Chapter 38

Chen Xing'an, who was closer, saw the logo of Yunquan Villa on the matchbox, realizing that Gu Houyi had brought fire, and he knew that Gu's intention was not just to light a cigarette.

Gu Houyi took a puff of his cigarette: "Some people say that the greatest benefit of being the top leader is that you don't have to light your own cigarette. I haven't officially retired yet, but I have to do it myself."

No one spoke, all understanding that Gu Houyi was using this as a pretext.

Yan Huiyi said, "Director Gu, we are all cultivated by you. If we have done anything wrong, please criticize us." He stuttered a bit.

Chen Xing'an did not agree. He was not promoted by Gu Houyi, and Gu's retirement had little to do with him. In the hospital, the position of secretary was a leisurely job, and in the eyes of the hospital staff, its authority was even less than that of a deputy director. No matter who took over from Gu Houyi, it wouldn't be him.

Qin Guoliang also disagreed with Yan Huiyi's statement. He was not a native of Changxing but entered Changxing Hospital through a talent introduction program, responsible for the cardiology department. Unlike other deputy directors, his position was more of an honorary title, not responsible for specific work, but this title allowed him to enjoy equal benefits.

Gu Houyi said, "I have been the director for ten years. Although I haven't made Changxing the strongest hospital in Jiangzhou, I haven't let it fall out of the first tier. From the first day I took office, I set two goals: one, to pass the review for a Level Three Class A hospital, and two, to complete the second phase expansion of Changxing Hospital. The first goal has been achieved, and the second goal will not be realized during my term. However, I have tackled the hardest part, completing the relocation work for the second phase, and all obstacles in front of us no longer exist."

No one spoke. The Level Three Class A hospital designation was indeed obtained during Gu Houyi's tenure, but whether Changxing Hospital was still in the first tier of Jiangzhou's medical system was debatable. Just a visit to other Level Three Class A hospitals in the city would reveal the gap.

Gu Houyi said, "My greatest wish before retiring is for the second phase project to start smoothly and to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new ward building. Is this wish too much?" His gaze swept over everyone's faces, and everyone chose to avoid it, out of respect for his authority.

"But there are people who don't want me to achieve this wish, fanning the flames behind my back and sending false reports to the higher-ups!"

Gao Xinhuai was startled, now understanding why Gu Houyi had suddenly called them to a meeting. The act of borrowing a light for his cigarette indeed had a purpose.

Gao Xinhuai knew he wasn't the one. Chen Xing'an was in charge of party and mass work and had no conflict with Gu Houyi. He was also not young enough to need to do such a thing.

Yan Huiyi was promoted by Gu Houyi, and it was known that Gu had already recommended him to take over. Their relationship was evident, and Yan Huiyi was even less likely to stab Gu in the back.

Qin Guoliang? He was focused on academics and had no interest in official positions. He was a talent that Gu Houyi had brought in at great cost, and Gu had shown him great favor. It was unlikely that he would repay kindness with ingratitude.

That left only himself and Geng Wenxiu. Excluding himself, the most likely suspect was Geng Wenxiu. She had a strong desire for power, relied on her background, and was arrogant. The most laughable thing was that she didn't know her own worth. Among the deputy directors, even if he were to take over, she had no hope. Could it be that she was offended because Gu Houyi favored Yan Huiyi to take over?

At this moment, Chen Xing'an had to speak up. He coughed and said, "Director Gu, is what you said true?"

"Do I have a reason to lie?"

Chen Xing'an smiled awkwardly, "I didn't mean that. I think our team has always been united under your leadership, and we all respect you. No one would do such a despicable thing."

Gu Houyi extinguished the cigarette butt and took out another one.

Gao Xinhuai suddenly stood up, walked to Gu Houyi, and took out a lighter to help him light it.

Everyone was stunned. When Gu Houyi was looking for someone to light his cigarette earlier, he said he didn't have one, but now he took it out. What did this mean? Wasn't he slapping his own face?

Gu Houyi was also stunned but quickly leaned in to light his cigarette.

"Director Gu, it wasn't me!" Clearing himself was straightforward. Gao Xinhuai knew that Gu suspected him and Geng Wenxiu. As a former soldier, Gao Xinhuai didn't play games. Playing games with intellectuals would be self-torture, so he decisively cleared himself.

Gao Xinhuai's words immediately drew the hostility of the others. How shameless was this guy? If not him, then who?

Yan Huiyi stuttered, "It... it wasn't me... me! Such a despicable thing... I... I..."

Qin Guoliang smiled, "Director Gu has shown me great favor, creating a good academic environment for me." He couldn't say a bad word about Gu Houyi. When he graduated with a Ph.D., he was suppressed and marginalized at the Second Hospital in Pingjiang Province. It was Gu Houyi who offered him a high salary, not only letting him lead the cardiology department but also giving him the title of deputy director.

Geng Wenxiu said, "Director Gu, we are all cultivated by you. You know us best."

Gu Houyi smiled calmly, "I know, very well! I called you here not to suspect you or blame anyone, but to prepare you. The higher-ups are very concerned about the recent events at Changxing Hospital." He turned to Yan Huiyi, "Deputy Director Yan."

Yan Huiyi's heart sank. In the past, Gu Houyi always called him "Xiao Yan": "Director... Director Gu..."

"Changxing's medical work has always been your responsibility. Recently, complaints have increased, and doctor-patient conflicts have emerged frequently. You need to reflect on this."

"Yes... yes... I will... reflect and... rectify the medical order... as soon as possible..."

Gu Houyi, finding it difficult to listen to his stuttering, waved his hand to stop him. He recommended Yan Huiyi not because of his ability but because of his loyalty. Gu Houyi understood that the higher-ups were unlikely to let Yan Huiyi take over.

Whoever took over, it wouldn't matter much to him. On the day he left Changxing, the plans he had formulated would be discarded one by one, even if Yan Huiyi took over. No one would unconditionally follow the policies of their predecessor; only by negating the predecessor could they highlight themselves. Human nature was such, and Gu Houyi had long seen through it.

Gu Houyi's eyes fixed on Geng Wenxiu, "Deputy Director Geng."

Geng Wenxiu's heart raced. In the past, Gu Houyi always called her "Xiao Geng." She felt that Gu's gaze was penetrating, as if it could see through her soul.

"Here!"

"You are in charge of outpatient administration and the medical affairs department. The dispute at the beauty center falls under your jurisdiction. According to my understanding, you did not participate in the coordination of this incident from beginning to end."

"That's true. I handed the specific doctor-patient dispute to the medical affairs department."

"Then what did you do?"

Geng Wenxiu said, "There are many outpatient matters, and I was negligent. I thought Director Zhou of the medical affairs department could handle it well."

"Can you take responsibility? When problems arise, you push them onto others? The reason the dispute at the beauty center caused such a significant impact is related to your inaction!" Gu Houyi no longer gave her face, directly reprimanding her in front of everyone.

Geng Wenxiu's face turned red. In her memory, Gu Houyi had never spoken to her so harshly. After all, her father was a former leader in Dongzhou, and her older brother was the current head of Zhonglou District.

"Director Gu, I admit that I made a significant mistake in this matter. I will learn from it and handle it quickly to minimize the negative impact on the hospital."

"Can spilled water be retrieved?"

Geng Wenxiu said, "The situation is not out of control yet. The defamatory news about our hospital has been deleted, and the two rumor-mongers have been banned. I will follow up and hold them accountable."

"Xiao Geng, I always thought that with your family background, your political sensitivity would far exceed that of ordinary people. Unfortunately, that's not the case." Gu Houyi shook his head, "Not every general's daughter is a tiger."

Geng Wenxiu was almost certain that this emergency meeting was aimed at her.

Gao Xinhuai sighed in relief. His crisis was over. Gu Houyi had never suspected him from the beginning, and his earlier statement was unnecessary. He still needed to improve his political skills and not play games with intellectuals.

Geng Wenxiu said, "Director Gu, you can criticize me however you want, but I hope it doesn't affect my family." Her pride made her not fully submit to Gu Houyi, a soon-to-be-retired director, whom she was not afraid to offend.

Gu Houyi slowly took out a stack of documents and handed them to Geng Wenxiu.

Geng Wenxiu took them and glanced at them. All the documents were related to her. After just two pages, her face turned pale.

If you want to keep something secret, you must not do it. All the irregularities she had committed over the years were clearly recorded. Although they were not major, they were enough to bring her down.

Gu Houyi extinguished the cigarette butt and took out another one. Gao Xinhuai stood up to light it, but was stopped by Gu's gaze.

Gu Houyi took out his matchbox and gently pushed it, sliding it accurately to Geng Wenxiu's side of the table.

Geng Wenxiu bit her lip and looked up at Gu Houyi.

Gu Houyi was not looking at her but slowly put the cigarette in his mouth.

Everyone held their breath, watching the scene. As long as Gu Houyi was still in charge, Changxing was his territory, and he was asserting his authority in this way.

After a brief internal struggle, Geng Wenxiu finally stood up, took the matchbox, and went to Gu Houyi to light his cigarette. Due to nervousness or unfamiliarity, she failed to light it twice.

Gu Houyi said, "You can't even do such a small thing."

Geng Wenxiu wanted to throw the matchbox at his face but didn't dare to. On the third try, she finally lit the match, but Gu Houyi blew it out and said softly, "I'm not smoking anymore. Go back."

Geng Wenxiu didn't know how she got back to her seat. She didn't dare to look at the others, but she could guess that everyone was mocking her. No one sympathized with her, and she had to take revenge. She had never suffered such a great humiliation in her life.

Given Gu Houyi's stature, he wouldn't normally confront a woman in public, but time was running out, and he could not tolerate others challenging his authority.

As long as he was in Changxing, no one would dare to cause trouble.

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