CHAPTER 680: CHAPTER 458: SEEKING COMPANY

When Professor Yuan told Song Xiaoyu that Chuxia had developed her own set of acupuncture techniques, she felt uneasy. After all, Chuxia was her student, and it seemed to be taking a roundabout way to recognize her; she wouldn’t be happy about this.

However, now, Chuxia’s humble attitude greatly pleased her, and the discomfort in her heart vanished like smoke. She smiled and nodded at Chuxia, "Yes, I also think it’s very good. Chuxia, among all the students I’ve mentored, you are the most talented. Keep it up, and one day, you might surpass me. Also, you’ll join the upcoming surgery."

"I..." Chuxia widened her eyes in surprise, "Teacher, do you mean I can join you on the operating table?"

Song Xiaoyu nodded with a smile, "Yes, you’ll be on the operating table with me, serving as my assistant. Although your medical training hasn’t been very long, your basic skills are well-mastered. I believe you will make a competent assistant."

"Thank you, Teacher." Chuxia’s face flushed with excitement; she was genuinely thrilled. For someone learning medicine, stepping into an operating room is a significant advance!

Previously, she had inquired that the hospital rules required students to study for over six months before they could potentially assist in surgery. This was indeed an exception for her, and at this moment, she truly felt it was the right move.

Thanks to her previous piano training, her hands were more dexterous than others’. So, in terms of manual ability, no one among the students could match her. It was just that everyone was focusing on simple exercises and hadn’t noticed her yet.

Wang Jing hesitated, then stepped forward, put an arm around her shoulders, and patted her, "Congrats, Chuxia. It took me eight months following the teacher before I got the chance to stand at the operating table as an assistant, and even then, I was just the third assistant." A third assistant is really just assisting the primary and secondary assistants; her role was to watch and learn.

"Teacher, which assistant will I be?" Prompted by Wang Jing, Chuxia suddenly remembered to ask.

Song Xiaoyu looked amused, "You muddlehead, it’s good enough that you are allowed in the OR; are you still thinking about being the primary?"

Chuxia shook her head vehemently, "No, no, no, Teacher, I am aware of my limits. Even if you really let me be the primary, I wouldn’t have the nerve. I just wanted to be clear on my position. Regardless, I am happy with any role."

"That’s better." Song Xiaoyu pulled open a drawer and handed her a folder, "For your first time in the OR, of course, you will be the third assistant. Take a look at the notes, and don’t mess up during it."

"Yes." Chuxia respectfully took the folder from Song Xiaoyu, opened it, and started studying carefully from the beginning. It contained detailed markings about specific instruments and positions on the operating table, complete with diagrams, to prevent any confusion for a third assistant suddenly called to action. Of course, no one hoped for such a situation, but unexpected events can happen.

"If you don’t understand something, ask Wang Jing." As Song Xiaoyu spoke, she looked toward Wang Jing, "Can we count on you to be thoroughly helpful?"

"Yes," Wang Jing nodded, "I’ve already learned my lesson, Teacher, so please don’t always judge me based on the past."

Song Xiaoyu gave her a look, "If you truly understood your mistake, you wouldn’t feel wronged. Look at you; you act as if I’ve treated you unfairly."

Wang Jing sheepishly rubbed her head, "Teacher, improving also takes time. You should allow me an adjustment period."

"You set very high standards for yourself." Song Xiaoyu shook her head with resignation, "Chuxia is several years younger than you; you should learn more from her. As the saying goes, ’one can reflect on one’s appearance with a bronze mirror and discern right from wrong through people’. Chuxia could help you see the difference. Tell me, does that make your heart sour?"

"A little," Wang Jing did not lie, "I know Chuxia has a better demeanor than me, but I’m not entirely flawed. After so many years with the teacher, you should know that."

"It seems you need time to adjust." Song Xiaoyu sighed and bowed her head to continue with her surgical plan, hoping that no mistakes would occur.

Left out, Wang Jing cleared her throat awkwardly and moved closer to Chuxia, "Any parts you don’t understand?"

"No." Chuxia turned and smiled at her, "Sister, go on with your work. If I have any questions, I won’t hesitate to ask."

"Good, if you’re unsure about something, remember to ask me." Wang Jing stepped back to her desk, distractedly flipping through a book.

"Knock, knock..."

After a gentle knocking, Huang Li, who looked after Qin Mei, appeared at the door, looking anxiously at Chuxia, "Doctor Lin, Qin Mei’s sister-in-law is here and insists on taking my place to care for Qin Mei. Director Zhou said to consult you if there were any issues. What should we do?"