Chapter 143: Chapter 143 This matter probably requires Dr. Gong’s consent.
One look at this woman, and it was clear she wasn’t easy to get along with. Yunyi, however, was no pushover. "Starting today, you’re back at work, right?" she asked.
Xue Linfang arched an eyebrow. "Now that I’m back, of course I’m here to work. What are you implying?"
Yunyi lightly scratched the corner of her eye with her finger. "The Branch Secretary and the team leader initially said it was a temporary replacement. Since you’re back, I can naturally step down."
She had just finished speaking when she turned and saw the Branch Secretary chatting with some villagers not far away. She turned back to Xue Linfang, nodded, and then walked out of the health clinic.
Xue Linfang crossed her arms, a contemptuous look on her face, which Lun Huaijing and the other two present saw clearly.
Soon after, the Branch Secretary and Yunyi walked over, mid-conversation. "Chu Zhiqing," the Branch Secretary said, "Dr. Gong can return to the village today, but he won’t be able to come to work for now. I’m afraid you’ll still have to fill in for him a while longer."
The Branch Secretary entered and, seeing Xue Linfang, said, "Lin Fang, let me introduce you."
Xue Linfang, dropping her previous air, smiled. "Uncle Gengtian, we’ve already met."
Hearing this, the Branch Secretary said, "You know about Dr. Gong’s situation then? For the time being, Chu Zhiqing will continue to cover his duties."
Xue Linfang was visibly surprised. "Uncle Gengtian, Chu Zhiqing just mentioned she was ready to step down, her task completed. It wouldn’t be right to force her to stay. Besides, Dr. Gong is returning to the village today. His house isn’t far from the clinic. Villagers who are unwell can go directly to Dr. Gong’s home for a consultation. Once he writes a prescription, I can get the medicine. There’s really no need for an extra person here."
Seeing the Branch Secretary about to speak, she quickly interjected, "Branch Secretary, it seems Chu Zhiqing was basically forced into this role at the clinic and didn’t want to stay on anyway. Now that Dr. Gong is about to return and I’m back at work, there’s no need to trouble Chu Zhiqing further. This way, the fields will also gain an extra worker. I’m young; running back and forth to Dr. Gong’s place a few times is nothing to me. That way, Dr. Gong can earn work points consulting from home. What do you think, Uncle Gengtian?"
The Branch Secretary had never imagined the Xue family’s daughter could be so petty.
He couldn’t help but look at Yunyi. "Chu Zhiqing, what are your thoughts?"Yunyi glanced at Xue Linfang, who was still staring at her. "It makes no difference to me. I’ll follow the Branch Secretary’s arrangements."
With her strength, she could handle any work. She’d agreed to come to the clinic mainly to avoid the sun and being sweaty all day, but she didn’t actually mind fieldwork.
The Branch Secretary felt a surge of frustration, wanting to curse. "Lin Fang," he said, "I’m afraid this will require Dr. Gong’s consent."
Xue Linfang, fearing a change in plans, quickly said, "Uncle Gengtian, I’ve partnered with Dr. Gong for so long. I’m truly thinking of his best interests. He couldn’t possibly refuse, could he?"
Just then, a crowd gathered outside the village clinic. Someone joked, "Lin Fang, Dr. Gong isn’t even fully recovered yet. Weimin from the Gong Family said he’d need to rest for a while after returning before he could come back to work at the clinic. And here you are, making decisions for Dr. Gong without even seeing him?"
As soon as this was said, many people chimed in agreement.
Xue Linfang quickly explained, "Everyone, you’ve misunderstood me. I mean well. Dr. Gong’s injury must have cost his family a lot. I just want to help him earn more work points. Besides, Chu Zhiqing herself said the team only asked her to fill in temporarily. Now that we’re back, she should be able to step down with her task completed. I certainly wouldn’t stand in her way."
Her words were smooth, but no one was a fool. The Xue Family had previously claimed she’d need over a month’s leave, yet here she was, rushing back before even a month was up. Everyone saw through the Xue Family’s little scheme.