Chapter 1 — On my first day as Director, I was kicked out of the cafeteria by the resident doctor

On the first day I took over as head of the hospital, I just wanted to go down to the cafeteria to have a meal and then quietly observe the hospital situation. Unexpectedly, before my chopsticks had even taken the first bite, a female resident doctor in my husband's department pointed straight at me and shouted:

"Which patient's family member ran in here? Is this table also where you are allowed to sit?"

At that moment, my husband rushed in from the hallway, his face drained of blood, and frantically pulled her back.

"Stop talking! She's the new dean who just came to take over!"

Actually, I just planned to quietly eat and see how this hospital was operating. Who would have thought that my first meal would make me so disappointed that my heart was cold.

"Which patient's family member ran in here? Is this table also where you are allowed to sit?"

As soon as the shout rang out, the entire noisy cafeteria suddenly quieted down. I had just put the tray of rice on the table, but I hadn't even had time to pick up the chopsticks yet. Standing in front of me was a girl wearing a clean white blouse, with the nameplate of Hai Thanh People's Hospital No. 1 on her chest. Department of work clearly states: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Her name is To Nha Lam. Of course at that time I didn't know the name. What I remember the most is the way he always held his chin high every time he looked at others. I glanced at the empty chair opposite and then looked at her.

“Since when do hospital cafeterias have reserved tables?”

Her expression stopped. Apparently she didn't expect me to respond. Several doctors wearing blue surgical gowns sitting at the next table just looked at each other quietly. Some people were about to speak up, but in the end they still chose to stay silent. In the distance, Han Man, deputy director of the hospital office, was holding a glass of water and suddenly stopped to look this way. I am the new director of Hai Thanh No. 1 People's Hospital. Just officially took office this morning. The welcoming ceremony has not yet taken place. The appointment notice has not yet been sent to the faculties. I haven't even had time to enter the dean's office in the administrative building. I just wanted to go down to the cafeteria and sit for a while to observe the actual situation. I didn't expect that before I even finished eating, I would encounter this problem.

“Do you not understand human language?”

To Nha Lam placed the rice tray firmly on the table. The sound of plastic hitting the table was deafening.

“This is not where you are allowed to sit.”

She crossed her arms across her chest, looking at me with disdain.

“Which department are you a nurse in?”

“Or someone delivering food outside?”

Those words were said very naturally, as if she was used to that way of being treated. I still calmly sat in my seat. Putting my chopsticks down next to the rice tray, I calmly asked:

“Is there any document stating that this chair is yours?”

She slightly curled her lips.

“You know how to argue.”

“Do you think you are qualified to stand here and talk to me?”

My eyes stopped on the nameplate on her chest.

“Are you a resident doctor?”

Her face immediately darkened.

“What does it have to do with you?”

At that moment, a middle-aged doctor wearing glasses at the next table spoke in a low voice:

“Miss... let's change to another table.”

Immediately afterwards, several people also hurriedly chimed in.

“Stop arguing with her.”

“It's been the same here ever since.”

“It's not worth it.”

I looked at the people who were advising me. There are resident doctors. There are also doctors with specialized training. There was no pity on their faces. Only the helplessness that has become a habit remains. I still didn't move.

“It's always been like this... since when?”

No one answered. On the contrary, To Nha Lam burst out laughing. Maybe she found my reaction interesting.

“Are you really going to sit here?”

She took a step forward. One hand rested on the edge of the table, leaning forward to look straight at me.

“I'll remind you one last time.”

“This table is for homeroom teacher Phuong.”

“You better get up now, don't make me have to call someone.”

Hearing the three words "Dean Phuong", my hand stopped on the glass of water. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Chairman Phuong. Phuong Tri Vien. That... is my husband. I slowly put down the glass of water.

“Headmaster Phuong's place?”

She answered as if it were obvious.

“Every day, homeroom teacher Phuong sits here.”

“I reserved a seat for him.”

“Are you finally standing up?”

The cold air from the air conditioner continued to blow through the cafeteria. But my heart felt hot every time. I lowered my eyes to look at the name tag on her chest. To Nha Lam. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Resident doctor. Around her neck she wore a thin necklace. The pendant was hidden under the collar of the blouse, revealing only a faint silver light. That design... I've seen it before. Last year, Phuong Tri Vien told me that he lost it on a business trip. Unexpectedly... Before I could finish my first meal at the hospital, I discovered something that made my heart cold to the core.

“Are you finally going or not?”

To Nha Lam's voice became a bit higher. At this moment, at least five or six tables in the cafeteria were looking at us. But still no one stepped forward to intervene. I leisurely took a sip of water. Then gently put the cup down.

“Don't go.”

The smile on her face immediately disappeared.

“Which department of the hospital do you work in?”

“You try to guess.”

To Nha Lam looked at me from head to toe. From face, clothes to hands. Today I just wore a simple dark blue shirt. No makeup. Hair tied low at the back. The flat shoes on the feet are also very normal. No matter how you look, you don't look like someone with a position.

“Administrative staff at the management court?”

Having finished speaking, she laughed to herself.

“It's true that the administrative side is becoming more and more unreasonable.”

"Just because I work near the dean, I think I can squeeze in and enjoy the prize."

A young nurse sitting nearby finally couldn't bear it anymore and said softly:

“Doctor To... better stop it...”

To Nha Lam turned her head to look at her. With just one look. The nurse immediately fell silent. Bowing his head to eat rice, the chopsticks in his hands were still shaking slightly. I took in all that scene in my eyes.

“How long have you been in the Orthopedics Department?”

To Nha Lam turned back, her expression even more uncomfortable.

“Are you investigating my background?”

“I'm just asking.”

I calmly replied.

“Does everyone in the Department of Orthopedics know that you occupy a table in the cafeteria like this?”

“Not just the Department of Orthopedics.”

She leaned back slightly, her face full of pride, as if she had just had a chance to brag.

"In this entire surgical ward, everyone knows that that table is Director Phuong's seat."