Chapter 73: I Don't Accept Any Threats (5000 words) (Page 1/2)
Chase didn't immediately react, wondering why this guy was so agitated.
"This isn't bad news, why are you so worked up?
Reaching this conclusion makes diagnosing his condition easier.
This shows he has Hepatitis C, which is usually curable.
Even if it's not curable, it's controllable with medication."
Mr. Smith grabbed Chase's collar and asked angrily:
"Then why did you say he was gay?"
Chase said, puzzled:
"Because this disease is usually transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids..."
Before Chase finished speaking, he felt a gust of wind coming toward his ear.
But soon the sound of wind stopped.
Chase, who saw what happened clearly, widened his eyes.
This Mr. Smith actually moved to slap him, but fortunately David stopped his hand.
Chase immediately knocked away Mr. Smith's left hand that was gripping his collar:
"Are you crazy? You won't even let people speak the truth?"
"Say that again?!"
Mr. Smith tried to swing his right hand again to slap Chase, but David's hand held him firmly like a vise.
The angry Mr. Smith didn't think it through, and directly swung his left fist, wanting to land a hard blow on David's face.
To his surprise, his left fist was also firmly caught in David's hand.
Mr. Smith's face showed shock.
If his right hand was unable to move because David was holding his wrist, his left hand was truly pressed firmly by David's five steel-like fingers.
Before he could say anything, two crisp cracking sounds echoed through the room.
Mr. Smith let out a cry of pain; both his hands had actually been broken by David with his bare hands!
David released his grip, looked at Mr. Smith, whose hands were now dangling uselessly and whose face was full of shock, and said:
"Mr. Smith, it seems you need to see an orthopedist first."
Mr. Smith wanted to retaliate against David, but with broken hands, he didn't look very intimidating.
He could only head to the hospital's orthopedics department with an ashen face to get his hands examined.
Of course, he didn't forget to file a complaint about this with the hospital administrator!
Vogler, who was just looking for an excuse to act, was instantly delighted when he heard this news.
Assaulted someone? Perfect, you're out of a job!
With this excuse, why wait for turmoil in the diagnostics department? Just fire him directly!
Dr. Cuddy watched Vogler excitedly pull open the door and walk out, following him with a face full of worry.
During this critical period, why was David so reckless as to assault someone at this time?
Isn't this clearly going to drag Dr. House down with him?
Dr. Cuddy sighed and reluctantly followed Vogler, wanting to see if there was any room for reconciliation.
When Vogler arrived at the ward, he happened to see everyone from the diagnostics department was there.
That intern, David, was still holding the patient's personal belongings—a smoking cessation aid containing St. John's Wort.
Vogler narrowed his eyes, and a sinister smile appeared on his face.
"I heard someone here injured a patient's family member? I don't need to remind you of the consequences of doing that, do I?"
Chase frowned, sensing ill intent from the newcomer, but David had broken Mr. Smith's hands because he stood up for him.
He should step forward and explain this matter, both emotionally and logically.
Otherwise, he would truly be a piece of garbage.
"Mr. Vogler, please listen to my explanation. The patient's family member, Mr. Smith, regarding my diagnosis of Hepatitis C..."
Before Chase finished speaking, Vogler interrupted him:
"Were you the one who assaulted him?"
"No, but..."
Chase's unfinished words were interrupted again:
"If you weren't the one who did it, this has nothing to do with you. Step aside.
Whoever did it, step forward yourself.
My hospital doesn't need this kind of violent presence."
David smiled, understanding that Vogler wanted to make a big deal out of this.
No matter what he said now, Vogler would fire him, and even report him to the New Jersey Medical Board, making sure he'd never get a medical license, cutting off his path to becoming a doctor.
So David chose to finish what he hadn't said. The lifespan he just spent strengthening his body had to be earned back somehow.
"...Because of the St. John's Wort, Interferon cannot be used directly to treat Hepatitis C, otherwise it will cause his liver function to rapidly decline.
But we can consider using a protease inhibitor. There's a new direct-acting antiviral currently in clinical trials.
According to the feedback from the experimental results, this drug is very effective..."
Seeing David directly ignore his words, Vogler frowned and interrupted him again:
"Hey! I'm talking! Whoever assaulted him, step forward and get out!
I'm here to handle a complaint! Not to listen to you analyze the patient's condition!"
David smiled, walked forward, looked directly into Vogler's eyes, and said:
"I was the one who did it."
Vogler chuckled:
"You admit it, right? Good that you admit it, then pack your things and get out.
Your salary will be issued to you after deducting the medical expenses required for the patient's family member's hand fracture treatment."
"Wait."
Dr. House, who had been listening in, suddenly spoke.
He had already heard about what just happened.
He knew that although David's response was a bit heavy-handed, David really couldn't be blamed for this.
In his opinion, David's actions could be considered self-defense.
"If you handle this matter like this, what happens if a doctor is beaten in the future?
Do they just have to take it? Does this hospital still respect basic rights?"
Vogler narrowed his eyes and chuckled:
"Talk about rights? Alright, he was brought in by you.
Either you leave, or he leaves, or you both leave. Three options, isn't that enough choice for you?"
Seeing Vogler shift the conflict onto Dr. House, Dr. Cuddy, who had been following, immediately came out to mediate:
"Wait, everyone, please calm down first and listen to what I have to say.
No matter what, putting hands on a patient's family member is our fault.
I think you said the patient's family member made the first move, so were you injured?
No, right? I don't see any obvious external injuries.
Or if you feel you are injured but it doesn't show externally, then I support you getting a full examination.
The hospital will cover the costs for you.
But clearly, the patient's family member is the victim.
Therefore, David, you are suspended without pay during the suspension period.
In addition, your salary for the past few days will be partially deducted as compensation for the patient's family member's treatment costs, as Mr. Vogler said.
Do any of you have objections to this arrangement?"
Cuddy believed that her neutral and objective statement was beneficial to all three parties.
She needed to protect Dr. House, needed the hospital to remain stable, and maintain its previous daily operations.
Vogler needed to cut staff and improve efficiency. So, she would give him face by suspending David and reducing some research expenses for rare diseases.
As for David, the only disadvantaged party in this situation, he wouldn't be fired, nor would he be reported to the Medical Board. He only had a suspension of unknown duration, which was the best result Cuddy could achieve.
Sacrificing the interests of one intern in exchange for Dr. House staying was well worth it.
However, Vogler was not satisfied with this result.
Is she playing word games with him?
What Vogler wanted was for David and Dr. House to get out of this hospital. He wanted to destroy their careers!
What he wanted was not this insignificant suspension, nor was it for Dr. House to continue serving as head of the diagnostics department unscathed!
So he turned his head and looked at Cuddy coldly, saying:
"Dr. Cuddy, do I not even have the authority to fire an intern?"
Cuddy quickly explained:
"It's not like that. My point is that he is still just an intern. Wouldn't firing him directly be too harsh? We should be more understanding..."
Vogler had no patience to listen to Cuddy's lengthy speech again. He impatiently interrupted:
"Understanding? We understand him? Then what about the patient's family member he injured?
And what about him going through the patient's personal belongings without permission?
If this is reported to the State Medical Board, we will be the ones hurt. How do we account for that?"
Facing Vogler's aggressive questioning, Cuddy fell silent.
In her opinion, David's behavior pattern was definitely influenced by Dr. House to some extent.
But Dr. House could do these things, while David could not.
She had already decided to sacrifice David, this intern, to appease Vogler's anger.
It wasn't worth going head-to-head with Vogler over David.
Who told David to be unlucky enough to be made an example of by Vogler?
As Cuddy fell silent, everyone present also fell silent.
None of them wanted to leave here, not even Dr. House.
If he left here, there might not be another hospital where he could freely choose cases he liked to treat.
If sacrificing one person like David could benefit everyone, then anyone would make that pragmatic decision.
David looked around at everyone. Everyone, including Chase, lowered their heads, unwilling to make eye contact with him.
David smiled. He should have expected this.
Back then, House had laid off staff due to pressure, so naturally, he wouldn't stick his neck out for him now.
It seems these people don't understand the concept of "united we stand, divided we fall" at all.
Did they think it was over just because he left? This was clearly just the beginning.
Just then, David's phone received a reply from Carly.
After David glanced at it, his lips curved slightly into a smile.
He looked at Vogler's smug expression and smiled:
"Sorry, it seems you can't decide whether I stay or leave anymore."
Vogler was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter:
"Are you kidding me? I am the largest private investor in this hospital, and I am also the chairman elected by the board.
If I want to fire a staff physician, I need to convene the board and get the consent of all directors.
But since when can't I fire an intern?
Did Cuddy say so? Did House say so? Or did Chase say so?
Huh? Funny thing is, I haven't heard a different answer.
Kid, stop putting on a show and get lost quickly, that would still be dignified.
If I call security, it won't be pretty."
David smiled:
"Sorry, this hospital is no longer under your control starting today.
Cuddy, am I right?"
Cuddy looked at David with complete confusion, wondering what nonsense this kid was spouting.
But her phone suddenly vibrated, and when she saw the message on it, Cuddy's eyes suddenly widened.
Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital welcomed a new investor, an investor who came with serious money—200 million dollars!!!
Behind David, House and Chase exchanged a subtle glance.
Both of them knew that Carly intended to invest capital in the hospital.
Now, David's words and Cuddy's reaction made them have a strong suspicion in their hearts.
When Cuddy, who was looking at her phone, raised her head again, she patted Vogler's broad shoulder in front of her to get his attention.
"Uh, Edward..."
Vogler keenly noticed that Cuddy didn't use the respectful title of "Mr. Vogler" when addressing him, and connecting it with David's words, this was quite bad.
As expected, Cuddy's next sentence directly made all the bulk on Vogler's body tremble—and that was due to rage!
"...An investor has injected 200 million dollars into our hospital, and now, as the largest investor, they are requesting us to convene an emergency board meeting."
Vogler took a deep breath, trying his best to calm the anger in his heart.
Who was it? Who exactly?!
Who dared to snatch food from the tiger's mouth?!
And 200 million dollars? Are they insane?! Is this hospital worth that much money?!
Vogler took a hard look at David:
"Kid, consider yourself lucky, but it's not over yet, we'll see about this!"
Vogler, who had delivered his parting shot, turned around angrily and walked toward the conference room.
He wanted to see who was going against him!
Cuddy glanced at House, motioned for him to also attend the board meeting, and then quickly left.
House wasn't in a hurry to leave, nor did he apologize, he just asked David:
"Was it Carly?"
David nodded, seemingly not bothered at all that no one had stood up to continue defending him just now.
"Yes, she did better than we expected.
This time, she invested 200 million dollars."
House nodded:
"Start treating the patient as you said. I'm going to the board meeting."
After House left, Chase looked at David, wanting to speak but hesitating.
He could feel David's coldness toward him.
But he knew that any explanation he gave would seem pale and powerless.
David was clearly sticking up for him, but in the end, he almost got kicked out of the medical profession.
Anyone would feel bitter about this.
Chase sighed, not knowing how to mend this rift in their relationship for a while.
As the party involved, David had no other thoughts besides a little disappointment.
Anyway, he wasn't at this hospital to make friends.
His ultimate goal was to get House's team to work for him.
He was going to be their boss, not their friend.
This worked out perfectly, so David took the initiative to speak:
"If you help me with a few private jobs, we can call this even."
Chase raised an eyebrow when he heard this and said:
"Really? Okay, then we're still cool, right?"
David smiled ambiguously:
"Of course."
Afterward, the two began to get busy, and by the time David heard the life extension notification, the board meeting also had a result.
For the vast majority of directors, whoever offered more money got their votes.
So Carly was undoubtedly elected as the new chairman, kicking out Vogler, whose seat hadn't even gotten warm yet.
The furious Vogler immediately threatened to withdraw his investment.
With a new investor, Cuddy naturally wouldn't take that lying down anymore and directly agreed to it, allowing Vogler to withdraw his investment.
Vogler was so angry he pounded the table and stormed out of the conference room on the spot.
Of course, all this was what David heard from the gossiping nurses.
However, Vogler's Rolls-Royce was indeed no longer in the parking lot outside.
But David knew it wasn't over yet. Vogler wouldn't just let it go like that.
Speaking of which, Vogler protected his identity information quite well.
Even Finch hasn't found any relevant information about Vogler up to now, knowing only a name.
It was as if Vogler had appeared out of nowhere.
For this phenomenon, there was only one explanation: this Vogler should be an external operative supported by the High Table.
While David was chatting with the nurses, Smith, who had gone to the orthopedic department for emergency treatment, also returned.
As soon as he saw David at the door, his anger involuntarily surged, but the casts on both hands truly limited his options.
What's more, when he approached the ward, he actually found that his brother could already sit up!
What was going on?
When he left, his brother was clearly still in a coma?
Could it be... was it really Hepatitis C?
Did his brother really get assaulted in prison?
This was simply a huge disgrace for their family.
He suddenly understood why his brother participated in the witness protection program even at the risk of being assassinated by Tarasov's men.
Because only then could he run far away, get laser tattoo removal, obtain a new identity, and start a new life with a completely changed appearance.
No one would be able to recognize him again, including Smith.
In that situation, he could live his life without having to care about others' opinions.
Smith instantly understood everything.
The anger in his eyes also gradually disappeared, and he walked heavily to David and said firmly:
"Don't write Hepatitis C on the medical record! Otherwise..."
David directly interrupted:
"Otherwise, you'll take away what I love, one by one, until I have nothing left.
Calm down, calm down, can you change your script to something fresher? I can already recite it by heart.
Regarding the medical record issue, I, an intern, am not authorized to write it. You have to go find Dr. House."
Intern?
Was the person he had a conflict with just an intern?
Smith instantly felt somewhat degraded. After all, he was also an enforcer in the organization.
He had been arguing with an intern all this time—it was simply pathetic.
He had half a mind to warn David again not to run his mouth.
But thinking that the other party was completely indifferent to his threats, he finally just snorted angrily and walked into the ward.
David's matter could be dealt with later, but he only had these last few minutes to see his brother.
Having recovered, he would soon be taken to court by the FBI to serve as a witness.
The FBI agents he bribed could only give him this much free time.
Taking advantage of this time, he wanted to properly say goodbye to his brother.
Because he knew that the witness protection program wouldn't be smooth sailing.
Tarasov was notoriously ruthless when it came to eliminating witnesses.
If his brother dared to testify in court, he would inevitably face several waves of assassination attempts, and it was very likely that he would never come back once he left.
Even if he was lucky enough not to die, he would disappear because of the witness protection program.
Regardless, he would never see his brother again.
However, what he didn't notice was that he hadn't closed the ward door properly.
So David, who was eavesdropping with his ears perked up at the door, heard a lot of information.
For example, they were preparing to unite with the High Table to counter the increasingly powerful Tarasov organization.
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