Chapter 30. My friend's daughter, surnamed Zhu, is not only beautiful but also filial...
The television in the living room was on, and the host was broadcasting the morning news: "According to the provincial meteorological observatory, our city will continue to experience high temperatures for the next week, with today's high reaching 38-39 degrees Celsius, setting a new historical record. Citizens who need to travel should take precautions against heatstroke..."
Gu Chunling couldn't sleep in the early hours of the morning, so she got up early to move her joints. Although the biological agent worked quickly and relieved her joint pain in a few days, her morning stiffness still didn't improve.
Seeing Zhu Liushuang come out of the bedroom yawning, she asked with concern, "You went to bed very late again last night. Are you sure you can handle it today? How about we go again next week?"
Today they are going to visit Dr. Xie Jingzhi in Chenguan Village on the outskirts of Gucheng. The hospital's pilot project has not officially started yet, and Zhu Liushuang plans to take her mother there in advance to try her luck.
It was only a quarter past six, but the sun was already high in the sky. The living room air conditioning wasn't on, and even a little movement made one feel hot.
"The weather this year is so abnormal. It's almost 40 degrees Celsius in mid-July... Xiaoshuang, how about Mom buys you an electric car? Like that Wuling... Grandpa Qiu's granddaughter downstairs just got her car a couple of days ago, and it cost her a total of 60,000 yuan."
Gu Chunling moistened her lips and continued, "Mom has 50,000 yuan in savings. You can add a little more... It's so hot, it'll make driving more comfortable."
Zhu Liushuang got her driver's license while in college, but she doesn't plan to buy a car yet. She's naturally worried about unforeseen circumstances at home that might lead to an urgent need for money that she wouldn't be able to afford, which would be a real problem.
"Mom...it's alright. There's a breeze when riding the electric scooter, it's quite cool." She blinked and said nonchalantly.
"But what about winter? On windy and snowy days... your fingers will freeze off!" Gu Chunling had lived through the first few decades of her life like this, and she knew it all too well.
Zhu Liushuang took out her mother's social security card and medical record from the drawer and stuffed them into her bag, saying, "I have a windproof cover in winter, and I'm fully armed with a scarf and gloves, so I'm not cold. I'm young, I can withstand the cold!"
Gu Chunling's feelings were even more complicated than her daughter's overly sensible nature and consideration for the family in every way. She was afraid that Liu Shuang would mistreat herself because of her "burden" mother.
Since falling ill, she had never seen her daughter show any signs of distress in front of her, nor had she heard any of her younger daughter's worries. Over time, she felt that Liu Shuang would develop some kind of illness from suppressing her emotions.
“Then let’s wait until winter to buy it! After the biological agent treatment, Mom’s joints don’t hurt as much anymore. In a few days, we’ll find some light work to supplement the family income.” Gu Chunling made the decision immediately, her eyes revealing an undeniable firmness for the first time.
Zhu Liushuang easily sensed her mother's unusual mood and stopped arguing, simply obediently replying, "I'll do whatever you say." She thought: There are still several months until winter; perhaps her mother will forget about it after a while.
After getting ready, the two went out and walked hand in hand to the apartment building, where they happened to run into an old man and a young man practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard.
The elderly man was dressed in a light Tai Chi uniform, and his movements were performed with ease, clearly indicating that he was a skilled practitioner.
In contrast, the young man next to him, dressed in a mismatched vest and shorts, and lacking coordination, looked utterly comical as he practiced Tai Chi despite his tall stature.
"Good morning, Xiaoshuang, Aunt Gu!" The young man stopped what he was doing as they passed each other, a smile on his face.
Gu Chunling nodded: "Xiao Feng is so diligent. He doesn't sleep in on weekends and follows Grandpa Qiu to maintain his health."
Lü Feng chuckled, unusually embarrassed.
"I was just wondering who was standing there making a fool of themselves? Turns out it's Boss Lü!" Zhu Liushuang chuckled, making Lü Feng blush.
"Xiao Shuang! Stop fooling around..." Gu Chunling pretended to be fierce to her, "Give your brother Xiao Feng a proper greeting." Ever since Zhu Liushuang made it clear to her that she and Lü Feng weren't attracted to each other, Gu Chunling stopped trying to play matchmaker.
The term "Brother Xiao Feng" sounded affectionate, but it became a thorn in Lü Feng's side, tearing a distance between him and Zhu Liushuang.
"It's okay, Xiaoshuang used to be like this too... I don't mind." Lu Feng felt a little empty inside, but he still maintained a smile on his face. "Aunt Gu, where are you all going so early in the morning?"
Zhu Liushuang answered first: "I'm taking my mother to see a doctor."
Lu Feng's mind raced, and he suggested, "The hospital? I happen to be free, how about I give you a ride?" He glanced at the small two-wheeled electric vehicle in the shed, "Aunt Gu has difficulty walking, it will be more comfortable for her to ride in a car."
"No need, no need... Go practice your Tai Chi." Zhu Liushuang refused immediately without hesitation.
Lu Feng shifted his gaze to Gu Chunling's face and tried to persuade her, "Aunt Gu—"
This time, however, Gu Chunling didn't side with him. Her face showed some embarrassment, and her smile was stiff: "Xiaoshuang is right, we can't keep bothering you. Xiaofeng, you go and do your own thing." With that, she took Zhu Liushuang's arm and walked towards the bicycle shed.
There wasn't a breath of wind outside, only the loud chirping of cicadas in the trees. As Lü Feng watched the figures of Zhu Liushuang and her daughter recede into the distance, the dejection in his eyes could no longer be concealed.
Grandpa Qiu, who had just finished practicing Tai Chi behind him, stroked his goatee and said meaningfully, "Little Feng, forced love is never sweet."
Most of the neighbors had watched the two children grow up. Anyone with eyes could see through Lü Feng's little scheme.
Previously, Gu Chunling would have favored Lü Feng, trying to match them up and create opportunities for them to spend time together. But today, Gu Chunling's attitude had clearly changed, and Lü Feng thought dejectedly: He probably... really had no chance.
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Chenguan Village is a 40-minute drive from Zhu Liushuang's home. When the two finally found their way to the Xie family's gate among a row of self-built villas with uniform facades, the temperature was several degrees higher than before they set off.
The large, red iron gate was half-open. Zhu Liushuang stood on the steps, raised her hand, and awkwardly knocked twice on the gate.
A moment later, half a head peeked out from inside.
"Young lady, who are you looking for?" The woman inside the door didn't see Gu Chunling at first and thought Zhu Liushuang was a college student visiting Chenguan Village, so she kindly reminded her, "We don't stay at our place, there's a guesthouse 200 meters ahead."
Zhu Liushuang looked at the middle-aged woman in front of her, who had a very kind face, and asked with a smile, "Auntie, I'm not staying here. Excuse me, is this Xie Jingzhi's, Dr. Xie's, home?" After asking, she turned to point in her mother's direction, "I would like to ask Dr. Xie to examine my mother."
To everyone's surprise, the woman, who had been all smiles just a moment ago, suddenly turned stern: "Dr. Xie doesn't see patients on weekends; he only sees five patients a week. Please leave... come earlier next time!"
Yuan Xiaoqin had been a live-in housekeeper for the Xie family for many years, and the reason she used this excuse was, of course, because she had received special treatment from He Ming. Seeing the girl lingering at the door, she made a move to close it.
"Auntie, could you please take my mother's medical record to Dr. Xie for a look today? We'll definitely come earlier next time..." Zhu Liushuang took the opportunity to hand over the medical record.
"Dr. Xie is quite old and is resting in bed right now, so it's really inconvenient for him to come today... Please come again next week!"
"Auntie—please—"
For a time, the two sides were deadlocked.
Yuan Xiaoqin was afraid that if she continued to argue, she would disturb Xie Jingzhi in the courtyard, so she forcibly closed the door despite Zhu Liushuang's repeated pleas.
The large iron gate slammed shut in front of her, and Zhu Liushuang hung her head helplessly. She blamed herself for not checking beforehand and making a wasted trip. She decided to take half a day off next week and come back early to queue.
"Mom—it looks like it's hopeless today. Let's go back; it's terribly hot outside." She said dejectedly.
Gu Chunling witnessed everything Jiang Cai had done, and nodded silently, her face showing neither blame nor disappointment. She couldn't offer any words of comfort, but simply placed her calloused hand on the back of her daughter's hand.
The two got back on the electric scooter, filled with disappointment, ready to leave, when suddenly the cold, heavy iron gate opened.
A tall, elderly man with white hair and beard emerged from behind the door. His wrinkled face did not look frightening; his kind and gentle features made one want to get closer to him.
Zhu Liushuang slammed on the brakes and excitedly shouted, "Dr. Xie, are you Dr. Xie Jingzhi?"
The old man was holding a shovel, which was still covered in yellow mud. He had been tending to the flowers and plants in the shade of the yard when he heard the noise and came out to check.
"I am Xie Jingzhi."
Zhu Liushuang parked the car and rushed forward again: "Dr. Xie, my mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and her joints are severely deformed. She just had knee surgery last year. She's currently on biological agents. Director Liu said she could have you do Du meridian moxibustion, a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine..."
She was afraid that Xie Jingzhi would storm off like Yuan Xiaoqin, so she spoke in rapid succession.
The little girl's face was flushed, and her large, moist eyes evoked tenderness as she spoke. Even more touching was her genuine and heartfelt filial piety towards her mother. Xie Jingzhi wondered if her eyesight was failing, for looking at the girl before her reminded her of her deceased daughter.
His only daughter, Xie Ling, was just as filial and lovely as him when she was young. Even their voices... Could it be? He suddenly remembered something that happened a few days ago with his grandson.
"Girl, what's your name?" Xie Jingzhi asked excitedly.
"My name is Zhu Liushuang, and my mother's name is Gu Chunling." Zhu Liushuang was still immersed in the joy of Xie Jingzhi being willing to listen to her. She quickly looked down and pulled out the medical record book from her bag. "Dr. Xie, this is my mother's medical record."
So this was the friend surnamed Zhu that her grandson had mentioned! Xie Jingzhi's smile widened.
Perhaps, she's still that girl who "sings" in her grandson's WeChat Moments!
The girl in front of him was not only beautiful but also filial, a perfect match. He would be quite satisfied if that brat He Ming could marry this Miss Zhu.
Xie Jingzhi has already started matchmaking for her grandson.
"Dr. Xie?" Zhu Liushuang couldn't help but remind Xie Jingzhi, who hadn't taken the medical record yet.
Of course, she had no idea what Xie Jingzhi was thinking at that moment.
If they knew... they'd probably be ecstatic!
Coming to her senses, Xie Jingzhi wiped the yellow mud off her hands and brandished the shovel in her other hand: "My hands are dirty, you and your mother come in first."
"Ah Yuan—lead the two of you to the examination room in the side hall."
Unexpectedly, Xie Jingzhi led the patient into the house. Yuan Xiaoqin walked to his side and complained in a low voice, "Grandpa, if your grandson finds out about this, he will definitely blame me for not taking good care of you."
She stomped her foot reluctantly, her face contorted in anger.
"It's alright... that child is A-Ming's friend." Xie Jingzhi pointed mysteriously in Zhu Liushuang's direction, her face beaming with joy.
Having worked for the Xie family for so many years, Yuan Xiaoqin had rarely heard He Ming mention having any friends. Now, hearing it for the first time, her cold face immediately warmed, and she forced a smile: "I was blind! You can go change your clothes without worry... I'll take care of things here."
Soon, Zhu Liushuang and Gu Chunling were taken to the consultation room by Yuan Xiaoqin.
Arriving in an unfamiliar place for the first time, it's understandable to feel awkward. Gu Chunling rubbed her hands, unsure whether to sit or stand. Zhu Liushuang, on the other hand, was more at ease, standing and looking around.
The clinic is furnished in a simple and elegant style, with the four characters "A Doctor's Benevolent Heart" hanging on the wall in a powerful and vigorous style.
A curtain divides the room in two. To the left is the treatment area, where acupuncture point charts, traditional Chinese medicine books, and a pot of lush asparagus fern are displayed on a square wooden table. To the right is the physiotherapy area, where a cream-colored physiotherapy bed occupies most of the space, and a landscape painting of flowers, birds, and mountains hangs overhead.
"Please have a seat, standing must be tiring for your legs. I'll make you some tea," Yuan Xiaoqin said, pointing to two armchairs beside her.
Zhu Liushuang had no idea why Yuan Xiaoqin's attitude changed so quickly. She sat down as the other woman suggested, and pulled her mother to a chair as well.
"Auntie, are you a family member of Dr. Xie?" she began to try to get closer to him.
Yuan Xiaoqin waved her hand, and because of her status as "He Ming's friend," she became very attentive to Zhu Liushuang: "No, she's my live-in auntie, responsible for taking care of Dr. Xie's daily life. She's been working here for many years. You can call me Aunt Yuan."
"Oh, Aunt Yuan, thank you so much for today." Xie Jingzhi was able to walk to the front door to let them in, which must have been thanks to Aunt Yuan. Therefore, Zhu Liushuang's smile became even sweeter.
Yuan Xiaoqin was completely confused. She wanted to ask, "What are you thanking me for?" But then she suddenly understood the gratitude in Zhu Liushuang's words and felt embarrassed. However, she couldn't bring herself to explain, so she replied guiltily, "You're welcome, no need to thank me."
The three chatted intermittently for a while, and Zhu Liushuang got a general idea of Dr. Xie's situation.
"Aunt Yuan, what kind of incense is burning in the consultation room? I've only been here a short while, but I already feel so refreshed and relaxed," she asked curiously.
"Huang Taishi Halal Incense. It is made by grinding cypress seeds, licorice, sandalwood, and mulberry bran charcoal into pills and burning them. It can nourish the heart and calm the mind, and is beneficial to those who are tired and irritable."
The one who answered her was not Yuan Xiaoqin, but Xie Jingzhi, who had been steadily progressing.
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The author notes: "Huang Taishi's Halal Incense. Cypress seed kernels, licorice root, sandalwood, and mulberry wood bran charcoal are ground into pills." —From the internet
Actually, Xiao Feng was quite a good guy, it's a pity.
Dr. Xie appears again in this chapter! Hahaha, Dr. Xie really likes Shuangshuang. Hooray!
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