Chapter 4

[You have one new email—]

The computer screen suddenly flickered. I clicked on it.

Sender: Louise, Director of Human Resources, Aisha Hospital Group Headquarters.

The content was simple.

[Hello Dr. Thiago, I am Louise, Director of Human Resources at Aisha Hospital. We are currently in urgent need of a Chief of Neurosurgery. I have long admired your reputation and would like to establish cooperation with you. Salary range: $100,000-$150,000. Looking forward to your reply.]

Her contact information was attached below.

Seeing those four words—Chief of Neurosurgery—I suddenly smiled.

That was the promotion I'd sought but never obtained at this hospital for ten whole years.

I looked at the glaring bag of pastries on the desk.

And fell into memory.

In my third year at the hospital, they approved three promotion slots.

They went to two male colleagues whose performance and ability were far inferior to mine.

At the time, the department head sighed privately to me, "In this field, female doctors just don't have it as good as male doctors. But your abilities are definitely there. Wait a bit longer. We'll see about next year."

In my fourth year, I participated in a major surgery—a brain aneurysm operation for a celebrity. It was very successful. The hospital's reputation skyrocketed. The deputy director excitedly patted my shoulder and said, "You're the pride of our hospital! This year I'll definitely push for your promotion!"

But in the end, the promotion slot went to the doctor who'd been my assistant.

He explained to me, "John has been at the hospital for several years. He's a few years older than you. Be understanding toward him. This promotion slot goes to him first. The hospital is like a small society—you need to understand interpersonal dynamics. But don't worry. Next year, the slot will definitely be yours."

I believed his words. I waited year after year.

Ten full years. Still no promotion that should have been mine.

And this time, I didn't want to wait anymore.

Following the email prompt, I added Louise as a contact.

[Hello, I'm Thiago. I look forward to cooperating with your hospital.]

After sending the message, I used my computer to draft a resignation notice and submitted it to the hospital.

As soon as I clicked submit, the hospital made an announcement in the work group chat.

[@Everyone @Thiago, Due to patient complaints, the hospital conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed that Dr. Thiago did indeed trade stocks on her computer during work hours. This constitutes a major error during work time. The hospital firmly rejects this kind of irresponsible behavior! To set the record straight, after deliberation, the hospital has decided to issue disciplinary action against Dr. Thiago—]

The hospital immediately posted the announcement in the group chat and on the bulletin board.

My name was completely nailed to the pillar of shame.

Before I could feel angry, the deputy director called.

"Thiago, I heard from Director Harrell that you're dissatisfied with the hospital's decision?"

Before I could respond, he continued.

"Thiago, you're a veteran of this hospital. You should understand hospital rules. You made the mistake first. You should accept the criticism."

I laughed. "Deputy Director, did I really make a mistake?"

I didn't understand why, even now, he was still lying.

He coughed lightly.

"Thiago, the patient complaint is verified. The hospital has no choice. No matter how resentful you are, you should be understanding toward the hospital."

"Of course, you are a veteran who's worked with the hospital for so many years. The hospital still values you. Although there's really no way around this year's promotion slot, there will still be opportunities next year."

"You have to believe—the hospital still values you highly."

"Values me?"

I looked at the group announcement. "Valuing me means stealing my promotion slot year after year. Valuing me means framing and slandering me for negligence to steal the promotion slot? Valuing me means publicly humiliating me?"

"If this is your way of valuing me, I really can't accept it."