns just as much or more. Wang Dalei probably knew about his financial situation, which is why he demanded so much."

Cheng Xiaohong said, "So rich and still so stingy. We helped him with such a big problem, and he doesn't even offer to treat us to a meal. Instead, he comes to settle accounts with us."

Zhou Wenbin sighed deeply: "That's why the medical affairs office is a tough job. We're always in the middle, facing endless pressure."

Xu Chunliang smiled: "Director Zhou, is this why you brought me in?"

Zhou Wenbin said, "I admire you, Xiao Xu. I can see your capabilities clearly. I've already submitted a formal application to the personnel department to officially assign you to the medical affairs office. Work hard!"

Through handling a few cases, he had recognized Xu Chunliang as a rare talent, someone he couldn't let others snatch away.

"Director Zhou, you didn't even ask for my consent."

"Xiao Xu, no one is more suitable for this job than you. Work hard, and your future is bright."

Cheng Xiaohong said, "Xu Chunliang, don't you understand? You're Director Zhou's chosen successor, the future head of the medical affairs office."

Zhou Wenbin laughed: "Xiao Xu is young and has a bright future. He could even become the hospital director. You too."

Cheng Xiaohong said, "That's too conservative. Our future is boundless."