Chapter 114: Nightmare
Ning Tang stood up upon hearing this.
Her gaze swept over the list beside her, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, but exceptionally clear in the quiet room.
"Xiao Wu's approach is not fundamentally flawed. Wind-cold with dampness does indeed require relieving the exterior and dispelling dampness."
"But he forgot the key point: he should pay more attention to the Shaoyin meridian, while Qianghuo mainly enters the Taiyang meridian and is more suitable for wind-cold in the upper body."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
Xiao Wu blushed as he took notes.
It seems he still has a lot to learn.
Dean Gou smiled with satisfaction: "Well said. The worst thing you can do in medicine is to blindly follow rules. You have to learn to diagnose and treat patients."
"Ning Tang is just naturally gifted for this job."
Ning Tang smiled modestly.
As soon as she sat down, Wang Yingying nudged her with her elbow and quietly moved closer.
"With your skill level, you could be my teacher in two years."
Ning Tang frowned and chuckled softly: "Stop teasing me. You have more clinical experience than me, and your analysis is often much more detailed than mine."
Wang Yingying thought about it and realized that it made sense.
She wasn't one to praise others while being modest about herself, so she nodded with satisfaction.
The expression on his face seemed to say that Ning Tang had excellent taste.
After the meeting.
Everyone stayed behind to discuss some questions they had collected over the past period, which were then answered by Dean Gou.
It was three hours later when I finally came out of the house.
Before leaving, Dean Gou didn't forget to tell them: "We're going back the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow is a day off. You young comrades can go out for a stroll if you want, or visit the supply and marketing cooperative if you want."
Ning Tang was actually quite curious about what was in the local supply and marketing cooperative.
Seeing her like this, Wang Yingying immediately said she would take her shopping the next morning.
Ning Tang's eyes lit up instantly when she heard that Wang Yingying was going to take her to the supply and marketing cooperative.
She's been here for almost half a month, busy organizing medical records and learning from Dean Gou, and hasn't had a proper chance to visit the local supply and marketing cooperative yet.
Supply and marketing cooperatives were a rarity in the 1970s.
Needles and thread, cloth and grain.
You can even occasionally find scarce fruit candies.
Everything was rationed; if you went too late, you wouldn't be able to get any.
"Then let's get up early tomorrow. I heard that the supply and marketing cooperative has the best selection when it opens in the morning!" Ning Tang said, pulling on Wang Yingying's arm with anticipation in her voice.
Xu Qiaofeng happened to come to pick her up and, having overheard their conversation, naturally walked over to Ning Tang's side.
He said in a deep voice, "I'll go with you tomorrow. There will be a lot of people on the road, so I'll help you carry your things."
Wang Yingying laughed and joked, "Oh, Comrade Xu's fierce protection of his wife is something we can all envy."
"Okay, more people means more help, and maybe they can even help us snag some good stuff."
Xu Qiaofeng didn't refute, but his gaze towards Ning Tang softened even more.
Ever since he learned that Ning Tang was pregnant, he wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms and protect her. He couldn't bear to let her squeeze into the supply and marketing cooperative with other people.
The next morning.
Ning Tang and Wang Yingying got up early.
When they finished getting ready and came downstairs, Xu Qiaofeng was already waiting for them.
Xu Qiaoyan was not by his side.
After returning home last night, Xu Qiaofeng thought it over and over again, but still didn't tell Xu Qiaoyan about it.
After all, it's very wrong to do this if the woman isn't willing.
When Ning Tang went downstairs, she saw that only Xu Qiaofeng was there, so she didn't ask any questions.
He just smiled and shook the cloth bag in his hand: "I brought all the grain coupons and cloth coupons. Maybe I can find some good stuff."
Wang Yingying nodded in agreement and pulled out a few crumpled industrial coupons from her pocket.
"My mom specifically asked me to bring this. She said if I come across any soap, I should buy two bars because we're almost out of soap at home."
The three walked toward the supply and marketing cooperative.
It's probably because it's Saturday, there are a lot of people on the road, and they all seem to be going to the supply and marketing cooperative.
When we arrived at the supply and marketing cooperative, there was indeed a queue at the entrance.
Most of them were residents carrying cloth bags and ration coupons, chatting amongst themselves, looking like they were about to rush in and buy everything.
Xu Qiaofeng consciously stood at the back of the line, letting Ning Tang and Wang Yingying stand in front of him to block the potentially crowded people behind them.
"Luckily we arrived early, otherwise this line would have lasted until noon." Wang Yingying stood on tiptoe and looked into the supply and marketing cooperative.
“I heard from a colleague last time that the supply and marketing cooperative here occasionally gets Shanghai-made Dacron. I wonder if they have any today.”
Ning Tang also became curious.
Dacron was a rare commodity in the 1970s; it was light and crisp, much more comfortable than coarse cloth.
Finally, it was their turn.
Upon entering the supply and marketing cooperative, Ning Tang was immediately drawn to the goods on the shelves.
On the left, the fabric section is hung with fabrics of various colors.
The floral fabrics are brightly colored, while the coarse cloth is thick and sturdy.
Sure enough, there were several light blue polyester fabrics displayed at the very back.
There were quite a few people gathered around.
On the right, in the daily necessities section, soap, toothpaste, and clam oil are neatly arranged.
On the top shelf were several cans of malted milk powder, labeled as purchaseable with industrial coupons.
"I'll go look at the fabric first!"
Wang Yingying pulled Ning Tang toward the fabric section.
Xu Qiaofeng followed behind, his hands now free to carry things.
The sales clerks in the fabric section were busy taking measurements for people. Seeing them approach, they smiled and asked:
"Comrade, what kind of cloth do you need? The Dacron just arrived today, and these are the only few bolts left."
Wang Yingying's eyes lit up, and she reached out to touch the polyester fabric: "How much is this fabric per foot? Do I need fabric coupons?"
"Eighty cents a foot, cloth ration coupons for one foot," the salesperson answered briskly.
Wang Yingying gritted her teeth, about to speak.
Xu Qiaofeng then took out cloth coupons and money from his pocket: "Comrade, give each of them three feet of cloth, light blue."
"Oh? I have my own money and tickets!" Wang Yingying quickly waved her hand.
Xu Qiaofeng had already handed over the tickets and money: "Consider it my way of thanking you on behalf of my second brother. He apologized to you yesterday, and it's all thanks to you for not holding it against him."
Wang Yingying was stunned.
Recalling Xu Qiaoyan's blushing apology yesterday, she couldn't help but smile and didn't refuse again.
After the sales clerk cut and wrapped the fabric, Xu Qiaofeng naturally took it and carried it in his hand.
Xu Qiaofeng then asked Ning Tang, "Would you like to look at something else? Like getting a piece of coarse cloth for Grandpa and Grandma and making them a thick coat."
Ning Tang nodded and pulled Wang Yingying toward the coarse cloth area.
I chose a piece of dark gray coarse cloth, which is thick and durable, just right to make winter coats for my grandparents.
Xu Qiaofeng promptly paid for the tickets and money, without letting Ning Tang lift a finger to carry anything.
As Ning Tang strolled into the grocery section, she indeed spotted fruit candies.
The sugar cubes in the glass jar were wrapped in transparent candy paper, and they looked sweet.
"I'll buy some fruit candies to take back to my colleagues."
Ning Tang was speaking when she was about to take out her ticket.
Xu Qiaofeng had already handed over the money and food coupons: "Buy more, so you can have a piece occasionally during your pregnancy to satisfy your cravings."
Wang Yingying joked from the side, "Comrade Xu, you really protect your wife to the core. You even think of her when it comes to eating candy. We colleagues in the same department are really benefiting from this."
Xu Qiaofeng did not refute.
He looked at Ning Tang with a hint of doting: "She's pregnant, so we need to be more considerate of her."
Ning Tang blushed a little at what was said.
He quickly pulled Wang Yingying toward the daily necessities section, avoiding Xu Qiaofeng's gaze.
In the daily necessities section, Wang Yingying successfully bought sandalwood soap made in Shanghai, while Ning Tang bought two boxes of clam oil to moisturize her skin in the winter.
Xu Qiaofeng gradually accumulated more and more things in his hands.
He didn't feel tired at all; instead, he helped the two of them carry it steadily.
——
at the same time.
On the other side.
Ning Xin lay on the bed, surrounded by the pastries and snacks Zhang Yanfei had bought for her yesterday.
Although it can't compare to what I used to eat at home, the sentiment is different, and I'm very happy.
"Xin Xin, you are truly my lucky goddess. If it weren't for you, I don't know when I would have been promoted."
Zhang Yanfei knelt beside Ning Xin, massaging her while speaking in a pretentious manner.
Ning Xin took a bite of the sponge cake, her face displaying an air of superiority.
"Why are you being so polite with me? We're practically family. After we get married, what's mine is yours."
Zhang Yanfei's promotion was made possible entirely by Lu Niannian, that sickly woman.
She and Ning Tang were sworn enemies. When she returned, Ning Xin had already planned how to make her lose her child by doing something behind her back.
Zhang Yanfei's eyes lit up instantly upon hearing Ning Xin's words.
The massage pressure lessened, and her tone was full of flattery: "Xin Xin, you're so good! After we get married, I'll definitely treat you well and let you eat this kind of chicken cake every day."
He was making plans in his mind.
Ning Xin can get information from Lu Niannian and help him get promoted. If he marries her, his future in the team will definitely be much easier.
Ning Xin glanced at him, a smug smile playing on her lips.
"That's more like it. But don't get too excited yet. If you want to marry me, you'll have to do something more."
She put down the pastry in her hand, wiped her mouth, and her eyes revealed calculation.
“Ning Tang is becoming more and more valued in the hospital. Their dean is almost treating her like a treasure. If this continues, Lu Niannian will have no room for promotion when she joins the hospital. We must help Lu Niannian get rid of Ning Tang.”
Zhang Yanfei's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "Then what do you want to do? Ning Tang is heavily pregnant now, and the dean is protecting her, so we can't do anything to her."
Although he was jealous of Xu Qiaofeng, he didn't dare to actually harm the pregnant woman; he couldn't bear the consequences if something happened.
Ning Xin sneered and said in a low voice, "Who said we were going to harm her? We can start with the child in her womb."
She paused, then leaned closer to Zhang Yanfei, as if she were talking about some huge secret.
“I heard that pregnant women crave sour foods during pregnancy. Think about it, if pregnant women eat too much hawthorn, they are more likely to miscarry. If we can find a way to get her to eat more hawthorn, then she will lose her baby. Director Gou will definitely let her go home to rest. She will lose her position in the hospital, and then Lu Niannian will be able to take her place.”
Zhang Yanfei turned pale upon hearing this and hurriedly waved her hand, saying, "No, no! This is too dangerous. If we get discovered, we're both doomed!"
Although he wanted a promotion, he wasn't so desperate as to harm anyone, especially an unborn child.
Seeing his hesitation, Ning Xin's face instantly darkened: "What? You don't dare? Or are you worried about Ning Tang?"
She reached out and grabbed Zhang Yanfei's arm, her nails almost digging into his flesh.
"Zhang Yanfei, don't forget, you got promoted entirely because of me! If it weren't for me, you'd still be doing odd jobs in the team! If you don't help me, I'll tell Xu Qiaofeng about how you got promoted by getting information through me, and you'll never be able to hold your head up again!"
Forced into a corner by her, Zhang Yanfei had no choice but to nod: "Okay, okay, I'll help you! Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it."
He felt both fear and regret, regretting that he shouldn't have cooperated with Ning Xin in the first place.
But now we're in a bind, and can only take it one step at a time.
Ning Xin's expression softened when she saw him agree. She released his arm and said with a smile, "That's more like it! We should do it like this..."
She leaned close to Zhang Yanfei's ear and carefully explained the plan.
Even after he finished speaking, Zhang Yanfei's expression was still somewhat unpleasant.
He hesitated a little.
Although Xu Qiaofeng has always been one step ahead of him over the years, Ning Tang is pregnant. If something happens to her, it could result in the death of both mother and child.
Seeing Zhang Yanfei's cowardly appearance, Ning Xin rolled her eyes, a rare occurrence for her, showing some disdain.
She said coldly, "What, have you forgotten who caused your legs to suffer comminuted fractures?"
"You can't bring yourself to hurt Xu Qiaofeng's wife, but Xu Qiaofeng would be willing to hurt you."
"Now his wife Ning Tang is riding high in the hospital. If we don't get rid of her, we'll both be under their thumb forever!"
Zhang Yanfei's breathing became increasingly rapid.
Resentment and bitterness, coupled with years of jealousy, overwhelmed his reason like a tidal wave.
He gritted his teeth, a fierce glint in his eyes: "Fine! I'll help you! Tell me what to do, and I'll do it!"
Seeing that he had finally relented, Ning Xin smiled triumphantly: "That's more like it."
That evening.
Ning Tang dreamed of a cute little baby at the guesthouse.
The baby was wrapped in a light blue swaddle, the same color of the polyester fabric she had chosen at the supply and marketing cooperative during the day.
Her little face was rosy and her eyes looked just like Xu Qiaofeng's, dark and bright. She was holding her finger and giggling.
"Good boy/girl."
Ning Tang subconsciously coaxed the child softly, her fingertips touching the child's soft cheek.
She sat under the old locust tree in the yard, holding her child.
Xu Qiaofeng sat next to him, playing with the child using a small rattle drum.
But just then, a cold wind suddenly blew through the dream, and the child's cries suddenly became shrill.
Ning Tang panicked and tried to hide while tightly holding her child, but she saw a blurry black shadow rushing towards her.
She wanted to run, but her feet seemed nailed to the ground and she couldn't move.
She could only watch helplessly as the dark figure drew closer and closer, while the child in her arms cried harder and harder.
"don't want!"
Ning Tang suddenly opened her eyes, her forehead covered in cold sweat, her heart still pounding.
Wang Yingying, who was sleeping soundly next to her, was sleeping peacefully.
Seeing her appearance, Ning Tang slowly came back to her senses from the fear.
But the child's shrill cries from the dream still echoed in my ears.
The fear of watching danger approach helplessly and being unable to resist caused Ning Tang to break out in another layer of cold sweat.
She gently touched her lower abdomen, where she wasn't showing yet.
Yet you can clearly feel a small life quietly growing.
"Don't be afraid, it's just a dream."
Ning Tang murmured softly to her belly, as if comforting the baby.
Just as she was about to fall asleep again, there was a knock on the door.
Who is it?
"It's me, Tangtang."
Xu Qiaofeng's voice rang out from outside the door, sounding inexplicably strange.
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