"Sir, this man insisted on seeing the director. I...I tried to stop him, but..." the young nurse stammered, flustered, as she addressed the middle-aged man sitting behind the imposing desk. Alex, ignoring both of them, had already made himself comfortable on the plush sofa, his legs crossed casually.
"What? The *deputy* director?" Alex glanced at the nameplate on the door. It clearly stated "Director's Office." He turned back to the man behind the desk, a look of amusement mixed with disdain on his face.
"Where's the director? I'm not interested in talking to second-in-commands," Alex stated flatly, his voice laced with arrogance. He knew how to deal with these types. Hospitals were breeding grounds for bureaucracy and backroom deals, and administrators were rarely squeaky clean. He wouldn't be surprised if that flustered nurse became the deputy director's mistress after hours.
"Miss, you can leave us now," the deputy director said to the nurse, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. Once they were alone, he turned to Alex, his expression cautious. "And you are…?"
The deputy director had been around long enough to recognize the subtle markers of wealth and power. This young man's arrogance, his air of casual disregard for authority, wasn't an act. It was ingrained, a natural byproduct of privilege. His clothes might be ordinary, but he carried himself with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. They said clothes make the man, but in this case, the man clearly made the clothes.
"Who I am isn't important. What *is* important is the whereabouts of the director. And if he's unavailable, do you have the authority to make decisions?" Alex asked, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
Jing stood silently by the door, observing Alex. He reminded her of the arrogant young man she'd known in high school. No, there was something different about him now. His arrogance was tempered with a quiet confidence, a subtle air of authority that made him seem even more… dangerous. It was a presence, a force that the high school Alex had lacked.
"The director is currently abroad, attending a medical conference. As deputy director, I'm in charge of the hospital's daily operations. I have full authority," the deputy director replied, carefully measuring his words. He couldn't quite figure out what this young man wanted.
"Oh, so he's on a… taxpayer-funded vacation," Alex said with a smirk, then gestured towards Jing. "Do you know this woman?"
"Of course. Jing. The… filial daughter," the deputy director replied with a strained smile, glancing at Jing, who still stood silently by the door.
"So, you're aware of her reputation for filial piety. Then why are you denying her this… opportunity?" Alex asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Opportunity? What opportunity?"
"Are there any private rooms available in this… establishment?" Alex asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
"No…," the deputy director began, but Alex cut him off.
"Liar."
"There really aren't any…!"
"Nonsense!"
"You can check if…"
"Bullshit!"
Alex stood up and walked towards the deputy director, his imposing figure looming over the man.
"I won't even mention the… less-than-ethical practices that go on in this place. I know you reserve those private rooms for VIPs, for those with money and connections. 'Luxury suites,' you call them. Even for a common cold, they get a private room. You're afraid of offending the wrong people, aren't you?"
"Who are you? What gives you the right to make such accusations? This is a respectable…!"
"The Americans sent a 'respectable' army to Iraq, and look how that turned out. People like you, who divide people into different classes, are the worst. So don't bother pretending to be innocent. Everyone knows how hospitals operate. I don't care about your difficulties. Just get me a private room. You'll be compensated generously. It's only for a few days. As for the transfer, I'll handle it. Just make sure all the patient's files are ready. I don't want any delays."
The deputy director was speechless. He'd never encountered someone so arrogant. He hadn't even introduced himself, and he was already giving orders.
"If you make this difficult, I can handle it myself. But when this hospital goes bankrupt because it has no patients, don't say I didn't warn you."
"Young man, could you at least tell me your name?" the deputy director asked, trying to regain control of the situation.
"Young man? Don't pull that 'respect your elders' crap with me. As for my name, you don't need to know. I need a private room, the best one you have, with the best nurses. Now." Alex loomed over him, his height and imposing presence adding to the deputy director's unease.
The deputy director knew his position was precarious. He was only acting director, after all. If he offended the wrong person, if this escalated into a scandal, his career would be over. The current director was retiring soon, and the position was up for grabs.
"Well? Do you have a room or not?" Alex pressed.
"No…!"
"Yes… or… no…?" Alex's eyes narrowed dangerously. The deputy director flinched, stumbling backward and bumping into his desk.
"Yes… yes! We have a room," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly.
"Good. I knew you'd see reason," Alex said, his voice dripping with condescension. He patted the deputy director's shoulder, the gesture more of a power play than a sign of camaraderie. "The world is far more complicated than you think, and you're not nearly as clever as you imagine. Don't think you can run this hospital like your personal fiefdom. There are other players involved. Learning to… adapt… isn't a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it's the smartest move. I wouldn't have bothered coming here if you hadn't made things so difficult for Jing and her father. Consider this… payback. I don't like being arrogant, but sometimes, it's necessary."
"Yes… yes, of course…" the deputy director mumbled, nodding his head, though he wasn't entirely sure why he was agreeing.
"I expect this to be handled quickly. And… best of luck with your… career advancement." Alex's smile was anything but sincere. It was a smile that promised retribution, a smile that sent a chill down the deputy director's spine.
Alex turned and left, Jing trailing behind him. The deputy director stood there, speechless, staring at the closed door long after they were gone.
The door slammed shut, jolting him back to reality.
"What just happened? Why did I let that young man intimidate me like that?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. He sat there for a moment, lost in thought, then picked up the phone.
"Hello, Xiao Kong? Do we have any private rooms available? ...Good. Prepare the best one. That filial daughter's father will be transferred this afternoon… I don't care what it takes, just make it happen."