Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1264 - 1239: You Actually Know Him

Director Liu's face shifted with surprise upon hearing the name Zhou Tao. "You're acquainted with Zhou Tao?" he inquired, looking at Ye Chen.

"Yes, I am," Ye Chen responded casually. Zhou Tao was, after all, a renowned expert in cardiology. Despite opportunities to remain abroad after his studies, his strong sense of patriotism led him to return to China with his family.

"How do you know him? Could you perhaps introduce us sometime?" Director Liu asked, a pleading tone in his voice.

"Certainly, that's not an issue," Ye Chen said with a smile. As he spoke, he retrieved his phone and dialed Zhou Tao's number.

In his office, Zhou Tao was reviewing a patient's case file when his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Ye Chen and answered promptly. "Mr. Ye, hello. Please, tell me what you require," Zhou Tao said with utmost respect.

"Director Zhou, there's a patient here who requires cardiac surgery. I was wondering if you might have availability?" Ye Chen inquired with a grin.

Director Liu was aware that Zhou Tao was scheduled to depart the country the very next day. He was confident that Zhou Tao would not undertake any surgeries now, believing this was merely Ye Chen's attempt to save face. He perceived the young man as excessively arrogant, especially for claiming acquaintance with someone as prominent as Zhou Tao, someone not easily approached, let alone commissioned for a surgical procedure.

Despite Ye Chen's attire suggesting wealth, Director Liu doubted that money alone would sway Director Zhou. He stood aside, anticipating Ye Chen's embarrassment and eager for him to comprehend the repercussions of boasting.

"Of course, I have time. Anything concerning you takes precedence. I will make time, even if I have to rearrange my entire schedule," Zhou Tao replied with a chuckle. He added, "However, prior to the surgery, I will need to review the patient's condition and formulate a treatment plan."

"Seeing the patient presents no obstacle, but you will need to come to the hospital in person. Do you have the time right now?" Ye Chen asked.

"No problem at all. I'll head over immediately. Kindly send me the address," Zhou Tao replied, though a hint of reluctance could be sensed beneath his cheerful tone.

Ye Chen transmitted the address to Zhou Tao and ended the call. Director Liu, having overheard the conversation, stared at Ye Chen with increased astonishment.

He had initially suspected Ye Chen of exaggeration, but the interaction confirmed its authenticity. The level of respect in Zhou Tao's voice was undeniable, indicating that Ye Chen was far from ordinary, perhaps even a figure of significant influence.

Although Director Liu had maintained a professional demeanor, Ye Chen recognized his lingering skepticism. "Director Liu, I've arranged for Director Zhou to come to your hospital. I trust that won't be an issue?" Ye Chen asked, addressing the man in the white coat.

"An issue? Absolutely not. Director Zhou's presence would be a tremendous honor for our hospital. We could hardly arrange such a visit ourselves," Director Liu responded, waving his hand. The prospect of meeting Director Zhou Tao, a figure he had only dreamed of encountering, filled him with immense excitement.

"Oh, that's good then," Ye Chen nodded.

The middle-aged man and his mother appeared somewhat bewildered. While they may not have fully grasped Zhou Tao's identity, Ye Chen's conversation with Director Liu made it clear he was a highly respected heart specialist.

"It seems Mom will be saved," the middle-aged man's face brightened with hope. Earlier explanations of his mother's condition had painted a grim picture, leaving him with little expectation of recovery. Now, with a renowned surgeon on the way, the situation seemed to have taken a miraculous turn.

The elderly lady also expressed happiness, her previous despair giving way to a flicker of hope.

The four of them waited in the room, the seconds stretching out. A knock eventually sounded at the door.

Upon opening, a middle-aged man in a suit, distinguished by his gold-rimmed glasses, stood outside. Both Ye Chen and Director Liu recognized him instantly as Director Zhou Tao, the esteemed expert.

Director Liu promptly stepped forward with great deference, a smile gracing his lips. "Director Zhou, your reputation precedes you. It is a genuine honor to meet you today."

Zhou Tao offered a simple smile and a nod in return.

Then, he bypassed the other person and walked directly towards Ye Chen, who was standing by the hospital bed. He said with great respect, "Mr. Ye, I have arrived."

"Mm, thank you for your trouble, Director Zhou. I apologize for having you come over so late," Ye Chen replied courteously.

"Mr. Ye, there's no need for such politeness between us. Being able to assist you is my greatest honor," Zhou Tao quickly responded.

He truly dared not accept Ye Chen's continuous expressions of gratitude.

Zhou Tao was acutely aware that Ye Chen was a figure of significant stature. Even the hospital's dean treated him with the highest deference, let alone someone like himself, a mere department director.

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen offered no further words.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries between the two men, Zhou Tao turned his attention to the matter at hand.

Recognizing that the elderly lady beside Ye Chen was the patient, he promptly inquired, "Madam, what seems to be the discomfort you are experiencing?"

"Hello, Director Zhou. My chest feels incredibly tight, as if I cannot catch my breath at all," the old lady stated, her expression etched with pain.

In reality, Zhou Tao might not have needed to question the old lady directly to gather her medical history. However, with Ye Chen present, he felt it was imperative to demonstrate the seriousness with which he was approaching the situation.

Witnessing Zhou Tao's attentive demeanor, Ye Chen felt a sense of profound satisfaction.

He perceived Zhou Tao not only as a skilled doctor and an esteemed expert but also as someone who exhibited exceptional care towards his patients.

Ye Chen understood that Zhou Tao's sincerity in this regard was genuine and not merely for show.

After obtaining a clear understanding of the old lady's condition, Zhou Tao turned his gaze towards Director Liu, asking with a gentle smile, "You are the old lady's attending physician, correct?"

"Yes, Director Zhou," Director Liu replied, stepping forward, his face alight with enthusiasm.

The opportunity to converse directly with Zhou Tao, as fellow medical professionals, was a significant enhancer to his own reputation. The envy of his colleagues would be immense.

"Mm, I would like to review the old lady's medical records. Would you be so kind as to escort me to examine them?" Zhou Tao inquired politely.

Hearing Zhou Tao's respectful tone, Director Liu felt immensely honored.

He quickly gestured and said, "Director Zhou, I am fully aware that your time is exceptionally valuable. Perhaps you could wait here while I retrieve them from the office myself, thus sparing you the need for an additional journey."

Director Liu considered the chance to assist Zhou Tao as a serendipitous blessing, a reward from past good deeds.

The medical community operates on a principle where competence garners universal respect and admiration.

Observing Director Liu's eager willingness, Zhou Tao could only nod in agreement. "In that case, I shall trouble you then."