Seeing that they had all agreed, Director He turned and left.

Several high-ranking officials outside the ward saw the doctor come out. Minister Chen was the first to step forward and ask, "Director He?"

"The surgery was a complete success. Even if Dr. Wang hadn't been there, it would have been difficult for him to make it."

"What nonsense are you spouting, Great Immortal?" Doctor Wang emerged from behind him and said.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lao Wang," Minister Chen said.

"What hardship? The old man didn't do much. If anyone has to say who has worked hard, it's Director He and the girl. You didn't see it, but when they were performing the surgery, they were covered in sweat and didn't stop for a moment. And today, the old man finally saw what the operating room is like."

"To be honest, this isn't something an ordinary person can do," said Dr. Wang.

"Xiao He, Xiao Liu, you two have worked hard," Minister Chen quickly said.

"It's not hard work," Director He and Liu Linjuan quickly replied.

"Xiao Liu, I have to apologize to you for not telling you beforehand that Comrade Xiao Li was seriously injured, and for keeping it from you by having you participate in the surgery. There are very few people in the whole country who can perform this kind of surgery," Minister Chen said.

"Sir, you don't need to apologize. I know, and I understand."

"Alright, Lao Ding, give Xiao Liu some time off so she can have time to take care of Xiao Li," Minister Chen said to Liu Linjuan, then turned to Dean Ding.

"Don't worry, Lao Chen, I'll take care of it."

"That's good, that's good. Xiao Liu, I'll leave Xiao Fang and Xiao He here to help you take care of Xiao Li. You're familiar with those two, so let us know if anything happens."

"Thank you for your concern, sir."

"Old Ding, you must let me know as soon as Xiao Li wakes up, okay?"

"Don't worry, Lao Chen, I know this. It's the same old routine."

"Old Wang, are you going back? If so, I'll give you a ride home."

"No need, the old man has been staying in the hospital recently."

"What? Why?" Old Chen couldn't believe what Old Wang was saying.

"The injuries on Li's arms and legs don't seem serious, but because they've been there for so long, I'm afraid if they drag on any longer, he'll be crippled."

"Is it... really that serious?" Minister Chen asked in disbelief.

"In normal circumstances, there shouldn't be a problem, but he's a soldier. Soldiers use guns and are ready to go to the battlefield at any time, so there's no room for carelessness."

"That's true. Comrade Li is an outstanding soldier. It's acceptable for him to die on the battlefield, but to make him take off his uniform is more painful than executing him," Minister Chen said.

"Who can argue with that?" Political Commissar Ma said.

"Alright, then, I'll leave it to you with peace of mind, Lao Wang," Minister Chen said.

"It's nothing to worry about," Old Wang said nonchalantly.

At this moment, Dr. Cui and his team wheeled Li Zilong out of the operating room. Liu Linjuan said to the leaders, "Gentlemen, I'll head over now."

"Let's go together," Minister Chen said, seeing Li Zilong lying in the hospital bed.

It was at this time, shortly after the hospital opened for the morning and began ward rounds, that Zhao Meilan heard that Director He and several others had been called in late last night to perform surgery, and that they had already finished their surgeries and would soon be back for ward rounds.

She was standing at the ward front desk with several nurses when she saw a group of people, including several high-ranking officials. She quickly stepped aside. Xiao Zhang and the others pushed a cart carrying a patient past her. When she saw who was lying on the hospital bed, her eyes welled up with tears. As the group passed by her, she unconsciously followed them.

The others around her didn't notice, but Zhou Tao still saw it.

When she saw that the person in the hospital bed was Li Zilong, she was also startled. But seeing so many leaders there, she didn't dare to go to Liu Linjuan. Instead, she thought she would go and see her later. Then she saw Zhao Meilan hurriedly follow her.

She thought to herself, "She hasn't given up yet. I thought that since she hasn't been visiting her sister much in the past year or so, nothing has happened. Turns out she's waiting here."

No, I have to tell the girl right away. Right now, Xiao Li needs someone to take care of him. I can't let her take advantage of him.

The group arrived at the special care ward and saw the nurses and doctors busy there. Minister Chen said to Dean Ding, "Old Ding, we're counting on you."

"It's no trouble at all, it's just what we should do," said Dean Ding.

"Alright, Xiao Liu, you can stay and take care of Xiao Li. I'll leave Xiao Fang and Xiao He here later. Just let me know if you need anything," Minister Chen said.

"Alright, sir, then I won't stand on ceremony," Liu Linjuan said, knowing this wasn't the time for politeness.

"Alright, we'll head back now." With that, Minister Chen turned and left first.

In an instant, only two people remained in the ward, one standing and one lying down. Liu Linjuan stood there quietly, looking at the person lying on the bed, her heart filled with a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of what to say. After standing there for a while, she slowly walked to the bedside. Just as she sat down, she heard a knock on the door.

Not wanting to disturb her husband's rest, Liu Linjuan hurried over. Opening the door and seeing Zhou Tao, she quickly said, "Sister Zhou, what brings you here?"

"I know you were busy all night yesterday, so I rushed out and bought you some big steamed buns at the intersection. Eat up!"

"You've eaten? Oh, and the director and the others haven't eaten yet. Why don't you give them some?"

"How could I forget Director He and the others? When I saw Xiao Li lying in the hospital bed, I turned around and went out to buy food. I already gave Director He and the others two big steamed buns each. This is the rest for you."

"Thank you so much, Sister Zhou. I had completely forgotten about it. I wouldn't have even remembered if you hadn't brought me food just now."

"No need to thank me, we're practically family. Saying thank you would be too formal."

"Sister Zhou"

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. I have something more important to tell you now. We'll talk about it later. You eat first. I'll go get you some hot water. Also, give me your office key and go to your office to get your water cup and ceramic basin. After you finish eating, please tidy up a bit for Xiao Li."

"Oh, here's the key," Liu Linjuan quickly took the key out of her pocket and handed it to Zhou Tao.

"Okay, eat while it's hot. Don't skip meals. Only when you're well-fed and rested can you take better care of Xiao Li."

"I know, Sister Zhou."

"Then I'll go get some water first."

Sister Zhou returned in no time, carrying a thermos in one hand and a ceramic basin in the other, which contained a water cup and a towel.

After seeing that Liu Linjuan had finished eating, he poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. Then, after pouring half a basin of hot water into the ceramic basin, he opened the door, glanced outside, and saw Xiao Fang and Xiao Fang sitting on the chair next to him. He said, "If anyone comes over later, remember to let us know in advance."

Xiao Fang and Xiao He also knew Zhou Tao, so they said, "Sister-in-law Zhou, don't worry."

Liu Linjuan looked at Zhou Tao as if he were a secret agent on the street, and...