CHAPTER 33: CHAPTER 33: INSIDE STORY

After comforting Xia Xiaoyu, Zhao Heng just returned to the operating room when Gao Jun asked, "Is Xiao Xia still stable emotionally?"

"Yeah, she should be alright now."

Zhao Heng replied.

"Xiao Zhao, now you know how hard it is to be in this line of work, right? I know Xiao Xia; although her personality is a bit carefree, she’s definitely not the kind of person who doesn’t put in effort. But individual mental resilience and talent are here—it was only the tip of the iceberg in this surgery mishap."

Gao Jun said with a bit of emotion.

The profession of being a doctor is by no means something where just being good at studying, or having a PhD, turns you into a powerful doctor in no time.

"That’s true."

Hearing Gao Jun’s words, Zhao Heng nodded thoughtfully.

Let’s say for himself, without some special advantage, he’d just be average. At a local hospital, he might take over ten years to work his way up to attending physician or even deputy director.

But at Eastern Hospital, such a top-tier national hospital, surviving with his original skills would be very difficult.

Moreover, titles are titles, and abilities are abilities; they’re fundamentally different things.

"Let’s not talk about this. Where do you live? I’ll pick you up tomorrow."

Gao Jun asked again.

"No need, teacher. Just tell me the location, and I’ll go myself."

Zhao Heng felt a bit like he’d be taking advantage by following Gao Jun to the Hot Spring Villa tomorrow, but it was hard to refuse such an invitation.

If he further troubled Gao Jun to pick him up, it wouldn’t be great.

"The place is in the suburbs; there’s neither subway nor bus. I’ll swing by to pick you up. Come on, young man, don’t fuss over it—it’s decided."

Gao Jun sensed Zhao Heng’s hesitation and said briskly.

After all, Gao Jun could empathize with Zhao Heng’s life before.

Doing equipment setup, earning just over four thousand a month, aside from rent, in a place like North City, only barely affords basic necessities—nothing extra for leisure or entertainment!

"Thank you, teacher."

Since Gao Jun had said so, Zhao Heng didn’t argue further, accepting the offer.

However, Gao Jun was considerate of his feelings; there aren’t many good teachers like that these days.

After finishing with instructions, Gao Jun left the break room, while Zhao Heng sat at his desk, still pondering tomorrow’s hot spring visit.

To be honest, having studied and worked in North City for almost six years, he had never soaked in any hot springs during those six years.

Even during college while dating, he’d just occasionally stroll the streets and have some snacks with his girlfriend.

The root of it all was simply not having money!

Just as Zhao Heng was thinking about this, Xu Man Ni suddenly came over, standing before Zhao Heng, casually saying, "Did Lao Gao invite you too?"

"Huh? Sister Xu, you’re going too?"

Hearing Xu Man Ni say that, Zhao Heng was surprised.

"What kind of look is that? I knew Lao Gao when you were still in college."

Seeing Zhao Heng’s astonished expression, Xu Man Ni exclaimed impatiently.

If it were another man, hearing he’d be going to a hot spring with a beauty like herself, wouldn’t he be overjoyed?

"Not only am I going, but several others are too; Lao Gao always organizes groups for these trips."

Xu Man Ni further explained.

"Uh..."

Zhao Heng was a bit taken aback; Gao Jun seems quite capable, just being able to organize a group in the hospital indicates exceptional networking.

"It’s no surprise. I told you, Lao Gao’s network in the hospital is beyond your imagination. Despite seeming low-key, he’s often tasked with anesthesia for major surgeries at the director level. Also, Lao Gao is about to become the deputy director of the anesthesiology department, which you probably didn’t know."

Seeing Zhao Heng’s surprised demeanor, Xu Man Ni knew Gao Jun hadn’t shared these things with Zhao Heng.

The key thing is, the anesthesiology department’s current director is handled concurrently by another department director, meaning Gao Jun will soon be the rightful anesthesiology director, one of the big shots at Eastern Hospital.

"I truly didn’t know these things."

Zhao Heng hadn’t expected the teacher he casually found to be so amazing.

"So, don’t obsess over someone like Song Siming; Song Siming has many doctors under him, while you’re the only one under Lao Gao’s wing. Let me tell you, the current anesthesiology director is concurrently handled by another department director, and once Lao Gao becomes deputy director, it’s essentially like being the director. His status at Eastern Hospital isn’t lower than Song Siming’s."

Xu Man Ni explained slowly.

With Xu Man Ni’s background, if Gao Jun weren’t this strong, how could their relationship be so good?

Moreover, the anesthesiology department is one that no surgical doctors dare to offend.

Although it’s a newly established department of a few years, it has significant influence over surgery scheduling.

Except for emergency surgeries that must proceed immediately, all routine surgeries must wait for slots due to operating room constraints.

Operating rooms are tight, anesthesiologists are tight, so the sequence of operations is quite particular.

Frankly speaking, at Eastern Hospital, Gao Jun appears low-key but is very valued and influential.

"No wonder..."

After Xu Man Ni’s explanation, Zhao Heng was suddenly enlightened.

Reflecting on Gao Jun’s advice, the underlying message is essentially not to covet some director assistant role—he’s the real deal.

"Does anyone know about this for the teacher?"

Zhao Heng asked again.

It’s easy to imagine that if many people knew, they’d already be building connections, leaving no opportunity for Zhao Heng.

"Certainly, until it’s confirmed, such matters remain very confidential."

Xu Man Ni nodded in agreement.

"Sister Xu, you’re saying that those matters publicized loudly, known by everyone, might not come true?"

Zhao Heng suddenly correlated some things and asked.

"In workplace matters, until the announcement, the winner is uncertain."

Seemingly aware of many inside stories, Xu Man Ni said meaningfully.

Eastern Hospital is a public hospital, so personnel matters follow the government’s protocol.

Often, when someone assumes a position, everyone is surprised—how did they get it?

Such shocking scenarios frequently occur.

Success comes in secrecy; failures come in exposure. It’s been this way through the ages.

"What about Director Song then? Everyone thinks he’ll become the vice president."

Zhao Heng asked curiously.

"Everyone? Can everyone’s opinion decide anything? Xiao Zhao, you’re still quite young."

Xu Man Ni shook her head slightly.

"Has the hospital’s website made an announcement saying Song Siming will succeed as vice president next year? There isn’t, right."

Pausing, Xu Man Ni continued.

"After you said that, I think I’m starting to get it."

Zhao Heng nodded thoughtfully.

"It’s good you understand; stick with Lao Gao, he’s a good person."

Xu Man Ni said.