Chapter 7

Chapter 3: [Strong New Concept] (2)

After the leaders left, the interns gradually dispersed. Apart from Zuo Xiaoqing, no one else knew about Zhang Yang's miraculous actions tonight. Zuo Xiaoqing was clearly very curious and kept walking with him, always wanting to ask about the technique of repositioning, but Zhang Yang seemed to have even more questions. Most of their conversation was a series of questions and answers, with Zhang Yang often asking and Zuo Xiaoqing answering.

It was already 10 PM, and the interns gathered in small groups outside the main gate, enthusiastically discussing their unprecedented emergency experience.

"Xiaoqing!" Hong Ling skipped over to Zuo Xiaoqing, but upon seeing Zhang Yang beside her, her originally joyful face instantly turned cold and hostile. "Why are you here too?"

Zhang Yang had no particular fondness for this chatty little girl and was about to take his leave when he saw Gao Wei, who had just finished work, come out. He warmly greeted the interns, "You all did a great job tonight!"

Hong Ling smiled and said, "Teacher Gao, we helped you so much, you should at least show some appreciation!" The other students joined in the teasing.

Gao Wei nodded with a smile, "Alright, I'll treat everyone to dinner at the night market on Erbu Street!" His gaze intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Zuo Xiaoqing, who lowered her long, black lashes, seemingly avoiding Gao Wei's gaze. Zhang Yang, with his keen eyes, immediately realized that this Teacher Gao probably had some improper thoughts about the beautiful Zuo Xiaoqing. What a beast! In Zhang Yang's mind, a teacher should not have any ambiguous thoughts about their students.

Zhang Yang originally did not want to go, but Zuo Xiaoqing quietly invited him to join. Zhang Yang, who had no resistance to beautiful women, and who was indeed quite hungry after a busy night, decided to go to the night market on Erbu Street with everyone, just to get a free meal.

In the early 1990s, bicycles were still the primary mode of transportation for most people. Surgeon Gao Wei already owned a Jin Cheng Suzuki 125, and with his handsome appearance, he had become the prince charming in the hearts of the unmarried nurses at the hospital. His charm also extended to the inexperienced female interns who had just entered the hospital.

The night market on Erbu Street was not far, about 500 meters from the county hospital. The seven invited interns all walked, while Gao Wei drove his dark blue Jin Cheng Suzuki alongside them. Zuo Xiaoqing and Zhang Yang walked side by side, which not only surprised the other interns but also made Gao Wei feel frustrated. Who was this guy, and why did he have no sense of propriety? Although he was angry, as a teacher, he should maintain a certain level of dignity, especially in front of Zuo Xiaoqing. The reason he had thoughts about Zuo Xiaoqing was not just because of her outstanding appearance but also because of her superior family background. Zuo Xiaoqing's father, Zuo Yongjun, was the director and party secretary of the First People's Hospital of Jiangcheng City, and her uncle, Zuo Yuanchao, held significant power as the financial bureau chief of Jiangcheng City. Both were at the level of a full-time department head. If he could connect with the Zuo family, transferring to a city-level hospital would be a piece of cake, and his future career path would be smooth.

Zuo Xiaoqing was unaware of Gao Wei's ulterior motives. She was low-key and chose to intern at a county hospital to avoid unnecessary disturbances. She also had another reason: to stay away from the influence of her family, so few of her classmates knew about her background.

Gao Wei smiled and said, "Zuo Xiaoqing, why don't I take you there first? We can order the food, and when the others arrive, we can start eating!"

Although the interns had just graduated from school, they could still see through some things. Many of the male interns felt somewhat aggrieved. The flowers in their own garden were being picked by others, and no one would feel balanced about that. However, Gao Wei was a teacher, and how could these poor students compare?

Zuo Xiaoqing smiled faintly, "I prefer to walk. Teacher Gao, you can take Hong Ling first." Her subtle refusal made Gao Wei somewhat awkward.

Hong Ling jumped onto the back of the motorcycle without hesitation, grabbing Gao Wei's waist. "I don't want to walk. If you don't sit, I will!" Zhang Yang watched coldly, realizing that this little girl was actively helping Gao Wei out of his awkward situation. There was probably some secret deal between her and Gao Wei. Before his death, Zhang Yizhen often visited the palace and brothels, places where intrigue was rife. Even the slightest hint of something could help him deduce the underlying complexities.

Among the invited interns, only Zhang Yang, a nursing school student, was walking with Zuo Xiaoqing. Unconsciously, they formed three groups: Gao Wei and Hong Ling went ahead to order the food, the three male interns led by Chen Guowei walked in front, and Zuo Xiaoqing and Zhang Yang lagged behind. Zhang Yang whispered to Zuo Xiaoqing, "I don't know if I should say this."

Zuo Xiaoqing was already accustomed to Zhang Yang's half-formal, half-casual way of speaking and smiled, "Go ahead, or you might get sick from holding it in!"

Zhang Yang whispered, "Hong Ling's behavior is a bit strange. You should be careful."

Zuo Xiaoqing couldn't help but laugh. She knew Hong Ling's usual behavior. Her closeness to Zuo Xiaoqing was partly because she wanted help with her placement. As for Gao Wei knowing about her, it was probably due to Hong Ling's revelations. Zuo Xiaoqing had long understood this, but pointing it out would be meaningless. There were many types of friends, and growing up in an official family, she had learned some principles of social interaction from her relatives. Maintaining a proper distance was the right way to handle friendships. If someone had spoken ill of Hong Ling to her in the past, she would have suspected them of stirring up trouble. However, after witnessing Zhang Yang's miraculous actions tonight, she didn't think much of it and interpreted his warning as a kind gesture. "Thank you!" Zuo Xiaoqing's expression was calm, and her demeanor was much more mature than her 22 years.

Zhang Yang's immediate impression was that this girl was very shrewd, and perhaps she didn't need his warning at all.