Chapter 7 Guidance

"Oh dear, oh dear, just wait, you all wait, I will go get it, I will go get it..." This middle-aged woman, who appeared very spirited, suddenly became excited

If he cannot listen to other words, then he has truly taken this sentence to heart. He also took the exam for a management position at the provincial hospital, which means he does not want to be a doctor but rather aspires to be a manager

"Look, because of this matter, both the county leaders and the town leaders are left in a state of embarrassment. It seems that the only beneficiary of this situation is you. How do you think they will feel about it?" Chen Zaisheng asked.

Ah, ah, ah, sister-in-law, let's talk about that later. You go ahead and get busy; we are here to eat, not for matchmaking, alright? Chen Zaisheng timely interrupted the landlady's elaboration.

"You should consider this: if it were a good thing, wouldn't the leaders be scrambling to take the initiative? How could it possibly fall to you? I know you want to mention those videos as evidence, but those videos are merely taken by ordinary citizens. What use are they? They are not filmed by official media. Who reports on them? How the reports are written depends on the journalists, and how the journalists write them ultimately depends on the directives from the leaders" Chen Zaisheng asked

Is that so? Then why did you give up your position at the provincial hospital? Surely it can't be true, as the reports say, that you returned to serve your hometown. You don't seem like the kind of person with that kind of awareness, do you?

In fact, Qi Lihong did not doubt Zhong Xiangyang; rather, it was that when Xiong Lili heard that Zhong Xiangyang was ill, she hurriedly rode her bike during the lunch break to see him. She could not clearly articulate the reason behind this, but she had saved that video on her phone, and it had always been there. She would take it out to watch every day, and it had become her habit. Who in this life would go to such lengths for you? Therefore, in Xiong Lili's heart, Qi Lihong's words about dedicating herself in the hospital were not a joke; she truly believed this now.

Although Zhong Xiangyang found this matter somewhat strange, he still followed Chen Zaisheng's instructions and even sent Qi Lihong a photo of his IV drip. When Qi Lihong said this, everyone was having a meal in the cafeteria. Upon hearing this, Chen Zaisheng felt overwhelmed, as he had repeatedly advised Zhong Xiangyang not to say such things, yet it turned out that this guy was truly simple-minded.

Thus, the two individuals exited the health clinic and walked a few hundred meters to a mutton soup restaurant located opposite the township government, which appeared to be quite busy. Chen Zaisheng hesitated for a moment but then proceeded towards it. It seemed that Chen Zaisheng was quite familiar with the proprietress of the establishment, as she immediately greeted him upon his arrival.

Therefore, from now on, do not accept any interviews; focus on your own work. Do not think that our health clinic is simple; in fact, it is not simple at all. Everyone has their own background. Brother, this is because you just arrived and know nothing. You have already been used as a pawn by others.

"Two large bowls, a whole sheep, a plate of peanuts, and four baked pancakes," Chen Zaisheng said

"Get lost, I just think this little handsome guy looks familiar. You all sit down first, and I will bring it over to you in a moment," said the proprietress

So what

However, such matters require an opportunity. She has been waiting for such an opportunity, and now it has finally arrived. At this moment, Xiong Lili feels as if her entire being is soaring, just like the lyrics say, "In order to see you, I must practice my breathing repeatedly." On the way, she rehearses the words she has prepared over and over, hoping that this time will make Zhong Xiangyang fall for her. Although it may not lead to an immediate agreement, she is still confident in her figure and appearance, especially when she sees the scene in that video where Zhong Xiangyang is running while holding her. It makes her feel completely exhilarated.

"Was this something Dean Qi instructed you to do?" Chen Zaisheng asked

Chen Zaisheng is the head of the Human Resources Department, and Qi Lihong is the dean. However, he seems to be dissatisfied with Qi Lihong, which made Zhong Xiangyang realize that, as Chen Zaisheng just mentioned, the complexity of interpersonal relationships in this health clinic far exceeds his imagination

"I haven't even figured myself out, yet I'm supposed to have children? What children?" said Zhong Xiangyang

"Alright, I have arrived in Chessboard Town but haven't had the chance to treat Brother Chen to a meal yet. Let's go, this meal is on me," said Zhong Xiangyang

"I see, that's fine. If there's anything, just give me a call," Qi Lihong said, nodding.

"The lifelong system for cadres means working in one position until death," said Chen Zaisheng

Chen Zaisheng glanced at him without saying a word. A few minutes later, the proprietress indeed came over personally with the mutton soup. Chen Zaisheng and Zhong Xiangyang hurriedly stood up to receive it. At that moment, when the proprietress looked at Zhong Xiangyang again, she suddenly seemed to remember something and said: "Aren't you that Zhong Xiangyang, the one who saved people?"

What should we do about this matter?" Zhong Xiangyang asked

"Take a few days off at home, and no one will remember this matter. When you return, focus on your work. This place is not where you belong. You have an education and are young; it is not worth wasting your prime years here. Just look at me and you will understand. I also came here thinking I would achieve something, but now? I am just being worn out by this damn career," Chen Zaisheng said.

I don't feel much about it, just like that. Zhong Xiangyang said frankly.

Indeed, with a cold and flu, coupled with excessive fatigue, the body is severely overdrawn, likely leading to a surge of heat. For now, the priority is to lower the temperature first; it will be fine in a few days

Qi Lihong finished the phone call and said, "It seems that the office has been unattended these past few days. Zhong Xiangyang is indeed ill, suffering from stress and overexertion. Well, you all work hard and ensure that the tasks are completed; we cannot afford any setbacks"

After hanging up the phone, Zhong Xiangyang looked at his uncle and said, "Doctor Zhong, thank you for your cover. Our health clinic is indeed quite complicated. How is it so different from what I imagined about working in a unit?"

In the following days, Zhong Xiangyang became a prominent figure in Yunshan County, with interviews coming one after another. Chen Zaisheng watched this unfold with concern and urgency. Finally, when Zhong Xiangyang had some time, he called him into his office.

"You haven't done much, but the media coverage is all focused on you. They are reporting on you, which overshadows the contributions of others. Look at those people in the courtyard; quite a few were there that day. It's just you, the newcomer, who has drawn attention. Dean Qi has put you out there as a target. Everyone's attention is currently on you, rather than on the library. Don't think that just because you've gained fame, you will receive attention and promotion; that's not the case. They are more likely to remember you and, when the opportunity arises, avoid you to prevent the unnecessary trouble your brilliance might bring them." Chen Zaisheng said.

Well then, thank you, Brother Chen

There is nothing much, I just wanted to chat with you. By the way, it's mealtime now. Shall we go out to eat together?" Chen Zaisheng asked

Brother, how are you feeling now? The people in this town all know you. Are you happy about that? Chen Zaisheng asked

Dear brother, it is truly you who saved my old Chen's life. My sister-in-law told me that if you have any matters in Qipanzhen in the future, just find her, and I guarantee that nothing will be impossible to accomplish. By the way, dear brother, do you have a partner? My sister-in-law can introduce you. The young ladies in Qipanzhen are exceptionally virtuous and charming

Zhong Xiangyang felt a shiver in his heart upon hearing this; he indeed had not paid attention to this issue, but Chen Zaisheng must have wanted to say something.

Although the lamb soup is very hot, Zhong Xiangyang understands that the sweat on his back is not due to the heat of the soup, but rather the analysis of these issues by Chen Zaisheng. He had thought this was a good thing, but as he said, there are no benefits to being famous, and those reports could take a break.

Management personnel are essentially pursuing a political career, so when Chen Zaisheng spoke about the preferences and aversions of leaders, it finally alerted Zhong Xiangyang

You are no longer young; it is time for you to have children. Look at your younger brothers; they have all started families and had children. What are you waiting for?

"Old Zhong, I am Qi Lihong from the town. What is going on with that Zhong Xiangyang? He said he was receiving an infusion there?" Qi Lihong indeed made a phone call to inquire.

I do not know who dug this pit for you, but it is time for you to climb out of it yourself. The interview has made you a celebrity; what benefits does that bring? Just look at those who are navigating their careers—how many of them have risen through the media's flattery?

"What is the goal?" Zhong Xiangyang asked with some curiosity

This matter is quite complicated; the child is without a mother. It's a long story, so I'll tell you more when I have time. By the way, what's going on with my mother? As soon as I returned, she arranged a blind date for me. Does she think that since she couldn't catch me before, now that I'm back, she's starting to take revenge on me?

"Alright, we will talk about it later. I was just a bit excited, right? I will go and get busy now, and we will discuss it again later. Please let me know when you are leaving," the proprietress said reluctantly.

"Alas, young man, learn from your brother. Take a leave tonight to go home and have a look. Call Director Qi tomorrow morning and say you caught a cold while taking a shower last night. You need to rest at home for a few days; it's quite serious. Just buy some medicine. Don't go to the village clinic for injections or IVs. Director Qi is very familiar with the doctors at the village clinic; a single phone call can expose your true situation." Chen Zaisheng said.

"Little brother, it must have been quite tough these past few days; these reporters are not easy to deal with," Chen Zaisheng said.

"Indeed, it is quite challenging. However, fortunately, they always provide me with an interview outline at the beginning, which makes it manageable. Is Brother Chen looking for me regarding something?" asked Zhong Xiangyang.

Zhong Xiangyang was taken aback; it was indeed the case. However, Chen Zaisheng had mentioned Dean Qi for no apparent reason, which made Zhong Xiangyang somewhat vigilant. Nevertheless, he did not pick up on his words, choosing instead to see what he would say next.

Ah, I'm fine, you don't need to come, really..." Zhong Xiangyang wanted to refuse, but it seemed that this girl was determined, repeatedly emphasizing that Qi Lihong had sent her to check on his condition. Was it that Qi Lihong did not believe him?

Chen Zaisheng called himself out, had a meal, and then returned to inform Qi Lihong that he no longer wished to conduct the interview. Qi Lihong would certainly suspect that Chen Zaisheng was behind the scenes causing trouble. The complexity of the issues involved truly left Zhong Xiangyang feeling somewhat overwhelmed

I believe that Director Qi had good intentions as well, pushing me out was also for the reputation of the health clinic, wasn't it? asked Zhong Xiangyang

Chen Zaisheng was momentarily taken aback; he had merely offered a suggestion, could it be that this young man was truly ill? After contemplating for a while, Chen Zaisheng returned to the office and called Zhong Xiangyang. On the other end, Zhong Xiangyang was coughing heavily; although it was feigned, it was remarkably convincing and painful, the sound of the cough resonating painfully in Chen Zaisheng's eardrums

Before the words had left his mouth, the phone rang. Upon checking, it was his colleague, Xiong Lili, calling. He was always prepared to feign illness.

Chen Zaisheng chuckled upon hearing this, patted Zhong Xiangyang on the shoulder, and said, "My dear brother, you still have much to learn. It's good to follow your older brother and learn a bit. Also, let me tell you, our Director Qi is no simple character. You know her father, right? He was the director from the day the county hospital was established until his untimely death. Have you ever met someone who served as the director of a county hospital for over thirty years? I believe he achieved a goal that later generations cannot hope to reach"

Zhong Xiangyang felt very embarrassed, and Chen Zaisheng said: "Sister-in-law, it was he who pulled my brother out of the fire scene. Look at this, there isn't much lamb here, let's have some dried goods."

After Chen Zaisheng and Zhong Xiangyang sat down, Chen Zaisheng smiled and said, "This proprietress is quite interesting; is this how she tries to get close to people?"

Zhong Xiangyang, feeling helpless, ultimately sent his location to Xiong Lili

When the two began to eat, Chen Zaisheng quietly said: "This restaurant is opened by my cousin, Chen Wenming, who is the Party Secretary of Qipan Town. He is the one who pulled you out of the fire that day. This matter is already known, but shouldn't it come to an end now?"

When Chen Zaisheng invited him to dinner, he immediately knew that Chen Zaisheng must have something to discuss, so he quietly listened to what followed

The boss's wife agreed, but occasionally glanced at Zhong Xiangyang, who was following Chen Zaisheng. Noticing this, Chen Zaisheng quietly said, "Sister-in-law, be careful if you keep looking; my brother might just poke your eyes out. Haven't you ever seen a handsome guy before?"

Dr. Zhong's several younger brothers are actually his own sons. All five sons have established their own families and have children. It is precisely because of having children that Dr. Zhong was removed from his position as the director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at the county hospital. He now prescribes medicine for others at home to make a living. This clinic was only opened later when the policies became more lenient. Dr. Zhong is extremely fond of having children; he is the type who feels happy just by looking at them, treating raising children like keeping pets. As it turns out, his children are now foraging in the fields.

"Director Zhong, what is your home address? Please send me your location via WeChat, and I will come to see you. By the way, it was Dean Qi who asked me to come here." Xiong Lili, fearing that Zhong Xiangyang might refuse, first pulled Qi Lihong out.

"Forget it, you treat me next time. Today, I will treat you to mutton soup," Chen Zaisheng said

Ah, it can't be that serious, I haven't done anything, have I?" said Zhong Xiangyang