It was still freezing cold that day, but the air in Hongxing Village seemed to be filled with warmth.
Wherever Xu Xinghe went, he could always hear a chorus of praise.
The words "lucky star" whispered in her ear like the wind.
An elderly woman brought her a handful of fragrant roasted pumpkin seeds, while an elderly man gave her a local specialty frozen pear. Despite its dark color, one bite was enough to melt your heart with its sweetness. A little girl with pigtails secretly slipped her treasured fruit candies into her hand, blushing as she ran away.
Before I knew it, a day had passed in the blink of an eye.
Xu Xinghe's pockets and bags were stuffed full.
She didn't want it, but the villagers were even more stubborn than she was, insisting that she take it no matter what.
In the end, she had no choice but to accept it.
She stood at the village entrance, looking at the village chief's wife who came out to see her off, and said, "Auntie, could you please tell everyone that I won't be coming to Hongxing Village tomorrow?"
"Comrade Xu, where are you going?"
"Political Commissar Wang asked me to deliver medicine to other villages, because they also need frostbite cream."
Political Commissar Wang had taken some from her before and sent them to various villages, but they were being consumed every day, and the quantity was not enough, so another batch needed to be sent.
This time, she will deliver it herself.
Political Commissar Wang's arrangement was naturally for a reason.
The cheapest frostbite cream outside costs at least one yuan, and even the folk remedies made by barefoot doctors cost at least fifty cents.
Ke Xu Xinghe only charges one cent for each dose of frostbite cream, not a penny more.
At this price, let alone making a profit, you don't even know how much you'll lose.
Since she refused to ask for more money, Political Commissar Wang thought of letting her go out more and earn some good reputation.
For a woman who once held a capitalist status, a good reputation is more precious than anything else.
Even without the military's contribution, her future life wouldn't be difficult.
After all, the people's recognition and respect are a source of confidence that nothing can buy.
At the same time, Xu Xinghe not only gained a foothold, but also indirectly helped Jiang Linchuan, who was one with her.
Although the village chief's wife was reluctant to let him go, she knew it was a serious matter. With her face flushed from the wind, she smiled so much that wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes. "Then you should go back quickly. Go to bed early tonight so you'll have the energy to go out tomorrow."
Xu Xinghe smiled and agreed, then turned and headed towards the military headquarters.
Jiang Linchuan was waiting for her not far ahead. He was tall and straight, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Even his heavy military coat couldn't hide his strong physique.
His collar stood up, revealing his sharply defined jawline. His brows and eyes were deep and cold, but when his gaze fell on her, that intimidating sharpness melted away, leaving only a deep tenderness in his eyes.
Xu Xinghe looked at him, and her pace quickened involuntarily.
Before her stood the lover she desired.
Behind her was the village chief's wife, whom she called Lucky Star.
What he carried in his pocket was the deep affection of his fellow villagers.
Even on the coldest day, this moment warmed my heart.
Xu Xinghe smiled brightly, as if even the gloomy sky above her head had brightened up a bit. "Let's go home!"
After saying that, she buried half her face in the warm wool scarf, took out some sunflower seeds from her pocket, and stuffed them into Jiang Linchuan's pocket. "These are for you. Have them as a late-night snack when you get back."
The two walked slowly and soon fell behind.
Seeing that no one was behind him, Jiang Linchuan quietly took her hand and put it into his coat pocket.
His hands were large and rough, calloused from years of training, yet unusually warm, holding her firmly.
The cold wind blew the snowflakes, and his tall figure was enough to shield most of the snow from the wind and snow.
Xu Xinghe didn't sense anyone watching her along the way, but as soon as she got home, she immediately felt it.
She grabbed Jiang Linchuan, who was about to leave, and deliberately raised her voice, saying, "Starting tomorrow, I won't be able to go to Hongxing Village with you. I'll be going to various villages to deliver medicine to everyone. Political Commissar Wang said that this way, everyone will know that I made this frostbite medicine."
Jiang Linchuan naturally already knew about this, and affectionately ruffled her slightly messy hair with his large hand after she took off her hat.
"Yes, you deserve it, don't feel pressured."
Xu Xinghe looked up at him with her little face, "I don't feel any pressure. By the way, after this snow disaster is over, I'm going to sell the frostbite medicine to the country. I'll supply the most important medicinal materials in the future, and I'll make money from every single dose. I'll become a rich man like the Xu family. You won't have to do anything anymore; I'll support you. How about that?"
Jiang Linchuan smiled helplessly. He believed that Xu Xinghe had the ability, but even if it came to that, he would never rely on Xu Xinghe to support him. He would always be the one standing in front of her.
"Okay, whatever you say."
Xu Xinghe then let go of his clothes. "Okay, go back and rest now. See you tomorrow night."
"Okay, see you tomorrow night."
After watching Jiang Linchuan leave, Xu Xinghe turned and went inside.
She stood with her back against the door, a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips, her eyes devoid of warmth.
Those seemingly unintentional words were actually bait she deliberately threw out; fame and money were what Li Xingzhou wanted most.
Now we'll see if he'll take the bait!
Xu Xinghe's fingertip circled halfway around the doorknob before she withdrew it.
Forget it, I'd better not deliberately leave the door unlocked; it might arouse suspicion.
Someone like him should have the ability to get what he wants.
That night.
Xu Xinghe slept very well.
The next day, she changed the herbs as usual and then left home.
10:00 AM.
The military headquarters was completely silent.
Apart from a small number of soldiers who stayed behind, the rest went out to work.
In villages like Hongxing, which are closer to the military headquarters, soldiers would return for meals, while those from farther away would return by car at night. The main issue is that each village cannot accommodate so many people; if they cannot be well-fed and cared for, and their health cannot be maintained, it is impossible to sustain disaster relief efforts for an extended period.
Taking advantage of the few people around, Li Xingzhou changed into clothes he had never worn before. His cotton hat was so low it almost covered his eyes, and he wrapped a scarf twice to cover half his face. He even took off his glasses, which he never took off, leaving only a pair of cold eyes visible.
He quickly arrived at the entrance of Xu Xinghe's courtyard and climbed over the side wall to enter.
The door was still locked, but that wasn't a big problem for him.
Others only see his glamorous and upright identity as a doctor, and have no idea what he has been through in the past.
Those days were unbearable to recall, but they also left him with many memories.
For example, picking the lock.
For ten years, he has never used this skill, considering it a humiliation and an indelible stain on his life.
But it came in handy at this time.
That's ridiculous.
"Snap—"
The lock is open.
Li Xingzhou looked at his well-defined fingers. Perhaps he was born a dirty person, and even wearing a white coat could not hide his true nature.
Even if he hides it, God will find a chance to remind him of his past mistakes...
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