However, what she didn't know was that despite the new treatment, the patient's condition was still quietly worsening.

An expert from the county hospital arrived. After an examination, he frowned and used professional terms that left the Lu family confused. They only understood one sentence: "The situation is not optimistic."

Shen Qiqi felt as if a huge rock was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

The room was filled with the smell of disinfectant, mixed with the faint smell of medicine on the patient, making her feel extremely suffocated.

Her palms were full of sweat, and she was clutching the corner of her clothes so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Lu Qing put his arm around her shoulders, his palms dry and warm, like a ray of sunshine in winter.

But at this moment, this sunshine could not dispel the haze in Shen Qiqi's heart.

"Qiqi, don't worry, it will be fine." His tone was firm, but he couldn't hide the worry in his eyes.

"But the experts also said..." Shen Qiqi choked, tears welling up in her eyes.

She thought of the patient's weak appearance and his/her expectant eyes, and her heart ached.

"Doctor Zhang suggested transferring us to a large county hospital. They have more advanced equipment and better doctors there." Lu Qing's voice was low and filled with a hint of helplessness. "But..."

"It's just more expensive, right?" Shen Qiqi took a deep breath and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

In the 1970s, every penny was spent very carefully. How much would it cost to go to a big hospital in the county?

"Yeah." Lu Qing nodded and remained silent.

All the family savings have been used to treat the patient, and now we are really stretched to the limit.

Shen Qiqi bit her lip, frowned, and her mind was working rapidly.

She had to find a way to raise money, even if it meant selling everything she had, to ensure the patient received the best treatment.

Lu Qing also began to ask around for ways to make money.

He worked in the fields during the day and went around the village at night asking if there were any odd jobs he could do.

When he returned home, he was always exhausted, but there was a determination glimmer in his eyes.

"Brother Qing, I..." Shen Qiqi looked at Lu Qing's increasingly thin face and felt distressed.

"It's okay, I can handle it." Lu Qing forced a smile and touched her hair. "Don't worry, I will find a way."

Shen Qiqi looked at Lu Qing's exhausted figure, and a warm feeling surged in her heart, but she also became more anxious.

She must find a solution as soon as possible and not let Lu Qing continue to suffer like this.

She looked around and her eyes fell on the old wooden cabinet in the corner...

"Brother Qing, I think..."

Shen Qiqi's gaze fell on the dusty old wooden cabinet in the corner, and an idea flashed in her mind.

"Brother Qing, we seem to have some old things at home, maybe we can..." She didn't finish her words, but Lu Qing immediately understood what she meant.

The two of them rummaged through the boxes and found some old books, porcelain and some old items.

Although these things are very ordinary in their eyes, they may be treasures in the eyes of those who know their stuff.

The next morning, Shen Qiqi took these things to the town.

She heard that there was an antique shop in town whose owner was an old hand and might be able to figure out something.

The owner of the antique shop was an old man wearing reading glasses and a goatee. He picked up the things Shen Qiqi brought and looked at them carefully one by one. From time to time, he would use a magnifying glass to look at them and mutter to himself.

Shen Qiqi's heart also went up and down, fearing that these things were worthless.

Finally, the boss stroked his beard and said slowly: "Little girl, although these things are not rare treasures, they are quite old. Let me give you this amount." He stretched out five fingers.

Shen Qiqi was delighted, fifty yuan!

This is a considerable sum of money!

She suppressed her excitement and nodded: "Deal!"

With fifty yuan in her pocket, Shen Qiqi felt her steps were much lighter.

Fifty dollars!

This is what they need most right now!

She trotted all the way home, eager to tell Lu Qing and her family the good news.

When she got home, Shen Qiqi handed the money to Lu Qing, her face filled with joy: “Brother Qing, look!”

Lu Qing looked at the money in his hand, surprised and happy: "Qiqi, you are so awesome! This..." He was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to express his gratitude and admiration.

"Now, we can go to the county hospital!" Shen Qiqi held Lu Qing's hand, with hope shining in her eyes.

However, the large county hospital is still a challenge full of unknowns for them.

Early the next morning, Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing took the patient on the bus to the county hospital.

The car shook all the way on the bumpy dirt road. Shen Qiqi hugged the patient tightly, her heart filled with anxiety.

Finally, they arrived at the county hospital.

As soon as she got off the car, Shen Qiqi ran to the registration office, but was told that the expert was not there today.

"Then...what should we do?" Shen Qiqi asked anxiously.

"Go to the inpatient department first to complete the admission procedures." The registrar answered impatiently.

Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing arrived at the inpatient department, and a nurse in a white coat came towards them with "Nurse Wang" written on her badge.

"Hello, nurse, we want to apply for hospitalization..." Before Shen Qiqi could finish her words, she was interrupted by Nurse Wang coldly: "Go get in line!"