Aside from what's handed over to the brigade, you can keep the rest yourself. Of course, if you don't earn enough in a month to hand over to the brigade, you'll have to pay out of your own pocket.

During my stay at Uncle Xu's house these past few months, I noticed that he was spending money almost every month because he treated many elderly people in the village for free. The poor families in the village were struggling to make ends meet and simply didn't have the extra money for medical treatment.

Although he doesn't charge money, Uncle Xu's medical skills are undeniable; he can only temporarily control and alleviate many illnesses, but he can't cure them at all.

Li Xiyue plans to help them cure their illnesses so that the problem can be completely solved.

Those with money can pay a small consultation fee, and those without money can do what Erniu's family did: help with chores to offset the cost. In short, we can't let them delay their illness any longer.

Free treatment is definitely not an option. First, it would allow people with ulterior motives to take advantage of the situation, and second, it would make them think they can gain something for nothing, thus encouraging unhealthy practices.

"These are the medicines your grandmother used to treat her illness. Take them back with you." Li Xiyue handed Erniu several doses of traditional Chinese medicine.

Erniu took it, her eyes filled with tears, "Sister, I should have been the one to gather these herbs."

“Tomorrow, you can go and collect the herbs in the morning, and then come and help with the work in the afternoon, okay?” Li Xiyue said.

Erniu nodded, "Okay, sister, do you have any wild vegetables you like to eat? I'll pick some for you."

"The cabbage is delicious. If you see it, just pick some for me." Li Xiyue brushed the dust off her clothes.

Erniu agreed, took the medicine and left, with Xiaobai following to see her off.

Uncle Xu had already finished work and gone home, and Li Xiyue took the medicine from the yard back to the pharmacy.

As dusk fell, Chu Xun returned, bringing back some red beans and white sugar. "Didn't you say you wanted to eat filled qingtuan last time? I brought some red beans; I'll make some red bean paste to eat."

Li Xiyue felt so happy, "Great, it just so happens that Erniu is going to bring me some vegetables tomorrow."

"Then I'll soak the red beans today and make it tomorrow." Chu Xun said, handing her a suitcase. "Help me put my things inside."

Smoke curled from the kitchen, and soon the aroma of food filled the air.

We're having chicken tonight. Chu Xun brought a chicken over at noon, but he didn't cook it then; he's saving it for dinner.

The braised chicken he made was so fragrant and tender that Li Xiyue ate it with her mouth full of oil.

Chu Xun affectionately wiped the corner of her mouth, "and gave her another chicken leg."

"I can't eat anymore, you eat it," Li Xiyue said.

Chu Xun shook his head, "I made this especially for you. If you can't finish it, save it for tomorrow."

After eating until her belly was round and full, Li Xiyue went to the yard to digest her food. "No more big meals tomorrow. If I keep eating like this, I'll get fat."

"You want to eat fish tomorrow? Okay, I'll go buy some," Chu Xun replied from the kitchen.

Li Xiyue was both amused and exasperated.

After Chu Xun finished his work, he came out and said with a smile, "What's wrong with being a little chubby? I love you no matter what."

Under the moonlight, the man stood tall and straight, like a pine tree. His broad and powerful arms seemed capable of shielding him from all storms. His features were resolute and his face was deep and handsome, exuding an indescribable masculine charm.

He smiled and looked at her with gentle eyes, making it impossible for her to resist his advances.

Unable to resist her inner impulse, Li Xiyue stood on tiptoe and kissed his smiling lips.

The sudden action ignited a spark in Chu Xun's heart. He raised his hand to touch his lips in disbelief. The faint warmth had not yet dissipated, and the soft touch made him realize that it was real.

A spark seemed to ignite in his heart; his eyes burned with passion. He wrapped his long arms around her slender waist and lowered his head to return her kiss.

His movements were clumsy, but his affection was intense; Li Xiyue could feel his heart pounding so hard it felt like it was about to jump out of his mouth.

A surge of excitement welled up inside me; it was so beautiful it was intoxicating.