61.Good things come in pairs.

"Dr. Ye, take it easy, don't drink too much."

Seeing Ye Ruixiu down another glass, Wang Yanchao's expression couldn't help but reveal a hint of concern. He genuinely worried that Ye Ruixiu might end up like Zheng Wenbo, which would disrupt the welcoming banquet they were hosting that night.

"It's okay, Director Wang. Don't worry, if I can't handle it, I won't force myself," Ye Ruixiu replied gratefully.

"Haha, looks like you can hold your liquor after all. My worries were unnecessary. I never would've guessed, Dr. Ye, you look delicate, yet you have such a capacity for alcohol," Wang Yanchao laughed heartily.

"You haven't seen his appetite yet, that's also impressive!" Su Dongmei from the neighboring table couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Ye Ruixiu's voracious eating habits earlier in the day.

"Director Wang, you're too kind. I'm just a moderate drinker, nothing extraordinary," Ye Ruixiu modestly replied.

"Dr. Ye, how did you know Dr. Zheng was getting drunk earlier?" A curious doctor from the room suddenly asked.

Indeed, how did Ye Ruixiu know Zheng Wenbo was about to get drunk?

This question piqued the interest of everyone in the room, including Wang Yanchao and Huang Maoqing. They all recalled Ye Ruixiu's intervention earlier when he advised Zheng Wenbo to take a break, which the latter disregarded, ultimately leading to his intoxication.

"It's really nothing. I'm just curious about traditional Chinese medicine and often read about it. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes observation, and with my family's history of drinking, I've gained some experience in recognizing the signs of intoxication. So, when I saw Dr. Zheng's condition, I felt he was close to being drunk, and I suggested he rest for a while," Ye Ruixiu explained with a smile.

Although this explanation was partly true, it didn't reveal his subtle intervention to expedite Zheng Wenbo's intoxication. Nonetheless, Zheng Wenbo's condition at the time was indeed indicative of his inebriation.

"I see! I never knew traditional Chinese medicine had such miraculous effects!"

"I had no idea Dr. Ye was also interested in Chinese medicine!"

"Haha, it looks like I'll have to study traditional Chinese medicine in the future!"

The room buzzed with admiration as everyone accepted Ye Ruixiu's explanation. Those who worked closely with him knew of his fascination with Chinese medicine and readily praised him for it. Even those unfamiliar with him joined in, assuming his observations were based on genuine interest and expertise.

However, even Wang Yanchao harbored doubts about the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. He found it unscientific, preferring Western medicine's reliance on instruments like CT scans and X-rays. Nevertheless, he didn't challenge Ye Ruixiu's assertion, choosing instead to preserve his colleague's dignity.

"Dr. Ye, that was a commendable display of wisdom and tolerance earlier. I'm confident you wouldn't be swayed by such slanderous remarks from petty individuals like Dr. Zheng," Wang Yanchao remarked, relieved to see Ye Ruixiu unaffected.

"Director Wang, rest assured. I wouldn't take the words of a drunken man to heart. I've already forgotten what Dr. Zheng said," Ye Ruixiu assured him with a smile.

"That's good to hear. With your intelligence and magnanimity, I knew you wouldn't be swayed by such petty remarks. My concerns were unfounded," Wang Yanchao replied, feeling reassured. "Come now, Dr. Ye, you've been busy drinking all evening and haven't eaten much. Please, have some food."

...

The banquet proceeded without much disruption from Zheng Wenbo's antics. With guidance from Wang Yanchao and Huang Maoqing, the atmosphere gradually became lively again. Dinner extended into the late hours, with everyone enjoying themselves before eventually dispersing.

As they were leaving, Ye Ruixiu initially wanted to foot the bill, considering the amount of alcohol consumed due to him. However, Wang Yanchao adamantly refused, insisting that it was his treat. Despite Ye Ruixiu's protests, he ultimately relented, resolving to express his gratitude properly at a later date.

Wang Yanchao had planned to drive Ye Ruixiu home, but Ye Ruixiu declined the offer. Wang Yanchao had been drinking and couldn't drive, and Ye Ruixiu didn't want to inconvenience him further by arranging alternate transportation. Several other doctors offered to drive him, but Ye Ruixiu politely declined, considering the late hour and everyone's fatigue.

Seated in the taxi on his way home, Ye Ruixiu contemplated his plans for the next day, including resolving the issue of his car. He decided to report it stolen to the authorities, assuming it had been taken due to its improper parking. To his surprise, the police informed him that his car had been towed for obstructing traffic. It was currently impounded at a nearby police station.

This unexpected turn of events tempered Ye Ruixiu's buzz, but he felt relieved knowing he wouldn't have to purchase a new car. Despite his indifference towards the small QQ car, not having to deal with the hassle of buying a new one was undoubtedly a positive outcome. Additionally, obtaining a license plate in Yencheng was notoriously difficult, making his current situation far more convenient.