Lu Cheng's ranking dropped by one place again, as a certain attending physician named Xue Daoming from Xiangya Third Hospital bumped him out of the tenth place. Lu Cheng was pushed down to the eleventh position.

Nonetheless, it was still a third prize, so Lu Cheng decided not to try to improve his score further.

It wasn't until noon that Lu Cheng received an invitation call from his senior brother Zhang Boyuan. Essentially, it was to ask Lu Cheng to join him for a meal.

He also mentioned that Professor Xiang Dongshan would be there.

Lu Cheng considered it and agreed, but he proactively informed Zhang Boyuan that he might bring his family. If Director Xiang was not okay with it, he would just dine with Senior Brother Zhang alone.

"That should be fine!~" Zhang Boyuan agreed casually.

...

The award ceremony went smoothly; it was like a runway show, with one team for the first prize, one for the second, and one for the third.

Although the number of participants in each category was different, the prize money for the first prize was all the same: 35,000 for the first prize, 15,000 for the second, and 5,000 for the third.

The gap was quite large, yet many participants did not rely on this for income, as the main thing was the rare honor.

After Lu Cheng collected his award, he left the venue.

This salon-style competition did not schedule speeches from all winners, only a few familiar winners were invited by the organizers to speak.

The prize money is handled later; it's impossible to issue cash on-site, which is perfectly understandable.

The organizers would directly contact the recipient's unit, allocate funds to the unit, which then distributes them to individuals.

After collecting the award certificate, Lu Cheng checked out of his hotel!~

Although the expenses could be settled through Tong Yuan'an's unit, Lu Cheng's participation was work-related, so he could claim reimbursement back home, without fussing over such minor issues.

After messaging Professor Tong Yuan'an to explain the situation, Lu Cheng went to dine with Mu Nanshu and Zhang Boyuan.

During the meal, Mu Nanshu initially played the role of a well-behaved family member, but when Professor Xiang Dongshan got to the main topic, she stopped being silent.

...

At 7:30, at Shashi Jintai Square Station, Lu Cheng and Mu Nanshu were waiting in the lounge.

Lu Cheng looked at Mu Nanshu, who was crossing her legs. Wearing a pair of tight jeans, her slender leg curves were accentuated.

Lu Cheng did not ask Mu Nanshu why she left Xiang Dongshan somewhat speechless during the meal; he simply said, "I never thought you were so good at arguing."

"I was just addressing issues truthfully; it wasn't arguing this time."

"Director Xiang came to negotiate terms after all, and it's natural to have a give-and-take discussion."

"Job hunting is a two-way street; it's not like you don't have other places to go."

Mu Nanshu continued, "Besides, it's pretty clear that your senior brother isn't doing that well now."

"I think your senior brother is genuinely nice to you; perhaps it's empathy."

Lu Cheng nodded, "Senior Brother Zhang isn't doing so well; he suggested that if possible, choose a place with more fair competition."

"Though harsh, at least it maintains a fair dimension."

As Lu Cheng spoke, his phone rang again.

Mu Nanshu said, "It's your work call, take it."

Ever since the competition ended, hospitals from various municipalities and those under the direct control of Shashi Health and the Provincial Health and Health Commission had been contacting Lu Cheng, essentially inquiring whether he plans to change his workplace.

Lu Cheng had thought about changing workplaces, but not to somewhere so distant.

The reason Lu Cheng chose the State People's Hospital was because his personnel relationship was within the state; an internal transfer wouldn't count as a new job.

Resigning in the future would also be easier to handle.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Teacher Liu. I already have plans, but if there's an opportunity in the future, I will definitely consider studying under Director Liu." Lu Cheng responded eloquently.

Hypocrisy has always been a hallmark of adulthood!~

"Dr. Lu, I look forward to that day, then." Director Liu also knew Lu Cheng was being courteous, and he could only follow suit.

"Then I would like to thank Director Liu for your generosity again; I have to board now, let's chat next time when there's a chance..."

Lu Cheng wasn't lying; he and Mu Nanshu really had to board their train back.

Long County is Lu Cheng's current real base.