Liu Ruolan’s eyes flicked, a plan forming in her mind.
Since the villagers were now so curious about Su Jinhui, she might as well add fuel to the fire.
She gave Qingju and Ruo Nan different lines to use, and the three of them, understanding perfectly, strode out the door.
In just half a day, rumors began spreading, most of which reached Su Jinhui’s ears.
She didn’t take them seriously. After all, the attacks were simply that she had used her military family status and some unsavory methods to win over Yan Li’an and his superiors.
Other claims included that her previous ability to locate enemy spy bases or her sudden medical skills came from improper sources—either connections to overseas capitalist families or remnants of enemy agents.
Su Jinhui could remain unbothered, but those watching the spectacle had no intention of letting her be.
Whenever she stepped outside, she received cold stares, and some even spat at her doorstep while Yan Li’an was away.
Though no one directly cursed at her, her normal life was clearly being affected.
“Don’t worry. I will find out the truth and clear your name,” Yan Li’an said, suppressing his anger.
Others might not believe Su Jinhui, but he could not.
Everything she had achieved was through her own strength, yet people were twisting it, saying such harsh things. He truly felt wronged on her behalf.
Su Jinhui stood up, poured a cup of warm water, and handed it to him. “No need. Justice is in the hearts of the people.”
She felt confident. She would find a way to clear the rumors herself, and she also trusted that someone would help her.
“But…” Yan Li’an started to speak, only to be silenced by her gaze.
At that moment, he realized that Su Jinhui was different from what he had imagined.
She seemed even smarter, yet intentionally restrained her sharpness, and her heart was broader than he had thought.
Deputy Director Zhang sent news that if Su Jinhui had concerns, she could rest a few more days until the rumors died down before reporting to the hospital.
Without a second thought, Su Jinhui refused and went to report to the hospital the next day as planned.
“I knew you’d come,” Chen Jun said, already waiting. “Don’t pay attention to the gossip outside. Justice is in the hearts of the people.”
“Great minds think alike,” Su Jinhui replied with a calm smile, as if unaffected.
Chen Jun led her to a private office, which would also serve as her consultation room.
“Ordinary doctors share a two-person consultation room. Only attending physicians get a private room. Ours are next to each other, so if anything comes up, just come find me,” Chen Jun explained while leading the way.
Opening the consultation room door, sunlight filled the space. The room wasn’t large, but it was fully equipped, clearly prepared in advance.
A bouquet of fresh flowers sat on the desk. Just as she was about to ask about them, a familiar voice came from behind. “Welcome, Jinhui!”
“Ahua!” Su Jinhui turned sharply and indeed saw that familiar chubby-cheeked face.
Ahua excitedly grabbed her hand. “This is great! From now on, we can see each other every day!”
“Yes!” Su Jinhui smiled knowingly.
This was probably the only kindness she had felt from outside in recent days.
What touched her most was that Ahua had not distanced herself over the rumors or treated her differently.
After Chen Jun gave her a tour of the hospital, she went to report to Deputy Director Zhang.
“The rumors outside have been fierce. Did you ever think about giving up?” Deputy Director Zhang asked gently.
Su Jinhui shook her head firmly. “If I were so easily defeated, I wouldn’t even have the chance to sit here and speak with you. I love medicine and want to use my skills to help more people. Your hospital is the best platform for that, so I’ll cherish this opportunity and won’t leave easily.”
“Young and resilient. Hearing you say that reassures me. If you don’t understand something in the future, you can ask me. Focus on your duties, and don’t meddle in other matters,” Deputy Director Zhang said, giving her a meaningful glance.
After exchanging a few polite words, Su Jinhui left his office.
Smart as she was, she could clearly read the subtext in Deputy Director Zhang’s words.
He was right—her only choice was to do her job well and quietly wait…
Su Jinhui sat in her office for more than half a day without seeing a single patient. Meanwhile, the consultation room next door, Chen Jun’s, was packed with a long line.
She stepped out proactively and heard Chen Jun’s voice. “Everyone can also see the doctor next door. Her skills are far better than mine.”
“No, no! Dr. Chen, we trust only you! Not anyone else.”
“Yes! I heard that doctor over there is a fake, who got in through connections and can’t really treat patients. If we let her treat us, we could end up dead!”
Everyone was chattering, as if she were not a doctor but an executioner.
“How can you know my skills without trying? If I really relied on connections and knew nothing, why would the hospital give me the title of attending physician? Wouldn’t it be easy to expose me? Or do you think the military hospital would risk every patient’s life?” Su Jinhui argued firmly.
If she wanted to break the rumors, the best way was to prove herself with her skills. If no one believed her, she would be stuck at the first step forever.
A woman at the end of the line hesitated for a long time before slowly raising her hand. “You really know how to treat patients?”
“Of course! If you don’t believe me, you can take the medical records and prescriptions I provide to Dr. Chen for verification. That way, everyone’s safety is fully guaranteed.”
The woman bit her lip and took a determined step toward her. “Fine. Treat me then! I’m in a hurry!”
A middle-aged woman in the middle of the line grabbed her. “Li family’s daughter-in-law, are you crazy? She could kill someone. You still have a three-year-old at home waiting for you!”
“My child is alone at home. I just want to finish quickly and go back. I’ll try,” Li’s wife said shyly, not looking back as she entered the consultation room.
“In broad daylight, if she messes up the treatment, we’ll report her.”
“Right! The hospital can’t play with people’s lives.”
“Come on, come on, let’s see!”
The crowd pushed forward to the doorway, eager not to miss a single word.
Su Jinhui ignored the onlookers entirely, focusing on the patient. “What’s your name? How old are you? Where are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m Li Mei, twenty-seven. Lately I’ve had no appetite, and I feel nauseous in the morning but can’t vomit,” Li Mei replied weakly, her eyes shadowed by dark circles.
Light laughter came from the doorway, mixed with open scorn, as if everyone were waiting to see her fail.