CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45: PETTY MAN

p.m.

The old professor’s classes were only in the morning. After having lunch at Boya Medical College, with nothing else to do, Zhao Heng went back to the hospital.

Holding a stack of books and materials, Zhao Heng just entered the lounge when he saw Gao Jun there, who was a bit surprised and asked, "Weren’t you going to class? Why are you back so soon?"

"Professor Huang only has classes in the morning."

Zhao Heng replied as he placed his books and materials on the table.

"Hmm, how did you feel listening to Professor Huang’s lecture?"

Gao Jun nodded and asked again.

"A true eye-opener."

Zhao Heng said without any exaggeration.

"Of course, as I’ve told you, in the field of anesthesia, Professor Huang can be considered a pioneer in the country. Since you’re studying anesthesia, it’s naturally the best to attend his lectures."

Gao Jun said somewhat proudly.

"Oh, right, teacher, the old professor asked about my work and my teacher as well."

Zhao Heng continued.

"Oh? You told him?"

Gao Jun was a bit surprised.

"Yes, I told him."

Zhao Heng nodded, answering honestly.

"Hmm... does the old professor still remember me?"

Gao Jun hesitated a bit and asked.

"He remembers, but..."

Zhao Heng seemed hesitant to continue.

"What did the old professor say about me?"

Seeing Zhao Heng’s hesitance, Gao Jun couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious and asked.

"Teacher, do you really want me to say it?"

Zhao Heng inquired.

"Say it, why are you hesitating? Seriously!"

Feeling his curiosity piqued and wanting to know the old professor’s assessment of him, Gao Jun urged.

"Ahem, teacher, the old professor said you’re the son of an old friend who’s not very successful..."

Zhao Heng gathered his courage and said.

"Uh...!"

Hearing this, Gao Jun’s expression froze instantly.

"Teacher, I need to read, you go ahead, you go ahead."

Seeing Gao Jun’s frozen expression, Zhao Heng quickly wanted to slip away.

"Why are you running? What else did the old professor say? Tell me everything."

Gao Jun grabbed Zhao Heng and said.

"Not much, just about Eastern Hospital establishing an anesthesia and perioperative center."

Zhao Heng thought for a moment and said.

"Hmm, this is indeed a project led by the old professor in collaboration with the department. Just know that and don’t let it spread."

Gao Jun nodded.

"Teacher... the old professor’s assessment of you, I think you shouldn’t take it too much to heart."

After a pause, Zhao Heng hesitated and said.

"I don’t need your consolation. The old professor and the old man were contemporaries. In their generation’s view, not doing research, not engaging in practical work, and constantly thinking about management is indeed unpromising. It’s a generational difference in perspectives."

Gao Jun said indifferently.

"It seems the old professor likes you a lot, telling you all this."

After a pause, Gao Jun added.

"Perhaps a little, he asked me to take his graduate exam and even gave me these materials."

Zhao Heng nodded and said.

"Let me see."

Gao Jun picked up the materials from the table and flipped through them.

"Hmm, these materials are too cutting-edge, you can’t use them yet. But the books on this list you’ve borrowed back, that’s good. If you thoroughly understand these books, passing the exam won’t be a problem."

Seeing these books reminded Gao Jun of his own exam days in his youth.

Doctors can’t escape various exams. Preparing for exams is definitely not a pleasant process for them.

"Teacher, then I’ll get back to reading."

Zhao Heng nodded.

The morning lecture had greatly inspired him, and he now needed to organize his thoughts.

In the office, Zhao Heng was seriously reading when suddenly he heard a voice.

"How is it? Does returning to campus feel good?"

Zhao Heng looked up and saw it was Xu Man Ni.

"It’s okay."

Zhao Heng continued reading, replying casually.

"What do you mean by okay, you’re becoming more dismissive when talking to me."

Xu Man Ni sighed and said.

"I’m not being dismissive, just attending class is nothing special."

Zhao Heng looked at Xu Man Ni and said.

Since helping Xu Man Ni move the other day, her gaze on him seemed slightly different. What exactly was different, Zhao Heng couldn’t pinpoint.

"Sis, if you really have nothing to do, why not scroll through your phone?"

Seeing Xu Man Ni idly playing with her nails, Zhao Heng couldn’t resist saying.

"What, are you that impatient talking to me?"

Getting more upset by what Zhao Heng said, Xu Man Ni felt even more annoyed.

Does she really have no allure for him?

And to think she specifically put on makeup she learned online that’s supposedly irresistible to men today!

"Didn’t you notice anything different about me today? Take a closer look."

Unwilling to give up, Xu Man Ni asked again.

"Hmm... Sis, your dark circles seem a bit heavy, didn’t sleep well last night?"

Zhao Heng took a good look at Xu Man Ni, thought for a moment, and said.

"You..."

Xu Man Ni was utterly speechless by Zhao Heng’s comment.

Anyone could see she put on makeup today, looking much better than usual, how did he not notice?!

"Forget it, continue with your book, it’s like playing the lute to a cow."

Feeling a bit dejected, Xu Man Ni said.

For the first time, she had this urge to groom herself nicely for someone, only to find Zhao Heng so obtuse.

After saying this, Xu Man Ni left.

Zhao Heng glanced at Xu Man Ni, then continued to read, engrossed in his studies, unaware of any difference in Xu Man Ni from usual.

Leaving the operating room a bit unhappy, Xu Man Ni had planned during her afternoon break to perhaps ask Zhao Heng out for a meal or a stroll.

Among the men she knew, Zhao Heng was one of the rare dependable ones.

But Zhao Heng’s obtuseness was truly infuriating.

As soon as Xu Man Ni exited the operating room, someone called out.

"Man Ni, are you off work?"

Looking over, it was Yin Jian.

"What else?"

Xu Man Ni replied somewhat curtly.

"What a coincidence, I’m off this afternoon too."

Yin Jian said opportunistically.

"Oh..."

With a cold demeanor, Xu Man Ni clearly wasn’t keen on engaging with Yin Jian.

Was he specifically waiting for her outside the operating room?

Shooting a glance at the overly solicitous Yin Jian, Xu Man Ni couldn’t help but think.

These past few days, Yin Jian clung to her like adhesive, and since his uncle was the director, she couldn’t overtly sever ties, which was incredibly annoying.

"Man Ni, a new restaurant opened nearby, they have great Angus steaks, want to try it together?"

Despite Xu Man Ni’s aloofness, Yin Jian suppressed his annoyance and frustration, still trying to win her over.

Man Ni was an integral part of his plan; not only was she beautiful with a good figure, but she also had a strong background fitting his aspirations both romantically and career-wise.

"I’ve got a Chinese palate, can’t handle foreign steak."

Xu Man Ni replied coolly.

"Man Ni, no need to be so cold with me, right? I noticed you aren’t like this with that guy. I heard he wants to compete with me for the assistant position? He doesn’t even bother to see himself in the mirror, does he even deserve it?"

Already small-hearted, Yin Jian, upon being retorted by Xu Man Ni, remembered the cold shoulder he’d received recently and completely lost it.

"It’s you who should take a look in the mirror."

Xu Man Ni unabashedly retorted.

"Fine, you’re ruthless, let’s see."

In front of the operating room, Yin Jian dared not make a bigger scene and left a harsh comment.

Watching Yin Jian leave, Xu Man Ni felt nauseated, as if she’d swallowed a fly.