Chapter 114: Ahem, Yet Another Day of Being Disliked

Farm Veterinary Station, inside the office.

“Hey, Dr. He, have you heard? We’re getting a new colleague today!”

The speaker was a woman in her thirties, with a sharp, severe face. Her surname was Zhang, known to all as Dr. Zhang. Beside her sat another woman, also in her thirties, whose expression was icy and distant—this was Dr. He. Dr. Zhang was gossiping again, but Dr. He didn’t even look up, her pen quietly recording notes in her notebook.

“I don’t know, and I’m not interested,” she replied curtly. She only cared about doing her job well, uninterested in anything beyond that.

Dr. Zhang seemed accustomed to her aloofness and continued on her own, “I hear the newcomer is a young girl. Tsk, who knows which connection got her in—imagine, being treated as our equal when we’ve been here so long! It’s ridiculous.”

Dr. He remained silent, refusing to judge others, even though Dr. Zhang herself had originally been hired through connections.

At that moment, a tall, thin middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses walked in from outside. Dr. Zhang quickly stood up, smiling brightly.

“Dr. Hu, you’re back! How did it go today? Was everything smooth?”

Dr. Hu’s face was cold and he snorted. “Smooth? That old man is a fossil. He checks every tiny problem for ages. I’m a grown man, yet he lectures me like I’m his grandson.”

The “old man” he referred to was Dr. Wang, the current head of the veterinary station. Dr. Wang was a master of traditional medicine, descended from imperial physicians, and had originally been sent to the pig farm for rehabilitation.

A year ago, the pig farm had been sabotaged—poisoned overnight—and over a thousand pigs fell ill. Neither the veterinary station’s staff nor outside specialists could do anything. With so many pigs near death and infection spreading, the farm faced devastating losses.

After consulting with the leadership, Director Hu made it known: anyone who could solve the crisis would be handsomely rewarded, whatever their terms.

At last, the modest Dr. Wang stepped forward. In less than half a day, he identified the cause and stopped further infections. Three days later, he developed a cure and saved over a thousand pigs. The entire farm erupted in celebration. Director Hu was ecstatic; such talent could not be lost.

He immediately requested rewards for Dr. Wang, arguing that his contribution to public property warranted a clean slate. He then offered generous pay and other incentives, successfully persuading Dr. Wang to stay.

Coincidentally, the position of head veterinarian was vacant. Director Hu bypassed normal procedures and appointed Dr. Wang to the role. Dr. Hu, who had expected to be promoted, was infuriated. What seemed a sure thing was derailed by an unexpected rival; anyone would find it hard to swallow.

Dr. Hu, the director’s younger cousin, maintained a decent relationship with him but didn’t dare offend his older cousin. Instead, he vented his anger on Dr. Wang, constantly picking fights and openly disparaging him in front of colleagues.

Dr. Zhang, who had remained at the station by flattering Dr. Hu, quickly brewed him a hot tea and handed it over, eager to please. “Don’t be upset. That old man’s health won’t last many years. Soon enough, the station will be yours.”

Dr. Hu felt much better at this, and took the tea with a satisfied smile. “You’re right. The old man’s health is terrible. I’m just waiting for him to kick the bucket.”

Dr. He frowned. She didn’t meddle in others’ affairs, but Dr. Wang was a brilliant doctor worthy of respect. In just one year as head of the station, the mortality rate among the pigs had dropped by sixty percent. The herds had grown stronger in recent months—all thanks to Dr. Wang. Dr. Hu’s earlier complaints she had tolerated, but to curse Dr. Wang’s death was too much.

She couldn’t hold back anymore. “Dr. Hu, don’t be two-faced. If you’re dissatisfied, speak to the director directly—don’t gossip behind people’s backs.”

“You—!” Dr. Hu choked with anger, about to retort when there was a commotion at the office door.

“There you all are. Let me introduce a new colleague—this is Comrade Lin Xiaodou.”

Director Hu walked in, beaming, with Lin Xiaodou following behind. The three in the office all flashed surprise when they saw Lin Xiaodou’s appearance.

Dr. Zhang, notorious for her loose tongue, immediately spoke up. “Director Hu, this girl doesn’t even look twenty! Isn’t it inappropriate for someone so young to hold the same position as us?”

Dr. Hu frowned, clearly displeased. Only Dr. He remained unmoved.

Director Hu took in their expressions and spoke slowly. “Comrade Lin Xiaodou is joining as a veterinary apprentice. I brought her here so one of you could mentor her.”

Besides Dr. Wang, the station had three veterinary consultants and more than ten apprentices. By regulation, each consultant was to mentor five apprentices. Dr. Hu’s quota was already full, so Director Hu was looking to the other two.

“Dr. Zhang, Dr. He, each of you has one spot left. Who would like to take this young lady?”

Immediately, a voice of disdain sounded. “I don’t want her! She’s clearly an amateur—I can’t handle that!”

It was Dr. Zhang. She only did what benefited herself and refused anything that might hinder her. All her apprentices were men, and Lin Xiaodou was too captivating; the male apprentices would be distracted, vying to impress her and ignoring Dr. Zhang’s orders. That would challenge her authority—something she could not allow.

“What about you, Dr. He?” Director Hu turned to her.

Dr. He nodded, lips pressed together. “She can join my group.”

Truthfully, she didn’t want the assignment either—apprentices brought in through connections were notoriously difficult, often having bad attitudes and unwilling to learn. But seeing the young woman passed around so pitifully, her heart softened.

She’d had a connected apprentice before—a young man who complained constantly and left within two weeks.

Who knows how long this girl will last...

Lin Xiaodou: Sigh, another day of being unwanted!