May 21.
Austin University, President's Office.
President Julian Scott sat across from Dr. Quentin Barnes, Dean of the School of Medicine, discussing university affairs over coffee.
Dr. Barnes took a sip, then casually asked, "President Scott, what's your opinion on Celestial Medical Center?"
Julian raised an eyebrow, then nodded.
"Celestial Medical Center? It's an elite private hospital, probably more advanced than most top-tier university hospitals."
Dr. Barnes smiled.
It was rare to hear the university president praise a private hospital so openly.
"Then," he continued, "do you think we should partner with Celestial Medical Center and make it our official teaching hospital?"
Julian paused, considering the idea.
For a university to truly stand out, it needed a strong medical school.
The stronger the medical program, the higher the university's national ranking.
Currently, Austin University's School of Medicine ranked between 20th and 25th in the country.
If Celestial Medical Center became its teaching hospital, that ranking could skyrocket.
It could even push Austin University into the ranks of the top medical schools in the country.
"Dr. Barnes, I fully support affiliating with Celestial Medical Center!"
Julian's enthusiasm was clear.
Dr. Barnes hesitated.
"President Scott, Celestial Medical Center is a private hospital. Do you think it's appropriate for us to be affiliated with a private institution?"
Julian waved off the concern with a chuckle.
"Of course! Look at Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital—it was a private hospital just last year, and now it's Austin University Medical Center – Riverside.
Even Austin Kowloon Hospital started as a private facility before it became a teaching hospital for Columbia University two years ago.
If we could make it happen, it would be incredible to rename Celestial Medical Center as Austin University Medical Center – Celestial!"
Dr. Barnes nodded in agreement.
Hospitals and universities had a mutually beneficial relationship.
When a hospital became a university-affiliated institution, it gained instant academic credibility, attracting top researchers, funding, and status as a premier teaching hospital.
At the same time, the university benefited from the hospital's massive database, giving researchers and students access to real-world clinical data to publish papers and conduct groundbreaking studies.
Most importantly, medical students could complete their internships and residencies at a top-tier institution.
Dr. Barnes hesitated again.
"President Scott, most private hospitals would jump at the chance to become Austin University's teaching hospital.
But Celestial Medical Center is different.
It's the largest and most advanced hospital in the world. Their medical team is unmatched.
They might not need an academic affiliation.
If they do consider it, they might choose one of the top-ranked medical schools instead of us."
Julian frowned, feeling the weight of reality.
On the national ranking of medical schools, the top positions were:
1. Harvard Medical School – Ranked #1
2. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine – Ranked #2
3. University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) School of Medicine – Ranked #3
4. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons – Ranked #4
5. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Ranked #5
6. Stanford University School of Medicine – Ranked #6
7. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine – Ranked #7
8. Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine – Ranked #8
9. Cornell University (Weill) Medical College – Ranked #9
10. Yale School of Medicine – Ranked #10
If Celestial Medical Center wanted a teaching hospital partnership, they had plenty of prestigious options nearby.
Julian rubbed his temple and sighed.
"Dr. Barnes, set up a meeting in person. Go visit Dr. Ethan Carter at Celestial Medical Center and discuss this directly with him."
"Understood, President Scott."
Dr. Barnes nodded and left the office.
---
That afternoon.
Dr. Quentin Barnes arrived at Celestial Medical Center.
He was greeted by Dr. Olivia Quinn, Dr. Carter's executive assistant.
She led him through the sleek, modern hospital, guiding him toward the director's office.
Just as they reached the door, Dr. Barnes paused.
Inside the office, he could hear laughter.
Peering inside, he spotted Dr. Ethan Carter engaged in conversation with another guest—someone Dr. Barnes immediately recognized.
Dr. Charles Whitmore.
A legend in the medical world.
Seeing the two of them talking, Dr. Barnes felt a sudden surge of anxiety.
This meeting might be more challenging than he had expected.
Dr. Quentin Barnes felt a sudden wave of unease.
Then, it hit him.
Dr. Ethan Carter had earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
And the man sitting across from him—Dr. Charles Whitmore—wasn't just any doctor.
He was the current dean of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Could it be...?
Was Celestial Medical Center planning to affiliate with Johns Hopkins instead of Austin University?
If that were the case, then Austin University had no chance.
Dr. Barnes took a deep breath, steadying himself.
The opportunity was still here—he couldn't just walk away.
At that moment, Dr. Carter finished his conversation with Dr. Whitmore, and the Johns Hopkins dean excused himself.
Seeing his chance, Dr. Barnes stepped forward.
"Dr. Carter, my name is Quentin Barnes. I'm the Dean of Austin University School of Medicine."
Ethan turned, offering a polite smile as he shook Barnes' hand.
"Dean Barnes, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard your name many times. Your contributions to medical education are widely respected."
Dr. Barnes nodded, pleased with the warm reception.
"You honor me, Dr. Carter. But your achievements are far beyond mine."
Ethan chuckled. "Please, come inside. Let's talk."
The two entered Ethan's office, where Dr. Olivia Quinn served them fresh tea before excusing herself.
Once seated, Dr. Barnes decided to get straight to the point.
"Dr. Carter, I came here today with a proposal.
Austin University would like Celestial Medical Center to become its official teaching hospital.
Of course, we understand that Celestial is an independent institution.
So, this would be a non-direct affiliation—meaning that Celestial would retain full administrative control, and we would provide annual funding to support medical training and student rotations."
Ethan leaned back slightly, considering the offer.
Becoming an affiliated university hospital had clear advantages.
It would strengthen Celestial's academic credibility, attract top-tier medical students, and expand its research opportunities.
But at the same time, Celestial Medical Center had a greater mission.
He met Dr. Barnes' gaze.
"I appreciate the offer, Dean Barnes.
But my vision for Celestial Medical Center is to create a revolutionary institution—one that redefines the future of medicine.
We aim to push the boundaries of medical innovation, to save lives where others have failed, and to make groundbreaking discoveries in the medical field.
I respect Austin University greatly, but Celestial Medical Center was built to be more than just an academic hospital."
Dr. Barnes sat in stunned silence for a moment.
There was conviction in Ethan's voice—a fire that reminded him of himself years ago.
This wasn't just a hospital.
This was the future of medicine.
And Ethan Carter was determined to lead it there on his own terms.
A strange feeling settled over Dr. Barnes.
Celestial Medical Center wasn't just going to be successful.
It was going to change everything.