NOVPUBChapter 66: Chapter 66: True or False
Chapter 66 -66: True or False
He Weng’s aunt glanced at He Weng’s uncle and felt some questions were inappropriate to ask, but she introduced them nonetheless, “This is Bai Ju’s younger sister, quite successful, you know. She got into university this year. Plus, she’s a remarkable doctor. He Weng felt better after just one acupuncture session. That young boy was really lucky to have met Bai Xiao.”
He Weng’s uncle didn’t care much, thinking, how impressive could a girl be, she couldn’t possibly amaze the heavens, “Bai Ju, why don’t you take your sister to the other room to rest? She might not feel comfortable here with outsiders around. Rest well.” He had already guessed they were here for a place to stay. These days, homes weren’t spacious, and the arrival of relatives often meant looking elsewhere for lodging.
He Weng’s aunt had these two nephews, one had been paralyzed at the age of five and remained so till now, and the other was also unfortunate, having lost his parents early. Had it not been for He Weng’s aunt’s support over the years, even finding a bride would have been challenging. He Weng’s uncle also helped more than he might have, given that he was doing it for his wife’s sake.
In her heart, she still thought of the two brothers as burdens, never showing much enthusiasm, nor a pleasant demeanor.
Bai Ju also understood the hint and quickly grabbed Bai Xiao, “Then uncle, we’ll go rest now. You go on with your work. Just call if you need help!” She took Bai Xiao to a small room nearby.
He Weng’s aunt brought them clean bedding. Fortunately, it was summer, and they didn’t need any quilts, just two sheets for cover. The room was very clean and tidy. Bai Xiao could tell it was a girl’s room, probably He Weng’s aunt’s daughter’s. There were many books against the wall, a large bed, and next to it a desk. The owner of the room seemed to have a taste for décor. There were even several plastic flowers in a plastic bottle on the desk, surprisingly vibrant and colorful.
Having settled the two, He Weng’s aunt returned to her room and saw He Weng’s uncle, Zhao Dachuan, putting on a short-sleeve shirt. Puzzled, she asked, “Where are you going in the middle of the night?”
It was already ten o’clock. Who goes out at this hour?
“Give me five yuan! Factory Manager Wei’s brother-in-law, the young man visiting us, suddenly started bleeding from his nose and got a fever the day before yesterday, thinking it was just a flu. But after being sent to the hospital, he was deemed critically ill today, and the doctor has issued a notice. He’s likely not going to make it. Just now, Old Han came to discuss going to see him together. You know Factory Manager Wei’s wife comes from a high-ranking official family. We must go take a look and lend a hand,” He Weng’s uncle reached out to his wife for money.
He Weng’s aunt sighed, pulled out the cord tied around her waist, underneath was the key. She opened the cupboard, “I’ve seen that boy before. He looks clean and polite! Clearly a city person who greets everyone he meets. I heard he’s the only child of the Wang Family. How could such a fine young man suddenly… This is a matter of life and death. I can’t imagine how distraught the Wang Family must be. Factory Manager Wei probably doesn’t know how to explain this to his in-laws either. I’ve heard that Wang Family is quite influential.” She was a bit of a gossip indeed.
A woman’s penchant for gossip has nothing to do with her age; even at eighty, it doesn’t lessen.
Zhao Dachuan pocketed the five dollars with a sigh, “Who can say otherwise? I heard that Director Wei’s father-in-law is a very high-ranking official. It’s just unthinkable, a son being the only one, and we’re here dealing with such a matter, worrying about something big happening. Nosebleeds and fevers are common ailments. Who hasn’t dealt with nosebleeds or fevers? I’m hearing for the first time that these can be deadly. This fellow is just too young, only twenty-five or six, and to think he’s just about to be gone. His parents must be heartbroken. I guess the Wang Family’s folks are also on their way, not even sure if they’ll get to see him. I’ll go have a look and be back later.” He prepared to leave.
He Weng suddenly remembered something and grabbed Zhao Dachuan, “Hey old man, this Bai Xiao’s medical skills are quite amazing; why don’t you take her over to have a look?” He Weng wasn’t just being nosy; her son had replaced the old man and now worked in the factory. This was Director Wei’s brother-in-law. If Bai Xiao managed to save him, wouldn’t Director Wei treat their family differently?
Zhao Dachuan shook off her grip with a disdainful expression, “You old woman, how can you be so muddled? The Bai Xiao you’re talking about—that young girl, barely eighteen or nineteen. Even if she can treat, these are just headaches and fevers! If I bring Bai Xiao there, Director Wei might think I’m just adding to his troubles. Then our son might end up suffering for it.” He looked utterly exasperated, convinced his wife was getting more senile with age.
He Weng, her face flushed with indignation from her husband’s words, retorted, “Why are you yelling at me? What are you talking about, just headaches and fevers? Bai Xiao’s capabilities are enormous! You don’t even know, do you? He Weng has been bedridden for over a decade. His elder brother took him to countless hospitals and doctors who said there was no cure, that he would be bedridden for life. But Bai Xiao arrived today and gave him acupuncture with silver needles this afternoon, and by evening, the kid could walk around, even sat at the dining table to eat.
If you think that’s still not enough, then what kind of skills do you think can save a person? It’s like a dog biting Lu Dongbin, not knowing a good person’s heart. I asked you to take Bai Xiao there for the sake of our son. Imagine, if she really cures him, how could Director Wei not favor our son? Since the hospital has already given up, why not try this last resort?” He Weng was not going to let her husband put her down without a fight, especially since Bai Xiao was her niece’s sister and she knew Zhao Dachuan had little regard for her family, considering them a burden.
Zhao Dachuan widened his eyes in astonishment, “What? He Weng is walking? Really? You better not be fooling me. He Weng has been bedridden for so many years, I can hardly believe this.”
Zhao Dachuan was aware of how many doctors He Weng had seen and how much money had been wasted, but he couldn’t say much since He Weng’s brother was willing.
“He really is walking. Why would I trick you about such a big thing? If you don’t believe it, go and see for yourself. I was startled when I saw it today. Like you, I didn’t expect much from a young girl, maybe just a couple of needles and feeling a bit better, then going around claiming she’s skilled.
But having seen He Weng today, I truly believe Bai Xiao has great skills. Plus, she’s a college graduate, an educated person who’s naturally clever, not like us. Who knows, maybe she learns faster than us. Our ancestors left these practices behind, who knows if she has some secret family recipe? Can we really discuss these things? But seeing He Weng walking, that’s a fact, and there can’t be any doubt about it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even consider this idea.” Finally, He Weng had her moment of triumph, her family finally having a chance to turn things around.
