Song Chen freed up her hand to assist, and the surgery flowed more smoothly afterward; however, it was still six o'clock in the afternoon when the operation finished.
The patient was sent back to the ward, and Huang Jincheng took off his surgical attire, glanced at Zhao Heng, and then at the others in the operating room. Clearly, the extended surgery had tired everyone out.
"Everyone worked hard today."
Director Huang Jincheng glanced at the people in the operating room and spoke in a rare show of acknowledgment.
After speaking, he seriously looked at Zhao Heng before exiting the operating room.
For someone of his caliber, it was uncommon to specifically pay attention to a young doctor.
But Zhao Heng's performance today gave Huang Jincheng a slight feeling that Zhao Heng had potential.
After all, the role of an instrument nurse is considered the lowest rung in the operating room hierarchy. In such a position, to continually strive for improvement is commendable, to be honest; such young people who are ambitious and diligent do stand out.
But it's only commendable; after all, at Eastern Hospital, there's never a shortage of hardworking individuals!
The hierarchy is everywhere.
"Thank you, Director."
Everyone responded politely; it's indeed rare for a senior director to be so courteous.
Once Huang Jincheng left the operating room, Song Chen asked Zhao Heng, "Junior, it's already dinner time. How about having dinner together later?"
Zhao Heng certainly surprised her today. Honestly, she compared Zhao Heng with the young doctors in the department and found that nobody gave her such a sense of seamless cooperation.
For a surgeon, having an excellent assistant is something all surgeons dream of but rarely find.
"By the way, Gao, would you like to join us?"
Pausing for a moment, Song Chen looked at Gao Jun and asked.
"Well, I'll be a third wheel. I'll skip it; you guys go ahead."
Hearing Song Chen's words, Gao Jun smiled and then gave an encouraging look to Zhao Heng, speaking.
"Alright, I'll treat you another day. Junior, I'll wait for you outside, hurry up."
Song Chen said decisively, not really concerned whether Zhao Heng had agreed or not.
She had always been straightforward, dedicating herself to work and not considering personal matters much.
Her particular interest in Zhao Heng was simply because she believed Zhao Heng would be an excellent assistant.
As Song Chen left the operating room, Zhao Heng's face was full of helplessness; was Song Chen always so direct?
"Dr. Song's personality is just direct, don't take it too seriously; you should go, it will be beneficial for you."
Apparently seeing Zhao Heng's helplessness, Gao Jun said.
"It's not that I'm unwilling..."
Zhao Heng just felt a bit surprised; he had no real reluctance in his heart.
After all, Song Chen is somewhat of a mature beauty, with high looks, but because of her overly capable personality, she seems to lack femininity.
"As long as you're willing, stop dilly-dallying. I believe she sees you as a good assistant, don't overthink it."
Gao Jun smiled and spoke to Zhao Heng.
He was worried Zhao Heng, being young, might interpret the dinner invite as romantic interest, which would be quite amusing.
"Actually, speaking of Song Chen, there are quite a few people pursuing her. Don't be fooled by her serious and capable demeanor at work; in life, she's completely a different person."
Pausing, Gao Jun spoke again.
Having two different personas between work and life is actually quite common among surgeons.
After all, being a doctor involves life-and-death matters, how could one approach it with levity? Naturally, one has to appear competent and serious.
"I understand, teacher."
Zhao Heng nodded; now he felt more grounded.
"However, Xiao Zhao, if you have the ability to win her over, you'll truly establish yourself in North City."
Gao Jun glanced at Zhao Heng and spoke again.
Having worked together for years, Gao Jun naturally knew about Song Chen's family background.
When she first started working, Song Chen had already bought a large three-bedroom apartment in the community near the hospital. Her family conditions were certainly not ordinary.
"Ahem, teacher, you're joking. I fear I don't have that ability,"
Zhao Heng shook his head and spoke.
With Song Chen's capable and direct personality, he believed he couldn't possibly handle it.
Moreover, the saying "a woman older than three years is a treasure," when applied to Song Chen, meant she was at least worth two treasures, which was too overwhelming for Zhao Heng to carry.
"Everything is achievable,"
Gao Jun smiled and replied.
Zhao Heng still shook his head, then left the operating room.
After changing into casual wear and exiting the operating room, Zhao Heng discovered that Song Chen was already waiting at the door.
Song Chen had changed clothes, and only then did Zhao Heng realize why she was considered one of the three beauties of Eastern Hospital.
Her facial features appeared exquisite, well-defined, her skin fair and delicate; she wore a simple white shirt, loose light-blue jeans paired with athletic white sneakers, her hair tied up high, the overall attire very refreshing, exuding a distinct elegance and competence.
Such charisma, Zhao Heng rarely saw in women.
"What's wrong, junior, don't recognize me?"
Seeing Zhao Heng appraising her, Song Chen smiled and asked.
Honestly, she had confidence in her looks, figure, and aura.
Just generally, she wouldn't deliberately showcase these attributes, as her own capabilities in the hospital were enough to keep her at the top of the hierarchy, warranting admiration from others.
Beautiful, with good charisma, competent work skills, and a solid family background, such a woman indeed feels somewhat like nature's favorite.
However, excellence requires a suitable environment for nurturing.
"It's just you seem different from when you're doing surgery,"
Zhao Heng thought for a moment and honestly replied.
"During surgery, one has to be serious; now it's relaxation time, naturally more relaxed. Let's go; I have reserved the table."
Song Chen smiled sweetly and said.
For some reason, having performed surgery with Zhao Heng and now going to have dinner together, Song Chen felt particularly cheerful.
This good mood hadn't been felt for quite some time.
The profession of a doctor, especially a surgeon, rarely allows one to be in high spirits.
"Okay."
Zhao Heng nodded; how can I say this about Song Chen… she has a rare graciousness in her demeanor, not displaying any condescending attitude because he was merely an instrument nurse.
Seeing Song Chen, Zhao Heng couldn't help but think about the surgical nurse Xu Man Ni.
Zhao Heng knew that Xu Man Ni had some appreciation for him too, but her demeanor was distinctly demarcated.
When you become an attending physician, then it's somewhat interesting, only somewhat interesting.
Those were the words Xu Man Ni said to Zhao Heng.
The implication of the words was actually to tell Zhao Heng that they could be simple friends, but merely so; don't think too much, the disparity in status was too great, and Zhao Heng had yet to gain Xu Man Ni's consideration.