"Thank you?"
Everyone was stunned by the man's words. They all thought they must have misheard. These people, who had stormed in so aggressively demanding to see Ye Xiu, were here to thank him?
Wang Yanchao also looked incredulous.
"Yes!" The leading man smiled and looked at Ye Xiu with gratitude. "Dr. Ye, do you remember me? I came to see you last week."
"And me, Dr. Ye, do you remember? I was the one with the persistent cough, the really bad one!" another man added eagerly.
"I remember you both. Are you fully recovered now?" Ye Xiu smiled at them.
"Yes, we're completely recovered!" The first man exclaimed excitedly, "Dr. Ye, I came here to thank you for curing my chronic illness. These past few days have been the best I've felt in years! I even climbed four flights of stairs just now without any trouble. It's unbelievable!"
"Me too, Dr. Ye. You're a miracle worker!" The second man was equally excited. "I've seen countless doctors over the years, but none could do more than temporarily ease my cough. Since your treatment, I feel completely rejuvenated, no more discomfort at all!"
"I'm glad to hear that," Ye Xiu said, his smile widening. "But remember, your conditions are chronic. They won't disappear overnight. Continue with the diet and rest recommendations I gave you. Keep taking the prescribed medicine for a while longer. And most importantly, stay active. Gentle exercises like Tai Chi, jogging, and brisk walking are very beneficial."
Wang Yanchao watched this scene with a mixture of pride and happiness. He felt validated in his decision to support Ye Xiu. Seeing the patients so grateful and joyful was deeply satisfying.
The doctors who had been expecting a confrontation were dumbfounded. They couldn't believe these people were here to thank Ye Xiu, not cause trouble.
The nurses who had warned them about the impending confrontation were equally stunned, their previous assumptions completely overturned.
"Dr. Ye, rest assured, we'll follow your instructions. I've already started jogging every morning!" one patient said.
"Me too, I jog twice a day now!" added the other.
"How did you two meet? And who are all these people?" Ye Xiu asked, smiling but puzzled as he glanced at the crowd behind the two men.
Wang Yanchao and the other doctors were equally curious about the large group.
"Haha, it's quite a coincidence," the first man explained. "We met at the hospital while waiting for the elevator and started talking. When I mentioned I was coming to thank Dr. Ye, it turned out he was too! By the way, these are my sons and daughters. They all wanted to come and thank you for curing me."
A young man stepped forward from the crowd, holding a banner. "Dr. Ye, thank you for curing my father. This is a token of our gratitude," he said, presenting the banner to Ye Xiu.
Another young man also stepped forward. "Dr. Ye, we're grateful for your help. Here's another banner to show our appreciation."
"These are my children," the second patient said, introducing his family. "They all came to thank you."
"This..." Ye Xiu was overwhelmed with emotion, looking at the banners and the grateful faces of the patients and their families. He didn't know what to say.
"Dr. Ye, since this is their heartfelt gratitude, just accept it. I promise it won't be considered a bribe," Wang Yanchao joked.
"Then... thank you all," Ye Xiu said, accepting the banners with teary eyes. He had just been doing his job, and their gratitude touched him deeply.
"It's us who should thank you, Dr. Ye. We'd love to treat you to a meal sometime to show our appreciation," one of the patients offered.
"No need for that," Ye Xiu declined politely. "The hospital has its rules, and I don't want to break them. But I deeply appreciate your kindness. I just hope you stay healthy."
"Yes, indeed," Wang Yanchao added. "Thank you for your appreciation. However, this is a hospital, so we can't stay here. Please feel free to visit my office for a cup of tea instead."
"No need, Director Wang. We've already conveyed our thanks. We'll leave now and not disturb you further. Thank you, Dr. Ye," the patients said, understanding the situation. They left with one last grateful look at Ye Xiu.
"Dr. Ye, I knew I made the right decision!" Wang Yanchao turned to Ye Xiu, smiling proudly. "In just over a week, you've received two banners. That's a record for our department and probably the whole hospital. Amazing!"
"Director Wang, you overpraise me. I just did my job and was lucky to meet such kind and grateful patients," Ye Xiu replied modestly.
Wang Yanchao knew better. It wasn't just luck. Ye Xiu's exceptional medical skills, dedication, and compassionate patient care were the reasons for his success. He recalled observing Ye Xiu with patients, always smiling and patient, something even he struggled to maintain.
Wang Yanchao turned to the other doctors, who had previously been skeptical of Ye Xiu. "Take a good look at Dr. Ye. In just a week, he's received two banners. And what about you? How long have you been doctors, and how many banners have you received?"
The other doctors lowered their heads, unable to refute Wang Yanchao's words, though some still believed Ye Xiu had just been lucky.
"Still think it's just luck?" Wang Yanchao's eyes narrowed. "Remember those suggestions for improving your treatment plans? They weren't from me or Director Huang. They were from Dr. Ye, the very doctor you look down on!"