Chairman Martin’s face changed color. Regardless of the dirty paper, he stooped, picked up the notification from the wastebasket, and unfolded it. After reading, he slowly turned around to face the trembling dean and Mr. Johnson.
“Your hospital... you are...I don’t even know what to say! I shall see how long you can make it to survive!!”
“How, well... what’s going on? How is this happening? I can assure you, Chairman...” The dean, who did not know the truth, took the notice, and then became gloomy after reading the letter.
He looked at Mr. Johnson who was sweating profusely, and spoke in an enraged manner, “Did you do this?”
Of course, Mr. Johnson could not deny it; his signature was on the damn paper after all! “Uh! Well... Mr. Dean... Chairman Martin, please do not get me wrong! It is a misunderstanding! I, I...”
“Oh, cut your crap! Get the hell out of here and wait for me in my office now!” The dean pushed him out in a rage.
Mr. Johnson staggered and then loosened his hands on his pants to catch the door to prevent himself from tripping. His pants fell to his ankles once again. “Puff!” He slammed on the ground awkwardly and the female patients and nurses who were watching them at the door stepped back in fright.
“Well... Dr. Vincent. This was just a misunderstanding. Look... How about I write the evaluation of your internship? If you are willing...” The dean looked back embarrassedly, but Vincent refused before he could finish.
“Thank you, Dean. I appreciate your kindness. But even if I stay here, I am not good at giving gifts, let alone offering my girlfriend to some directors or deputy directors to have their fun with them, so... it would be better if I leave.”
The room was in shock as everyone comprehended what Vincent had said. Chairman Martin’s father shook his head and sighed in disappointment, and Chairman Martin looked up and down at the dean in displeasure.
The dean was also ashamed to hear this, changed his expression, and said, “Please do not worry about Mr. Johnson. I assure he will be severely punished and dealt with!” After speaking, he turned around in shame and hurried out, most probably to deal with Mr. Johnson.
In a short while, there was a faint scream of rage sounding from a room at the end of the passage. Everyone could guess it was the enraged voice of the dean.
Chairman Martin shook his head, looked back at Vincent, and then at the rest in the room, “Vincent, these are... your family members?”
“Oh, no, no!” The two men who were watching quietly in fascination waved their hands honestly, “We are his neighbors...”
“They are here for my money,” Vincent interrupted embarrassing both Mrs. Brown and his two neighbors.
“For your money? What money?” Chairman Martin did not understand.
“It’s okay, Chairman Martin. Do not worry about it!” Vincent smiled and pointed at himself again, “Last night, I fell off the balcony accidentally. My neighbors were kind enough to send me here. See? I’m still wearing the hospital gown.”
Vincent paused, “Mrs. Brown here, who is my landlady, was afraid that I might be dead and would not pay her the rent, so…”
“Huh?” Chairman Martin opened his eyes wide and looked at Mrs. Brown in confusion.
“No, that’s not true!” Mrs. Brown hurriedly waved her hands, “We...we just sent him over for treatment. Nothing else. As neighbors, we have to help each other, right?”
“Yes, that’s right! We just wanted to check on our dear pal!”
Chairman Martin nodded but he could guess the reality. “I understand you people! You want the rent and compensation, right?! We’ll pay for it!” The old man had already understood and patted his son.
Chairman Martin grabbed the small wallet he carried with him and took out a wad of money. “How much money does Vincent owe you?”
As soon as Chairman Martin finished speaking, a hand fell on his hand holding the money. It was Vincent.
“Yes, Vincent?”
“Chairman Martin, thank you for this, but I can pay it myself.”
“It’s okay, lad. We can pay for this for you. I can tell that you are in a bad place right now. It’s all right. Just take it as p*****t for my father’s medical expenses!” Chairman Martin replied sincerely.
“That’s right, young man. Let us do this for you! With your skills… I want to thank you for saving my life...” Chairman Martin’s father continued.
“Chairman Martin! Uncle! This is really unnecessary! I will figure out a solution myself!” Vincent shook his head stubbornly.
The old man and Chairman Martin looked at each other with appreciation and admiration in their eyes, and ultimately they relented.
“Well said, lad, sticking to your principle even if you are poor. I am sure you will not change that even if you are successful later on in life which I am sure you will be. I like you!”
Chairman Martin stuffed the money back into his wallet, patted Vincent’s shoulder meaningfully, and then looked at the three of them, “I am sure Vincent will return your money to you! I give you my word!”
“That won’t be necessary! No rush! We did not come here for money!” The three of them stood up sullenly, nodded, and walked out, “We’d better leave you some space to talk! Please, go ahead.”
The three of them, Mrs. Brown and the two men disappeared in a flash feeling embarrassed and guilty.
Mrs. Moore then stood up unsteadily and patted Vincent, “Boy, take care of yourself and do not do anything stupid!” Mrs. Moore also left slowly.
After Mrs. Moore had left, Chairman Martin sighed and looked at his father and Vincent. What a strange day indeed it had been for him!
Chairman Martin looked at Vincent and asked, “Speaking of which, Vincent, my dad...is he recovered?”
“No!” Vincent shook his head and said solemnly, “I only eliminated half of the stones inside his body. He will be fine in the short run. But if the stones regroup gradually...”
Chairman Martin nodded and took his father’s hand, “Dad! Have you eaten or drank anything you were forbidden to eat and drink? Why are you so careless with your health?”
The old man shook his head hurriedly, “Son, I have not. I did everything you asked and followed the dietary habits you said! I do not know why this happened, either.”
“In that case... would you like to live with me? With me and my wife watching over you, maybe you will feel much better!” Chairman Martin asked for his father’s opinion.
“Oh, forget it son! I am not used to living in the city, and I prefer the old house on the edge of the city. It’s a nice place, and I enjoy my life there.” The old man waved his hand instantly. But seeing how anxious his son was, he slowed down a bit, “Give me some time. Let me go back and live there for a while. If I’m good there, let’s drop the proposal; but if I get sick again… I’ll come and live with you. What do you think?”