Originally, Guan Xing wanted to say goodbye to Hua Ruobing, but at lunchtime, the moment she saw him, she turned and left. This left Guan Xing with an uncomfortable feeling in his heart. Could it be that she had truly decided to give up?
After some thought, he decided to let it go. Guan Xing only informed Cheng Yunya that he would be attending an international medical symposium. For a doctor, this was the highest honor and also a responsibility. Naturally, Cheng Yunya did not stop him. Moreover, she herself was caught in a dilemma of emotional confusion and agreed to approve his leave without much thought.
He had already explained everything to Sun Yiran the night before, so Guan Xing did not repeat himself. He left the car, Wangzhe, at the company and went alone, following Mu Changxin's instructions, to the Chinese Ministry of Health.
Although the symposium was organized by the Ministry of Health, the venue was not set inside the ministry. Instead, an entire floor of the six-star Oriental Grand Hotel in Kyoto was reserved to host medical elites and experts from around the world. When Guan Xing and Mu Changxin arrived, most of the invited guests from various countries had already gathered.
"Hey—Xing, is that really you?"
A middle-aged man with shoulder-length blond hair and a face full of stubble saw Guan Xing and shouted excitedly.
In the next instant, he rushed over and wrapped Guan Xing in a tight hug. The man stood over two meters tall, powerfully built, and his enthusiastic embrace nearly overwhelmed Guan Xing.
"Alright, Boles, this is China. This kind of hug between men might make people question our orientation," Guan Xing said awkwardly as he struggled free. Still, he extended his hand generously and shook the man's hand in the Chinese way, expressing his welcome.
Boles was British and could be considered Guan Xing's senior. They had both studied at the Royal Medical Academy in the United States, though Boles had graduated fifteen years earlier. In the UK, Boles was a highly renowned physician. They met during the academy's centennial celebration, where Guan Xing had performed a stunning eye-separation surgery. His extraordinary skill had left such a deep impression that Boles followed him around for more than half a month.
"Xing, I was just too happy and forgot my gentlemanly manners. But you really weren't very considerate—after returning to China, you didn't even make a courtesy call. Did you go into seclusion again to cultivate?"
Hearing the phrase "seclusion cultivation" come from a foreigner made Mu Changxin smile wryly. He didn't know that this had once been a casual excuse Guan Xing used to shake Boles off—and that Boles still remembered it.
"Sorry, Boles. After coming back to China, I've been so busy that I lost my bearings. I'm truly glad you could come this time. Let me play host and properly entertain you," Guan Xing said apologetically.
Facing his old friend's enthusiasm, Guan Xing felt somewhat embarrassed. After returning home, his heart had never truly settled. Many things he no longer wanted to revisit, and he hadn't contacted old friends either.
"Heh, then I won't hold back. Come on, my friend—old man Stefanti is waiting for you. He asked me to wait here for you earlier. I even thought he was hallucinating," Boles said with a grin.
Very few people dared to call Stefanti, the chairman of the International Medical Alliance, an "old man." Privately, however, Guan Xing called him that too—and Boles had picked up the habit from him. They were all internationally licensed physicians and had lived together for months before, sharing a close bond.
Moreover, Guan Xing's mastery of Eastern medical techniques had earned admiration from doctors everywhere. During his time at the alliance, many had wanted to take him as their teacher.
Besides Boles, many other foreign doctors approached, greeting Guan Xing warmly. At a world-class medical symposium like this, all attendees were top-tier physicians from their respective countries, highly renowned internationally. And Guan Xing's reputation as the "Eastern Divine Hand" had long earned their respect.
The success of those three heart surgeries had elevated Guan Xing's fame to almost legendary status in international medical circles.
Standing behind him, Mu Changxin was somewhat ignored. In China, the Minister of Health was the leader of the medical field, but among these internationally famous doctors, his presence seemed far less notable.
Mu Changxin recognized many of these prominent figures himself, yet he hadn't expected Guan Xing to know so many of them—or for them to show such admiration and enthusiasm toward Guan Xing. This was beyond his expectations.
Compared to Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine still lagged in international influence, and Chinese doctors rarely made significant contributions on the world stage. Guan Xing, however, made Mu Changxin feel the pride of China.
Finally managing to break free from the crowd, Guan Xing walked up to Mu Changxin and said apologetically, "Minister Mu, I'll go meet Chairman Stefanti. Please rest here for a while."
Though it was just a casual remark, Mu Changxin felt greatly honored. He patted Guan Xing on the shoulder and smiled. "Go on. Seeing how welcomed you are makes me proud as well."
Leaving the lively hall, Guan Xing entered the hotel's largest suite, where it was much quieter. Boles knocked gently, and a deep voice immediately responded, "Come in!"
An elderly man in his sixties sat quietly at a desk, his pen moving swiftly across paper. Even at his age, he remained diligent and focused. His pale hair shimmered with a silvery sheen in the sunlight streaming through the window, giving him a clean, dignified presence. This was Stefanti, chairman of the International Medical Alliance.
Though usually rough and straightforward, Boles became noticeably respectful and cautious in front of the old man. Stefanti was a true legend of the world—worthy of every doctor's reverence.
"Chairman, China's Xing is here," Boles said, even his tone more refined than usual.
Stefanti immediately looked up. Upon seeing Guan Xing, a gentle smile spread across his usually stern face. He set down his pen, stood up, and laughed warmly. "Xing, you are truly hard to invite. I've been here so long and still didn't see you. Could it be that Eastern beauties really are that irresistible?"
Back at the alliance headquarters in the U.S., Stefanti had always treated Guan Xing with special care, like a kind elder. Guan Xing would never forget that. He quickly stepped forward, took the old man's thin hand, and said, "Chairman, you flatter me. I encountered some medical issues recently and wasn't able to come see you."
Though frail, Stefanti's brows lifted sharply, and he asked seriously, "Even you can run into problems? What happened—tell me."
As he spoke, he pulled Guan Xing to sit down. The reproach was gone from his face. Boles, clearly intrigued, also leaned in.
Guan Xing did not hide anything and slowly recounted the double-organ cancer surgery he had performed earlier, including how he was later investigated for violations and had his medical license revoked. Both men clenched their fists in anger upon hearing this.
"This is outrageous! Those damn bureaucrats—don't they know that successfully curing double-organ cancer is a miracle in medicine?" Boles cursed loudly.
Stefanti was more restrained but still said gravely, "Each country has its own medical policies, but this kind of bureaucratic behavior is truly unacceptable. Xing, if you're unhappy here, come to the West. I believe you'll gain far more than you imagine."
A talent like Guan Xing was coveted by every nation. Stefanti firmly believed that this Eastern doctor before him was a miracle of human medicine—his skills transcended conventional medical boundaries, astounding even Stefanti himself.
"China is my homeland," Guan Xing said calmly. "I simply hope to do my part to reduce the suffering of the people. Of course, I also hope China's medical reforms can advance more quickly and integrate with the world, narrowing the gap."
Having spent five years in the West, Guan Xing deeply understood its medical systems. In some countries, medical treatment cost nothing at all—unlike in China, where even a minor cold could cost thousands, leaving many poor people unable to seek care.
"Xing, don't worry. Your wish is also the wish of all of us in medicine—to ensure the health of people in every country. That is the mission of our Medical Alliance. This time, we also hope to establish bilateral cooperation with China and introduce more advanced medical technologies."
Stefanti's words carried the genuine compassion of a healer. In his eyes, humanity was equal—regardless of wealth or poverty, race or skin color.
"Today, I made a special exception to invite the Minister of Health of China to this symposium. Regarding your situation, Xing, I will make an appropriate mention and hope to provide you with a better working environment—so you can bring more miracles to this world."
Stefanti's concern for the world was admirable, but Boles could no longer contain himself.
"Xing, hurry up and tell me—how exactly did you complete that double-organ cancer surgery? What was the risk level? Come on, tell us everything!"
The impatient old fellow cut off the chairman mid-sentence, asking eagerly. Stefanti didn't get angry at all. Instead, his eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked at Guan Xing, clearly just as eager to hear the answer.