"Anything else? If you're just here to disturb my meal, forget it."
Song Chen glanced at Xu Man Ni and said blandly.
"Hmph!"
Xu Man Ni snorted, glared at Song Chen, picked up her tray, and went to another table.
"Is Sister Xu crazy or what...?"
After Xu Man Ni left, Zhao Heng whispered to Song Chen.
"You're just realizing this."
Song Chen smiled and said.
When it comes to comparisons and competition, Song Chen never pays much attention.
"People who objectify others often assume everyone is like them."
After a pause, Song Chen added.
She didn't care a bit about what Xu Man Ni said or did; her primary interest right now was Zhao Heng.
"Senior, I wanted to ask, is this anesthesiologist role really that sought after?"
Zhao Heng wasn't interested in discussing Xu Man Ni too much with Song Chen. Truth be told, despite Xu Man Ni being a stunning beauty, Zhao Heng had no interest in her.
A woman like Xu Man Ni was too troublesome and not Zhao Heng's type.
"Go ahead without worry, the role of an anesthesiologist is more in demand than you think. Moreover, it's a great starting point. Even if you want to pursue surgery in the future, being an anesthesiologist is very beneficial for it."
Song Chen gave Zhao Heng a reassuring nod; it was evident she had been following Zhao Heng's plans and knew he was preparing for the anesthesiologist exam.
"Then I'm relieved."
Zhao Heng nodded, feeling much calmer. If Song Chen said so, pursuing the path of anesthesiology had to be worthwhile and wouldn't hinder a future in surgery.
"Actually, with your surgical skills, you could even follow me or the director directly into operations. But as you're aware, hospitals nowadays tend to prioritize academic credentials. You're just a bachelor's degree holder now, and the time it takes to earn a PhD is a luxury you probably can't afford. The demand for anesthesiologists is significant, so there aren't strict academic requirements. This is your chance. You get into the hospital first; you can decide later whether to focus on anesthesiology or surgery."
Song Chen looked at Zhao Heng and spoke earnestly.
Clearly, Song Chen understood Zhao Heng's thoughts and current situation entirely.
"Senior, I didn't expect you to think so much for me."
Zhao Heng was somewhat moved by Song Chen's words.
Someone who truly cares would say such words.
Some, like Song Siming, might offer encouragement or pep talks, but provide nothing substantial.
People like Gao Jun and Song Chen are genuinely concerned for Zhao Heng.
"Though being the deputy director's assistant is an opportunity, really think about whether this chance is as good as you think. The dean's nephew values it because he's the dean's nephew; this deputy assistant position is just a stepping stone, or a way to bolster credentials. His path is laid out for him. Do you have someone paving your way? If not, would you want to be an assistant for several years, even decades?"
Song Chen spoke sincerely; what she told Zhao Heng came from the heart.
Most wouldn't say these things.
Some things in this world only look glamorous on the surface.
"Senior, do you mean you can only choose between face value and substance?"
Zhao Heng understood Song Chen's words and couldn't help but ask.
"That's generally how the world works; if you want both face value and substance, relying solely on yourself isn't enough; you must have people supporting you."
Song Chen sighed and said.
She was fortunate not to experience Zhao Heng's struggles—frequent job hunting, chasing opportunities, the feeling of having no one to turn to—which sounded utterly excruciating.
"I understand, senior. But perhaps if one's strength reaches a certain point, it might break those rules?"
Zhao Heng knew Song Chen was discreetly advising him to abandon the competition with the dean's nephew.
But as a man with a cheat code, what did the dean's nephew matter?!
"Forget it, just go ahead and compete to know for sure."
Song Chen said a bit helplessly upon seeing Zhao Xu's confident demeanor, as if he hadn't absorbed what she said.
She didn't mean to belittle Zhao Heng.
She acknowledged Zhao Heng's abilities.
Her suggestion was that Zhao Heng shouldn't waste time on pointless titles and positions.
He should spend his time mastering things he could control, like becoming an anesthesiologist, taking the first genuine step into Eastern Hospital.
"Senior, I understand your point. I'll strive hard for the anesthesiologist exam."
Zhao Heng wasn't foolish; Song Chen not favoring his chance to become Song Siming's assistant was normal since he had no solid foundation or background.
Essentially, for a department head, crucial is the exchange of core interests; saying a few valued words to a young person is merely lip service.
"That's good. Once you pass the exam, with Old Gao's connections, becoming a contract worker won't be a problem. Then, whether you choose anesthesiology or surgery will be legitimate."
Song Chen nodded, gratified.
Her point was that although doctors are categorized—surgeons, anesthesiologists, etc.—ultimately, they're all practice-based physicians.
For example, anesthesiologists must first be practicing physicians, and being practicing gives them the qualifications to lead operations.
Though usually, this kind of situation is rare.
Generally, an anesthesia-focused doctor wouldn't have the time or energy to be proficient in surgery simultaneously.
Song Chen hoped that once Zhao Heng passed the exam and truly stayed at Eastern Hospital, he'd become an anesthesiologist.
By then, Zhao Heng's entry into Eastern Hospital would be complete.
She could then mentor Zhao Heng more, even propose to the head to shift Zhao Heng to cardiac surgery, which was feasible.
In the end, if the surgery goes well and the patients approve, who cares about the academic degree?
"Senior, is there no chance for contract workers to become formally employed?"
Zhao Heng somewhat unwillingly asked.
Although contract work is better than temporary, it's still lesser than formal employment.
"To enter now, exams are required for positions with established tenure. And with exams, your degree is a liability. Still, it's not entirely hopeless. Do you remember the incident two years ago?"
Song Chen thought for a moment and said.
"Two years ago?"
Zhao Heng asked.
"Yes, after that incident, those from Eastern Hospital who went there all got transitioned from temporary or contract positions to formal staff. But situations like that only happen once in many years."
Song Chen nodded and said.
"Indeed, such scenarios rarely occur. But what if similar situations arise? Like, producing significant results?"
Zhao Heng asked curiously.
"Producing results? Are you curing AIDS or cancer? Don't overthink it; focus on preparing for the exam."
Hearing Zhao Heng's imaginative ideas, Song Chen chuckled and said.
"Not now doesn't mean never later."
Zhao Heng, aware his ideas seemed far-fetched now, but possessing a cheat code, believed with enough time, he could harness the entire realm of human medical technology. Then, conquering AIDS and cancer might not be some empty talk.