Chapter 86: Apprenticeship
Lu Jiao had no intention to conceal information from Baohe Tang's owner. After she witnessed how loyal Qi Lei was to the owner, she was sure that even if she lied, Qi Lei would tell the truth.
Lu Jiao checked out the man sitting across from her. This man had outstanding looks. Though his demeanor was cold, his natural gracefulness made it clear that he grew up in a wealthy and educated family.
Lu Jiao found this strange. If he was born extraordinary, why would he open up a shop in this small town?
Lu Jiao dropped her curiosity and turned to Qi Lei, "Dr. Qi, does tomorrow work for you?"
Qi Lei glanced at Zhao Lingfeng, who agreed, "That's fine. But since we are helping you, you have to help us in return."
Lu Jiao asked, "Please speak of it."
"Come work here. And teach Qi Lei how to perform surgery."
Lu Jiao laughed, "Owner Zhao, that's two things."
Qi Lei figured that Lu Jiao didn't want to teach and was suddenly greatly disappointed. However, he didn't want to give Lu Jiao a hard time.
Gently, he said, "Lady Lu, that's okay. I don't need to learn from you if you treat patients here at Baohe Tang."
Lu Jiao gawked at Qi Lei. This person was born to be a doctor. He was kind, friendly, and always smiling at his patients. Lu Jiao could tell that he was a good doctor and this was why she didn't refuse to teach him.
"I didn't say I don't want to teach."
Qi Lei froze. The next second, he respectfully greeted, "I pay my respect to Master Lu."
Lu Jiao was dumbfounded. Master Lu?
He was older than her, right? And now she was his master?
Lu Jiao originally wanted to reject this title but remembered that in this era, relationships between men and women were scrutinized. If they didn't establish their master and apprenticeship here today, many rumors will arise if they're seen together. If they do establish their relationship, however, nobody would be able to say anything.
Lu Jiao brandished her hand, "There's no need for such formality."
Qi Lei was in a great mood as he sat down. He didn't feel at all insecure because of his age or gender.
On the contrary, he was over the moon. He was soon going to learn surgery and that was great news.
He was so ecstatic that he didn't even notice Zhao Lingfeng glaring at him.
Lu Jiao said to Zhao Lingfeng, "It's not that I don't want to work here. It's just that I have a wounded husband and four children at home. I cannot come into town on the daily to work."
Lu Jiao thought of her pending separation from Xie Yunjin. Before, she figured she would go back to the Apricot Village and stay with her mom. However, after her fight with the Lu family, she gave up on that idea. It was better for her familial relationship if they were somewhat apart.
Once she separates from her husband, her reputation will go down the drain. If she went back home, her family would be pointed at and laughed at.
To be a doctor at Baohe Tang was a great opportunity. She could form close ties with this place and it would be convenient for her to get things done in the future.
Lu Jiao then added, "It's not realistic for me to come in every day. But I can come in occasionally."
Zhao Lingfeng silently accepted Lu Jiao's suggestion. Qi Lei was regularly here and Lu Jiao could be consulted when rare diseases come up. This was a pretty good situation.
Zhao Lingfeng wanted to speak but Lu Jiao got ahead of him, "If you want me to see patients, you have to follow my rules."
Zhao Lingfeng's eyes caved in, "What rules?"
Lu Jiao explained methodically, "I won't treat anyone who makes me unhappy. I won't treat anyone with an evil heart. I won't accept money from the poor and for those who are rich, my fee is 2,000. For the filthy rich, my fee is 20,000."
The two men stared at her with dark lines on their faces. They could understand the first three rules but why did the last two points make her sound like a burglar? The rich need to pay her 2,000 or 20,000 to get treatment?
Lu Jiao was confused at the silence, "What's the issue?"
Qi Lei said, "You want thousands and tens of thousands. They may not pay it."
Lu Jiao smiled, "You think that's a lot? You think that's the value of a life?"
The men were speechless. Most people were willing to pay their entire life savings for a life-threatening illness.
Lu Jiao continued, "I will split every patient fee 50/50 with Baohe Tang. How is that?"
Of course, that was okay. The numbers that came out of her mouth were so large that Baohe Tang would make a lot of money working with her.
Zhao Lingfeng pondered a little before he agreed, "Okay, then we'll do it according to your rules."
"It's settled then."
To have struck such a deal during her visit today was such good luck. Of course, this also meant she was now tied with Baohe Tang.
This owner obviously had a strong background. To be tied with him meant she too, will have a strong background even after her separation. Nobody could easily take advantage of her then.
Lu Jiao looked over to Qi Lei, "Then let's discuss the matter of my husband's operation tomorrow."
"Okay."
Lu Jiao started to plan for tomorrow. She asked for an independent room and an operation bed. If that didn't exist, then they must find a small bed that was similar in size to an operation bed. The room also had to be disinfected properly.
Lu Jiao carefully instructed Qi Lei, who responded diligently, "Don't worry, Master. I will do everything accordingly."
This guy truly started to treat her as if she was the master. There was absolutely no sign of disrespect in his eyes.
Not bad at all.
"Then, thank you for the trouble."
Lu Jiao took out the disinfectant from her basket and said to Qi Lei, "Tomorrow morning, before we get here, disinfect the room and ban everyone else from entering."
"Okay, Master."
Qi Lei took over the disinfectant while Lu Jiao stood up and said bye to Zhao Lingfeng.
"Owner Zhao, I will leave then."
Zhao Lingfeng simply said, "Zhao Lingfeng."
Lu Jiao was perplexed so Zhao Lingfeng added, "Call me Zhao Lingfeng. You don't need to be so formal with me. Call me by my name."
Lu Jiao didn't do as asked and remained courteous, "Owner Zhao, goodbye."
Zhao Lingfeng watched her leave with a raised eyebrow. She was chubby yet she did not show a trace of unconfidence. When she spoke to him, she was poised and assured. Plus, she was a woman from the countryside who somehow had extraordinary medical knowledge. Against someone like himself, she didn't make an effort to get on his good side.
This woman was different from the city girls – she didn't judge people by their status.
Zhao Lingfeng pondered while Qi Lei walked Lu Jiao out.
As they strolled, they discussed tomorrow's surgery. Qi Lei had asked to be an observer during tomorrow's operation.
Chapter 87: I wonder if Dogs would want to Eat you
Lu Jiao didn't want Qi Lei to see the surgery tomorrow. This was because, for Xie Yunjin's surgery, she needed to use anesthesia and antibiotics. Those were not drugs she wanted Qi Lei to see.
She didn't have a big pile of those medicines in her space. If she uses them up, she'll need to figure out a way to get more.
Lu Jiao said to Qi Lei, "Tomorrow's surgery is very bloody. It's not suitable for a beginner to observe. You can start observing when I do smaller-scale surgeries. You're new and you need to ease into it. The surgery is important tomorrow – what if you pass out while I'm operating? That would endanger my husband."
Lu Jiao's statement was logical. Many people could not handle situations that bloody. If something did happen, it would negatively impact Xie Yunjin and she didn't want to risk it.
Qi Lei thought her argument had merits and agreed. Plus, he silently used his imagination to visualize exposed bones and muscles. The thought of it made his scalp numb.
Though he's treated many patients, he's never cut anyone open.
Lu Jiao remembered something important as she reached the exit. She couldn't let Xie Yunjin see that she was the surgeon so she needed him to be asleep before she got in there.
Lu Jiao thought about it and then took out a tranquilizing pill from her sleeve.
"Once my husband arrives, get him to take this. He will fall asleep after he takes it. I will go inside to do the surgery after he's asleep."
"Okay."
Qi Lei had no reason to say no. After this was settled, Lu Jiao left.
It was still early and Lu Jiao was in no rush to get back. She went to a store and bought a whole bunch of bowls and eating utensils. Then, she bought three pounds of candy.
She didn't buy any baked goods since Xie Yunjin's classmates gifted them so much. Though she brought some out today in her basket, she had secretly snuck them back into her space.
Lu Jiao then secretly took out some peaches and grapes from her space and snuck them into the basket as she placed her newly bought candy inside.
It was late now and she planned to get food nearby.
When she turned into an alleyway, a few men jumped out and blocked her.
The man that led the group was stocky and muscular. There was a scar on his face that made him appear extremely violent and aggressive.
The four to five men behind him were no upstanding citizens either.
Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow as she checked these people out. She didn't recognize them so why were they blocking her way?
Lu Jiao narrowed her eyes.
The leader of the pack opened his mouth in disdain, "You are the fat pig who hurt sister Shen Xiu. You sure are ugly but somehow, you have guts."
He then waved at his subordinates, "Come and grab a hold of her. Then sell her to one of the brothels."
One of his subordinates shouted, "She's so fat we won't get much money from the brothel."
"They'll take her for two taels of silver."
The scar face glared, "Go get her."
The men began to crowd Lu Jiao. Calmly, Lu Jiao placed her basket on the ground.
She wasn't scared because while she was putting down her basket, she secretly sprayed around some knock-out drug. Hiding behind her basket, she took a gulp of the antidote.
The moment she stood back up, a few people attacked from behind. She aimed her fist at one of the men while she kicked away the other attacker.
Lu Jiao was naturally strong and since these people highly underestimated her, her attack surprised them and they both flung outwards.
The others were shocked and were too scared to move.
The scar face's expression changed. He waved around his hand, "This pig sure has some skill. No wonder she was able to hurt sister Shen Xiu. Go get her!"
This time, the men were better prepared. They carefully surrounded Lu Jiao.
With a smile, Lu Jiao stared at the men and started to clap.
"Three.. Two…"
A few of the men felt their vision go black and their legs go limp. Very quickly, they collapsed onto the ground.
The scar face was now flustered, "What did you do to them!?"
"What do you think I did?"
She started to slowly pace towards scar face.
By now, he had realized that this woman was no joke and started to retreat. Finally, he flat out turned around to run.
Sadly, the knock-out drug had invaded his system and his legs too, gave up on him and he fell.
Lu Jiao stomped on him. Still a little conscious, scar face threatened, "You… let me go. I will never let you get away with this."
Lu Jiao laughed as her gaze turned somber, "Not let me get away? Tell me, how are you going to do that?"
She then swung around her arm and a scalpel appeared in her hand.
Scar face's eyes widened into the size of eggs. How did this woman get a knife out of thin air? Was she a demon?
Scar face felt all the hair on his body stand up. Lu Jiao bent down and slid the scalpel down his face, "What an ugly face. Why don't we skin you and use your skin to make a drum?"
Before he could answer, Lu Jiao shook her head, "No, no, to make a drum with such ugly skin would mean the drum will come out damaged. Then why don't we skin you and feed your bones to the dogs? I wonder if dogs would want to eat you."
Scar face started to perspire. He didn't get the sense that this woman was joking since her tone was so serious.
Scared, he shouted in horror, "Don't kill me! It was Shen Xiu! She asked me to sell you to the brothel.
She promised to be with me for a month and that's the only reason why I agreed to help her. It's not my fault. It's not -"
The drug in his system took over and he passed out.
Lu Jiao took out the antidote and held it under his nose. After a while, he woke up.
Lu Jiao dug the scalpel into his neck. Sensing pain, scar face shrieked.
"Sister, I won't hurt you anymore. Please don't skin me and feed me to the dogs. I promise that I won't ever trouble you again. Please, forgive me!"
Lu Jiao's lips stretched out as she snickered gloomily, "I can do that if you do me a favor."
Scar face complied right away, "Of course, of course!"
Lu Jiao put away the scalpel and looked down at the man, "Since Shen Xiu likes the brothel so much, then make sure she has a good time there."
She then stared at scar face, "I hope you shut up about this. If I even hear a whiff about this, I will gladly skin you."
Behind her, the scar-faced man on the ground didn't dare to breathe a word. This woman was a demon, not a human.
"Of… of course, of course."
Chapter 88: Shen Xiu Disappeared
Lu Jiao stopped acknowledging him and turned around to leave. The scalpel in her hand magically disappeared.
Scar face watched it disappear in terror and he retreated by dragging his body against the ground.
This woman was not ordinary. Not ordinary at all! She was a ghost!
Lu Jiao purposely did the scalpel trick to scare scar face. She wasn't scared that he would tell other people since nobody would believe him anyway. After all, no second person saw her.
She was confident that her little trick would make sure this man's lips were sealed.
Lu Jiao took her time to leave. Once she disappeared, scar face finally picked himself off the ground. Sweat dripped down from him and his legs quivered uncontrollably.
It was so unlucky of him to have encountered such a demon. This was all Shen Xiu's fault! He will need to teach her a lesson. Ah wait no, he needed to sell her to the brothel, or else that demon will come back to get him.
Lu Jiao found her way to a noodle shop and had lunch there. Afterward, she went to meet up with the others.
At the oxcart, everyone but Lu Jiao and Shen Xiu was there.
Chen Liu was furious at the sight of Lu Jiao, "Third sister-in-law, what's the meaning of this? You make all of us wait for you? We didn't even get to eat lunch and had to wait."
She then peeked into Lu Jiao's basket and saw a bunch of kitchen utensils.
Lu Jiao hid the food she bought on the bottom so Chen Liu didn't get to see it.
On the oxcart, Aunt Guihua spoke up, "If you're hungry, why didn't you buy some food? What is it, you don't even have the change for food? I heard that your fourth brother is asking for 15 taels of silver to marry Du family's daughter. On top of that, he needs to give her clothes and silver jewelry.
As his older sister-in-law, you are living a sad life. A little brother is asking for so much money to get married yet you don't even have money for food. How pitiful."
These words enraged Chen Liu. The Du family was straight-up greedy. Sadly, her mother-in-law agreed to all the requests. She was furious. The only reason she didn't flip out was that her father-in-law slipped her 10 taels of silver in private. She wouldn't have let it go otherwise.
In disdain, she said to Aunt Guihua, "That's none of your business."
Before Aunt Guihua could respond, she mocked, "You sure are shameless – coddling those who turned out to be capable."
Aunt Guihua snapped her head towards Chen Liu, "That's right. I coddle Jiaojiao because she is capable. We have no real beef between us anyway – only small matters. I don't mind apologizing. No matter what, I am better than the Xie family. You obviously want to be friends yet you always act like you are better.
"Who do you think you are to only want the benefits? You act all mighty and wait for others to give you gifts while holding your heads up high. You should coddle those who are capable."
The more Aunt Guihua talked, the more into it she got. She took out two pancakes from her own basket and shoved them into Lu Jiao's hand.
"Jiaojiao, eat the pancake. I bought it just for you. Hurry and eat. I don't want you to be hungry."
Lu Jiao was speechless. What was this?
She shoved it back.
"It's okay, you should eat it yourself."
Aunt Guihua sadly stared at Lu Jiao, "Jiao, you haven't forgiven me?"
There wasn't anything Lu Jiao could say at this point. The aunty was old, and she apologized and was now even giving out gifts. If she didn't forgive her, she'd get the reputation of having a small heart."
"Aunty, it's all in the past."
Aunt Guihua beamed and then shot Chen Liu a snarky look. Chen Liu almost passed out from anger.
She's never met someone so shameless and so proud of her own shamelessness.
The look on Chen Liu's face made Aunt Guihua happier. Since Lu Jiao wasn't eating, she put the pancake into Lu Jiao's basket.
"If you're not hungry, give it to your children."
Lu Jiao didn't want to make a scene over this pancake so she let her. This made Aunt Guihua very happy.
"Jiaojiao, you came today to talk about Yunjin's surgery? What did Dr. Qi say about the surgery?"
"I've already discussed it with Dr. Qi. Tomorrow, we will come into town for Yunjin's surgery."
Aunt Guihua slapped her own thigh, "I will accompany you tomorrow. The surgery is a big deal!"
Xie Xiaojuan also chimed in, "My father said he will go as well tomorrow."
The Second Grandma's youngest daughter-in-law, Changmei, joined in, "My husband said he will be going as well."
Chen Liu glanced around darkly. This was her third brother-in-law. How was he related to any of these other people? They were all so shameless.
Since she had just been roasted by Aunt Guihua, Chen Liu didn't dare to argue.
In the oxcart, everyone started to chit-chat about tomorrow.
The driver, Xie Tieniu, was getting impatient to leave. He hasn't even eaten lunch yet.
He waited for Yunjin's wife because he knew she had important matters today. His father had advised him that the whole purpose of today's trip was for her and that he needed to wait for her.
In the end, Yunjin's wife came but Shen Xiu still hasn't. Did he need to wait for that woman as well?
Xie Tieniu was getting angry as he waited, "Just when is Shen Xiu coming? I will leave soon."
Only then did everyone realize that Shen Xiu was still gone.
Nobody seemed to be pleased with her late return.
Lu Jiao acted normal and didn't mention at all what had happened. Perhaps, Shen Xiu had already been sold by that scar face.
Despite Lu Jiao's silence, Xie Tieniu didn't want to wait anymore. After a while, he said heavily, "Whatever. Let's get back. It's late."
The oxcart then left town. Nobody inside had asked to wait for Shen Xiu.
By the time Lu Jiao got home, it was pretty late. She hopped down from the oxcart with her basket and walked home.
Beside her, Aunt Guihua praised her endlessly, "Jiaojiao, you are slender now and getting more beautiful every day. Your skin's getting paler and your eyes are getting bigger. You are so different from before. I barely recognize you.
If you lose more weight, you'll be the most beautiful woman in our village. Ah, your skin, your eyes, ahh, how pretty!"
Lu Jiao's face dropped. This entire trip, Aunt Guihua hasn't shut up. She managed to invent so many different ways to compliment Lu Jiao. From her kind heart to her capable skills, to her losing weight, the compliments never stopped.
Lu Jiao's ears were getting numb. Every time she stopped her, Aunt Guihua would gawk at her with puppy eyes as if sad that she hasn't been forgiven.
Luckily, Aunt Guihua arrived.
Lu Jiao quickly interrupted, "Aunty, you are home."
Aunt Guihua warmly welcomed, "Jiaojiao, come on in and have some sugar water."
Lu Jiao declined immediately, "I have Yunjin and four children at home. I'll visit another time."
Chapter 89: The Entire Clan is Happy
Lu Jiao gave no chance for Aunt Guihua to speak and left in a hurry. Behind her, Aunt Guihua mumbled.
"This child sure is good. I was a fool back then."
She headed home but quickly started to shake her head, "No, I need to make it up to Jiaojiao or else I'll feel bad."
She rushed home and picked up the eggs she's been saving. Then, she dashed back out, "Jiaojiao, wait for me."
Lu Jiao marched forward in giant leaps and pretended not to hear.
Behind her, Aunt Guihua somehow followed her all the way back home.
Outside the trellis, Lu Jiao saw a bunch of people in her living room and east bedroom. There were people standing and people sitting. They were all clustered together and chatting.
Lu Jiao's expression changed. Did something happen again?
She rushed home with her basket. Inside the yard, the four little ones were walking the dog. When they heard the door, they ran towards her.
"Mommy, you are back!"
"Mommy, have you had lunch?"
"Mommy, are you tired? Let me pour you some water."
"Mommy, put down your basket. It's heavy."
Everyone's words warmed Lu Jiao's heart. Seeing the big crowd in her home, she first asked the First Born, worried, "Why are so many people here?"
Before the First Born could answer, Xie Fugui came out greeting. He asked impatiently, "Yunjin's wife, what did Dr. Qi say? When can Yunjin go under surgery?"
Many people walked out after Xie Fugui. Lu Jiao realized they were all from the Xie family.
Everyone stared at her and waited for an answer.
Lu Jiao knew then that they were here to ask about Yunjin's surgery.
Xie Yunjin remained the hope of the entire village.
Lu Jiao only now realized how important one talent was to an entire clan.
Lu Jiao smiled at the Village Leader, "I have agreed with Dr. Qi to bring Yunjin in tomorrow for surgery. Dr. Qi said he will prepare everything today."
Xie Fugui started to guffaw loudly, "Great! This is great! Tomorrow, I will bring my people and send Yunjin into town."
The others all chimed in, "I will go tomorrow as well."
"Me too."
From behind, Aunt Guihua also shouted, "My whole family will go as well."
Her participation was very unexpected. After all, all the villagers knew that she didn't like Yunjin's wife.
The two of them fought verbally and physically every time they saw each other.
Xie Fugui scolded, "What are you doing here?"
Aunt Guihua straightened her back and said to the Village Leader, "Village Leader, I have already apologized to Jiaojiao and she has forgiven me."
Xie Fugui looked over to Lu Jiao, who had no chance to nod when Lady Tian came out of the room. When Aunt Guihua saw Lady Tian, she leaped over and grabbed her arm.
"My elder sister, I have been meaning to visit but I have been too ashamed. You must forgive me for my past behavior. I was under a spell back then to butt heads against Jiaojiao! I deserve death! Sister, do not hate me. I will for sure treat Jiaojiao nicely and never fight with her again.
You have no idea how good of a child Jiaojiao is. She is so kind, so generous, and now, very good-looking. Sister, how did you give birth to such a good kid?"
Lady Tian originally hated Aunt Guihua. This woman always targeted her daughter.
But today, she came here with eggs in hand and a mouthful of sweet words. This made Lady Tian speechless. She had no choice but to smile.
"Jiaojiao made mistakes as well. She fought against the elder generation."
Aunt Guihua shook her head, "No, no, Jiaojiao wasn't wrong. It was my fault. All my fault."
The Xie clan all sneered at Aunt Guihua. They ignored her thinking that at least no more fighting was a good thing.
Lu Jiao also ignored her. That woman was too exhausting.
She headed to the east bedroom with her basket and Xie Fugui. The crowd parted a little to let her through.
Once she entered, she found Xie Yunjin staring at the door eagerly. When he saw Lu Jiao, he asked instantly, "Did Dr. Qi agree to operate tomorrow?"
Lu Jiao nodded, "We agreed to send you in tomorrow morning. You need to rest up today and manage your mood. Dr. Qi said once he repositions your legs, you should heal without problems."
Xie Yunjin's eyes eased. Pure happiness clearly oozed out of him. His gaze brightened and strummed on the heartstrings of the crowd.
"That is great news."
Other than Xie Yunjin, the Xie Clan was all very happy. They each went up to Xie Yunjin to congratulate him. Lu Jiao watched this with a smile and didn't join in. She went to the kitchen and arranged her newly bought bowls and eating utensils.
The four little ones followed her into the kitchen and saw the candy, peach, and grape in her basket.
The children hopped in joy, "Mommy, you bought food."
"Yes, I will give you food after I wash all these bowls."
The four little ones promptly said, "We will eat with daddy."
Lu Jiao was a little sour. They truly never forget about their dad.
That made sense. After all, they went through four years together and the original host used to hit them.
It made sense for them to think of Xie Yunjin all the time.
As Lu Jiao organized, the clan members left one by one. A lot of people came to the kitchen to say bye.
Lu Jiao went to send people away. A lot of people informed her that they planned on accompanying Xie Yunjin tomorrow into town.
Lu Jiao nodded, "Okay, thank you, everyone."
The last to leave was Aunt Guihua, who dragged Lady Tian and asked her to visit.
"Come for tea."
Lady Tian wasn't used to this but felt too rude to decline. She chatted with Aunt Guihua for a long time before slowly declining, "When I have more time, I will go visit."
"Okay, that's a promise."
Aunt Guihua was finally satisfied. She turned to Lu Jiao, "Jiaojiao, I'm going home then. Give the eggs to Yunjin so he heals faster."
Lu Jiao gestured for Lady Tian to get Aunt Guihua to take the eggs back. But Aunt Guihua escaped faster than a rabbit.
Lady Tian and Lu Jiao exchanged a glance.
Lady Tian said, "She's old and she's apologized. Don't fight with her anymore. Let the bygones be bygones."
Lu Jiao nodded, "I know."
The four little ones ran out of the kitchen happily and looked up to Lady Tian, "Grandma, my mommy bought a lot of good food. There are candy, peaches, and grapes!"
90 Retarded or Paralyzed?
Lady Tian pinched the Fourth Born's nose, "You greedy little boy, you have lots of good food to eat now."
The Fourth Born grinned, "I want to share the good food with daddy, mommy, and granny."
Lu Gui came out of the room, "I don't get any?"
The Fourth Born said regretfully, "I forgot about uncle."
Lu Jiao laughed. She turned to go back to the kitchen and the fourth born followed her. Lady Tian asked, "Will the surgery tomorrow be okay?"
Lu Jiao shook her head, "Mom, do not worry. Everything will be fine. Dr. Qi said Yunjin will heal as long as surgery is done."
Lady Tian happily nodded, "That's great. I thought my son-in-law would end up paralyzed in bed for life. It's great that he is going to heal. Look at you, you've been through so much that you lost weight."
Lady Tian's heart hurt as she patted Lu Jiao's head. Lu Jiao was around 165cm tall while Lady Tian was around 170cm. Patting her head was like a natural reaction to her.
Lu Jiao was originally over 170 pounds. In the past little while, she kept herself busy and controlled her mouth, which allowed her to lose almost 15 pounds. The slim down was obvious to everyone else.
"Mom, slimmer is better looking."
The Second Born quickly shouted out, "Mommy is beautiful even without losing weight. Your skin is pale and your eyes are round. When you smile, they turn into cute crescents."
The Third Born added, "Mommy is also so capable. You took out the fishbone for Brother Xiaobao and cured Lin Erdan's sickness."
The Fourth Born glanced at the Second Born, then the Third Born. They stole all the words he wanted to say so what could he say now?
The Fourth Born pondered hard on what he could say to compliment his mom.
"Mommy, you're the best!"
Lu Jiao and Lady Tian smiled at the three children, then turned to the First Born.
The First Born pressed his lips into a line and said in a serious manner, "Not bad."
Lady Tian laughed, "This kid."
Lu Jiao took out the peaches and grapes to wash and placed them into a bowl.
She pulled off a few grapes and fed them to the four little ones.
"How are they? Yummy?"
The four little ones' eyes closed in satisfaction and they nodded, "Delicious."
Lu Jiao then fed a grape to Lady Tian.
Lady Tian couldn't decline. After she chewed it, her eyes widened, "This grape is so sweet."
The First Born yelled, "Give some to daddy."
Lady Tian stared at the First Born. This kid sure was filial. She should have a conversation with her daughter later on about how to educate these children so they grow up to be great.
Lu Jiao wasn't thinking as much. She took the bowl and headed to the east bedroom. Before entering, she divided out some for Lu Gui and Lady Tian.
"Eat some peaches and grapes. They're sweet."
The four little ones ran to Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, the peaches are yummy. So are the grapes. They're all very sweet."
The First Born took a grape out of Lu Jiao's hand. Trying to mimic Lu Jiao, he peeled at the grapes roughly. In the end, only a small piece of grape was left and he shoved it into Xie Yunjin's mouth.
"Daddy, eat this. It's sweet."
Xie Yunjin didn't mind the ugliness and ate it.
It was obvious that this grape was no ordinary grape. It must be the good kind from a major city.
Why would Dr. Qi give something so precious to Lu Jiao? Why did he continuously give Lu Jiao gifts?
Suspicion clouded Xie Yunjin's eyes. He asked Lu Jiao, "Why does Dr. Qi give you so many things?"
Lu Jiao thought about it and decided to tell him about Baohe Tang's offer.
"I told Dr. Qi that I have a family to take care of so I cannot go work there every day. But if they encounter a mysterious case and they need help, I am willing to stop by."
Xie Yunjin's first instinct was to reject the idea. There were four little ones plus him. If Lu Jiao spent all her time tending to patients, what would happen to their home?
Quickly though, he remembered that she was not who she used to be. She's done so much for the family lately and he had no right to take away her own time.
Despite those thoughts, he still showed signs of unhappiness. In a light tone, he said, "If you decide to go, be careful."
Lu Jiao noticed his obviously unhappy expression. She ignored him. Once his legs heal, they will be separating. She had to plan for her own future.
Lu Jiao asked Xie Yunjin in a caring manner, "How are you feeling today? Any discomfort?"
Xie Yunjin stretched his body.
"See, I'm not dizzy or nauseous. Tomorrow's surgery won't be a problem."
"Okay, that's good. I'll cook something light for dinner."
Lu Jiao put the peaches and grapes on the shelf next to him, "Eat some fruit with the kids."
Lu Jiao turned around. Outside, Lady Ruan's shrill voice penetrated the walls.
"My third son, I heard that you are getting surgery tomorrow. Is that true?"
Xie Yunjin's face turned taunting. He didn't try to hide the coldness he felt towards that voice.
Lu Jiao also wasn't happy about Lady Ruan's arrival. She didn't say anything however because at the end of the day, she was Xie Yunjin's mother and she couldn't just kick her out.
Kicking her out as Xie Yunjin's wife would tarnish her own reputation. It wasn't worth it.
Lady Ruan and Xie Laogen walked inside. Lu Jiao pulled out two chairs for them to sit on.
The moment Lady Ruan sat down, she noticed the grapes the four little ones were eating. Her eyes brightened, "First Born, give me some. Grapes are a good fruit and your fourth uncle hasn't eaten grapes that size."
The four little ones protected their food. This was something mommy bought for them and their daddy. Why should they share with the fourth uncle?
Seeing how the children reacted, Lady Ruan wanted to curse at them.
Xie Laogen pushed her to remind her why they were here. They were visiting today to repair their relationship with their third son. They weren't here to fight. It was just grapes – everyone's eaten those.
Lady Ruan forced herself to smile, "Alright, alright, you guys eat yourselves."
Then, unable to stop herself, she educated, "First Born, you are so unfilial at such a young age. What will you be like once you're older?"
Lady Ruan's words made Lu Jiao's face drop. Her words will hurt the children's reputation.
"Mother, your words sure are funny. Unfilial? They're my children and they just have to be filial to their mother and father. I've never heard of the need for the children to be filial towards their uncle. Is their uncle retarded or paralyzed? Why does he need his nephews to support him?"