Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 192: The Test

She squeezed her mother’s hand and answered earnestly.

"Mom, I know what I’m doing."

Mrs. Song squeezed her hand back, her touch gentle yet firm.

"I believe in you."

"Qingya, about us dealing with Cheng Lu’s situation today... let’s not tell Ajin just yet, okay?"

Song Qingya’s heart clenched. It felt like she had a premonition, but she didn’t dare press for more information.

Finally, she gave a slow nod.

"Okay, I won’t mention it."

Mrs. Song let out a sigh of relief, her tense shoulders slumping slightly.

"Finding Cheng Lu at all is already a blessing from heaven."

She didn’t continue,

but Song Qingya knew what she meant.

Even though Cheng Lu was in custody now, in a tough situation, at least she was alive.

It wasn’t like last time, when she had disappeared for months without a word, and they didn’t know if she was dead or alive.

That kind of torment was more agonizing than the news that she was in trouble.

She placed her hand over her mother’s.

"Mom, let’s not dwell on the past. The most important thing is for you to take care of yourself."

Mrs. Song felt the warmth on her hand, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

She said nothing more, simply leaning quietly on her daughter’s shoulder.

「The next day.」

Song Qingya headed to the hospital.

She wanted to find Dean Yuan and ask him in person about succeeding him.

After all, the position carried immense responsibility. She didn’t want to accept it rashly based on a single notice, and more importantly, she didn’t want to betray Dean Yuan’s trust.

Just as she rounded a corner in the hallway, she saw Dean Yuan standing by the entrance.

A crowd of people surrounded him, offering well-wishes like "Congratulations," "Take care," and "Come back and visit often."

Dean Yuan was wearing a faded old military uniform. The epaulets had been removed, but his back was still ramrod straight.

He spoke as he nodded in response to each person.

Seeing the scene, Song Qingya slipped aside and hid behind an old pagoda tree, waiting quietly.

She didn’t want to intrude on this final moment of farewell.

Dean Yuan habitually scanned his surroundings, his gaze pausing for a moment when it landed on the old pagoda tree.

The corners of his eyes crinkled, and a faint smile touched his lips.

He didn’t call out, but continued to chat with the group for a few more moments.

After a while, the crowd reluctantly began to disperse.

When the last person had left, Dean Yuan turned and waved in the direction of the old pagoda tree.

Song Qingya emerged from behind it and walked toward him.

"Dean Yuan."

Dean Yuan’s smile grew warmer as he looked at Song Qingya.

"Come on, let’s go sit in my office for a bit."

With that, he turned and set off.

Song Qingya followed close behind him as they walked slowly down the path.

The path was lined with neatly trimmed hedges and paved with light gray bricks, with bits of moss growing in the cracks.

Occasionally, a nurse pushing a wheelchair would pass by, giving a small nod, their eyes full of respect and fondness for Dean Yuan.

It was the same familiar office, but the room was clearly different.

The usual, comforting scent of old books and ink was gone, replaced by a faint, cold emptiness.

The bookshelf was mostly bare, with only a few books left standing in a corner.

Several sealed cardboard boxes were stacked by the desk. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The awards and photographs had been taken down from the walls, leaving pale, rectangular outlines in their place.

Dean Yuan closed the door behind them with a soft CLICK.

He turned to face Song Qingya, his face deliberately stern, but the corners of his mouth twitched, threatening to break into a smile.

"So, you rascal, you finally decided to come see me?"

"I’m always telling you to stop by more often. I was starting to think you’d forgotten all about me!"

A smile touched Song Qingya’s lips, and she played along, her tone softening.

"Dean Yuan, how could you say that? I would never dare forget you."

"You’re the senior I’ve respected most since I joined this hospital, the mentor who set me on this path."

She paused, her voice growing even quieter.

"Things have been busy recently, and I wasn’t feeling my best, so I didn’t want to keep bothering you."

"The moment I had some free time, I rushed right over."

Seeing her like this, Dean Yuan couldn’t keep up the act.

His feigned sternness crumbled instantly, and his expression softened.

"Alright, alright, don’t just stand there. Sit."

"It’s good you came today. I can give you the full story."

He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk and fixing his gaze on her.

"Regarding the succession of the deanship, I’ve formally submitted your name as my recommendation."

"All the paperwork has been submitted, and the process is complete. The administration has also conducted their review and held their discussions."

"It’s basically a done deal. You’ll be the one taking my place."

Song Qingya was stunned.

She had expected Dean Yuan’s support, of course, but she figured he would subtly pave the way for her at most.

She never, ever imagined it would happen so suddenly.

Seeing her dazed expression, Dean Yuan leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on the armrests, his tone as steady as ever.

"Kiddo, I know this position is a heavy burden. With great power comes great responsibility."

"A single decision can change the entire hospital’s future. A single mistake could affect hundreds of medical staff and thousands of patients."

"But with so many people here, I wouldn’t be able to rest easy leaving it to someone else."

"Some people are highly capable, but they aren’t steady. Others are honest, but they lack courage and conviction."

He tapped the armrest lightly.

"In terms of capability, your achievements over the past few years speak for themselves. You spearheaded the launch of the new outpatient system, increasing efficiency by forty percent. You coordinated all the different parties for the construction of the critical care center, getting it approved and operational within three months. Even during inspections from our superiors, you’ve always earned top marks and never let the hospital down."

"And in terms of your sense of responsibility, this old man sees you for who you are. You regularly work past midnight. You’re on call whenever a patient needs you, never shirking your duties. Your priority is the hospital and its patients, not your own career advancement."

"This hospital needs someone who can hold the line and also inspire everyone to keep moving forward."

"I’ve thought it over and over, and you’re the only one who fits the bill."

His tone was firm, his gaze clear, without a hint of hesitation.

Song Qingya looked down, saying nothing.

Her eyes were fixed on the crack between the floor tiles at her feet, but her mind was a raging sea.

She knew what this position meant.

It wasn’t just an honor, but a greater responsibility. It wasn’t just power, but a greater trial.

Dean Yuan’s tone softened.

"There’s no need to be so formal with me."

"Hesitation isn’t your style."

On the contrary, Song Qingya felt her face flush.

She pushed down the feeling of unease, raised her head, and met Dean Yuan’s gaze.

"Dean Yuan, thank you for believing in me."

She leaned forward slightly.

"I won’t let you down, and I absolutely will not let this hospital fail."

"I will lead everyone and take this hospital to even greater heights."

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke—not from fear, but from the thrill of it all.

She could see the path forward, and she could feel the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders.

Dean Yuan saw the fire in her eyes and nodded in satisfaction.

"Good."

A single word, short and powerful.

"I have faith in your ability and your character."

He picked up a notebook from the desk and handed it to her.

Its cover was worn, the corners were curled, and the yellowed pages were covered in dense handwriting.