The news of Song Yushan’s visit to the Medical Association spread like wildfire throughout Qingyun City’s medical community. Within an hour, countless doctors applied to join the association. Even renowned physicians who had previously disdained membership began submitting applications, a testament to Secretary Song's influence.
With Secretary Song's support, the Medical Association's standing would undoubtedly soar. Consequently, the association was swamped with activity, busier than it had ever been.
Of course, Qingyun City wasn't solely reliant on this one Medical Association. Numerous doctor organizations existed, also considered medical associations. For instance, there was the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall, exclusively for TCM practitioners. However, TCM had fallen into decline. Despite a recent TCM versus Western medicine showdown at the Hall, where TCM ultimately triumphed, the field remained in a dismal state.
Upon hearing that Secretary Song was visiting the Medical Association, the entire Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall was filled with envy and jealousy. They hoped that Secretary Song's visit might revitalize TCM, or even better, lead to the establishment of a dedicated TCM association. After all, only Beijing had such an association in China, while nearly every city boasted a Western medicine Medical Association.
Time quickly advanced to noon.
By this time, almost every doctor in the Medical Association had arrived. Some even took leave from their duties to be present, eager to witness Secretary Song express his gratitude to the association. However, their primary envy was directed towards the doctor who had successfully treated Secretary Song, anticipating a meteoric rise in their career.
Qin Fangchen checked his watch, frowning. "Why hasn't Li Se come to me yet?"
"President Qin, it seems he won't be coming," his secretary replied.
Qin Fangchen scoffed, "Notify him that he's been expelled from our Medical Association. What kind of person does he think he is, throwing a tantrum in front of me? Forget him. The most important thing now is to host Secretary Song!"
"Yes!" The secretary immediately went to carry out the order.
At the entrance of the Medical Association, all the doctors stood in a neat line, led by Qin Fangchen. He scanned the assembled physicians with satisfaction, but then a hint of surprise crossed his face. "Is Elder Huang not here?"
"Likely due to the matter with that Li Se," the secretary replied, not overly surprised.
"Let him come or not, this old man," Qin Fangchen said dismissively. Since enough doctors were present, Elder Huang's absence had little impact.
Another half hour passed, and over a dozen black cars arrived. Secretary Song had arrived! He wasn't alone; the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Chief of Police, the Director of Industry and Commerce – essentially all the top leaders of Qingyun City – were present at the entrance of the Medical Association.
Qin Fangchen immediately stepped forward, his face beaming with a smile. "Secretary Song, your presence truly graces our humble abode."
Secretary Song chuckled, "It's all thanks to Doctor Li. Otherwise, I might not be alive today."
"What are you saying, Secretary Song? You'll surely live a long life. Besides, treating illnesses is our duty as doctors. Doctor Li's success in treating you is likely because you weren't critically ill in the first place," Qin Fangchen said with a smile. He then glanced at a middle-aged man named Li Xinggui in the crowd and beckoned him over. "Doctor Li, come quickly! Secretary Song wishes to thank you profusely!"
It was only then that Qin Fangchen learned this Doctor Li had treated Secretary Song. He had never noticed anything special about him before. Doctors admitted to the Medical Association were naturally skilled, but he never imagined such a fortunate opportunity would fall into this man's lap. It was as if his ancestors had truly soared to the heavens.
The other doctors looked at Li Xinggui with a mixture of envy and jealousy. They couldn't help but wonder why such good fortune never graced them. They didn't believe Secretary Song’s illness was that severe, thinking they could have treated him just as well. But who could predict luck? It had simply landed in Li Xinggui's hands, leaving the others with only envy and jealousy.
Li Xinggui was utterly bewildered. When had he ever treated Secretary Song? However, he knew he was the only renowned doctor in the Medical Association named Li. Perhaps Secretary Song was mistaken due to his age? This was like manna from heaven.
With a somewhat guilty conscience, Li Xinggui stepped forward. If Secretary Song was indeed mistaken, he decided to play along. Upon approaching, he respectfully addressed Secretary Song and the others, "Secretary Song, Mayor Ding..."
"It's not him!" Secretary Song shook his head.
"This..." Qin Fangchen looked confused. "Secretary Song, the prominent doctors in our Medical Association, the only one named Li is him..."
As he spoke, Qin Fangchen seemed to realize something, and his expression immediately changed.
"No, his name is Li Se. I met him at the entrance of the Medical Association yesterday. Isn't he a member of your association?" Secretary Song frowned slightly, thinking he should have investigated thoroughly before coming.
At this moment, Qin Fangchen’s face turned extremely unpleasant.
Ding Peng, standing nearby, also seemed to understand and sneered, "Heh, could it be that the divine Doctor Li applied to join the association, and you rejected him?"
"How could that be!" Qin Fangchen quickly explained, "This divine Doctor Li was recommended by Elder Huang, so our Medical Association would naturally not refuse him. It's just that he and Elder Huang had matters to attend to today, so they couldn't make it. Give me ten minutes, and I'll have divine Doctor Li here immediately."
Ding Peng noticed President Qin's expression and knew the situation wasn't as simple as he claimed. Just as he was about to say something, Secretary Song spoke calmly, "Alright, I'll give you ten minutes."
Qin Fangchen hurried back to his office.
"Dad, was it divine Doctor Li who treated you yesterday?" Song Xuehai, standing beside his father, asked with some surprise.
"Yes, could it be..." Secretary Song seemed to have guessed something.
Song Xuehai smiled and nodded, "The young doctor I know is precisely divine Doctor Li."
"Haha, Secretary Song, I also know divine Doctor Li. His medical skills are truly unparalleled. My wife was treated by him when even the imperial physicians were helpless!" Ding Peng added.
Sun Hong quickly chimed in, "My wife was also cured by divine Doctor Li."
Song Yushan was taken aback, then declared, "It seems divine Doctor Li's medical skills are indeed extraordinarily high. Such talent must be greatly valued!"
With this simple statement, Ding Peng and the others immediately responded, "Understood!"
Countless doctors from the Medical Association looked on with envy. They understood the significance of Secretary Song's words; this implied that the doctor named Li Se would soar to unprecedented heights.
Meanwhile, back in his office, Qin Fangchen immediately called Li Se, but received no answer. He then resorted to calling Elder Huang.
"President Qin, what is it?" Elder Huang's tone was somewhat indifferent, as he was already aware of the entire situation.
Qin Fangchen paid no mind to Elder Huang's tone and quickly said, "Elder Huang, I heard you recommended a young doctor to join the Medical Association. Where does he live? I need to visit him personally; I have something to discuss!"