The moment Katherine appeared at the door of the surgery office, time seemed to pause briefly. Everyone's eyes were drawn to her, showing surprise and shock they could not hide.
Nurse Sana reacted the quickest. She stood up immediately and went to Katherine with concern and happiness in her eyes. "Katherine, you're here! Please come in quickly."
Katherine nodded slightly, then slowly looked around the office but did not see Hospital Director Wang. "Is she not working today?"
Nurse Sana lowered her voice and replied, "She is working. She went to the ward."
Other colleagues also gathered around, asking Katherine about how she had been.
Usually quiet Zhang Jing seemed like a different person today. She looked Katherine in the eyes, sincere and firm. "In my heart, you have always been incredibly amazing. You never changed."
"We all think so too. The chance to go abroad for exchange study should belong to you."
A warm feeling rose in Katherine's chest. Her eyes became slightly wet. "Thank you all."
She smiled gratefully and said, "If you are free tonight, I will treat everyone to dinner."
"Great! None of us have to work tonight. We will definitely be free," one colleague said excitedly.
"Doctor Katherine hasn't treated us for a long time. This time we want to eat something expensive," another colleague teased.
Katherine laughed and agreed. "Okay, you decide tonight. Anything you want to eat."
She paused, then added, "But not too expensive. I'm afraid my wallet cannot handle it."
"Don't worry. We won't make you go bankrupt," everyone laughed.
At that moment, Hospital Director Wang came in holding a medical record.
Her eyes immediately locked on Katherine, who was surrounded by colleagues. A mocking smile curved on her lips. She said sarcastically, "Oh, Doctor Katherine is back. What's the matter? Resuming work?"
The atmosphere in the office became a little tense. Everyone knew Katherine had not returned to work officially. Hospital Director Wang was clearly trying to make things difficult, which was too much.
Katherine stayed calm. She turned and looked directly at Hospital Director Wang with sharp eyes. Calm but firm, she said, "I heard Director Wang is about to go abroad for exchange study. That is a great opportunity. Congratulations."
Then she walked closer and lowered her voice near Hospital Director Wang's ear. "Director Wang, before you leave the country, you better watch your words and actions carefully. If I catch anything wrong, this hard-earned chance will be wasted. That would be a pity."
Without giving Hospital Director Wang a chance to reply, Katherine turned back to her colleagues with a bright smile. "You all discuss what to eat tonight and send me a message early so I can make a reservation."
"Okay, we will discuss it now," they answered one after another.
Hospital Director Wang was still not done. She asked, "Is Doctor Katherine going to have a big feast?"
Katherine kept a polite smile but her eyes showed distance. "Yes, Director Wang. Do you have any comments?"
"I don't have time to go," Hospital Director Wang said angrily.
"I am not inviting you," Katherine replied sharply.
At this, the others in the office barely held back their laughter.
Hospital Director Wang's face turned red with anger. She glared at everyone, then stormed back to her desk.
Everyone had never liked Hospital Director Wang. She was too selfish and selfish.
At work, she never shared her medical knowledge with them.
Katherine was different. She always answered questions and shared everything she knew without holding back.
Katherine lowered her voice and asked Nurse Sana, "Is the director in the office?"
"Yes, do you want to see him?"
Katherine nodded slightly, her eyes firm. "Yes, I have something to talk about with him."
Then she faced the others with a warm but polite smile.
"Everyone, keep busy. I still have some things to handle, so I'll leave first. Don't forget to send me the information early. See you tonight."
After speaking, Katherine turned gracefully and walked toward the director's office.
Nurse Sana watched Katherine's back with a faint feeling of unease.
She bit her lip and quickly followed, softly calling out, "Katherine."
Katherine stopped and turned around, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
Nurse Sana hesitated, "Katherine, why are you going to see the director?"
Katherine sighed lightly, "I'm going to ask the hospital what they plan to do about my situation."
Nurse Sana recalled the awkward and unsettling scene she had seen between Hospital Director Wang and Shanshan.
Since then, every time she saw Director Wang, she felt a strange unease, like a chill rising from her heart.
She said worriedly, "Katherine, I'll come with you. I don't feel comfortable if you go alone."
Katherine shook her head gently and patted Nurse Sana's shoulder, "Sana, don't worry. I can handle this by myself."
"Go back to work properly. If Shanshan shows up at the director's office again and says something, it'll be hard for you all in the department."
Nurse Sana pressed her lips, still feeling conflicted but knowing Katherine was right.
"All right, but you must be careful. If things don't feel right, don't hesitate. Leave quickly."
Katherine smiled confidently, "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
In front of the door to Hospital Director Wang's office, Katherine paused and took a deep breath, as if calming all the waves of doubt inside her.
Then she slowly raised her hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in." A sharp male voice came from inside.
Katherine turned the door handle and stepped inside.
The moment her figure appeared in Director Wang's sight, a complex look flashed across his eyes.
"Katherine, why are you here?" Director Wang broke the brief silence first, his tone with a forced calmness.
Katherine gently pushed the door closed, leaving a small gap.
Then she looked directly into Director Wang's eyes, her gaze steady and clear. "I came to ask you what the hospital plans to do about my case."
"It has been several days, but I have received no information."
Director Wang's face darkened slightly.
His thoughts drifted back to the past when he had hoped to bring Katherine into his circle as a trusted ally.
He had hinted at her in many ways at different occasions. Those hints were like fine spider webs hanging faintly in the air.
But Katherine was like a pure lotus flower, indifferent to all his signals.
In contrast, Shanshan was a completely different person.
Without any clear hints, Shanshan, like a bee sensing nectar, actively approached him, openly showing her intentions and desires.
Now, faced with Katherine's question, a thought rose in Director Wang's mind.
If he could use this chance to make Katherine give in and become a true pawn under his control, maybe it would not be impossible.
After a brief moment of thought, a seemingly kind smile appeared on Director Wang's face.
He raised his hand and motioned, "Katherine, please sit."
"I will call upstairs now and check the situation. We'll sort this out together."