The next day, Bai Xiao and An Zhiyuan both had to report back to work.
This marked the official end of their leaves of absence.
Bai Xiao’s hospital was a five-stop bus ride away, while An Zhiyuan’s was much closer; just a short distance from the compound. On the first day of work, An Zhiyuan had wanted to drive her, but Bai Xiao did not agree. She was able-bodied and was far from delicate. Why couldn’t she go on her own?
Moreover, the climate here was quite pleasant, and barring any accidents, she planned to buy a bicycle for convenience and to save money. Riding to work would then take roughly fifteen minutes.
Upon arriving at the hospital, the first stop was the HR department to officially end her leave and report for duty.
The HR director immediately approved Bai Xiao’s return to work upon seeing her paperwork.
Bai Xiao had quite a reputation in this place.
Who didn’t know about Doctor Bai and her front-line wedding ceremony?
"Doctor Bai, the Dean had already said that you should look for him as soon as you return. You will still be assigned to the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Comrade Bai Xiao, the acupuncturist, we welcome you to our hospital." He shook Bai Xiao’s hand warmly.
Bai Xiao nodded her head in thanks, appreciative of the warm reception, "Thank you, I look forward to your guidance in the future."
"The Dean’s office is on the third floor. You’ll see it as soon as you go up. Dean Yu has been looking forward to your arrival for quite some time," the HR Director gave her directions.
Bai Xiao expressed her gratitude and headed upstairs.
It seemed that even though she hadn’t met the Dean yet, he was an enthusiastic person who was probably pleased with her.
The Dean’s office on the third floor.
"Doctor Bai, please take a seat," Dean Yu Shaohua gestured to the chair, surprised as he observed the young woman before him.
"Dean, attending physician Bai Xiao is reporting for work," Bai Xiao knew she held a public position, now a civil servant.
"Good, please sit down, don’t be formal. I’ve heard a lot about the famous Doctor Bai, and I truly didn’t expect Bai Xiao to be so young. Are you twenty years old?" Yu Shaohua asked with a smile looking at Bai Xiao.
"Yes, I just turned twenty this year."
"Wonderful, the sky’s the limit for you. Doctor Bai, I hope that you can benefit many more of our patients. I hear you specialize in acupuncture, an authority in the field! Many are astonished by your technique of using acupuncture in place of anesthetic drugs, truly a living testament. I hope you can further the advancement of our traditional medical skills and save more patients. Continue to learn and improve your professional skills and become a contributor to our nation," Yu Shaohua was very satisfied with the young woman before him, who appeared humble and polite, neither servile nor overbearing, and didn’t freeze up when facing her superior for the first time.
Her composed and steady demeanor was endearing. Such a junior deserved more support and mentorship.
"Yes, Dean, I will strictly hold myself to high standards, solve problems for more of our patients, and contribute to our medical profession," Bai Xiao was similarly satisfied with the Dean she was meeting.
At least until now, he had been very kind to her. She hoped she could get along well with her superiors, not necessarily like Director Zhang, but she at least wanted to be true to herself.
"Good, go back to your duties. If you have any requirements, whether in life or work, feel free to mention them," Yu Shaohua told Bai Xiao.
Bai Xiao hesitated for a moment. This place wasn’t under Li Dongliang’s control, nor was it Dean Zhang’s territory. Being presumptuous would do her no favors. Besides, her "special ability" had improved greatly by now; she had complete control over it. As long as she didn’t act recklessly, she shouldn’t face the risk of freezing to death again; everything else should be manageable.
"Alright! Thank you, Dean."