The High-Level Discussion
The next morning, while the hospital operated as usual, a private meeting was taking place in the boardroom.
At the head of the table sat Dr. Henry Caldwell, the hospital's Chief Medical Officer (CMO). A man with decades of experience, a reputation for excellence and pragmatism, and a sharp eye for talent.
Beside him was Dr. Linda Hayworth, the hospital's Head of Surgery. She was known for her strict adherence to protocol, her no-nonsense attitude, and her general disdain for rule-breakers.
Also present were a select group of senior consultants, department heads, and administrators—all here to discuss one man.
Me.
The Arguments Begin
Caldwell leaned back in his chair, reviewing the post-op report one more time before placing it on the table. "So," he said. "Let's talk about Dr. Lin."
Dr. Wallace, ever the opportunist, immediately leaned forward. "We need to keep him."
Dr. Hayworth frowned. "He's a locum. A temporary hire. We don't even have his full background."
"What we do have," Patel interjected, "is a man who just performed a flawless surgery at a speed we've never seen."
Dr. Evans, who had begrudgingly come to terms with my talent, nodded. "And a post-op report that was so perfect it made me reconsider my own writing skills."
A few chuckles rippled through the room, but Hayworth remained unmoved.
"Skill isn't the only concern," she countered. "He doesn't follow standard procedure. He was openly coached mid-surgery by someone who isn't even medical staff."
Dr. Caldwell raised an eyebrow. "You're referring to his… 'assistant'?"
Wallace grinned. "His girlfriend, actually."
That caused a stir.
A few department heads exchanged looks.
One of the administrative executives, Richard Martin, finally spoke up. "I reviewed the footage. She's not an assistant, she's not on payroll, and yet she was correcting him in real-time… and he actually listened."
Patel nodded. "Because she was right."
Martin's face darkened. "That's not the point. The point is, we have no idea who she is, what her qualifications are, or why she was allowed to interfere in a surgical procedure."
Hayworth crossed her arms. "She shouldn't have been involved at all. This is a hospital, not a private clinic where people can bring their significant others to work."
Wallace, ever the instigator, chuckled. "And yet, the surgery was perfect."
Evans exhaled. "Like it or not, Hayworth, he's damn good. And if keeping him means dealing with his… unique support system, I say we do it."
Hayworth was about to retort when another voice cut in.
Dr. Elizabeth Monroe, the hospital's Director of Medicine, finally spoke.
"We need more information before making any decisions." Her voice was calm but firm. "He arrived here through unusual channels. His file is sparse, his references are vague, and yet… he's clearly overqualified for this position."
Caldwell nodded. "Agreed. If we're considering keeping him, we need to understand exactly who he is."
Martin frowned. "And who she is."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Because that was the real issue.
Me? I was a mystery.
Su Yan? She was an enigma.
And this hospital didn't like unknown variables.
The Split Decision
At last, Caldwell folded his hands on the table.
"We have two options," he said. "Either we move to retain him permanently, or we let him go when his contract ends."
Wallace smirked. "I vote to keep him."
Patel nodded. "Same."
Evans sighed. "He's a pain, but he's brilliant. Keep him."
On the other side, Hayworth remained firm. "He's reckless and operates outside standard procedures. I vote to let him go."
Martin hesitated. "I don't like unknown factors in my hospital."
Monroe tapped her fingers against the table. "We need more data before making a final call."
Caldwell considered this before finally speaking.
"Then we observe. Closely." His eyes scanned the room. "For now, Dr. Lin stays. But we'll keep a closer eye on him—and his so-called 'assistant.'"
Wallace grinned.
Hayworth looked displeased.
Evans groaned. "This is going to be a headache."
Martin muttered, "If his girlfriend walks into another OR, we're going to have bigger problems."
Caldwell simply smirked. "Then let's see if Dr. Lin and his mysterious companion can prove they belong here."
And just like that—
The game had officially begun.