Chapter 254 Promotion and Salary Increase Sparks Jealousy

Xia Yuhuan arrived at the military hospital just in time; she wasn't late, but she wasn't too early either.

She arrived at the office right on time, making her the last person to arrive.

As a result, it garnered everyone's attention.

Despite being in the spotlight more often, Xia Yuhuan wasn't afraid.

She felt a little embarrassed, as if she were late.

She raised her hand and waved to the crowd: "Hi, good morning everyone."

When Deng Qili saw her, she rushed forward and hugged her.

"Wow, you're finally back. I haven't seen you since we parted ways in the village. Not long after, I was assigned to another team to help out, and then I came back."

"I was so worried about you these past few days, afraid something had happened to you. Thank goodness you're back safe and sound, sob sob..."

Xia Yuhuan raised her hand and gently patted her back: "Okay, don't cry. I'm fine now, I'm back safe and sound."

"If you keep crying, you won't look pretty anymore, and people will laugh at you."

Deng Qili hastily wiped her tears onto her shoulder, then looked up at her.

"Who said I cried? I didn't."

Xia Yuhuan took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, coaxing her, "Okay, okay, you're not crying, I must have been seeing things."

Deng Qili snatched the handkerchief and wiped herself haphazardly.

Then, looking at the crumpled handkerchief in his hand, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'll return this to you after I wash it. I'm going out for a bit."

Xia Yuhuan knew she was going to wash her face, so she didn't stop her and smiled and agreed.

As soon as she sat down, the people in the office started asking her questions one after another.

"I heard that Dr. Xia performed exceptionally well in this disaster relief effort, and the higher-ups are going to promote you without regard to seniority."

"That's right. I heard they even discovered and stopped the spread of infectious diseases in time. That's really impressive."

"If she didn't have these achievements, how would her superiors have promoted her and given her a raise?" someone said sourly.

It's clear that everyone is quite curious about her.

Xia Yuhuan calmly said, "I am not aware of the promotion and raise you mentioned, nor have I received any news about it."

"Since you say I can be promoted, then I'll take your good wishes."

"If I haven't been promoted, then everyone should just assume I have and listen to me from now on?"

After replying with a half-smile, rebuking those who wanted to pry or make sarcastic remarks, Xia Yuhuan sat expressionlessly in her seat.

Compared to the cutthroat office life, she preferred treating patients, saving lives, and conducting research.

It seems I'll have to talk to my mentor later and ask him to find a way to transfer her to a research position, so she won't have to suffer here.

Xia Yuhuan was just thinking about it when someone came to tell her to go to a meeting.

Of course, the notification wasn't just to her, but to everyone who participated in the earthquake relief efforts, and they were all invited to a meeting.

Everyone went to the auditorium for a meeting.

"The medical teams we dispatched for this earthquake relief effort were exceptionally brave and performed outstandingly in the disaster area, earning high praise from the local people and government..."

As Xia Yuhuan listened to Jiang Zhicheng speaking in official jargon, she quietly covered her mouth with her hand and yawned.

This kind of boring official jargon is the most uninteresting thing.

After acknowledging everyone's achievements in disaster relief, Jiang Zhicheng began to praise them.

Then came all sorts of awards, both for individuals and teams.

They were all given certificates and bonuses.

Xia Yuhuan was naturally included as well.

She wasn't interested in the certificate, but she was very interested in the prize money.

Unfortunately, she was disappointed after glancing at the prize money in the envelope.

The money was really not much; it was just a token amount.

While Xia Yuhuan was lost in thought, Deng Qili next to her nudged her.

"Don't get distracted! They're calling you from upstairs. Get up quickly!" Deng Qili said urgently.

Xia Yuhuan quickly stood up, her face serious, her eyes full of confusion.

Jiang Zhicheng could tell at a glance that she had been daydreaming, and he suppressed the urge to glare at her, instead beckoning to her.

"Dr. Xia, please come forward."

Xia Yuhuan obediently stepped forward and walked onto the table.

"In view of Comrade Xia Yuhuan's outstanding performance in this earthquake relief effort, and after deliberation and approval by the higher authorities, it has been decided to promote Comrade Xia Yuhuan to deputy director of the department, temporarily acting as director..."

Xia Yuhuan never expected that she would actually get a promotion and a raise.

But what excited her even more was that she was promoted to deputy director and temporarily served as director, which meant she would have her own office.

This means she no longer has to squeeze into the office with a bunch of gossipy people.

That's what attracts her the most.

Moreover, she got a promotion and a private office, which saved her the trouble of going to her teacher!

For a moment, Xia Yu smiled radiantly.

After Jiang Zhicheng finished speaking, he quickly and humbly replied, "Thank you for the recognition from the hospital leaders. I will do my job well and continue to shine in my position."

Jiang Zhicheng knew that his apprentice was destined for greatness.

However, her trip to the disaster area impressed everyone who accompanied her, and the group was willing to promote her and give her a raise, which surprised him.

"Don't be arrogant, keep working hard in the future," Jiang Zhicheng said softly.

Xia Yuhuan nodded vigorously and whispered, "Don't worry, teacher, I will work hard."

After the conference ended, Xia Yuhuan was surrounded by people.

Everyone was congratulating her on her promotion.

Xia Yuhuan felt like her face was about to burst from laughing.

She glanced at her watch and saw that it was already past 10:30.

Xia Yuhuan quickly apologized to everyone, "I'm sorry everyone, I had an appointment with a patient to come to the hospital at 10:30 to complete the admission procedures, but the time has already passed, so I have to hurry over. Please make way for me."

As she spoke, she squeezed through the crowd and ran quickly toward the hall.

Deng Qili caught up with her: "You're something else, you even came up with this excuse."

“This is no excuse, it’s the truth!” Xia Yuhuan said earnestly.

"Oh? You really made an appointment with a patient?" Deng Qili asked in surprise.

"Yes, that's absolutely true. By the way, Sister Deng, could you please find out where the deputy director's office is located for me? I'll be done with my work later, could you help me move the office?"

“Okay, then you go ahead and do your work, I’ll go ask for you,” Deng Qili said immediately.

Xia Yuhuan hurried into the hall.

At a glance, one could spot Zhuang Weiming, who stood upright, pushing Wang Aiping aside and waiting.

"Uncle Zhuang, Grandma Wang." Xia Yuhuan ran up to them.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I just had a big meeting, which caused the delay," Xia Yuhuan explained.

"Was that an awards ceremony? Did you get promoted?" Zhuang Weiming asked with a smile.

Xia Yuhuan asked in surprise, "How did you know?"

Zhuang Weiming smiled faintly: "This is the procedure. This commendation ceremony should have been held long ago, but it was delayed because your last team did not return."

"The commendations and awards were determined based on the performance of so many of you in the disaster area. This is just an announcement. I know about it."