The conversation in the office continued, with Cheng Yufen attempting to reason with her sister-in-law, her tone clearly strained.

“Sister-in-law, the patients I treat are ordinary people. None of them have the kind of connections to get a radio. Didn’t I already give you industrial coupons? Let’s wait; it’ll be our turn eventually.”

But Wang Jinge scoffed, unwilling to accept the explanation.

“Yufen, I don’t like what I’m hearing. If I wanted to wait, why would I come to you? Let me remind you, Yufen— it was your brother who worked himself to the bone to support you in your studies. Now, look at you—living the high life, earning a steady salary every month. But your brother? That useless man can’t even get his son a radio for his wedding. Isn’t that just asking for people to mock us?”

Cheng Yufen’s face flushed with frustration. Over the years, she had tirelessly supported her family—paying for house repairs, elder care, and countless other expenses. And now even her nephew’s wedding was being thrust upon her, not just financially but with endless demands. She had reached her breaking point.

“Sister-in-law, I’m busy here and can’t help you with this. Don’t come back again.”

“What? You’re refusing to help?” Wang Jinge’s voice rose indignantly.

“Yufen, don’t you dare pull this nonsense with me. Everyone in town knows about your reputation as the gynecology expert. And now you think you can turn your back on the Cheng family and enjoy your life in peace? Let me tell you, Yufen—this is non-negotiable. Whether you like it or not, you’re fixing this for us, or I’m not leaving today.”

The commotion drew attention, and soon doctors and patients were gathering near the door. Some of Cheng Yufen’s colleagues stepped in to mediate.

“Come on, sister-in-law. You’re family—there’s no need for this kind of shouting. Dr. Cheng has always looked out for her family; let’s not say anything that’ll hurt feelings, alright?”

“That’s right,” another chimed in. “Dr. Cheng is a doctor, not someone in the supply office. Even county officials have to wait in line for something like a radio. And this is a hospital—let’s discuss personal matters elsewhere, okay?”

But Wang Jinge wasn’t backing down. With dramatic flair, she plopped herself onto the floor, slapping her thighs as she wailed.

“Oh heavens, I’m being bullied at the hospital! The Cheng family sacrificed so much, eating scraps to raise a doctor, and now she’s turned her back on us! What a heartless wolf! That’s your nephew, Yufen! How can you stand by and watch him unable to get married? Where is your conscience?”

Cheng Yufen was trembling with anger. Normally mild-tempered and calm, she had never raised her voice at anyone before. But her sister-in-law’s manipulative behavior—sweet when asking for favors and ruthless when denied—had pushed her to the brink. Thinking of her husband and children who had been implicated by her, she was determined to stand her ground today.

“Yes, call me a heartless wolf if you like,” she said coldly. “But this is something I can’t do. I have always worked honestly and fairly for my patients, never asking for favors or exploiting anyone. Stop making a scene. Even if you don’t care about embarrassing yourself, at least think about Cheng Yuan’s reputation.”

Hearing this, Wang Jinge shot to her feet, raising her hand to strike.

“You heartless wolf! You rotten, ungrateful wretch! You can’t stand to see us doing well, can you? If my son can’t get married, you won’t have peace either, you vile creature!”

Her words were so venomous that even the gathered onlookers frowned in disapproval.

Meanwhile, Shen Meng, who had just escorted some children to the hospital entrance, returned and stumbled upon the scene. She chose not to intervene immediately, instead watching the drama unfold. Sometimes it was better to let the situation worsen so that her eventual assistance would be more appreciated.

When the situation reached its most embarrassing point, Shen Meng stepped forward.

“Dr. Cheng, is everything alright?”

Before Cheng Yufen could respond, Wang Jinge latched onto Shen Meng, talking a mile a minute.

“Young lady, you’re here just in time! This heartless woman—she refuses to help her family get a radio for a wedding! Tell me, is that what family is supposed to do? She’s making our lives miserable!”

Shen Meng nodded as if understanding. “Ah, I see. That must be tough. You know, I might actually have a solution.”

Wang Jinge’s demeanor changed instantly. Her aggressive expression softened, and she looked at Shen Meng with hope.

“Really? You can help us? Young lady, you’re a lifesaver! Please, tell me what to do.”

Cheng Yufen, however, stiffened with unease. She had never thought of gaining benefits from patients or their families. This went against her philosophy as a doctor. The hospital where she worked before had some corrupt doctors who wanted to drag her into the same trap. She was really fed up with it, so she chose to return to her hometown. Over the years, she had never done anything that went against her conscience, and now it was impossible for her to ruin her reputation in front of so many people.

“Thank you for the thought,” she said quickly. “But this is my family’s problem, and I prefer to handle it myself.”

“Handle it?” Wang Jinge sneered. “This young lady is offering to help, and you’re trying to shut her down? Stop acting all high and mighty, Yufen—nobody’s impressed.”

She turned back to Shen Meng with a smile. “So, young lady, what’s your plan? Can you really get a radio for us?”

Shen Meng’s expression turned serious. “Well, technically, I can. But let me clarify—I’m not pulling any strings. I happen to own a radio myself, which I’m willing to let go of. Since it’s for a happy occasion, I’m okay parting with it. Of course, we’ll need to agree on a fair price.”

“Really? Thank you! Thank you so much!” Wang Jinge was overjoyed.

But Shen Meng’s tone sharpened. “One more thing—this isn’t the place to discuss such matters. A hospital is no place for family drama. Let’s talk in private.”

She glanced meaningfully at the gathered crowd, and Wang Jinge seemed to realize her mistake.

“Of course, of course! Let’s talk somewhere else.”

The onlookers began to disperse, and Shen Meng, Wang Jinge, and a reluctant Cheng Yufen entered the office. As the door closed, Shen Meng casually took a seat in the doctor’s chair, surprising the other two women.

“Alright,” Shen Meng said with a calm smile. “Let’s discuss how we’re going to handle this situation.”