Chapter Seventy-Eight: Perspective

Finally, they settled down, and the whole family no longer dwelled on the matters of the clan. Such worries would only sour the mood that had begun to improve. Over the next few days, Yan Yuanqing and Shi Yurou did little, for at Yuanqing’s suggestion, Yurou had resigned from her work within the family. As for the meager salary, Yuanqing made it clear he found it beneath him.

“I’ll ask Yuan Hongyu to arrange a better position for you. The Cangzhou Central Hospital is an excellent choice. The environment there is much more relaxed and fair—nothing like the chaos and turmoil of the Shi family’s clinic!”

“Alright, I’ll do as you say.” Shi Yurou had grown increasingly obedient in Yuanqing’s presence, sometimes even showing a gentle, demure side. And as for when she’d come to rely on Yuanqing like a delicate bird, he believed that day might not be far off. When a woman truly falls for someone and becomes dependent, even develops certain habits, those habits are difficult to change. They can even influence her daily routines and style of living.

“Master, Mistress’s position has been arranged. Tomorrow morning, she can report directly to the hospital—someone will guide her to her post. And you could come as well; perhaps casually guest in our Traditional Medicine Hall,” Yuan Hongyu said with a smile.

“You were waiting for me to agree to that last part, weren’t you?” Yuanqing replied.

“Ha, I didn’t expect you to see through it at a glance, Master. I’m ashamed!”

The next afternoon, Yan Yuanqing brought Shi Yurou to Cangzhou Central Hospital. Hospitals are always bustling, never lacking in people, for at any time, someone falls ill or needs to deal with something there.

“Yan Yuanqing and Shi Yurou? Oh, apologies, I didn’t recognize you at first. Please come with me; everything is prepared. You just need to sign the employment contract and complete a few formalities, and you’ll officially join our staff.”

“This position is coveted by everyone—not only is the salary excellent, but most importantly, it’s not as hectic as other posts.”

“May I be bold and ask a question?”

“Go ahead,” Yuanqing replied.

“Doctor Yuan—what is your relationship with him? He seems to value you both greatly. He even proposed at a hospital meeting to arrange a position for this young lady! If anyone else had done such a thing, they’d have been disciplined, perhaps even dismissed outright!”

Hearing this, Yan Yuanqing realized that Yuan Hongyu had taken considerable risk to secure the job for Shi Yurou. It was a bold move with great rewards, but one misstep could easily offend others.

After all, raising a matter unrelated to the agenda at such an important meeting could easily provoke resentment.

“Oh, if you must know, he’s my apprentice,” Yan Yuanqing answered.

“Sir, please don’t joke. Doctor Yuan has done so much for you—how could you make light of him?” The staff member was slightly displeased, thinking Yuanqing was disrespecting Yuan Hongyu.

Yuanqing replied with some helplessness, “If you don’t believe me, just ask him. Ask if this Yan Yuanqing is his apprentice. Go ahead, everything I say is true.”

“This…” The staff member was left speechless, unsure what to say. The whole business seemed absurd.

At last, they reached the signing desk, and the staff guided Shi Yurou through the paperwork and agreements.

“Congratulations—from this moment, you are officially a member of the Cangzhou Central Hospital family!”