The next morning at exactly seven, Zhan woke up and went downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The kitchen was well stocked with every kind of foodstuff. After finishing, he set everything neatly on the dining table.
Lan Yi was the first to come downstairs. Zhan quickly went over to greet her respectfully.
"How was your night?" she asked.
"It was fine, Mama. Breakfast is ready," he replied with a polite smile.
Lan Yi nodded warmly. "Thank you, son. You'd better get ready now, it's already past eight...you don't want to be late."
Zhan nodded again. "Yes, Mama, I'll go prepare right away."
"Good, hurry up."
He went upstairs to bathe and dress, then came back down around nine. He was wearing black pants, a black silk long-sleeved shirt, and a striking red suit jacket. With his backpack and an envelope of his credentials in hand, he looked breathtaking. The outfit made his fair skin glow, and though he wore no makeup...just a bit of lip gloss...he looked dazzling, almost unearthly.
When he entered the dining area, both Lan Yi and Qiren were already seated. Seeing him, Lan Yi immediately started pouring him tea. Zhan bowed slightly and greeted his father, who smiled and asked, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Baba," Zhan replied softly.
"You look handsome, my dear. I just hope no doctors or nurses steal you away at the hospital," Qiren teased with a grin.
Zhan laughed shyly. "Thank you, Baba. I love you," he said, leaning in to give him a side hug.
Lan Yi gestured toward the table. "Sit down and eat something quickly, you're already late."
He sat, sipping the tea and taking the plate of fried potatoes Lan Yi placed in front of him.
"But you'll return home after the interview, won't you?" she asked. "I know you won't be starting work today."
"Yes, Mama," he answered.
"Then I think you should get a lunch box to carry food with you once you start. You'll need it.
Zhan widened his eyes and pouted. "A lunch box? Mama, that's for children!"
"Otherwise, will you go hungry at work?" she countered. "I know you won't be buying food every day."
"I never carried food to school and I survived just fine. I'm a grown man now, Mama, and I have a reputation to protect!"
Qiren chuckled. "If he doesn't want to take food with him, the driver can deliver his lunch each day."
Zhan said nothing more, though in his mind he had already decided: if the driver brought food, he would ask the driver to eat it quickly outside and send the container back home. There was no way he would sit at work with a lunch box like a child.
After finishing breakfast, he started to take his dishes to the kitchen, but Lan Yi stopped him. "Leave it, you'll be late."
Qiren added, "The driver will take you to the hospital. He's the same man who picked you up from the airport yesterday. I assume you have his number...once you're done, call him to collect you. From today, he is officially your driver."
Zhan smiled faintly. "Thank you, Baba." He knew that even if he wanted to start driving himself, neither his parents nor his brothers would allow it. In their eyes, he was still a ten-year-old boy who would never grow up.
"You're welcome, son," Qiren said warmly.
Zhan took his bag and envelope, then rose to leave. Lan Yi stood too, walking him to the door. "Stay safe, son. Call me once you reach the hospital."
He exhaled and slid on his black sunglasses. "Please don't worry, Mama. I'll be fine."
Lan Yi smiled. "You really do look stylish today."
He laughed softly, waved, and stepped into the compound, where the driver was already waiting. The man got out quickly to greet him respectfully. Instead of simply nodding, Zhan returned the greeting properly before opening the front passenger door. He wasn't comfortable sitting in the back like some pampered passenger.
Once on the road, Zhan realized the driver hadn't asked where to go.
The man explained, bowing his head slightly, "Mr. Wang informed me yesterday. I already know the hospital..it's in the same area I used to drive as a taxi driver."
"Alright," Zhan replied.
He checked his luxury wristwatch...9:30. The drive took about thirty minutes. As the hospital's tall building came into view, his chest tightened. This was it. Today he would meet that difficult man face-to-face. Even the joy of securing such a position couldn't cheer him; something about the hospital and its director unsettled him. But he couldn't refuse...Dr. Jing had gone out of his way to recommend him, and his father and brothers were so proud of him. That was the only reason he hadn't rejected the offer back in Beijing.
The driver parked just beyond the hospital gate to avoid blocking incoming cars.
"Thank you," Zhan said, stepping out. "I'll call you when I'm finished."
"Very well, sir. Best of luck."
Zhan nodded and walked toward the gate. As he did, a sleek car rolled up. The security guards quickly opened the barrier for it to pass. The windows were heavily tinted; Zhan couldn't see who was inside. He glanced briefly, then continued on foot into the hospital.
Inside the reception, he greeted the nurse politely before heading upstairs. Though people stared at him, he didn't pay attention. His destination was clear: Dr. Jing's office.
At the door, he knocked.
"Come in," came the reply.
He entered. Dr. Jing looked up from his desk. At first, he didn't recognize the young man standing there. Then his eyes widened, and he stood in surprise.
"Zhan…?" he breathed.
Zhan smiled faintly as he stepped forward. "Good morning."
Dr. Jing nodded. "Morning. I didn't even recognize you at first...you're dressed so well today. You look absolutely dashing."
Zhan just smiled and quietly sat down.
"You really do look good," Dr. Jing continued. "So, you just arrived yesterday?"
Zhan nodded.
"That's good. The CEO also came into the country yesterday...I think she'll be around today. You know we're going to the Shanghai workshop tomorrow."
"Oh, alright. How are the twins?" Zhan asked.
"They're fine. Did you bring your credentials?"
Zhan nodded again. "Yes."
"Good. Let me take a look."
Zhan handed him the envelope. Dr. Jing opened it and carefully examined the documents inside. "The Medical Director is here as well...we came in together this morning. I even rode in his car, so I didn't bring mine."
He picked up Zhan's statement of results first, staring at it intently before lowering himself into a chair. His eyes widened in surprise. "Really? … First Class?"
Zhan remained silent, lips pressed together.
"This is rare," Dr. Jing said, astonished. "Are you really this brilliant, Zhan? I'm honestly impressed."
Zhan gave him only a small, polite smile.
Shaking his head with a grin, Dr. Jing added, "I can tell you this...apart from the Medical Director himself, no one else on our staff holds a First Class degree. You're exceptional."
He chuckled suddenly as if remembering something amusing, but Zhan kept his expression calm and serious, not indulging in the laughter.
Dr. Jing finished checking through the other documents and returned them neatly to the envelope. "We're scheduled to go into the theatre in about thirty minutes, so let me see if you can have your interview before then. I'll speak to the MD now."
Zhan nodded. "Alright."
Dr. Jing left his office and walked down the corridor. He spotted the Medical Director just stepping out of the CEO's office.
"Three nurses and five doctors for tomorrow's workshop," the MD was instructing briskly. "Book the flights today...ten tickets in total."
Dr. Jing kept pace beside him until they entered his office. The MD sighed as he dropped into his chair. "She'll be chasing me down again in a moment."
Dr. Jing laughed. "But once the workshop is done, she'll be gone, right?"
The MD didn't answer. Instead, he got up, rinsed his teacup, and returned with it. "She mentioned a conference in two weeks...England, or was it the US? I can't remember." He poured hot water from the flask, frowned at the cup, and went to rinse it again.
"So it'll be the two of you attending?" Dr. Jing asked.
"Not me," the MD said firmly. "Send Dr. Balogun instead."
"You know she can't do without you," Dr. Jing teased.
The MD's phone rang. He answered curtly, spoke for two minutes, then set it aside. "What were you saying?"
Dr. Jing checked the time... mindful of the upcoming surgery. Meanwhile, the MD got up once more to rinse his cup yet again. Another call came in... it was the CEO. He answered, listened, then said, "Fine, I'll bring them in thirty minutes."
After hanging up, he rinsed the cup once more before sitting down.
"Are you ready?" Dr. Jing finally asked. "The candidate has arrived... he can come in now for the interview."
The MD looked up, frowning. "Who?"
"The one you personally insisted should be interviewed last week," Dr. Jing reminded him.
"Oh, so that's why the CEO asked me about him just now. She must have seen him already. This boy seems determined to work here no matter what. Or maybe he's just unusually stubborn," the MD muttered.
Dr. Jing stood up. "He was here with his credentials, exactly as you requested. I'll send him to you now....I have to head into the theatre."
The MD didn't respond, too busy rinsing his cup yet again.
By the time he returned, Dr. Jing was already back in his office. He handed Zhan the envelope with a reassuring smile. "You can go in now. But listen, Zhan... be respectful. He's our boss and the one who will decide your appointment. Keep your words simple: 'Yes, sir. Okay, sir. Sorry, sir. Thank you, sir.' Don't say more than necessary. Just be calm, polite, and professional."
Zhan smiled faintly while staring at Dr. Jing, wondering why he kept insisting he should "be a good boy" when meeting that difficult man. Did he look like a troublemaker? Lowering his head, he muttered, "Alright, Doctor."
"You can go now... he's waiting," Dr. Jing said.
Zhan stood up, picked up his bag and the envelope containing his documents. He removed his glasses and tried to tuck them away, but Dr. Jing stopped him.
"Why did you take them off? Put them back on," he said.
Zhan looked at him, Dr Jing replied, "But they suit you. You look good in them."
Zhan gave a small smile, adjusted the glasses back on, and Dr Jing watched as Zhan walked toward the door. Just as Zhan reached for the handle, he turned back and asked quietly, "But… do you have any idea what kind of questions he'll ask me?"
"Relax and stay calm," Dr. Jing reassured him. "There won't be any difficult questions. He'll mostly look through your documents and ask for personal details to input. Once he sees your results, I doubt he'll even know what else to ask... he'll be too surprised. So just go." He ended with a smile.
Zhan lowered his gaze, turned, and left the office. He made his way to the top floor, stopping at the MD's office door. He knocked gently until a response came, then pushed it open and stepped inside.
The MD was sipping his coffee, not even glancing up. Zhan walked over to the desk and stood calmly before greeting, "Good morning, sir."
The MD finally looked up, and for a moment, he nearly dropped his cup. Some coffee spilled onto his white shirt. Quickly, he set the cup aside and stood.
"Hey! Why would you just barge into my office like this? Are you okay? Do you think this is a marketplace?" Without waiting for Zhan's response, he stormed into the adjoining private room in his office.
Zhan watched in silence. Strange… I knocked, and he gave me permission to come in. Maybe he's suffering from memory loss, he thought dryly.
After five long minutes, the MD reemerged in a fresh white shirt, his face expressionless, as if he had never even learned to smile. He avoided looking directly at Zhan. The MD poured the rest of his coffee out and returned to the desk. Still not meeting Zhan's eyes, he asked coldly, "And what are you still waiting for?"
Calmly, Zhan replied, "I came for the interview you asked me to attend. Here are my credentials." He placed the envelope neatly on the table, then stepped back.
The MD gave a short laugh. "Oh, so Jing was the one who told you to come and drop your CV on my table?"
Zhan said nothing. Instead, he picked up the envelope and circle around to were the MD was, held it out politely. The MD ignored it, simply walked back to his seat, and sat down. Zhan turned slightly, still watching him quietly, but the MD refused to acknowledge him.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door. The MD quickly stood up, expecting the CEO. But it was Dr. Balogun who entered, carrying a file. Spotting Zhan, he smiled.
"Oh, Mister! Where have you been all this while?"
Zhan greeted him respectfully. Dr. Balogun responded warmly in his Yoruba-accented English, "It's been days since you came to work. Where have you been?"
With a polite smile, Zhan answered, "He asked me to attend the interview first before continuing."
Dr. Balogun glanced at the MD, who was unnecessary busy clearing things from his desk, avoiding their eyes. Then he said, "Alright, MD, I'll come back after the interview. It's about the project we're handling tonight."
At last, the MD spoke curtly, "You can interview him, Balogun. I'm a bit busy."
Dr. Balogun turned to Zhan. "Do you have your CV?"
Zhan nodded and handed him the envelope. Sitting down, Dr. Balogun gestured toward the chair opposite. "Sit down."
But the MD interjected sharply, "Why should he sit? And tell him to take off those glasses....we're not here for a fashion parade."
Dr. Balogun glanced at Zhan, who quietly removed his glasses, then began leafing through the documents. He paused, eyes widening in surprise.
"Wow. A first-class degree from this prestigious university? That's my alma mater as well...I know the lecturers there very well."
He handed the paper to the MD, who sneered, "First class in Botany or what?"
Dr. Balogun's eyes widened. "Nursing Science, man! Do you know it's been nearly fifteen years... maybe even more....since anyone graduated with a first-class degree from that department? And he just did."
The MD, staring at him, repeated flatly, "Nursing Science?"
"Yes, take a look yourself," Dr. Balogun urged.
The MD shook his head. "What kind of school is this?"
Dr. Balogun told him the name.
"That's a lie," the MD shot back.
Startled, Dr. Balogun replied, "Have you ever heard of results being forged from that university?"
The MD picked up the transcript, examined it closely, then reached for his phone. "I have a friend who lectures in that department...I'll confirm right now."
Dr. Balogun went quiet, watching as the MD scrolled through his phone. Zhan, on the other hand, refused to even look at him. Deep down, he had never felt such intense dislike for anyone before. He despised the MD with a passion, and if it weren't for Dr. Jing, he would have walked out long ago. Still, he waited to hear the call...but the MD never dialed. Instead, he set the phone down and said coldly, "I'll confirm it later. Balogun, you can leave. We'll discuss our matter afterwards."
Dr. Balogun rose, still watching Zhan with genuine respect. Not for a moment did he doubt the authenticity of his results. He looked at the MD and declared firmly, "Zhan deserves to be a registered nurse directly (RN)."
After Balogun left, the MD pulled his laptop closer. A few minutes passed before he finally spoke, still without glancing at Zhan. "Your name?"
Only then did Zhan look at him. "Wang Zhan."
The MD frowned sharply. "You think this is a playground? You're supposed to give me your real name, not some fake nickname."
Zhan replied steadily, "You can check it for yourself on my transcript." He didn't even realize how bluntly the words left his mouth.
The MD stared at him for a long moment, then snapped his laptop shut. "Get out."
At that instant, the office door opened and the CEO walked in. The MD quickly stood. "Do you need something, Ma?"
She stepped inside, her calm gaze settling on Zhan. In a gentle voice, she said, "Hello, how are you? I just asked about you not long ago."
Zhan greeted her respectfully. The MD stood silently, his face unreadable, while the CEO slipped an arm around Zhan in a light side hug. His heart raced, but she smiled at him warmly.
"Why aren't you in scrubs?" she asked softly.
Zhan lowered his eyes. "I…," he started, but the words stuck in his throat.
The CEO turned to the MD. "Is there a problem?"
Quickly, he answered, "No, not really. Just correcting some errors in his data. He's not on duty today."
The CEO smiled again and looked back at Zhan. "If you're done here, come to my office and make me coffee, Zhan."
Zhan nodded. "Okay, Ma."
She set down the file in her hand and left. Zhan's eyes followed her until she disappeared through the door. When he turned back, his gaze locked with the MD's, sharp and unyielding. The MD abruptly stood, grabbed a stack of textbooks, and headed toward the small library in his office.
Zhan asked politely, "May I take my leave now?"
The MD shot him a scathing look. Zhan began gathering his papers, but the MD barked, "Hey....get out."
Zhan froze, then slowly dropped the documents back on the desk. Turning, he threw the MD a cold glare before walking out of the office.
NB
Pweey, this Tom and Jerry fight 😄well let's go for it. 😅 Sorry simi mini long chapter... My vision is not clear today, manage with this please.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛