Chapter 3: Chen Zaisheng

"Is the health clinic still closed?" Zhong Xiangyang murmured

"I still have to trouble you, but that’s not necessary. I should be the one thanking you. It’s nothing. People get old; it’s just a matter of time." The old lady was also in a bad mood

Zhong Xiangyang, feeling helpless, could only return home. His family was still unaware that he had been reassigned and thought he was back on leave, believing he would soon be able to work in the provincial capital. Several times, Zhong Xiangyang considered telling his parents the truth, but he feared it would shock them too much, so he continued to live this way for two days.

After Zhong Xiangyang left, the old lady complained, "How could you do this? After all, he saved your father's life. You didn't even offer some money or anything; you just dismissed him with a few words of thanks? Is your father's life really worth so little?"

Aunt, I am fine, just inquiring about how Dean Qi's recovery is progressing. Zhong Xiangyang tried to make his voice sound as casual as if he were asking about a relative or friend.

Sigh, he, he has left. That night, a large-scale myocardial infarction occurred again, and he could not be saved. He will be cremated tomorrow. The family has been busy these past few days and hasn't had the chance to inform you, but I still want to thank you. The old lady's voice was low and somber.

However, opportunities are always given to those who are prepared. Even if the relationships are as thin as paper, Zhong Xiangyang must extract a hint of human warmth from this thin sheet.

"Auntie, I’m sorry, I didn’t know about this matter. How did it come to this... Well, can I go to see Director Qi tomorrow?" Zhong Xiangyang asked

"Uncle, I am here to report in. May I ask who is in charge here?" Zhong Xiangyang had at least found a so-called dental clinic, where a doctor-like person was examining a patient.

At this moment, the old lady's daughter also arrived, grasping her mother's hand and asking about her father’s condition. The old lady went through a series of motions and then introduced Zhong Xiangyang to this middle-aged American woman, who appeared to be in her thirties.

Zhong Xiangyang seemed to have glimpsed his future work and lifestyle, indeed very leisurely, and indeed capable of rendering himself obsolete

My name is Zhong Xiangyang

Thinking about how the person I saved is actually the director of a hospital, I wonder if he could help me out. Regardless, it is a matter of life-saving grace, so I should let it go. However, I feel uneasy about calling him. Just as I was about to give up, I looked back at this shabby place. Am I really going to stay in such a rundown place for three years? And what happens after three years? Will I end up dying here for the rest of my life?

Zhong Xiangyang, after hearing this, nearly suffered a heart attack himself. Damn it, how could it be so hopeless? This last glimmer of hope is gone. Looking back at this dilapidated health clinic, his heart sank completely.

The phone rang for quite a while without anyone answering. After a while, a call came in.

Thus, I inquired with the elderly lady about the address for tomorrow's funeral service, intending to make an appearance, which also involves the matter of a two hundred yuan gift, to see the good deed through to the end

Zhong Xiangyang initially thought to let this matter go, but considering there was not much to do at the health clinic, he decided to take a stroll in the county town

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiangyang thought to himself that he might as well wait a little longer. The old lady wouldn't remember him, and the old man was still inside being rescued. Leaving at this moment would feel like a loss, as he had squeezed into the ambulance for nothing.

Zhong Xiangyang glanced at the clock on the wall; it was just a little past 10:00, yet Section Chief Chen had already left work.

Mr. Zhong, thank you. I apologize for taking up your time, I am truly grateful..." The lady clasped her hands together, continuously expressing her gratitude. Zhong Xiangyang felt a bit embarrassed, but it seemed that Ms. Qi had nothing more to say. Zhong Xiangyang knew that it was indeed time for him to leave; if he didn't, he would truly become a nuisance.

"That's fine. In the next few days, the director will not be here. Once the director is back and has signed, you can come to work. Since you haven't started yet, make sure to enjoy yourself. Don't be fooled by how shabby this place looks; there are plenty of issues to deal with. Never mind, I won't say much more; you'll understand when you arrive. My name is Chen Zaisheng. It's about time for me to get off work. We can chat more when you start. There will be plenty of time ahead."

Zhong Xiangyang's wishful thinking was misguided; human relationships were as thin as paper. One could feel the warmth of human connections through a thin layer of paper. He believed that the coldness of human relationships was something only people in big cities could exhibit, but he did not expect that it was the same in his hometown's county.

Therefore, before Dean Qi's daughter arrived, the old lady insisted on having his phone number. As a result, Zhong Xiangyang took the opportunity to dial his own mobile phone, saving his number in the old lady's contact list. This was not being cunning; it was simply impractical. In fact, being too straightforward in life is truly difficult, just like how he is now assigned here by hetushu.com.

Today is a day off, there is no one here, please come again another day

The checked luggage has not yet arrived. He took a vehicle to the town and found the health clinic, which appeared to be a reasonably sized courtyard. However, there were very few people here, and Zhong Xiangyang's heart sank. He remembered that this place had been transformed from the old middle school he attended, and it still looked much the same.

"Aunt, let's leave it at that. After all, Dean Qi has arrived at his own hospital, so the treatment should be fine. I will take my leave now, and there's no need for thanks." said Zhong Xiangyang.

Mom, you don't understand. If we start giving money for this kind of favor, it will never end. You sit here for a while, and I will go ask the doctor about my dad's condition and see if there are any other treatment options

Thank you, Section Chief Chen, " said Zhong Xiangyang

Oh, is that so? Thank you, thank you. How should I address you?

I called my daughter, and she will arrive soon, the old lady said

Half an hour later, the doctor came out and said that the situation was stable, thanks to the timely treatment; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. At this moment, the elderly lady felt even more grateful to Zhong Xiangyang.

Two days later, Zhong Xiangyang arrived again at the Chessboard and Diagram Book Town Health Center. This time, there were more people, but it still did not leave a good impression on him. He did not think about reporting immediately; instead, he sat down at the entrance and took out his phone to check the recent phone numbers that had called him.

The dentist looked up at him, remained silent, and continued to attend to the patient.

"Xiao Zhong, did you call me?" The voice of the elderly woman came through the phone, weary and clearly indicating that she had not rested well

Zhong Xiangyang went to the Human Resources Department to report. The head of the department looked at the stack of documents in front of him, then raised his head to look at him and asked, "I say, if you want to gild your resume, you should at least choose a county seat or something. What can you do here? Let me tell you, with your qualifications, if you stay here for a few years, you'll be useless. You won't be able to perform any procedures here. In a few years, your scalpel will only be good for trimming toenails. My brother, it's better to find some connections and not come here. Look for a place where you can truly enhance your credentials. Coming here, even gilding with copper will be difficult."

Thank you, since you are here, let's give it a try, said Zhong Xiangyang with a wry smile

Are you willing to accept it? Of course not, so even if people say I am shameless and seeking to repay kindness, I have to give it a try. If I can go to the county hospital, that would be fine. I have a master's degree, and my qualifications are sufficient. Therefore, with determination, he dialed the number.