121 Unlucky
Ye Ling nodded. "I think so too."
Chen Si clenched his fists. "I suspect he was also involved in unauthorized mining. Moreover, I'm afraid that even if we suppress this matter, they'll continue such activities. That's why I didn't agree. But it's uncertain how the other workers will react. Most of them believe that getting some compensation would be good. If things escalate, they might not get a single cent."
Hearing this, Ye Ling's mood turned heavy.
She had initially thought this matter would be resolved quickly, but she didn't expect so many hidden aspects to it.
Come to think of it, Min Nan had seemed troubled these past few days. Could it be that he was worried and upset because he knew about these developments?
Ye Ling walked out of the ward at a slow pace.
Ma Kang had been helped to sit on a chair. After witnessing Ye Ling's surgery, he was no longer inclined to enter the ward, as if stepping inside would only remind him of the gruesome scene.
As soon as Ye Ling appeared, Ma Kang stood up, ready to say something. However, he noticed Ye Ling's hands stained with blood.
Ma Kang's face turned pale, and he felt nauseated.
Ye Ling smiled politely, "Sorry, Secretary Ma. I'll wash my hands first. Please wait for me."
Ma Kang turned his head and waved his hand, "Hurry up!"
Ye Ling turned around, and her smile vanished. She walked to the clinic's restroom and thoroughly washed her hands. Then, she leaned against the wall, contemplating how to deal with Ma Kang.
There was no doubt that she was now in a precarious situation. Even though she had successfully treated Chen Si's leg, she didn't possess a medical license. If Ma Kang decided not to let her off the hook, he could report the situation to the authorities, which might result in her packing her bags and being deported.
Ye Ling gritted her teeth, unwilling to concede.
She had just begun to find her footing here, and her life was gradually improving. But who could have foreseen that Ma Kang's arrival would shatter it all?
Ye Ling didn't want to blame everything on luck, but she couldn't help but feel that her misfortune was related to her stolen luck.
She was merely providing regular medical treatment, and yet, Ma Kang had to show up at this precise moment!
Ye Ling sighed. She knew that escaping was futile. She stood up straight and returned to the clinic's lobby.
Upon seeing her approach, Ma Kang seemed somewhat traumatized, and his expression appeared unnatural.
Xu Lun stood beside Ma Kang, already aware of Ye Ling's successful surgery. He admired her greatly. When he saw Ye Ling approaching, he didn't think twice, quickly pulled out a chair, and said to Ye Ling, "Comrade Ye, please take a seat. You've been performing surgery for so long. You must be exhausted, right?"
Initially, Ye Ling didn't plan to sit down. However, when she observed Ma Kang's expression, which filled her with disgust, she decided to pretend she didn't understand the nuances of the situation. So, she sat down. She gazed at Ma Kang and asked, "Secretary Ma, is there something you want to discuss?"
Typically, even ordinary village cadres would respond respectfully when Ma Kang was present. Not to mention someone like Ye Ling, who was an educated youth.
Ma Kang was seated while Ye Ling should have been standing, yet she chose to sit down. Ma Kang's expression briefly darkened. He wanted to say something but ultimately restrained himself.
He wasn't in the mood to fixate on these minor details now. He simply wanted to finish the conversation and go home for a shower.
The smell of decaying flesh still lingered on his body.
"Is Chen Si's leg okay?" Ma Kang asked coldly.
"Yes, after it heals, he might have a slight limp when walking, but there shouldn't be any major issues," Ye Ling responded indifferently.
Before Ma Kang could continue speaking, Xu Lun immediately clapped and showered Ye Ling with praise, saying, "Comrade Ye, your surgical skills are on par with the chief surgeon at the county hospital. I just examined Chen Si's wound, and the sutures are exceptionally neat and tight, almost like a work of art."
Upon hearing this, Ma Kang recalled the image of Ye Ling suturing the wound, which made his expression even uglier. He even suspected that Xu Lun was intentionally provoking him with such remarks, but he lacked concrete evidence.
"Enough! Why are you interrupting me when I'm talking? Are you the secretary or am I the secretary?" Ma Kang angrily bellowed.
"I apologize, I apologize. I got too carried away when I saw how skilled Comrade Ye was," Xu Lun said without a hint of apology. However, he didn't dare offend Ma Kang too much, so he didn't push the matter further."