Chapter 58: A Phone Call from Northwest China
Ning Tang looked up, her tone now more practiced: "Do you know Grandpa Xu?"
Tian Guoan nodded, then sat down on the stool with a flourish and stroked his gray beard.
With a hint of pride in his voice, he said, "We're more than just acquaintances; back in the army, we were brothers who slept in the same tent!"
As he spoke, he looked Ning Tang up and down, his eyes full of satisfaction.
"Old Xu was just telling me the other day that his granddaughter-in-law's acupuncture skills were even better than those of the old military doctors. He said that she cured his headaches and fevers with just a few needles."
"How about, since we know each other, Ning girl, you give it a try for me?"
Ning Tang smiled but did not immediately agree.
Instead, he squatted down next to Tian Guoan and reached out to press around his knees, as if observing something.
After a long pause, he frowned and said, "Grandpa Tian, your knees are very cold, which has accumulated over time. It can't be cured with just a few acupuncture needles."
"I'll try one course of treatment for you first. If there's no rejection, please come back in a week."
Upon hearing this, Tian Guoan immediately agreed, fearing that Ning Tang might change her mind.
Ning Tang took out the golden needles.
First, let Tian Guoan lie down on the hospital bed in the examination room.
I held the gold needle over an alcohol lamp, strictly adhering to aseptic technique.
"Grandpa Tian, you might feel a little soreness after the acupuncture. If you feel any discomfort, please let me know immediately."
"It's nothing. When I was young, I didn't even make a sound when a bullet pierced my leg. This is nothing!"
That being said, when the gold needles were inserted into the knee eye acupoint and the Yanglingquan acupoint.
Tian Guoan felt a numbness in his leg, followed by a warm, stiff sensation that seemed to penetrate the bone along the acupoints.
My knee, which was so painful I couldn't feel it, is slowly starting to feel again!
It's even getting more and more relaxed!
Half an hour later, Tian Guoan gritted his teeth, his head covered in sweat.
Ning Tang glanced at her and asked, "How was it?"
He waved his hand dismissively, but then immediately cried out in pain:
"Ning girl, slow down."
"My old bones are about to break in your hands."
Ning Tang was amused, withdrew the golden needles, and gestured for him to get up.
Tian Guoan slowly got off the hospital bed, walked around in circles several times, and walked with a brisk pace. He was completely unrecognizable from when he first arrived.
He couldn't hide the surprise in his eyes: "It's really amazing, it's much more comfortable than before. I needed a cane to walk before, but now I can bend over!"
As he spoke, Tian Guoan excitedly threw down his cane.
He took Ning Tang's hand and thanked her earnestly for a long time.
As he left, the corridor was filled with his hearty and excited laughter.
After leaving the hospital, Tian Guoan went straight to the military base.
Just then, Grandpa Xu was having a meeting with his old friends when he burst in.
"Stubborn Xu! You've really found a precious wife!"
Grandpa Xu frowned. Seeing how nimbly Tian Guoan moved his legs, he seemed to realize something and frowned again.
He asked in a deep voice, "Did you go to the hospital where Tangtang is?"
"Absolutely! If I hadn't gone, I wouldn't have known that Qiaofeng, who is usually quiet but is surprisingly talented, has found a beautiful wife, and this one at that!"
As he spoke, Tian Guoan gave a thumbs-up.
Upon hearing this, the other old comrades in the room were all bewildered by the cryptic exchange between the two.
I couldn't help but interrupt.
"Old Tian, Old Xu, what are you talking about?"
"Yeah, what's with this 'Qiaofeng's wife' and 'granddaughter-in-law' thing? I remember Old Xu only had two granddaughters-in-law, one in the neighborhood office and one in the cultural troupe. Where did this 'hospital' come from?"
The people who spoke were Jinlong and Wang Zetuan.
They were all former subordinates of Grandpa Xu, and also old friends of several decades. They were among the few people who knew about the Xu family's affairs.
But there was no word of Xu Qiaofeng getting married.
Grandpa Xu proudly raised his chin, just about to strike a pose, when he was interrupted by Tian Guoan beside him.
He scoffed, "How tedious! Let me speak!"
"Qiaofeng got married. His wife's name is Ning Tang, and she works in the Traditional Chinese Medicine department of the military hospital."
"Oh my, she's so beautiful, and her voice is so sweet, just like a nightingale."
I don't know why Xu Juelu is so tight-lipped!
Ning Tang is such a good girl, how did Xu Qiaofeng manage to trick her into coming home with him!
If he had known earlier, he would have definitely sent his grandson to snatch it!
That guy was talking about finding a thoughtful and beautiful partner a while ago, and Ning Tang is just the right girl.
However, Tian Guoan dared not say these words aloud.
He knew that Old Xu was protective of his own, and if he spoke up, Xu Qiaofeng would definitely try to sow discord between his son and others in the team.
Even though Tian Guoan didn't say it directly, Grandpa Xu still sensed that something was off.
His eyes held a knowing sharpness: "Old Tian, don't hide your little scheme."
"I know you too well. You think your brat will make a move on Tangtang? No way!"
Having his thoughts exposed, Tian Guoan blushed and chuckled.
"Look at what you're saying. I just think Ning is a good girl and I'm happy for you. Besides, that Qiaofeng kid is incredibly lucky. He's already married her. Do you think we'd take her away from him?"
That's true.
He muttered to himself that he wouldn't dare to compete with the Xu family for someone even if he had a hundred lives.
Putting aside how capable Xu Qiaofeng is as a rising star, just the fact that he and Old Xu are old friends makes it impossible for him to do such a despicable thing.
Jinlong and Wang Zetuan watched with amusement.
A child who can earn praise from both Lao Tian and Lao Xu must be incredibly outstanding.
However, Lao Tian just said that this kid works at a military hospital, so he must be quite skilled...
Thinking of how energetic Old Xu had been lately, the two exchanged a glance and both had their own ideas.
Jinlong chuckled and said, "Old Xu, you used to always say you had headaches and couldn't sleep, but you seemed much better recently. Was that also because your grandson cured you?"
Grandpa Xu looked profound: "There's more to this than meets the eye, and I can't just say it casually."
The words were spoken.
The three old men present all rolled their eyes in unison.
What are you pretending for? You just have a wonderful granddaughter-in-law that makes everyone envious!
That's not loyal at all; it's not like we were on the battlefield together anymore!
Seeing this, as if he could see through the disdain in his old friends' hearts, Grandpa Xu was not angry. Instead, his tone was full of pride.
"Tangtang is the granddaughter-in-law my wife chose at first sight, how could she be anything but good?"
"I had been suffering from headaches for years, taking both Western and Chinese medicine, but nothing worked. Then Tangtang gave me three acupuncture needles and prescribed some medicine. Now I can fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, and I don't even get out of breath when I run!"
Jinlong's eyes lit up as he listened.
They've all seen how well Lao Xu is doing lately; it's more effective than any magic pill.
He said with a forced smile, "My wife has been complaining of foot pain lately, like there are thorns in her feet. Could Tangtang take a look?"
Wang Zetuan quickly chimed in, "Me too. I have an old back injury that hurts so much every few days that I can't straighten up. No medicine seems to work. I'd like to trouble Tangtang for help too."
After saying that, the two elderly people, half of whom were buried in the ground, rubbed their hands together embarrassedly.
Grandpa Xu glanced at the two of them.
She said slowly, "You can watch if you want, but you have to remember that Tangtang is busy right now, so don't keep bothering her."
"If you go, you have to follow Tangtang's arrangements. Don't make any unreasonable demands, don't tire her out, and definitely don't make her angry."
Jinlong and Wang Zetuan assured each other in unison, "Don't worry! We'll definitely obey!"
...
At this time, Ning Tang, who was in the hospital, was unaware that Grandpa Xu had already found her a big job.
In just one afternoon, she had organized all the patients' information.
After returning from the meeting, Zhou Hairong looked at the documents in his hand and nodded in satisfaction.
This Ning Tang is indeed quite capable.
It can be said that he was born to be a person dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine.
"Not bad, a bit more talented than the people sent from above before."
Ning Tang had already learned half of what Zhou Hairong had said from others. She had a sharp tongue, and if someone could say "not bad," it meant that you were already at an excellent level.
She smiled and said, "Compared to Dr. Zhou, I'm nothing."
"She has a sweet tongue."
"You've miscalculated. I'm not one to listen to empty talk. You'd be better off leaving get off work early and going home."
Zhou Hairong remained unmoved verbally, but anyone with eyes could see the slight curve of her lips.
Ning Tang didn't say much, and turned to leave.
As she passed the security office on the first floor, someone inside suddenly called out to her.
"Dr. Ning, I have your phone number."
"Are you from the compound?"
"No, the operator said it was a call from the Northwest."
The Great Northwest...
Ning Tang's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly went to answer the phone.
"Ning Tang, you little slut, you stole Xin Xin's marriage and actually managed to climb the social ladder by marrying into the Xu family!"
"Now that you're all grown up and think you can do whatever you want, ignoring me and your sister, are you even human?!"
The first sound that reached her ears was Ning's mother's shrill yet familiar voice.
Having not heard it for a long time, Ning Tang subconsciously clenched her hands.
Seeing that she didn't speak, Ning's mother on the other end of the phone became even more arrogant, raising her voice several octaves.
"What? Have you become mute?"
"So, I guessed what you were thinking, and you're too ashamed to say anything?"
"Let me tell you, Ning Tang, Xin Xin is being bullied by Zhang Yanfei every day. You must stand up for her and get Commander Xu to back her up!"
"Otherwise, I'll go to the military hospital and the military compound and make a scene, so everyone knows you're an ungrateful wretch!"
Ning Tang held the phone, her face expressionless, but inwardly she was sneering.
Noticing that the security guards were watching, she smiled sheepishly and turned her back to them.
In a voice that could only be heard clearly on the other end of the phone, she said coldly:
"Come back and cause trouble?"
"You were sent to the countryside in the Northwest for reform and education. How did you come back? Did you crawl back?"
Ning's mother on the other end of the phone choked instantly, like a rooster with its neck caught in its throat, unable to breathe for a long time.
"Ning Tang, you've really grown up, daring to talk to me like that!"
"Let me tell you, I'm much more comfortable here in the Northwest. Nobody dares to bully me, and they always let me go first when it's time to get food."
When she said this, Ning's mother was clearly guilty.
The life of a sent-down youth in the Northwest was far from comfortable. She was made to sleep in a cowshed, which would flood whenever it rained.
Moreover, the villagers regarded her as some kind of bad luck, and even little kids dared to throw stones at her.
Ning Tang also knew the flaw in those words.
It was just a lie she told to maintain a respectable facade and avoid revealing her miserable existence.
"That's good. You can live a peaceful and stable life over there."
"Don't change the subject! Xin Xin is almost beaten to death by Zhang Yanfei. If you don't help her, I'll risk my life to come back from the Northwest and make sure you can't hold your head up in the Xu family!" Ning's mother roared fiercely.
Ning Tang moved the phone away.
They put it back after she finished yelling.
Her tone was flat, revealing no emotion: "Did Ningxin tell you about my situation?"
"Then you should know what she's been doing lately, right? Whether she can hold her head up or not is not up to you."
Ning Tang's voice was as cold as ice: "I won't interfere, and it's none of my business. If you call again, I'll go find Zhang Yanfei and have him beat Ning Xin to death!"
After saying that, he hung up the phone before Ning's mother could react.
He returned the microphone to the security personnel with a polite smile on his face.
Ning Tang politely instructed, "Thank you for your help. If you receive another call from the Northwest in the future, just say I'm not here."
The security personnel nodded quickly.
"Don't worry, Dr. Ning, we understand."
Ning's mother was yelling so loudly on the phone just now, especially since there have been rumors about Ning Tang's background circulating in the hospital lately.
She was a child brought back from outside by capitalists, and was abused from a young age, never having enough to eat or wear.
Now it seems the security personnel are even more convinced of the rumors.
Judging from her tone just now, it didn't sound like a mother would talk to her daughter.
Those damned capitalists deserve to be condemned by everyone!
...
The Great Northwest.
Rural areas.
As soon as Ning's mother returned the phone, a large group of women surrounded her, chattering away.
"So? What did your daughter, who married the high-ranking official, say? When is she coming to take you back to enjoy a life of luxury?"
"Yes, you told us before that your son-in-law's family is very powerful, and his grandfather is a commander."
Upon arriving in the Northwest, Ning's mother began to boast about herself in glowing terms.
They say a daughter married the grandson of a military region commander, and from then on, she would have everything she wanted.
When my daughter comes to pick her up and bring her back to the city, I'll treat her well and we'll enjoy a good life together.
Actually, many people think she's just bragging without thinking.
If he were really that capable, why would he have been demoted to this place?
These days, the villagers are just playing with her and treating Ning's mother like a fool.
When asked this, Ning's mother's face flushed red and then turned pale, showing no trace of arrogance.
Faced with the suspicious looks from the crowd, he could only bite the bullet and say it.
"She said she's busy right now and will come to pick me up in a few days. She also said she'd send me some money and coupons."
Who would believe that?
They heard it all; the tone on the other end of the phone was really unpleasant!
At that moment, the women looked at each other with a hint of disdain.
One straightforward person said directly, "Hey, if she really wanted to pick you up, she would have come long ago. It's been so long, she must be kidding you!"
"Besides, their attitude clearly shows they don't want to talk to you. Were you lying to us before?"
Ning's mother's face darkened.
He immediately forced a smile and retorted, "Of course it's true! You just wait and see. If she doesn't come to pick me up, I'll carry away all the manure at the village entrance!"
After saying that, Ning's mother turned around and left in a panic.
"Stop pretending to be all high and mighty, you're just bragging!"
"You stinking capitalist, you rotten capitalist, I'm waiting for you to shovel manure!"
"Then I'll have to pull a lot more during this period, so she won't be exhausted!"
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