Chapter 41 - AM I YOUR FRIEND? (1/2)

Luo Jingyi arrived on the 3rd floor. There was quite a crowd outside the hall. Words darted here and there. It was hushed the instant Luo Jingyi was seen.  The people parted, creating a gap for her to pass through. Giving them a curt nod, she made her way inside the room and sat on the first empty seat she spotted on the sides, ignoring the fact that she had a designated chair in front. Upon seeing her, the second year surgical resident who was reading, jerked up his chair, dropping the comic book on the floor.

”I wasn't—I shouldn't be—I—” he spoke incoherently as if he'd been caught doing something wrong.

Luo Jingyi bent to pluck what had fallen on the floor and handed it back to him.  ”Sit down.”

The surgical resident, scared to be Dr. Luo's next target, returned to his seat, scooting a little farther to the other side.  Luo Jingyi—keenly aware that the ongoing conversation on her front, sides and back abruptly stopped—ignored what was happening. She always had that effect.

”This is Dr. Liang. He will be the new Dean of Medicine. I think he doesn't need an introduction as you all probably heard his name in medical conferences and even read his papers in medical journals.” Ji Min, the Vice President of New Life Healthcare Corporation stated.

Everyone's curious eyes fell to the man beside Ji Min. Most of them heard of him while others didn't. Most couldn't connect him at all to that beggar because he cleaned up nicely. His hair had been trimmed short and he was back to wearing a perfectly starched shirt and trousers. There were visible signs of aging, yet he looked ten times better compared to how he appeared a few days ago.

After Dr.  Liang gave a short speech, everyone returned to their post. Luo Jingyi waited near the door while she exchanged a few words with other doctors. Most requested for a farewell party which Luo Jingyi returned with a half-shrug.

”Dr. Luo shall show you around because I still have another meeting to catch.” Ji Min informed Dr. Liang. That was shortly after she told Luo Jingyi that their scheduled meeting was pushed back 2 hours later. Groaning in her head for the changes, Luo Jingyi agreed. Rather than being idle, she took on the favor.

”How was your apartment?” Luo Jingyi started as they passed through the long corridors leading to NICU.

”It's grand. Could I stay somewhere smaller?” Dr. Liang appealed. He pocketed his hands in his coat, nervously peeking at her before explaining further. ”You see, I'm alone. I have no use for a three-bedroom apartment. I will just miss my wife and child more.”

His downcast gaze fell to Luo Jingyi's eyes. The mention of his dead child tugged something in her heart. Luo Jingyi wanted to tell him something but at the same time, reluctant to pique his interest then be disappointed with uncertainty later.  She knew that the facts needed to be validated first.

”I'll tell Ji Min to look into it.” Was all Jingyi could tell to appease him.

He nodded, putting away that melancholic expression earlier.  As they visited one department after another, they discussed matters regarding the hospital. Only when they found a quiet spot, earshot away from people did Dr. Liang expressed his apprehension.

”You have been living fairly well for the past years, why do you suddenly want to return to the capital?”

Luo Jingyi took up space on his right. Crossing one leg over the other, she folded her hands against her knees. ”It would be nice to go home.”

Her lazy demeanor made him all together nervous and unhappy. He was convinced she had a different purpose and if she does, he was determined to convince her to do the opposite.

”Your mother wasn't satisfied just being a surgeon, so she ventured into research and development. When I met her, I was astonished about how brilliant she was.  She had me agreeing to work with her after one meeting. That dedication made the life of others better. At the same time, it created enemies.  You see, she fought for everything, yet she ended up tragically.”

Luo Jingyi blinked, pretending to be confused. ”I don't understand.”

”If you want to take back Medlife, then stop. There are other hospitals you can acquire.  But don't touch that hospital.”

Dr. Liang paused and took a deep breath.

”Although he no longer owns it, Medlife is still controlled by him. So you must absolutely stay away from his radar. He is a monster. ” The way he curled his hand into a fist showed agitation and anger at the same time.

The ”he” was Luo Xiaofei's business partner who eventually took control of Medlife.  Then, five years ago, he sold his shares. At present, he was the Minister of Health.

Luo Jingyi sat in silence, digesting his words even though she already knew that.

”Treasure the life your mother gave you. She protected you with all she had.”  He persuaded.

Luo Jingyi smiled to ease his worries away.  ”Don't worry. My dream is just to build my own hospital empire. Nothing else.”