Dr. Huang's words startled Su Xingran. "Master, why...why are you suddenly going back? Has something happened?"
Doctor Huang looked at his nervous apprentice and shook his head. "Xingran, your master went back early to arrange some things. Traditional Chinese medicine is still under suppression. Your master needs to go back and contact some people who are the best in traditional Chinese medicine."
"Master needs to go back and lay the groundwork beforehand, making the path smoother. After Master goes back, when you make house calls here, pay attention to safety and be cautious with medication. Study hard, review your lessons, and wait for Master's news."
Su Xingran's eyes reddened when she learned that she was about to part with her master. She and her master had been master and disciple for five years, and now that her master was leaving, her heart was filled with reluctance.
When Doctor Huang saw Su Xingran's eyes redden, his own eyes also reddened. It had been five years since he had taken Xingran as his apprentice, and during those five years, she had cared for him and stayed by his side. In his heart, Xingran was more than just an apprentice; she was also his granddaughter, and he had long regarded her as his own.
"Xingran, as soon as your master gets the exact time, he will tell you immediately. Your master will come back to accompany you during your exam. Take good care of yourself and wait for your master to come back for you."
Su Xingran didn't speak, only nodded with reddened eyes. She knew when the college entrance examination would be reinstated and when the exam would be held. But she couldn't bring herself to say any of this.
Su Xingran was depressed for several days after learning that her master was leaving. She could only console herself with the thought that her master had important matters to attend to.
The day after Su Xingran started school was the day Dr. Huang was to return to Beijing. The night before, Dr. Huang invited the village chief, the brigade leader, and Su Xingran's family of three to dinner together.
"Village chief, brigade leader, I, Huang Zhenhua, am very grateful for your care over the years. I am leaving here tomorrow, but my apprentice Xingran and her family are still in the village. I would like to ask you to take care of them for a while."
"I will come back to pick Xingran up after she graduates from high school and take her to Beijing. If there is anything I, Huang Zhenhua, can help you with, I will do my best. Please take good care of Xingran."
The village chief and the brigade leader quickly stood up. "Dr. Huang, you're too kind. You can go back and attend to your business. We'll take good care of Xingran's family in the village."
The next day, Su Xingran took the morning off, insisting on seeing her master and Uncle Duan off at the train station. Duan Yuming also went back with Doctor Huang. He had come to protect Doctor Huang, and now that Doctor Huang was going back, he naturally went back to Beijing with him.
Huang Tai'an drove them to the train station, and Su Xingran remained silent throughout the journey. It wasn't until they arrived at the train station that she finally choked up and called out, "Driver, Uncle Duan."
"Hey, Master's here. Be good, Xingran, don't cry. Master will be back as soon as he's done with his work." Doctor Huang's eyes were also red as he patted Su Xingran's head to comfort her.
"When your master comes back, Uncle Duan will also come back. Xingran, stay home and take good care of yourself."
Duan Yuming's life was filled with nothing but farewells; every time he turned to leave, there was no one behind him. This time, however, he turned back and saw a little girl with red eyes behind him. His hardened heart softened.
"Xingran, remember what your master told you, and keep the key he gave you safe. The train is almost here, and your master has to leave. You go back with Uncle Tai'an. Be sure to take good care of yourself."
"I understand, Master and Uncle Duan. Please take care of yourselves. I wish you a safe and smooth journey, Master and Uncle Duan."
As Su Xingran watched the two figures board the train, tears streamed down her face. This was the first time in her seventeen years that she had tasted the bitterness of parting.
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