Secretary Chen took the USB drive from Katherine's hand, moving smoothly and steadily.
Her fingers lightly touched it, and the USB was inserted perfectly into the computer. The lights in the meeting room seemed to flicker with this small movement.
Secretary Chen leaned forward slightly, skillfully operating the mouse and keyboard. Suddenly, Patient Chen's very recognizable voice came from the speakers, breaking the silence.
This recording was the second time Katherine had asked Patient Chen to make.
To be exact, Patient Chen came to her after hearing Katherine had been suspended.
After learning about her suspension, Patient Chen felt guilty because he thought he was partly responsible for it.
He didn't know if this information would help Katherine, but he thought he should tell her. That day, he suddenly remembered the name badge worn by the female doctor who came in.
It showed the name Shanshan.
Shanshan forgot such an important detail because she was too anxious, which left such a big mistake.
The recording was the person involved speaking. Every word hit like a hammer.
After hearing it, Shanshan's neck stiffened instantly. She shouted sharply,
"Katherine, you are really outrageous! You use any means to reach your goal, even having someone imitate a patient's voice. Such dirty tricks!"
Katherine looked at her quietly, feeling complicated. She thought Shanshan was stubbornly denying everything and was determined to twist the truth.
The hospital director frowned deeply, slamming the table.
"Enough! What can shouting solve? The hospital's reputation is on the line. This can't go on."
"I will assign someone to investigate thoroughly. The three of you are suspended and sent home to wait for the investigation results."
These words were like cold water, chilling Katherine to the bone.
The evidence was clear and the facts were obvious. How could they not punish the guilty?
It seemed if they looked deeper, even the director might not be innocent.
She bit her lip, feeling grateful she had been cautious.
Meanwhile, the scandal at the hospital was heating up on the internet, with the topic spreading wildly out of control.
As everyone was lost in their own thoughts and the meeting room was silent, sudden loud knocks on the door broke the quiet.
Secretary Chen's heart jumped, and he quickly went to open the door.
When the door opened, he stared wide-eyed and froze for a moment.
Outside stood police officers in uniform, serious and imposing.
Shanshan and Hospital Director Wang exchanged glances, their eyes full of panic, and their earlier arrogance disappeared instantly.
The director, who was experienced, was the first to recover and smiled warmly as he stood.
"Team Leader Liu, what a surprise. What wind blew you here?"
Team Leader Liu looked serious, his gaze sharp. He spoke directly.
"We received a public report accusing a surgeon at the hospital of a crime. We are here to investigate and take the person in custody."
Hearing this, Shanshan turned pale, her fingers trembling as she looked at Hospital Director Wang for help, like a drowning person grabbing for a last straw.
But Hospital Director Wang kept his head low, avoiding her eyes, too worried about himself to help her.
The director wanted this to be handled internally and didn't want it to blow up.
But he probably didn't realize this was already beyond his control.
Not only Shanshan and the others, but he himself might be suspended for investigation.
The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy and tense, as if you could squeeze water from the air.
The dean's smile looked forced now. He bowed slightly, speaking politely but with a hint of hesitation:
"Captain Liu, maybe this is a misunderstanding. Although there are some negative rumors online about Xiehe Hospital, I don't think it's serious enough to open a formal investigation yet. Shouldn't we reconsider this?"
The dean's words were full of hope to calm the tense situation, trying to find some room for easing the conflict.
Captain Liu was like a cold iceberg, unmoved. His tone was firm:
"Dean, to be honest, this matter is far more complicated than it seems."
"I have led many cases before and know how to judge. This is not just hearsay."
"Our police have a lot of solid evidence, ironclad proof. This time we are not here to negotiate. The case has already been officially filed. Everything is by the book."
After he spoke, the temperature in the meeting room seemed to drop further. Everyone's hearts sank.
The dean frowned but was still unwilling to give up. After a moment's hesitation, he quietly asked again:
"Captain Liu, I'm confused too. May I ask who reported this case?"
"It was a former patient of your hospital, Patient Chen," Captain Liu said simply. The name caused different reactions among those present.
The dean looked shocked and speechless for a moment. Shanshan's eyes darted nervously as she nervously tugged at her clothes. Hospital Director Wang clenched his fists tightly, veins twitching on his forehead.
"Is Hospital Director Wang and Shanshan here?" Captain Liu scanned the room and loudly asked.
Before anyone could respond, Shanshan stepped forward quickly, tears in her eyes, begging desperately:
"Officer, you have to help me! I was forced by Director Wang. He controls my work all the time. If I don't obey, he threatens to fire me. I am just a junior doctor, how dare I not listen?"
Hospital Director Wang suddenly exploded like a firecracker. His eyes were furious as he shouted:
"Shanshan, have you lost your shame? Who was the one always throwing herself at me, trying to seduce me?"
"If you hadn't begged me for help, would I have gotten involved in this mess?"
"Framing Katherine was your stupid idea from the start. Now you want to pass the blame? No way!"
Shanshan's face flushed red from the accusation. Furious and desperate, she slapped Hospital Director Wang hard across the face. Her fingers trembled as she shouted:
"Stop spreading lies! Which dirty thing haven't you done?"
"Taking kickbacks, accepting bribes, every single thing you did. Now you blame it all on me!"
Their argument grew louder and louder, both losing control. Hospital Director Wang was completely enraged. Suddenly, he grabbed Shanshan's hair and violently slammed her head against the corner of the table. The scene quickly spiraled out of control.
At that moment, the police officers, well-trained, stepped forward quickly and separated the two with ease.
Even restrained, they were still breathing heavily and shouting curses at each other, refusing to back down.
Captain Liu watched the chaos coldly without changing expression. Then he turned to the dean and said in a deep voice:
"Dean, you saw what happened. Right and wrong are clear. No need for you to waste time negotiating."
"These two involved staff must be taken to the police station for investigation according to procedure."
Then his eyes moved to Katherine, who had quietly watched everything. He said slowly:
"You are Katherine?"
"Yes, I am," Katherine replied softly. Her expression was calm but her eyes showed tiredness.
"Please come with us to give a statement and assist the investigation. You are a key witness. Your testimony is very important for the case."
"Okay." Katherine replied decisively. She turned and walked to the computer, gently unplugging the USB drive that held many clues. She held it tightly in her hand.
Then they left the meeting room together.
In the hospital hallway, Shanshan's cries could still be heard.
But Katherine remained calm and unmoved.
Meanwhile, Andrew sat in his office, unable to focus on the files. All morning, his mind was filled with thoughts of Katherine.