"Second uncle, we’ve had enough to eat. If there’s nothing else, we’ll head back now." Yu Dabo decided not to speak, absolutely refusing to ask for help from Yu Shaoyan and his family.
The old lady was having none of it.
After coming all this way with such effort, and given that the two families weren’t that close, missing this chance might mean there wouldn’t be another opportunity anytime soon.
"Shao Yan, I have something I’d like to discuss with you."
The old man didn’t speak, but the old lady couldn’t afford to waste time for Yu Feimeng and the younger generation. Let the next generation live less pitifully than they had.
"You..." Yu Dabo’s expression turned ugly. The old lady was causing a scene now, completely disregarding his opinion.
His dignity—was he supposed to just cast it aside?
Yu Shaoyan kept his tone pleasant, "Alright, Auntie, please go ahead."
Bai Xiao ate in silence, finally allowing herself to eat without interruptions. A meal fraught with emotional heaviness.
"Shao Yan, you know Feiyuan is about to graduate from Medical College. This year, she’s going to start her internship. Internship placement is very important! It determines which hospital she might end up at in the future! You’re someone in this system and responsible for liaising with various hospitals. Could you see if you can help Feiyuan secure a placement at Ruiyin Hospital? Zhongnan Mountain would also be good. After all, we’re one family—’Yu’ as a family name binds us together."
The old lady couldn’t care less about the old man’s dignity today. Was dignity more important than practical substance?
Yu Feixue’s lips curled into a smirk as she cast a sidelong glance at Yu Feiyuan. Yu Feiyuan’s face flushed slightly, but at this moment, she couldn’t afford to worry about saving face. Their purpose for coming was clear: it was related to her future. Yu Feiyuan couldn’t let Yu Feixue’s mocking attitude bother her.
"Auntie, this isn’t entirely within my control. Internship arrangements are subject, first, to the hospitals’ own quotas. Second, internship placements are also based on individual academic performance. These things are determined according to Modu’s industry-wide student performance rankings. As long as Yuanyuan’s grades are good, there shouldn’t be a problem," Yu Shaoyan’s words carried some awkwardness. After all, even his own daughter hadn’t required him to give her any special treatment back in the day.
Yu Dabo suddenly understood—his son felt put in a difficult spot.
He immediately intervened, "Sister-in-law, don’t make things hard for Shaoyan. Let him check the records and grades later. For someone to hold the position he does today, you know he’s worked his way forward step by step. He’s not someone who bends the rules easily."
Though his tone was soft, his intention was clear: he hoped his sister-in-law would realize the difficulty and stop pushing.
Unfortunately, some people just didn’t get it. Pointing at Bai Xiao, she erupted in anger.
"Second uncle, I don’t like this kind of talk! Such lofty reasoning—what you’re really saying is that we didn’t offer you any benefits, right? Fine, just say it! Greasing the wheels requires money after all, doesn’t it? Tell me—how much do you need? You think we don’t know? Your niece-in-law was transferred from Yun Province’s remote location to Modu, and got into the Second Medical College—all thanks to your efforts. Who wouldn’t believe that? All you care about is the money! An entire family of relatives so obsessed with squeezing for profit—is that how you treat your family ties?"
Bai Xiao glanced up at her, incredulous. How was she involved now? Pointing at herself, she asked, "Are you talking about me?"
Yu Dabo’s wife’s face turned hostile, "Of course I’m talking about you! Don’t think I don’t know. Yu Shaohua works at Yun Province Hospital, doesn’t she? It’s pretty obvious that the little girl came from Shaohua’s hospital. What went on behind the scenes should be clear to all of you. You go to great lengths to help your granddaughter, but refuse to lift a finger for a relative’s family! The way your household handles things—it’s just too much!
After all, Yuanyuan’s academic performance is excellent! If she gets eliminated just because her connections can’t compare to others, aren’t you ashamed? You’re making yourselves look bad inside and out."