Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 193: A Buffoon

"Come, while we still have a little time, let me tell you a few more important things."

For the next while, the only sound in the room was the low murmur of their voices.

Dean Yuan explained everything to Song Qingya bit by bit: the projects the hospital was currently advancing, the situation in several key departments, and the personnel matters and individuals she needed to be aware of.

He explained in detail, and Song Qingya listened intently. When she occasionally asked a question, Dean Yuan would answer patiently.

Just then, a knock came from the door.

"Dean Yuan, the car is ready."

Dean Yuan glanced down at his watch, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes.

"Alright."

He stood up and patted down his old military uniform.

Song Qingya stood up as well.

Her hand was still clutching the notebook tightly, as if she were holding on to a promise, a mission.

Dean Yuan’s expression turned somber and exceptionally grave.

"Qingya."

"Remember, a doctor’s skills are for healing the sick and saving lives."

His gaze was like a torch, fixed directly on her.

"No matter how high you climb or what great benefits you face, you must never, ever cross this bottom line."

She stood ramrod straight and nodded seriously.

"Yes, Dean Yuan. I’ll remember."

Her voice was not loud, but it was firm and resolute.

Dean Yuan stared at her for a long moment, then, without another word, turned, pulled open the door, and walked out.

Two young soldiers were standing at the door. The moment they saw him, they snapped to attention and saluted.

Dean Yuan waved his hand, his pace never faltering as he headed straight out of the office building.

Song Qingya stood where she was, watching his retreating figure, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

She was still immersed in their conversation, replaying every word Dean Yuan had said in her mind.

Just as she had nearly forgotten her surroundings, the sound of hurried footsteps reached her ears.

Qi Yuanyuan came jogging down the hallway and finally stopped at the office door.

"Doctor Song, there you are!"

Her tone was clearly anxious.

"Did Dean Yuan just leave? I just saw him going downstairs from the end of the hall."

Song Qingya slowly turned around and nodded.

"Doctor Qi."

Seeing her expression, Qi Yuanyuan frowned slightly and walked a few steps closer.

"Did you need something from Dean Yuan?"

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corners of her lips.

"He’s about to step down. What’s the point in seeing him now?"

Song Qingya didn’t take the bait, simply hugging the stack of documents in her arms a little tighter.

"The Dean was giving me some work assignments."

She finally spoke, her voice steady and her words clear.

A flicker of movement in Qi Yuanyuan’s eyes, and her gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Work assignments?"

She repeated, her tone filled with suspicion and sarcasm.

"Dean Yuan is about to resign. Why would he entrust important work to you? You’ve only been at this hospital for a few months. You have no seniority, no connections. On what grounds would he trust you? Who would believe that?"

She took a step forward, pressing so close she was almost touching Song Qingya.

"It couldn’t be about something else, could it?"

Song Qingya slowly raised her eyes to meet Qi Yuanyuan’s gaze, her expression still calm.

"If you have something to say, Doctor Qi, you should just say it."

Qi Yuanyuan was momentarily choked up by this lukewarm attitude, at a loss for words.

Her mind raced, and suddenly, a terrible thought struck her.

Her eyes flew wide, and her face changed in an instant.

"He’s giving you the dean’s position!"

"Song Qingya! Who the hell do you think you are?!"

"How long have you been here? Not even half a year! What about seniority? How many key projects have you led? How many teams have you managed? Have you ever presented at a medical conference? There are plenty of people in this hospital better than you! People with more experience, more ability—every single one of them has toiled for decades! How could it possibly be your turn?!"

Song Qingya listened quietly, her face showing neither anger nor grievance.

She didn’t even interrupt, only taking a small step back when the other woman’s emotional outburst reached its peak.

"As for why, the higher-ups naturally have their reasons."

She said faintly, her tone as level as ever.

"Doctor Qi, you’re a veteran here. You should understand the procedures better than anyone."

"The hospital’s decisions aren’t swayed by personal feelings. This is an organizational decision, not child’s play."

Qi Yuanyuan’s face turned ashen with fury at her words. She pointed a finger straight at her, the tip of it trembling.

"Don’t get too cocky!"

She seethed through gritted teeth.

"Song Qingya, believe me, you won’t even have time to warm that seat before it goes cold!"

"As long as I’m still at this hospital, don’t even think about running this place smoothly! You just wait. I’ll make you understand what they mean when they say a tall tree catches the wind, and that it’s hard to go against the wrath of the crowd!"

With that, she flung her hand down, spun around, and stalked away.

Song Qingya watched her retreating back, her brow furrowed slightly.

’Trouble, just as I expected. There’s no avoiding it.’

She found a quiet corner, took her phone out of her bag, and dialed a number.

"Qingya? How did it go?"

Fei Jin’s calm and familiar voice came from the other end of the line.

"It’s settled."

She leaned her back against the wall and slowly slid into a sitting position.

"Dean Yuan officially recommended me, and the higher-ups just approved the appointment."

A low chuckle immediately followed from the receiver.

"That’s wonderful!"

"You’ve always been outstanding. That position belongs to you."

"But..."

His voice softened again, now tinged with concern.

"Taking on so many things right after you start, and you’re pregnant on top of it all... won’t it be too exhausting? Can your body handle it?"

"I can handle it."

She replied softly.

"It’s a lot of work, but it’s all manageable. I’ll be sure to rest."

She paused, her brow furrowing slightly, and added in a low voice.

"I just ran into Qi Yuanyuan. She was clearly unhappy about it and made a few passive-aggressive remarks."

"Her?"

Fei Jin’s tone instantly turned cold.

"She’s just a petty clown, don’t pay her any mind. People like her are small-minded and can’t stand to see others succeed. As long as I’m here, she won’t be able to cause any real trouble."

As he was speaking, Cheng Peng’s voice suddenly came through from the other end of the line.

"Hey, she’s so capable, skilled, and reliable. Who could possibly object? And even if they did, they’d just have to accept it!"

Hearing this, the corners of Song Qingya’s mouth lifted unconsciously.

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

"I won’t back down from what I should fight for, and I won’t be afraid to face what I must."

With that, she hung up the phone.

The frustration Qi Yuanyuan had stirred up earlier now felt much lighter.

Back at the family courtyard, the setting sun cast long, dappled shadows from the trees.

She pushed open the door to her home and saw Liu Li and Mrs. Song sitting on the sofa, eagerly awaiting her return.

Liu Li immediately shot up and hurried over.

"Qingya, how did it go? Did Dean Yuan give his approval? Did the appointment come through?"

Song Qingya smiled and nodded.

"Mom, it’s settled. The official letter of appointment has arrived."

"Oh my! Really?!"

Liu Li clapped her hands, her face blooming into a wide smile.

"That’s wonderful! This is fantastic news! Our Qingya is going to be the dean!"

She was so excited she spun in a circle, then turned and rushed straight for the kitchen, untying her apron.

"No, we have to have a big feast tonight! I’m going to go buy groceries right now! We have to make some impressive dishes to celebrate properly!"

Mrs. Song also hurried to her feet from the sofa, her face filled with unconcealable pride and joy.