Sun Yan quickly masked her surprise and couldn’t quite sit still. She slowly stood up, forcing an unnatural smile:
“You… you even know our hospital director?”
Her tone had completely changed from before, now almost obsequiously flattering.
Shen Qingli didn’t pay much attention, only furrowing her brows slightly.
Director?
The old man she knew… was he the director?
Li Yan couldn’t respond immediately, feeling uneasy.
It was rare for the director to personally write recommendation letters. The handwriting caught her attention not just because it was unfamiliar, but because of its unique style—almost like a personal font.
This must be the director’s relative, she guessed. Forcing a smile, she said:
“Comrade Shen, all your formalities have been completed. Since you’re new here, you might not be familiar with the hospital yet. I’ll personally show you around, take you to the Medical Affairs Department, and then introduce you to the department director. That way, you can officially start reporting tomorrow.”
Shen Qingli didn’t refuse. Being new, it was indeed hard to navigate alone.
“Thank you.”
Li Yan waved her hand:
“No need to be so polite. We’re all part of the same hospital. We have to help each other.”
Shen Qingli said nothing more. Whatever her intentions, at least she hadn’t offended her, so there was no need to make an enemy.
She followed Li Yan to the Medical Affairs Department. When they arrived and saw the director present, there was no need for her to speak first. Li Yan hurriedly whispered a few words in Li Jiangmin’s ear.
Li Jiangmin adjusted his glasses and appraised her before asking:
“You used to work as a doctor in Xia’an County, right? Do you have a preference for what you want to do?”
Having worked in the hospital long enough, he was used to people getting in through connections. He was calm, but as the one responsible for assigning departments and supervising, he needed to be rigorous.
Usually, those who enter through connections, especially young ones, are only after the salary. Clinical work, especially in surgery, isn’t easy and carries responsibility. Naturally, most wouldn’t want it.
Shen Qingli’s voice was light and calm:
“General surgery is fine.”
Li Jiangmin’s brow twitched sharply.
General surgery? That meant performing operations—not just treating colds and fevers in the outpatient clinic. A doctor from a small county hospital who got in through connections would normally take only minor tasks to avoid trouble and to make it easier for supervisors.
Adjusting his glasses, he tried to reason with her:
“Comrade Shen, maybe you should reconsider. Our hospital is rigorous. Surgery involves more than dressing wounds—it requires performing major operations. Even formally trained medical graduates can’t immediately start independently. Normally, we’d have someone supervise for a few years or someone who has studied abroad. Coming from a smaller hospital, your training might not meet our standards. Supervising you wouldn’t be easy. Why not start with minor tasks? The pay is similar, and the work is easier.”
Shen Qingli still refused:
“No need for supervision. I’ve already been practicing for two years with guidance from senior doctors.”
Li Jiangmin sighed lightly through his nose. Could experience in a small hospital really compare to this place? He couldn’t say that aloud, so he patiently continued:
“Comrade Shen, I still think you should follow the hospital’s arrangements.”
He was calculating risks—if anything went wrong, it could reflect badly on him. Just then, a voice came from outside:
“Director Li, let her start in the surgical clinic and handle consultations independently.”
Li Jiangmin’s eyes widened in shock. He turned to see Zhou Taimin. He was even more stunned.
Wasn’t he supposed to be recuperating at home after a serious injury? How did he get here? Could he have come just for her?
Even if he favored her, a surgeon normally needs supervision to confirm competence. And now she was starting independently?
He quickly regained composure and said:
“Director, that’s not just any clinic. There are many surgeries involved. She’s young and comes from a smaller hospital—if something goes wrong…”
“No need to worry. She’s a fully trained medical student and has had two years of guidance from senior doctors,” Zhou Taimin said lightly, cutting him off with a smile.
Li Jiangmin felt sweat forming on his forehead.
This was asking for trouble! Even small hospitals don’t have many surgeries. But this wasn’t a small hospital—this was a top-tier municipal hospital. People would kill for a chance here.
But at this point, he could only nod and step aside.
Shen Qingli gratefully looked at Zhou Taimin:
“Gra…—” Realizing it sounded inappropriate, she corrected herself: “Director, thank you for your trust.”
“It’s nothing. Do well, and if you encounter anything unfamiliar, you can ask Surgery Director Liu Youjun,” Zhou Taimin said with his usual gentle smile. “Come, I’ll show you your clinic.”
Shen Qingli smiled slightly and followed him.
Meanwhile, the Medical Affairs Department staff were abuzz:
“Wait, Li Yan, who’s this new hire? She seems really close to the director.”
“Didn’t she just call him ‘Grandpa’? The director only has an unmarried son. Where did such a granddaughter come from?”
“If she’s not related, why is he so attentive? Even taking her to the clinic personally.”
Li Yan, startled, said:
“How would I know? She didn’t say.”
Others pressed on:
“What does her file say?”
“Is her address in that small foreign-style apartment area?”
“That area is either for officials or wealthy families. Which one is she from?”
Curiosity spread. Li Yan finally replied:
“She lives on a military base.”
“!!!!!!”
“?????”
For a moment, some sucked in their breath in silence, while others looked envious.
Living on a military base wasn’t unusual—many hospital staff had family in the military.
But to have the director take such an interest? That wasn’t ordinary.
Li Yan belatedly realized just how impressive this was:
“If she gets along well with the director… she’d essentially have someone powerful supporting her in the future.”