As Zhu Zihai finished speaking, the crowd below began to whisper.
Not all the doctors present recognized Chen Xiao, and even those who did weren't all convinced he was qualified to join the council. In their view, joining the council depended not only on medical skill but more importantly on seniority. Chen Xiao, being so young, had negligible seniority. This was the typical mindset of the mediocre, who made up the majority of the world. Figures like Zhu Zihai, who were clear in their affections and dislikes, were the minority.
The council's admission of new members primarily relied on the votes of its existing members, and these votes were cast after considering suggestions from various parties. After Zhu Zihai recommended Chen Xiao for council membership, the reaction from the doctors present was noticeably lukewarm, causing the council members to hesitate and delay their decision.
Everyone was waiting for the attitude of one person: Qin Shouchen. After all, he was the oldest and most respected present, and most importantly, he was the vice-chairman of the council. If he led the agreement, then others' opposition would be futile.
Qin Shouchen squinted as he sized up Chen Xiao, then turned to Zhu Zihai and asked, "Zihai, what is Chen Xiao's background?"
Zhu Zihai understood that Qin Shouchen was inquiring about Chen Xiao's connections. Unfortunately, Chen Xiao had no discernible background, at least none that Zhu Zihai was aware of. Therefore, he recounted the events of the previous day to Elder Qin in vivid detail, filling his report with high praise for Chen Xiao.
After hearing this, Qin Shouchen's expression remained unchanged, showing no significant reaction. Zhu Zihai thought to himself, "As expected of Elder Qin, not even such an impressive young man can stir his emotions. His composure is truly remarkable!" Little did he know, Qin Shouchen didn't believe a word of it. In Qin Shouchen's opinion, how could Chen Xiao, at such a young age, have mastered the legendary acupuncture technique? It was more likely that Zhu Zihai, with his failing eyesight, had been tricked by some ploy. Moreover, this young man was around the same age as his own grandson, who hadn't joined the council. Why should Chen Xiao?
Zhu Zihai waited quietly for Elder Qin's next words, but Qin Shouchen remained silent for a long time. Just then, Qin Lifu walked onto the stage and whispered a few words into his grandfather's ear. After hearing Qin Lifu's words, Qin Shouchen's expression shifted subtly. The grandfather and grandson whispering on stage in front of everyone infuriated Liu Shuai.
"Hmph, that scoundrel must be slandering Brother Chen!" Liu Shuai guessed correctly. Qin Lifu had told his grandfather that Chen Xiao was his romantic rival and urged him to prevent Chen Xiao from becoming a council member at all costs. Seeing that his grandfather was unmoved, he added that Chen Xiao associated closely with people from the underworld and was definitely not a good person!
Upon hearing this, Qin Shouchen's brow furrowed. He waved his hand, signaling Qin Lifu to return to his seat, then lazily said, "Zihai, I believe the person you've recommended is not entirely appropriate!"
Zhu Zihai was slightly taken aback and then asked, "Elder Qin, do you have a better candidate to recommend?"
Qin Shouchen nodded. "Well, although one should avoid nepotism when recommending talent, I am breaking this rule today because I believe my grandson, Qin Lifu, is a better candidate than Chen Xiao!"
The announcement caused an uproar throughout the hall! Liu Shuai even muttered, "This old man is truly shameless. No wonder Qin Lifu is so shameless; it's a family trait!" Wu Feier said apologetically, "Chen Xiao, is this because of me? Did I cause you to be unable to join the council..." Chen Xiao smiled slightly. "Do you think I care that much about this so-called council?" Wu Feier shook her head. Chen Xiao continued, "Then it's settled. Joining or not joining was never important to me, so why do you need to apologize?"
"But, you are clearly the one with more qualifications. Aren't you unwilling to accept this?" Wu Feier asked, biting her lip. Chen Xiao sneered, "Let's wait and see. It's not decided yet!"
Although Qin Shouchen openly championed his grandson, his proposal still received the support of most attendees. After all, Elder Qin was highly respected, and Qin Lifu had already gained fame at a young age, making him a deserving candidate for the council. Compared to Chen Xiao, Qin Lifu was the undeniably correct choice!
However, Zhu Zihai was not convinced. He frankly stated, "Elder Qin, I believe your proposal is biased. Of course, I've watched Lifu grow up since childhood, and his skills are evident to everyone. However, I don't believe his medical skills are superior to Chen Xiao's. After all, there are very few people in this world who can use the 'Tong Gui Shen Zhen'! If such a person cannot enter the Jiangbei Council, then Jiangbei will surely become a laughingstock of the entire medical community!"
Qin Shouchen let out a cold laugh. "Zhu Zihai, do you know what you're saying? Are you implying that our esteemed Jiangbei medical community will become a laughingstock because of a young man who hasn't even fully grown up?" "You say his medical skills are superb, but I haven't seen it myself, so I won't comment. However, virtue before medicine. If a doctor lacks the most basic medical ethics, then he is not worthy of being a doctor at all!"
Zhu Zihai was slightly stunned and asked, "Elder Qin, in what way does Chen Xiao's medical ethics have a problem? Please enlighten me!" Qin Shouchen snorted disdainfully. "It is said that he associates too closely with people from the underworld. If such a person joins the council, it would be a disgrace to the entire Jiangbei medical community!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zihai was speechless. Even those who had been indignant on Chen Xiao's behalf fell silent. After all, they had witnessed Chen Xiao addressing Elephant's friends as brothers the previous day. While they didn't believe Chen Xiao was in league with them, such associations were difficult to disentangle once made.
Seeing that Zhu Zihai had no more to say, Qin Shouchen seized the opportunity. "Everyone, let's vote. I recommend Qin Lifu to join the council as a new member. Who seconds my motion, and who opposes?"
As soon as Qin Shouchen finished speaking, more than half of the council members raised their hands. The remaining few, seeing this, also raised their hands. Zhu Zihai cast a helpless glance at Chen Xiao and finally slowly raised his hand, agreeing to Qin Lifu's admission to the council. Qin Lifu, seeing his nomination passed unanimously, became smug, all his bad luck from the previous day seemingly swept away.
"I announce that the new member admitted to the council is..." However, just as Qin Shouchen was announcing the result, a resonant voice echoed from outside the venue. "Apologies for my lateness, but for the council to admit new members, shouldn't you first ask for my opinion as the president!"