Hospital Life

After Song Zhiyao finished speaking, she didn't even glance at them. The atmosphere turned even colder as she grabbed the daily necessities she'd need at the hospital and shut the door behind her with a bang!

The three people left at home realized that Song Zhiyao was truly angry. For a moment, they simply stared at one another, unsure of what to do.

After a pause, Song Ruyun was the first to speak. "Mom, if my sister doesn't want to go back to the Luo family, then don't need to go. Anyway, I'm about to graduate high school. I can find a job to help lessen the burden."

Her understanding words made Lai Yanling's heart ache. "You silly child, this is your mother's responsibility. You just focus on studying and getting into a good university."

Although Song Zihao was timid and rarely spoke, he had a close bond with Song Ruyun. He knew that this second sister had always protected him growing up, and that her stern scolding were for his own good.

Hearing her now, he naturally retorted, "Second sister, don't always act so self-righteous."

"Song Zihao, are you asking for a beating again?" Song Ruyun snapped, and immediately chased after him.

Startled, Song Zihao grabbed his schoolbag and dashed out the door.

Song Ruyun followed him, and the two siblings ended up running to school while playfully chasing each other.

Left behind, Lai Yanling sighed deeply. "Let's take it one step at a time... and follow Zhiyao's wishes."

On the bus to the hospital, Song Zhiyao sat quietly.

Last night, Lai Yanling had given her five yuan, reminding her not to skimp on meals and to eat more meat at the hospital cafeteria.

Thinking about what the three had said earlier, Song Zhiyao frowned. She understood what they were worried about.

The entire ride, she thought about how she should talk to them that evening. She didn't want them to worry so much in the future—only then could she work in peace and be prepared to deal with the Luo family if they came to cause trouble again.

It took just half an hour to get from the textile factory to First Central Hospital by bus. Riding a bicycle would take an hour, so the bus was more convenient.

Of course, it cost money. But this month, she planned to use money from her family gave her for transport and food, then return it to Lai Yanling once she received her first salary.

She also planned how to use her salary: she'd give Lai Yanling 15 yuan every month. After household expenses, she could use the remainder to pay off debts.

The other half she would keep for herself. After leaving the Luo family with nothing, she'd come to understand just how important money was.

You couldn't rely on anyone else. You had to rely on yourself.

When she arrived at the hospital, Song Zhiyao pushed aside the family matters and went straight to the office of her university professor, Liu Ruihui.

It was still early, and Liu Ruihui wasn't busy. He had been waiting for her. Over this period, he'd learned what had happened with his student and the Luo family. He knew Luo family well.

He had worried she might not come—but again based on his understanding of her, he had faith she would come.

And sure enough, she arrived, brimming with energy. He smiled in relief.

"Zhiyao, you didn't let me down!"

They both understood the weight behind those words.

Seeing her in good spirits, Professor Liu didn't say much more. Instead, he started talking about work.

"Zhiyao, welcome to our hospital. I hope you can uphold the spirit of the school and become a doctor who saves lives and lives up to the trust of the people as well as the organization."

Hearing this, Song Zhiyao's eyes gleamed with firmness. She answered in a clear, steady voice:

"Teacher, don't worry. I won't let you down. Becoming a good doctor has always been my dream. No matter how difficult the path, I'll keep going."

She had always had excellent grades since her childhood. The Luo family had hoped she would enter a government job. When she was accepted to university, they pushed her toward law or political science.

But she had insisted on studying medicine, which made them furious.

Later, once things had settled, they reluctantly accepted her choice. Being a doctor wasn't so bad, they figured—and began boasting about her to others.

But when they found out she wasn't their biological daughter, everything changed. They began treating her coldly, often using strange, passive-aggressive tones, saying she had no real future as a doctor.

But no matter what others thought, Song Zhiyao had always wanted to be a doctor since childhood. A pediatrician, to be exact.

Seeing Zhiyao's unwavering determination, Teacher Liu began explaining the hospital's rules, regulations, and shared his decades of experience with patients.

That day, he guided her through the hospital, taking her on rounds to various wards. She followed attentively, absorbing everything.

Her arrival caused quite a stir.

Many doctors and nurses were surprised to see such a young doctor—and even more curious when they heard she was Director Liu's top student, a genius.

Several nurses gathered to whisper:

"I didn't expect the new Doctor Song to be so pretty. I heard she finished five years of coursework in just two years. Amazing."

"I don't know... Maybe it's all just talk. What's the use of being book-smart? When it comes to real patients, let's see if she can handle it. Looks don't cure illness," a delicate-looking nurse said coldly.

The group quickly quieted down. No one wanted to offend that nurse—it was obvious she had some influence.

In the doctors' group, she was a hot topic too. Medical professionals knew how hard the road was. Some had studied medicine since childhood; some had been in school for years.

It was only after relentless effort that they had earned positions at the province's top hospital.

Now here came an 18-year-old, fresh out of college. Naturally, there was talk.

Most didn't take Zhiyao seriously. They assumed she was just another rookie. Without eight or ten years of experience, no one could compare between her with them.

Even with a Teacher like Dr. Liu behind her, it was the same.

Deep down, they feared Teacher Liu might teach her everything—and that she would surpass them quickly.

Hospitals, like any workplace, had evaluations and rankings. Of course, no one wanted to be outshone by a newcomer.

But no matter what others thought, Song Zhiyao followed Teacher Liu earnestly.

She asked questions when she didn't understand something or encounter any trouble. She was a quick learner and knew how to apply knowledge flexibly.

Within a day, she had grasped the hospital's procedures. The rest would be about practice.

She also noticed all the curious and judgmental stares. But she knew: if she wanted recognition and respect, she had to sharpen her skills.

It would be a long road—but she had time, and determination.

Just before the end of the workday, a problem arose in the pediatric ward.

A child was crying nonstop. The doctors, nurses, and even the family couldn't calm him. He had cried so long, they couldn't even ask him what was wrong.

In the end, the nurse had no choice but to seek out Director Liu, the senior-most doctor in pediatrics.

Liu Ruihui was more than willing to let Song Zhiyao gain experience.

"Zhiyao, let's go have a look."

"Yes, Teacher," she replied, immediately following.

This was a precious opportunity—she couldn't miss it.

When they arrived at the ward, they saw the child crying and flailing, throwing things.

He just kept crying, refusing to speak. The parents and doctors looked utterly helpless.