Chapter 2797: with translation of chapter title

Zhou Chun Yong arranged it extremely well; for this meal, he put a lot of thought into it.

The atmosphere at the meal was not bad, but Gao Shaojie just couldn't cheer up. The two heart‑stabbing sentences Zheng Lao Ban just said really pierced his heart full of holes.

Some things are better not faced; wait for time to resolve them. As an ordinary doctor, even a Team‑leading Professor basically has no chance to change anything.

A few hours of lively chat had nothing to do with Gao Shaojie; as a doctor in his forties, full of vigor, facing such an unsolvable problem, it really easily touches his heart.

Zheng Lao Ban is right; thinking about it is useless. Gao Shaojie keeps giving himself psychological reassurance, but today's meal he just can't fit into.

He is different from Liu Zewei; Gao Shaojie is more refined, leans a bit toward Zheng Lao Ban, but not as extreme as him. He occasionally gets artistic, unable to be like a stone that doesn't ponder these things.

After the meal, Feng Xu Hui wanted to drive Gao Shaojie home, but Zhou Chun Yong stubbornly blocked him.

Doctor Liu called a designated driver, but he himself took a taxi home; this is more convenient.

After getting in the car, Zhou Chun Yong reeked of alcohol and asked with a smile: "Lao Gao, why don't you seem happy today?"

"Director Zhou, I'm not unhappy; it's just that Zheng Lao Ban's remark left me feeling a bit down." Gao Shaojie sighed.

"We don't need to think about it; Zheng Lao Ban has his own path, like Xiao Liu, who will surely go to a private hospital to make big money." Zhou Chun Yong laughed: "Don't think too much; it's meaningless. Just live this life well. A clear conscience… hey, that's really hard to achieve."

"Yeah, a clear conscience is really hard. If only I could be like Zheng Lao Ban, how great that would be." Gao Shaojie sighed.

"Zheng Lao Ban? People like us will never even dream of it." Zhou Chun Yong said: "Lao Gao, I shouldn't ask this, but I heard you gave up the chance to compete for director to come train in Zheng Lao Ban's Medical Team. What are you planning to do next?"

Gao Shaojie shook his head; his mood remained low.

"Staying in Zheng Lao Ban's Medical Team is fine; if you have no place, or feel awkward saying it, you can come by my place sometime." Zhou Chun Yong laughed: "At my age, I can't wait for Xiao Liu and the others to mature. If you're interested, you can come to my side; maybe you'll get a chance to be deputy chief."

"……" Gao Shaojie stared for a moment.

"I'm not joking, I'm serious." Zhou Chun Yong said: "I've watched your surgery live broadcast; your skill is better than mine. But in Zheng Lao Ban's Medical Team, it might not show."

"Your skill is high, but what will you do when you go back? Lao Liu I've met—he's fine. But I'll speak frankly: if you have a stronger subordinate who's a Team‑leading Professor, could the director really have no thoughts? Even if you get along well."

"Don't worry on my side; Zheng Lao Ban is so close, with him around nobody can mess with you. I also want to stay as close to Zheng Lao Ban as possible; when I retire in seven or eight years, my academic standing will still be propped up by him. Besides, even if we retreat ten thousand steps, having a good relationship with Zheng Lao Ban could extend my average lifespan…"

Saying this, Zhou Chun Yong burst out laughing.

These words are a bit roundabout, a bit like writing an academic paper. But by the end Zhou Chun Yong's meaning is clear: the core is Zheng Lao Ban.

"At least another ten years, I should do something." Zhou Chun Yong said.

Gao Shaojie smiled, noncommittal.

"Lao Gao, I'll leave this here; no rush to decide. When the time comes, you'll see. With Zheng Lao Ban around, you'll definitely not lack a path. But on my side this is definitely an option—it's up to you."

"Thank you." Gao Shaojie nodded slightly.

The two chatted a while longer, talking about the situation in Northern Province; Zhou Chun Yong spoke about his youthful support work there, and soon they arrived at Gao Shaojie's rented place.

"Lao Gao, goodbye!" Zhou Chun Yong saw him out of the car, shook hands with Gao Shaojie, and finally said: "Consider my opinion."

Gao Shaojie nodded.

Gao Shaojie understands Zhou Chun Yong's little thoughts, not just because of Zheng Lao Ban.

The old saying goes "the proud dragon has regrets"; Zhou Chun Yong has always been flamboyant, extremely domineering. While on stage he doesn't feel anything, but once he retires, a mishandled situation could turn him into a drum that everyone beats.

He's doing this to leave himself a retreat.

Ten years earlier, he had always been on guard against all the Team‑leading Professors; under strong suppression everyone appeared honest and low‑key, but the relationships were just that. Who knows what thoughts lie behind the masks? Who knows if there will be any resentment?

Gao Shaojie knows his age is right; going to Di Du's hepatobiliary department now… this choice really is heart‑moving, Gao Shaojie thought.

With Zheng Lao Ban there, powerful backup behind him, nobody can move him. In a year or two, once he steadies his footing, he'll aim for deputy chief, waiting to take over Zhou Chun Yong's post.

As an outsider, he couldn't possibly have any conflict with Zhou Chun Yong; his foundations aren't even stable—what's there to fight over?

If after a few years he actually becomes director, he'll owe Zhou Chun Yong a big favor.

Retreat in the face of a torrent? Gao Shaojie smiled; Zhou Chun Yong's calculations are truly shrewd. The key is this move kills many birds with one stone—he stands firm in an invincible position, and can even diss Zhu Liangchen.

What treatment does Liu Xu zhi get? If I went, I'd go straight to Team‑leading Professor, later aiming for deputy chief—what kind of treatment is that?

Sigh, the waters of Di Du are deep; should I go or not? Gao Shaojie's inner feeling still leans toward working in Zheng Lao Ban's Medical Team.

A hint of idealism; even after being ground down by life these many years, Gao Shaojie still keeps his original intention.

If it weren't for the kid's college entrance exam, there probably wouldn't be anything for Liu Zewei to do.

He pondered, gradually forming his own idea. Completely following Zhou Chun Yong's advice is impossible; he needs his own thoughts. Having it both ways isn't impossible either, but ultimately it still comes down to Zheng Lao Ban's mindset.

Riding the Elevator up, Gao Shaojie calculated, his heartbeat quickening.

When he first heard Zhou Chun Yong say that, he didn't feel anything, just a bit wary. Later, upon reflection, this path is simply too good!

The Head of Interventional Radiology Department in Sheng Cheng and the Head of Interventional Radiology Department in Di Du's hepatobiliary… Lao Liu's eyes would probably turn red.

"Ding~~~" the Elevator doors opened.

Just as Gao Shaojie, uneasy in mind, was about to step out, he saw a hand with bulging veins, pale and trembling, reach out from behind the door, faintly hearing a "hissing" sound.

Standing in the Elevator, Gao Shaojie had been dazed; when he saw this scene, his heart leapt straight to his throat.