Doctor: Picking Up Attributes in the Hospital

"So, you're saying I've become a hot commodity now?"

Zhao Heng took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, speaking with a hint of self-mockery.

"You're indeed quite sought after now, almost second only to Li Haiyang from the oncology department."

Liu Ziang said with a laugh.

"I didn't expect people in the hospital to be into this kind of thing."

Zhao Heng commented with a hint of sarcasm.

"A hospital is like a small society. Wherever there are people, it's all the same."

Liu Ziang sighed. Although he was professionally dedicated, as he just said, where there are people, there are disputes and interests; even doctors, whose duty is to heal and save, can't escape interpersonal entanglements.

"Big personnel changes are about to happen in the hospital, yet you still have the mood to drink coffee with me here."

Pausing for a moment, Liu Ziang added.

"I probably can't participate at that level anyway, so I might as well stay calm and focus on my own work."

Zhao Heng appeared relaxed about it. After all, he was now a part of Gao Jun's circle, so he wouldn't suffer any losses. As for those who wanted to cozy up to others, that was their issue.

"I think it's good you see it that way. I know Director Liu well; he's very dismissive of engaging in power struggles and taking sides. In this day and age, that's already outdated. The reason some people still engage in it is just to show off their superiority, making themselves feel superior to others."

Liu Ziang hinted at it.

He wasn't wrong, like the previously prevalent drinking culture, which was essentially a submission test by those in advantageous positions over those in weaker positions.

The essence of drinking culture is the necessity for the one encouraging drinking to ensure others drink, satisfying their vanity, indicating compliance, and feeling good if others obey. If not, they feel humiliated.

In simple terms, it's a conformity habit.

"Senior, you really have some insights."

Zhao Heng sensed that Liu Ziang had more grievances—they were just too numerous to list.

For a genius like Liu Ziang to adapt to this society to this extent was truly commendable.

"We rely on skills for a living no matter what, we must understand this. Like Ning Yunhao from our department, his skills were decent when he first came, but he lost focus later, becoming keen on entertaining and socializing."

Liu Ziang used a very current example of Ning Yunhao, who had worked in the same department for many years and was the director's staunch follower.

Of course, his current fate wasn't particularly good either.

But someone like Ning Yunhao, even if sentenced, could still find a use—giving injections or dispensing medication—definitely not ending up on a sewing machine.

"So, he's really going to get a custodial sentence?"

Zhao Heng asked, a bit astonished.

"Embezzling nearly ten million, a custodial sentence is certain."

Liu Ziang nodded.

"What a pity."

Zhao Heng remarked with some sentiment, reaching the position of Deputy Director of Neurosurgery at Eastern Hospital could be considered the pinnacle for a doctor; now, spending the rest of his life in prison was truly lamentable.

If he hadn't followed the director, he probably wouldn't have ended up like this—though, it was his own doing.

"Shall we go for a drink tonight?"

Liu Ziang suddenly suggested.

"Why the sudden urge to drink?"

Zhao Heng asked, a bit puzzled.

"Although today could be disastrous for some, it's undoubtedly a good day for the majority of medical staff. Since it's a good event, it can be celebrated."

Liu Ziang said openly without avoiding the topic.

"If senior is treating, I'll go."

Zhao Heng said.

"You still want a big treat, huh."

Liu Ziang joked with a smile.

"Just say whether you'll treat or not."

Zhao Heng continued.

"After what you said, if I don't treat you, it'd be disappointing."

Liu Ziang agreed.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

In a quiet bar.

Since it was about drinking, naturally it was in a place meant for it.

Besides Zhao Heng and Liu Ziang, only Li Haiyang was present.

It was essentially a men's get-together, so no one brought their girlfriends.

Listening to the female singer on stage playing guitar and singing, sipping drinks, made Zhao Heng feel quite relaxed.

"Junior, have you never had a drink before?"

Liu Ziang noticed Zhao Heng seemed a bit nervous and remarked with a laugh.

"Senior, I wasn't as well-off as you; I was nearly living on ramen, let alone having extra cash for drinks."

Zhao Heng quipped.

"Though alcohol is a doctor's health nemesis, sometimes it's okay to indulge."

Li Haiyang said poetically; he was already a bit tipsy with just a little drink.

"Is he overwhelmed with joy?"

Zhao Heng turned slightly, whispering to Liu Ziang.

"I'm not overwhelmed; it's just a bit emotional—you should find joy while you can."

Somehow hearing Zhao Heng whisper, Li Haiyang responded.

"Don't say I didn't take care of you guys; you can request songs, I'll pay."

Liu Ziang, acting like an old hand at this, said—entirely different from his usual cool-headed self in the operating room.

"Can we request 'Today Is a Good Day'?"

Zhao Heng asked.

"You must be trying to ruin the mood. Asking a singer in a quiet bar to play 'Today Is a Good Day'..."

Liu Ziang said, looking speechless.

"Then I don't know what to request."

Zhao Heng replied.

"Request 'I Am Very Happy' then."

Li Haiyang suggested without hesitation.

"Alright."

Liu Ziang smiled, lifted the small square light on the table. Soon, a very handsome service attendant came over, leaned down, and Liu Ziang whispered a few words to him. The attendant nodded and headed towards the stage.

Soon, the song "I Am Very Happy" started playing.

The female singer's voice was distinctive and soothing—Zhao Heng was mesmerized listening to it.

You can indeed feel the difference when listening to live music.

"Senior, how much does it cost to request a song?"

Zhao Heng asked, a bit naively.

"Not much, about what I earn in a day or two."

Liu Ziang said calmly.

"You millionaire doctor, never short on cash, huh."

Zhao Heng couldn't help but envy Liu Ziang's lavish spending while living modestly himself, since he had a family to support now.

In fact, Liu Ziang made more than a million a year.

As a top-notch surgeon in one of the country's premier hospitals, earning two to three million a year was quite normal.

"If you earn money, you should also know how to spend it; otherwise, what's the point?"

Liu Ziang replied.

"I haven't even bought a house yet, so I can't afford to be extravagant."

Zhao Heng was well aware of his situation.

This round of drinks, naturally, was a splurge from Liu Ziang, but only Zhao Heng and Li Haiyang would enjoy them—he wouldn't spend a dime on anyone else.