Since the name of Doctor Z had risen to prominence, Zein found himself haunted by a gnawing dread, a fear that his true identity might one day be dragged into the light.
He knew that the greater the influence and popularity of Doctor Z, the greater too the peril of exposure.
"I'm not ready for the world to know!" He whispered to himself. "I'm not seeking glory, nor applause! What I need is silence!"
For Zein, the preservation of his anonymity was not merely for comfort, but for the protection of a past he longed to bury.
"If they discover who I am..." He murmured, "...Then the shadows I've fought to forget will rise again!"
To many, the thought of being Doctor Z, celebrated, admired, held as a model by fellow physicians, even becoming the face of global medical progress, would have been a dream beyond measure.
"They would say, 'That's the highest honour, the reward for genius!'" Zein reflected bitterly.
Yet he turned away from such notions.
"I've no need of media attention!" He thought. "I've no desire for titles or invitations! Fame would only reopen wounds that must remain sealed!"
He knew that recognition would not merely place his face upon the screens, but would drag forth the dark history he had buried deep.
The world might admire Doctor Z, but once they knew the man behind the name, everything could change.
That was why he chose the shadows. For what he sought was not fame, nor status, nor recognition.
What he sought was knowledge, and the chance to nurture and share it, without sacrificing the peace of his life, or the safety of those he loved.
At last, Zein conceived a plan. He walked with measured steps into Director Widodo's office, his expression grave, his purpose clear.
Though he was the true owner of Derisa Hospital, all matters of administration and the duties of ownership had long been entrusted to Widodo, a man in whom he had placed his confidence for many years.
On that day, they sat together in earnest conversation, the air heavy with significance.
"Mr Widodo..." Zein began quietly. "I wish to ask one thing of you!" He continued, his tone solemn.
Widodo looked startled, "Dr Zein, why do you speak so? Command me in anything!" He replied with reverence.
Zein drew a deep breath, "You know, do you not, that the name of Doctor Z is now spoken across the world?!" He said, his eyes fixed upon Widodo.
Widodo nodded firmly, "Indeed, Doctor! Then tell me, what help can I give you?" He asked with care.
Zein paused, then spoke with calm resolve, "Make me your right hand man, Mr Widodo! Do not hesitate, nor feel awkward towards me!"
"I wish to lessen my medical practice and devote myself more fully to management!" he added with conviction.
Widodo's eyes widened, "Dr Zein! Are you serious?! That's impossible! How could I make the owner of this hospital my right hand man?! Surely it is I who should be yours!"
"And if you reduce your practice... will not many patients be disappointed?!" He pressed, troubled.
Zein smiled with quiet ease, "It's all right, Mr Widodo!" He answered gently.
At last, Zein unfolded his plan in full, his words deliberate, his tone unwavering.
In that solemn exchange, he did not merely ask to be made Director Widodo's right-hand man, but pressed further, requesting to be appointed as supervisor of Derisa Hospital.
His duties, he explained, would not be confined to ordinary maintenance, but would extend far beyond as chief overseer, charged with addressing faults and technical concerns that touched upon the very fabric of the hospital's facilities and infrastructure.
"I shall be the one to receive the reports!" Zein declared calmly. "I'm the one who will analyse them, and I'll ensure that every problem is resolved swiftly and correctly!"
Widodo exhaled heavily, his mind unsettled. How could the owner of Derisa Hospital make such a request so directly?
He, who was in truth Zein's subordinate, could only nod in reluctant assent.
Though the idea seemed absurd, even beyond reason, there was little choice.
In the end, Widodo yielded, and the request was granted.
Soon afterwards, Director Widodo announced the decision to the staff.
The news spread like fire. Many were astonished, though others appeared indifferent, as though they had long suspected it.
"Dr Zein is now the director's right-hand man!" whispered one employee. "They say he's also taking charge of repairs and technical matters across the hospital!" He added, his voice tinged with wonder.
"Let it be!" another replied. "That's only natural. He's always been Mr Widodo's favourite. So if he's made the director's right-hand man, it's no surprise!"
"Come on, let's get back to our work!" The same employee concluded, seeking to silence the gossip that flickered amongst them.
Meanwhile, Zein merely smiled, at times allowing a quiet chuckle to escape as he overheard the whispers that rippled through the hospital corridors after Director Widodo's announcement.
He let the gossip pass unchallenged, as though it were no more than the wind.
For him, the only matter of consequence was that his true identity as Doctor Z remained veiled from the world beyond.
Now, his thoughts turned to the next step. He was to meet his friend and former patient, Gunawan, a contractor of considerable skill.
Their arrangement, delayed for more than a week owing to Zein's devotion to the case of Sulastri, was at last to be fulfilled that day.
The purpose was singular, Zein intended to construct an underground laboratory, hidden directly beneath the bathroom of his old house, a daring notion he had not yet revealed to Gunawan.
He lifted the receiver and placed the call.
"Bro! We meet today!" Zein said lightly.
"Haha, all right, bro! I thought you'd abandoned the idea of building the laboratory!" Gunawan replied with a laugh.
"I've not abandoned it, Bro! This week I'm terribly busy, I had a special patient to attend!" Zein answered. "Let's meet at HenCafe, shall we? Do you have time today?"
"For you, of course I do, Bro! Very well, I'll get myself ready!" Gunawan responded warmly.
"Okay! On the second floor then! I'm setting off for HenCafe now!" said Zein.
"All right, I'm ready!" Gunawan replied, before ending the call.
The line fell silent, and Zein rose at once, striding out with purpose towards HenCafe.
Upon arriving at HenCafe, Zein ascended to the second floor and secured a quiet corner for his meeting with Gunawan.
The cafe exuded a gentle warmth, its subdued light and tranquil atmosphere lending themselves perfectly to the kind of secret discussion Zein had long carried within him.
*****