Secretary Huang, who got out of the car with Du Heng, saw Qiu Pingzhen approaching. He first congratulated Qiu Pingzhen, then said to Du Heng, "President, you two chat. I'll go up and talk with Dean Luo and the others."

Du Heng glanced at Qiu Pingzhen and nodded, agreeing with Secretary Huang's suggestion.

Looking at this young man, more than a decade his junior, Qiu Pingzhen said with heartfelt sincerity, "Thank you." If it weren't for Du Heng, he likely would have spent the rest of his career at the Medical Affairs Office until retirement. Of course, that was the best-case scenario; it was also possible he could have been pushed out of his position and transferred to some obscure, remote place.

Du Heng smiled and shook his head. "Don't thank me. I only made up my mind after hearing your ideas this morning."

Qiu Pingzhen chuckled softly. I know what Du Heng means, he thought. But I also know that if he hadn't already intended to give me a push, he wouldn't have asked me those questions this morning.

In fact, I had a premonition that if I didn't answer correctly this morning, Du Heng might have told me what the first thing I should do upon arriving at the Health Clinic would be.

Du Heng didn't know what Qiu Pingzhen was thinking, nor did he want to hear any sentimental drivel. He said directly, "You know my feelings about the Health Clinic and my vision for it. If you don't perform well, don't blame me for removing you."

Qiu Pingzhen immediately replied with a serious expression, "Rest assured, Dean. I will definitely follow your vision and lead the Health Clinic forward."

But Du Heng shook his head firmly. "No, don't think like that. You must follow your own ideas, not be influenced by mine."

Seeing Du Heng's serious demeanor, Qiu Pingzhen also nodded seriously. Only he knew what he was truly thinking.

Du Heng didn't dwell on it, but instructed earnestly, "The fundamental purpose of the Health Clinic must not change. It must serve the villagers in our jurisdiction and work for their health. This is a requirement from the District and Municipal Bureaus, and it's my hope as well.

"Also, Director Gong of the police station is like a brother to me, and Town Mayor Dong Yuezhang of the Township Government is a close classmate and friend. Building a good rapport with them will be very helpful for your work at the Health Clinic."

After a brief pause, Du Heng continued, "The primary group the Health Clinic serves are the farmers here in Nanshan. They can be timid, shy, and impoverished, seemingly easy to take advantage of. But don't be fooled by appearances. If they decide to be unreasonable, they can be quite unruly.

"To serve these people effectively, village doctors are indispensable. If you can manage this group well, your foundational work will be much smoother, and you'll have more energy to implement your own ideas."

Up to this point, besides Wu Buwei, only Yu Haiting and Qiu Pingzhen could truly be considered Du Heng's trusted confidants.

However, Wu Buwei was too inexperienced; Du Heng feared that if he even suggested him, he'd be met with ridicule.

As for Yu Haiting, his backing was too shallow for promotion. Compared to other candidates, his only advantage was his familiarity with the Health Clinic's operations; otherwise, he had none.

After careful consideration, Qiu Pingzhen seemed the most suitable candidate. Moreover, when Du Heng arrived at the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Qiu Pingzhen was the first to fully support him. It was only right for Du Heng to show his appreciation for that.

Thus, it was only natural for Du Heng to now speak so candidly with Qiu Pingzhen.

Having patiently explained everything, and seeing Qiu Pingzhen listening intently, Du Heng finally relaxed. He smiled and said, "Alright, Dean Lu should be calling you soon. You should head back and get the paperwork sorted.

"Once things settle down here in a couple of days, I'll arrange a time for us to have a meal with Director Gong and Town Mayor Dong. It'll be a good chance for you all to connect."

Qiu Pingzhen nodded. Without saying more, he turned and left.

Du Heng watched Qiu Pingzhen's departing figure with a faint smile, then turned and headed upstairs.

The hospital room wasn't suitable for conversation, and Lu Zhongjiang's condition didn't permit extended chats. So, before Secretary Huang went up, Yu Haiting had already invited Dean Luo and the others to his office.

Du Heng searched upstairs but didn't see them. He chatted with Lu Zhongjiang for a bit. Learning that Lu Zhongjiang had used the toilet, Du Heng inquired about his condition, reassured him it was normal and not to worry, and then left the hospital room.

When Du Heng found everyone, they were already chatting cheerfully. Du Heng relaxed, especially after Secretary Huang gave him a subtle nod, understanding it meant they weren't there to cause trouble.

With Du Heng's arrival, the conversation grew even more animated, though the topic gradually shifted towards medical treatments.

Finally, Zhang Yongjun broached the subject directly, "President Du, there's a question I'd like to ask your opinion on."

Du Heng replied modestly, "I wouldn't presume to 'mentor.' Let's just discuss and exchange ideas."

Zhang Yongjun didn't quibble over word choice and asked directly, "President Du, from what I understand, you have a well-established basic formula for treating tumors, correct?"

Du Heng's eyebrows twitched. So this is why they came today, he thought. However, he had never been one to hoard his knowledge. Besides, this particular formula had already been shared with the Provincial First Hospital, so there was no reason not to discuss it. He nodded in affirmation.