As Zhang Yongjun prattled on, the Dean's already dark face grew even darker. Now, witnessing the utter shamelessness of the four individuals before him, a wave of fury surged to his brow.

He slammed his teacup onto the table, his expression and voice icy. "Is there no end to this? Do you truly think you haven't disgraced yourselves enough?

"You know, just last night, that old boy Li Jianwei called and thoroughly humiliated me. My face burned hot enough to cook a pancake! But I couldn't utter a single word; I just had to sit there and listen to that old boy's taunts.

"So what now? Do you imagine I walk around with my head held high? Do you think you still need to bolster my reputation further?"

In an instant, everyone in the conference room holding a teacup quietly placed their cups on the table. They all adopted attentive postures, resembling 'good students.'

However, the slight, knowing smirks playing on the lips of the group led by Zhang Yongjun revealed them for the ruffians and slickers they were.

Although Song had fallen silent, the disdainful, mocking expression etched on his face spoke volumes.

The Dean observed all of this. At this moment, he felt the same suffocating helplessness he'd experienced during last night's phone call with Li Jianwei. What could he possibly do? Nothing. He could do absolutely nothing.

Were these people the ones who had shamelessly flattered Professor Wang? Yes!

Were they the ones who, alongside Professor Wang, had suppressed their own colleagues? Yes! And it was their words—coming from his own people—that had been the most vicious.

Had they been the ones to unanimously decide on Secretary Bai's liver transplant, insisting he wouldn't survive without it? Yes! And they had been the loudest proponents of it.

Originally, none of this should have been an issue. After all, society judges heroes by their success; whoever solves the problem is the winner.

But then, a man named Du Heng appeared and threw everything into disarray.

Logically speaking, he was too young, unqualified to treat Secretary Bai. His status was also too low to be involved in such a high-profile treatment.

However, Du Heng had an immensely powerful father-in-law. Consequently, none of these would-be obstacles were problems for him. Instead, the problems landed squarely on those who had initially proposed the ideas and made the decisions.

But could he, like these shameless scoundrels, disregard collegial bonds and kick them while they were down? Of course not. Otherwise, what would make him any different from them?

What's more, the most damn frustrating part was that neither side was truly at fault, so he couldn't even find a good excuse to vent his anger.

Sweeping his gaze over the variously expressive faces, the Dean cleared his throat and began slowly, "Everyone present at this meeting today represents the core leadership of our hospital, all at the Deputy Director level or above. I've called you here not for grandstanding, nor for mutual attacks. Instead, we need to discuss our handling of this incident and determine if we made any mistakes.

"Furthermore, I believe everyone here now clearly understands the extent of Dean Du Heng's capabilities. Based on the available information, we must admit that in terms of understanding and treating tumors, we are inferior to him.

"So, how should we proceed with a doctor of such remarkable expertise in tumor treatment? Do we turn a blind eye? Or do we welcome talented professionals to work together and strive to overcome tumor treatment?"

The Dean didn't want to continue this bickering, so he quickly moved to set the tone for the meeting. If he set the tone and anyone still dared to violate the meeting's decorum, they shouldn't blame him for playing the stern judge. If he couldn't scold their guts into knots, then he, the Dean, would be unqualified!

When the Dean finished speaking, even those who felt disgruntled settled down. They still had to give the Dean some face.

However, Zhang Yongjun suddenly spoke up, "Dean, I have a small suggestion."

The Dean immediately sensed trouble. His face darkened as he looked at Zhang Yongjun. "Director Zhang, please speak."

Zhang Yongjun's hand instinctively moved towards his teacup again, but halfway there, he seemed to reconsider. He smoothly brought his hands together instead. "Dean, I believe your use of the term 'welcoming talented professionals' is ill-suited.

"This President Du is not an ordinary professional; he is the Dean of Jinzhou Maternity and Child Care Hospital and, at the very least, the Deputy Director of the Chinese Medicine Department and the Deputy Director of the Gastroenterology Department of Provincial First Hospital.

"Moreover, he holds one provincial-level project and one provincial-level subject—achievements far beyond what an 'ordinary professional' could attain."

Zhang Yongjun spoke earnestly. After a sweeping glance at everyone, he continued, "Bureaucratically speaking, Dean Du Heng is qualified to sit with you, Dean, and discuss the health and medical development of Jinzhou.

"In terms of professional expertise, Dean Du Heng could sit and discourse with everyone present here. However, not all of us are necessarily qualified to engage in such a discussion with him."

The Dean frowned and asked softly, "Director Zhang, what exactly are you getting at?"

Zhang Yongjun smiled, then said seriously, "My point is that we must attach great importance to Dean Du Heng."

At this, the man who had been arguing with Song earlier suddenly interjected, "Director Zhang, the Dean just spoke of working with President Du to advance tumor treatment. That's essentially an invitation. Are you seriously quibbling over his choice of words? Isn't the respect the Dean has shown sufficient?"

Zhang Yongjun stared directly at the speaker and asked coldly, "Very well. Pray tell, how do you propose we invite him?

"Offer him a position as a Deputy Director? A Vice Dean? Or perhaps, as the Dean?"