Chapter 219: Serendipity at the Textile Mill
When Yi Roujing and Sir Zhang arrived at the Huaixi County Textile Factory, it was 2:20 PM. As soon as the old man at the factory gate saw Sir Zhang pushing a cart, he greeted them warmly, "Old Zhang, here to transport the gauze cloth?"
"Yes, yes, this is our OR nurse comrade Yi Roujing, we’re heading in first." Sir Zhang replied with a smile.
Although it wasn’t Yi Roujing’s first time at the textile factory, it was her first time on official business, so Sir Zhang was leading the way, enthusiastically introducing her.
"Previously, it was always Nurse Chief Fan who came to inspect the goods, but it’s really just a formality. You know, Huaixi County’s textile factory is a huge one, the gauze cloth it produces not only supplies our workers’ hospital but is also used by many hospitals throughout the province." Sir Zhang said with some pride.
"Nurse Yi Roujing, Nurse Chief Fan must really favor you. This kind of job isn’t just given to anyone who wants it."
Yi Roujing smiled at his words, "Nurse Chief Fan gave me special consideration."
"Well, since you’re expecting." Sir Zhang chuckled, "You’re so beautiful, who knows how beautiful your child will be in the future."
Actually, Sir Zhang had heard a bit about Yi Roujing’s story, how she was transferred from being an outpatient nurse to a surgical nurse in just over a month. This speaks volumes, means either strong connections or strong ability, and Yi Roujing belonged to the latter category.
It was precisely because of her strong ability that she could immediately work in the operating room as a circulating nurse and an instrument nurse, personally appointed by Director Zhong. It was said she even rescued a patient at a time when even the doctors were at a loss.
Yi Roujing must have more to her than that, so Sir Zhang was very considerate and respectful towards her.
"Old Zhang, over here, over here." A middle-aged man waiting at the storeroom door waved at Sir Zhang.
"Coming." Sir Zhang waved back and explained to Yi Roujing, "This is Director Zou from the textile factory. He’s responsible for everything our hospital procures from the textile factory."
"And who is this comrade?" Director Zou glanced at Yi Roujing, a flash of admiration in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared, "Previously it was always Nurse Chief Fan. It’s my first time seeing a new female comrade."
"Director Zou, this is Nurse Yi Roujing from our hospital’s operating room. She’s a nurse deeply valued and recognized by the leadership. She’s here today to oversee things." Sir Zhang said with a smile.
"Ah, Comrade Yi Roujing, hello, hello, I welcome your critiques and guidance." Director Zou extended his right hand with a smile.
Yi Roujing pleasantly shook hands and said, "In Huaixi County, it’s your textile factory that produces medical gauze. And the gauze not only supplies our hospital; many hospitals trust the textile factory’s products enough to choose them for procurement. I’m here to learn today, so please kindly instruct me."
Director Zou’s eyes brightened. He hadn’t expected such eloquence from a nurse of a factory staff hospital, someone who stood out in any office in any factory. Not only was she good-looking, but capable as well.
"I understand why Nurse Chief Fan sent Comrade Yi Roujing. I even want to recruit you to the factory, hahahaha." Director Zou laughed heartily.
The workers brought out box after box of gauze. Yi Roujing remembered Fan Yuanrong’s words and randomly selected two boxes to unseal and inspect, "This is just a formality, a mutual indication that everything is accounted for. Director Zou, the gauze is fine."
Director Zou’s smile deepened, "Thank you, Comrade Yi Roujing, for your affirmation. I hope you’ll come inspect next time too. By the way, I’ll host you and Old Zhang for dinner at the state-owned restaurant tonight. But how about having a cup of tea at my office first?"
Yi Roujing was a bit surprised. She hadn’t encountered such dinner invitations on previous out-of-office duties. With this thought, her gaze unintentionally turned to Sir Zhang.
Seeing him equally puzzled, Yi Roujing realized it must not have happened before.
"Director Zou, you’re too kind. We have to get back to work, otherwise taking public wages and leaving early wouldn’t align with our purpose of serving the people, would it?" Yi Roujing said warmly with a smile.
"Comrade Yi Roujing really knows how to speak, hahaha, alright, next time then, next time." Director Zou said enthusiastically.
"Director Zou, Director Zou—"
Zou Jianfeng was happily conversing with Yi Roujing when suddenly a figure ran over from a distance. As they got closer, Zou Jianfeng recognized Xie Chenyan, the accountant from the office finance department.
"What’s the big hurry, yelling like this?" Zou Jianfeng frowned, his tone impatient.
Yi Roujing was a bit surprised because she remembered Guangmei saying that Xie Chenyan’s parents had both worked at the textile factory, and after their passing, people sympathized with the siblings, who had no support, and took good care of them. Why was Director Zou having such an attitude?
"Director Zou, my younger brother is sick. I want to take leave to take him to the hospital." Xie Chenyan said, out of breath.
"Chenyan, it’s you. What’s wrong with Chentao? Is everything okay?" Yi Roujing asked with concern. Currently, Xie Chenyan was a potential match for her third brother, so she had to pay attention.
"Roujing." Xie Chenyan wiped her brow in surprise at seeing Yi Roujing, "What are you doing at the textile factory?"
"I’m here to pick up items for the hospital."
Zou Jianfeng hadn’t expected the two to know each other, "When a child is sick, it’s certainly worrying. Chenyan, please go ahead."
"Thank you, Director Zou." Xie Chenyan thanked respectfully.
"Director Zou, we’ll be leaving now." Yi Roujing said her goodbyes and pulled Xie Chenyan along, "Chenyan, where’s Chentao? Let’s go together."
Xie Chenyan knew Yi Roujing was a nurse and excitedly nodded, "It’s the kindergarten teacher who sent a message through the gatekeeper. Chentao is at the kindergarten now."
By the time Yi Roujing and Xie Chenyan reached the Huaixi County Sunshine Kindergarten, Xie Chentao was playing in the yard with his classmates. Seeing Xie Chenyan approaching, Xie Chentao happily stood up and ran into her arms, "Sister, you’re here to pick me up from school?"
Xie Chenyan was a bit surprised, touched Xie Chentao’s forehead, and found he wasn’t feverish. She checked his body and found nothing wrong.
Yi Roujing crouched down with a bright smile and asked, "Taotao, do you remember me?"
"Yes, I do." Xie Chentao nodded, "Pretty sister."
These four words were learned from Liu Youning by Xie Chentao.
Yi Roujing checked Xie Chentao’s pulse and found nothing wrong. Xie Chenyan took very good care of her brother, whose health was more robust than most children.
"Miss, why are you here?" The kindergarten teacher was curious upon seeing her.
Xie Chenyan explained honestly, "The kindergarten’s gatekeeper sent a message to the factory saying Taotao was sick, so I rushed over."
The teacher furrowed their brow upon hearing this, "Miss, I apologize. We haven’t had the chance to inform the families of the children that the kindergarten’s gatekeeper has been replaced. The previous one was dismissed due to poor conduct."