Chapter 115: Coping

As soon as Mu Lin spoke, the personal physician’s expression changed immediately. He quickly regained his composure and fell silent. The bodyguard struggled briefly but quickly quieted down after clinic security guards pointed guns at his head. According to U.S. law, forcibly entering a private residence gives the homeowner the right to shoot intruders dead or injure them.

Mu Lin glanced around at the crowd and saw only confused expressions. He couldn’t help sighing inwardly. Then he thought that these people were all technical professionals who rarely encountered ugly realities. Since that was the case, there was no need to let them know more details.

Turning to the four guards, Mu Lin ordered, “You four check your duty records—find out who authorized these two individuals’ entry? Also, go inform your local supervisor here. I’m extremely dissatisfied with your company’s security work. Notify them immediately that I’m here and require your assistance right now. For the next few days, I need more personnel to protect my private property.” One guard nodded and quickly left.

“Where is this clinic’s secretary?” Mu Lin casually asked. A middle-aged female secretary in her forties immediately stepped forward.

Mu Lin issued instructions: “You immediately contact Douglas Law Firm and tell them our clinic is facing a problem. Request they send experienced criminal and medical lawyers here immediately. Do you understand? Immediately!” The secretary quickly ran off to carry out the order.

As soon as Mu Lin spoke, the personal physician’s expression changed first. He quickly composed himself and remained silent. The bodyguard struggled a few times but immediately quieted down when the clinic’s security guards pointed guns at his head. Under U.S. law, forcibly trespassing into private property grants the owner the right to shoot or injure the intruder.

Mu Lin glanced at the surrounding crowd and saw nothing but puzzled looks in their eyes. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Then it occurred to him that these were all technical professionals who had little exposure to the darker side of things. Since that was the case, there was no need to burden them with further details.

Turning to the four security guards, Mu Lin ordered, “Go check your duty logs and find out who authorized these two men to enter. Also, inform your supervisor here that I am extremely dissatisfied with your company’s security services. Notify them that I am here and require immediate assistance. Over the next few days, I’ll need additional personnel to protect my private property.” One of the guards nodded and swiftly left.

“And where is the clinic’s secretary?” Mu Lin asked casually. A middle-aged female secretary in her forties promptly stepped forward.

Mu Lin issued his command: “Contact Douglas Law Firm immediately. Inform them that our clinic is facing a legal emergency and request their most capable criminal and medical lawyers to come at once. Understood? Immediately!” The secretary acknowledged the order and hurried off.

Addressing Professor Wang and the others, Mu Lin said, “Professor, could you please take the doctors back to the conference room for now? And aside from the senior staff, no one is to leave the clinic without my permission. Professor, I’ll have someone fetch you later to explain what’s happening here. Is that alright?” Though the senior doctors were burning with questions, they respected Mu Lin’s request and led the group back to the conference room without further interruption.

With everyone else dismissed, the room was left with only Mu Lin, a few guards, the two intruders, and the sedated patient, now sound asleep. Without Mu Lin’s orders, the remaining guards dared not act, leaving the room eerily quiet except for the sound of breathing.

Soon, footsteps echoed outside, and in walked the Washington-based head of security for Mu Lin’s clinic, representing Best Security—the largest private security firm in the U.S., with nationwide branches. Given that Mu Lin was one of their most significant clients, the man immediately clasped Mu Lin’s hands and apologized profusely:

“My deepest apologies, Mr. Daniel. Our security oversight has caused you trouble, and I sincerely apologize. We’ve already reported this incident to headquarters and instructed all regional branches to tighten measures to prevent any recurrence.”

Mu Lin felt slightly mollified by the apology. In Western culture, apologies in social settings were common, but when actual problems arose, those words were rarely uttered lightly. An apology often implied full responsibility for wrongdoing—something many would rather contest in court than admit outright.

“I’m Eugene Hopefield, Best Security’s Washington director. You may call me Eugene. I’ve already mobilized 130 available personnel to report to the clinic and await your further instructions,” the man continued after taking a seat.

“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Eugene. This incident was unforeseen by both your company and ours. The reason I’ve requested additional personnel is to prevent any potential attacks on our clinic—a scenario neither of us wants. Furthermore, I need your team to heighten security immediately. Until I receive your full investigation report, no one leaves or enters this clinic without authorization.” Mu Lin’s tone grew stern, as he believed the incident stemmed from the guards’ negligence.

As Eugene stood to leave, Mu Lin remembered something else: “Wait, Mr. Eugene. Lawyers from Douglas Law Firm will arrive shortly. Please have your team escort them directly here. Also, I expect a prompt update on the earlier matter I mentioned.”

“Certainly, sir. I anticipate the investigation results will be on your desk within fifteen minutes,” Eugene replied before hurrying out.

About fifteen minutes later, Eugene returned with a stack of papers and reported:

“Mr. Daniel, our investigation confirms that these two men were initially brought in by Dr. Hoover, a clinic-hired physician, under the pretense of job interviews. Due to our guards’ oversight, they failed to verify with the clinic and allowed entry based on Dr. Hoover’s escort. Subsequently, the intruders used clinic badges to re-enter multiple times. Here are their access records. Additionally, Dr. Hoover has been on leave these past few days. However, surveillance footage documents every instance of their entry and exit. Would you like to review it now?”

“Time is short, but thank you, Mr. Eugene. You’ve done well, and I’m satisfied. Please make copies of the footage and these records for me,” Mu Lin said, his tone softening slightly.

“At your service, sir!” Eugene saluted and departed swiftly.

Mu Lin turned to the two men. “Gentlemen, you’ve seen everything. Don’t you have anything to explain?”

They remained silent, avoiding his gaze. Yet, their increasingly ragged breathing betrayed their fear.

Just then, the secretary announced that eight lawyers from Douglas Law Firm had arrived and were waiting outside. Delighted that all necessary parties were present, Mu Lin instructed:

“Bring the lawyers in immediately. Also, notify the police that we’ve apprehended two trespassers attempting to tarnish the clinic’s reputation. And alert the press—I want media coverage!”

As soon as Mu Lin spoke, the personal physician’s expression changed first, quickly regaining his composure before falling silent. The bodyguard struggled a few times but immediately settled down when the clinic’s security guards pointed their guns at his head. Under U.S. law, forcibly trespassing into private property grants the owner the right to shoot or injure the intruder.

Mu Lin glanced at the surrounding crowd, seeing nothing but puzzled looks in their eyes, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He then realized that these were all technical professionals who likely had little exposure to the darker side of life. Given that, there was no need to burden them with further details.

Turning to the four security guards, Mu Lin ordered, “Go check your duty logs—who authorized these two to enter? Also, inform your supervisor here that I am extremely dissatisfied with your company’s security performance. Notify them that I’m here and need their assistance immediately. For the next few days, I’ll require additional personnel to protect my private property.” One of the guards nodded in acknowledgment and hurried off.

“And where is the clinic’s secretary?” Mu Lin asked casually. A middle-aged female secretary promptly stepped forward.

Mu Lin issued his command: “Contact Douglas Law Firm immediately. Inform them that our clinic is facing a legal emergency and request their best criminal and medical lawyers to come at once. Understood? Immediately!” The secretary acknowledged and quickly jogged away.

Addressing Professor Wang and the others, Mu Lin said, “Professor, could you please take the doctors back to the conference room? And aside from you and the other senior staff, no one is to leave the clinic without my permission. I’ll call for you later to explain what’s happening here, alright?” Though the senior doctors were brimming with questions, they respected Mu Lin’s request and quietly led the group back to the conference room.

With everyone else dismissed, the room was left with only Mu Lin, a few guards, the two intruders, and the sedated patient, now deep in sleep. Without Mu Lin’s orders, the remaining guards dared not act, leaving the room eerily silent except for the sound of breathing.

Soon, footsteps echoed outside as the Washington branch manager of Best Security, the firm responsible for the clinic’s safety, entered. Best Security was the largest private security company in the U.S., with nationwide branches, which was why Mu Lin had chosen them to safeguard his clinics. Given that Mu Lin was now one of their biggest clients, the manager immediately clasped Mu Lin’s hands and apologized profusely:

“My deepest apologies, Mr. Daniel. Our security lapse has caused you trouble, and I sincerely apologize. We’ve already reported this incident to headquarters, instructing all branches to tighten measures and prevent any recurrence.”

Hearing the apology, Mu Lin felt slightly relieved. In Western culture, apologies in social settings were common, but when actual problems arose, those words were rarely uttered lightly. To them, an apology meant admitting fault and accepting full responsibility—sometimes, even if they knew they were wrong, they’d rather wait for a court ruling before saying “sorry.”

“I’m Eugene Hopefield, Best Security’s Washington branch manager. You may call me Eugene. I’ve mobilized 130 available personnel to report to the clinic immediately, ready for your orders,” the manager continued after sitting down.

“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Eugene. This incident was unforeseen by both your company and us. The reason I’ve requested additional personnel is to prevent any potential attacks on our clinic—something neither of us wants. Also, please instruct your team to heighten security. From now on, until I receive your full investigation report, no one leaves the clinic without authorization, and no outsiders are to enter.” Mu Lin’s tone grew stern, as he believed this incident stemmed from the guards’ negligence.

Eugene stood to leave, but Mu Lin stopped him: “Wait, Mr. Eugene. Lawyers from Douglas Law Firm will arrive shortly—please have your team escort them here directly. Also, I need an immediate update on the investigation I requested earlier.”

“Certainly, sir. I expect the findings to be on your desk within fifteen minutes,” Eugene replied before hurrying out.

About fifteen minutes later, Eugene returned with a stack of papers and reported:

“Mr. Daniel, our investigation confirms that these two individuals were initially brought in by Dr. Hoover, a clinic-hired physician, under the pretense of job interviews. Due to our guards’ oversight, they failed to verify with the clinic and allowed entry upon seeing a staff member accompanying them. Later, the two repeatedly used clinic badges to gain access. Here’s their entry log. Additionally, Dr. Hoover has been on leave these past few days. However, surveillance footage fully documents their every movement in and out of the clinic. Would you like to review it now?”

“Time is tight now, but thank you, Mr. Eugene—you’ve done well, and I’m satisfied. Please make copies of the footage and this log for me,” Mu Lin said, his tone softening as some tension eased.

“At your service, sir!” Eugene saluted and left promptly.

Mu Lin turned to the two intruders. “Gentlemen, you’ve seen everything. Don’t you have anything to explain?”

They remained silent, avoiding his gaze, but their heavy breathing betrayed their fear.

Just then, the secretary announced that eight lawyers from Douglas Law Firm had arrived and were waiting outside. Delighted that all necessary parties were now present, Mu Lin instructed her:

“Bring the lawyers in immediately. Also, notify the police that we’ve apprehended two trespassers attempting to sabotage the clinic’s reputation. And alert the press—I want media coverage of this!”

Soon footsteps approached from outside. Entering was the Washington representative of Best Security Company, responsible for Mu Lin’s clinic security. Best Security was the largest security firm in the U.S., with branches nationwide. Therefore, Mu Lin chose this company to handle security for his clinics nationwide. Currently, Mu Lin was undoubtedly their most important client. Upon seeing Mu Lin, this representative immediately shook his hands firmly, apologizing repeatedly: “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Daniel. Due to security loopholes on our part, we’ve caused you inconvenience. I sincerely apologize! We’ve already reported this incident to headquarters, requesting nationwide branch alerts to prevent recurrence!”

Hearing the apology, Mu Lin felt slightly relieved. In their usual social interactions, apology words were commonly used. However, once actual problems occurred, those three words wouldn’t be easily spoken. In Western perspectives, an apology meant admitting fault and accepting full responsibility. Sometimes even when clearly wrong, they preferred waiting for court proceedings, only saying “I’m sorry” after judgment execution.

“I’m Eugene Hopfess, Best Company’s Washington representative! You may call me Eugene. I’ve already mobilized the remaining 130 available personnel company-wide to report here at the clinic, awaiting your instructions.” After sitting down, this representative continued reporting to Mu Lin.

“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Eugene! This incident was completely unexpected for both your company and us! The reason I requested additional personnel is to prevent potential attacks against our clinic—something neither your company nor we would wish to happen! Additionally, I’d like you to instruct your personnel to heighten vigilance. From now on, until your investigation report is submitted to me, I don’t want anyone from the clinic leaving arbitrarily, nor any unauthorized individuals entering.” Mu Lin’s tone gradually became stricter, as he believed this incident was related to the guards’ work responsibility.

As Eugene rose to leave, Mu Lin suddenly remembered something: “Wait, Mr. Eugene! Soon, lawyers from Douglas Law Firm I invited will arrive. Please arrange personnel to directly escort them here. Also, regarding the matters I mentioned earlier, please provide immediate investigation results.”

“Understood, sir! I believe within no more than fifteen minutes, the investigation results you desire will be presented before you!” After replying, Eugene quickly exited the room.

Approximately ten minutes later, Eugene returned to the room where Mu Lin was, holding a stack of papers, standing before Mu Lin to report:

“Mr. Daniel, after investigation and verification, these two individuals originally entered the clinic under the pretense of job interviews, led by Dr. Hoover, a clinical physician previously hired by the clinic. Due to our guards’ negligence, they failed to confirm with clinic staff, seeing only that the individuals were accompanied by clinic personnel, thus allowing entry. Subsequently, these two individuals continued using clinic identification badges to enter the premises. Here are the records of their entries. Additionally, our investigation confirmed Dr. Hoover has been on leave these past few days without coming to work. However, complete surveillance video footage remains in the monitoring room, recording every entry and exit by these individuals. Would you like to view the footage now?”

“Unfortunately, I probably don’t have time right now. Thank you, Mr. Eugene. You’ve done an excellent job! I’m very satisfied!” Mu Lin felt somewhat reassured, his tone becoming more moderate.

“Gladly at your service, sir!” After saluting, Eugene hurried away again.

Mu Lin turned toward the two detainees, saying, “Gentlemen, you’ve seen everything. Don’t you have anything to explain or clarify to me?”

The two remained silent, not even looking at Mu Lin. However, from their increasingly heavy breathing, Mu Lin sensed their inner fear.

Just then, the secretary entered to report: “Eight lawyers from Douglas Law Firm have arrived at the clinic and are waiting outside the door.” Mu Lin was delighted—everyone he needed had arrived. He instructed the secretary: “Immediately show the lawyers in. Simultaneously, contact the police station to report—we’ve caught two intruders attempting to damage our clinic’s reputation. Also, notify the media to come for interviews!”