These people's wounds weren't inflicted overnight, and treating them was quite troublesome. Fortunately, Sister Wang quickly arrived with several people, each carrying a pile of clothes. The previously pushed-out Dr. Li finally dared to approach, calling out "Simple!" at the clinic door.
"Sister-in-law, Sister Wang and the others are here,"
"Wait a minute, I'm coming out, don't come in!"
"I,"
Xiao Li was speechless. He had been kicked out of his own territory and was now being treated with such disdain. What could he possibly say?
He took two steps back, met Sister Wang's sympathetic gaze, and simply forced a smile while leaning against the wall to wait.
Sister-in-law Wang had put in a lot of effort; the family members she found were all honest, quiet, and didn't like to gossip. She gave them a quick glance...
"Sisters-in-law, I am very grateful for your kindness and for giving away clothes from your homes to help, but,"
She glanced inside.
"They are all pitiful people. I hope that when you go back, you can be more considerate in your words. Rumors can kill. You are all military dependents with high ideological awareness. You probably don't want to do something bad with good intentions, right?"
Of all these people, Sister Wang had spent the longest time with Jian Dan and understood her personality quite well. Since Jian Dan had said that, she must have her reasons, so she was the first to agree.
"Don't worry, Jian, just tell us. The women I found in our compound are the most reliable and discreet. They won't say anything out of our mouths, right?"
The others echoed this sentiment, saying they'd just glance at it and decide whether to speak up or not; after all, it was impossible to keep it a secret forever.
"Of course, all of you aunties and sisters-in-law are role models for your families, and I certainly believe you, otherwise I wouldn't have come to you. However, with more and more people in our compound, there's bound to be a lot of gossip, and things might get complicated..."
They are all pitiful people, poor folks, barely clinging to life. I hope everyone won't kick them when they're down.
At this time, there is a strong sense of human warmth. There are bad people, but most are good. There are also those who are quick to compete for the best. Although it is an exaggeration to say that the neighbors are as close as family, they help each other in their daily lives without any pretense. When something big happens, they unite as one to fight against external forces.
She admired their enthusiasm and therefore believed in their simplicity and sincerity.
Some people were still unaware of what had happened, but judging from Jian Dan's attitude, they dared not joke around.
"Don't worry, we know what's important and won't say anything reckless,"
"Yes, yes, we won't spread rumors, we won't, we won't,"
A simple smile.
"Of course I believe you,"
Then he pushed the door open and let a few people in.
Xiao Li sighed.
"Sister-in-law, I've checked on all the wounded. Is the situation here that serious?"
She gently closed the door, lowered her voice, and repeated Tang Sumei's diagnosis.
"My second aunt said it's very serious. You're an expert, you should understand,"
Xiao Li paused for a moment, then lowered his voice as well.
"That's not light. Superficial injuries are easy to deal with, but the main ones are the old wounds from years of hunger. The most difficult ones are naturally the ailments caused by years of not having enough to eat, which will take time to heal."
They say they're recuperating, but given their status, they're just people who were rescued and barely clinging to life. Saying they're recuperating is an exaggeration. It's obvious that their primary concern is their stomachs; anything else is just wishful thinking.
"Oh! Sister-in-law, after what they did, I really won't have any of my stock left. What do you think?"
The atmosphere changed instantly, and Jian Dan's expression turned strange.
"No, how come you've learned to complain about being poor?"
"I didn't want to complain about being poor, but after hearing what you said, I can imagine what my pharmacy is like now. Dr. Tang is never stingy with medicine, and I've finally managed to save up some supplies, so they must be empty by now. Sister-in-law, when are you going to get us some more medicine?"
If there is no conflict here, there are really not many wounded. It's mostly the family members in the family compound who have common headaches and fevers. Dr. Li knows very well that most of these medicines are obtained through simple channels.
"Don't worry, don't worry. Look, the hospital next door is already up and running. Your regimental commander and political commissar have remembered this. I'll remind him when we get back."
All the new infrastructure projects here, whether it's farmland, greenhouses, schools, or schools under construction, are following proper procedures. Even the things she takes out are procured or donated through Qin Qinghuai's hands, unlike before when things were done so casually.
As they talked, their stomachs were already rumbling. By the time everything inside was finished, it was already late afternoon. Tang Sumei came out for some fresh air, leaning against the door, looking pale. Several family members went in and out to fetch water and help with the cleanup. Just as things were almost done, Xiao Hu from the next office timidly poked his head out.
"Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law!"
Jian Dan was talking to Tang Sumei when she heard this and turned around.
"What are you doing? Hey, Brother Hu, why are you acting so sneaky? What mischief are you up to?"
"Sister-in-law, the porridge I got from the cafeteria at noon is still warm. Shall we eat it now?"
"At noon, yes, we didn't eat lunch. I was wondering why, it felt like something was missing."
Second Aunt, it's my fault, it's my fault. I made you work on an empty stomach. You must be exhausted. Quickly, bring it over and eat."
Jian Dan was genuinely annoyed. She had remembered at first, but then got so busy that she completely forgot. She quickly helped Tang Sumei into the inner hut. Tang Sumei hadn't been home since they came down the mountain yesterday, and Jian Dan felt it wouldn't be right to give her an extra meal.
"Second Aunt, have something to eat first. I'll cook something delicious for you when I come over tonight."
"Okay, okay, I'm looking forward to the big meal tonight."
Tang Sumei wasn't picky; she could eat anything to fill her stomach. However, the faint sound of crying could be heard outside, and the two of them were in no mood to laugh or joke for a moment.
"Second Aunt, what do you think will happen to them in the future?"
Tang Sumei sighed. She had witnessed their condition firsthand. As a woman herself, and a doctor who had seen countless births, aging, sickness, and death, she felt a heavy weight in her heart as well.
“Women have always had it tough, and they’ve gone through something like this. You saw it for yourself. I was just disinfecting and removing the rotten flesh, and they didn’t even flinch. I’m afraid they’ve lost the will to live.”
Tang Sumei had a fairly clear understanding of society. A moment later, she heard a commotion outside, along with the panicked voices of Xiao Hu and Sister-in-law Wang.
"Huh? That won't do, that won't do!"
"Let go! Comrade, we went through so much trouble to rescue you from that den of wolves, and this is how you repay us? You'll get punished after saving someone!"
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