Forced to marry a disabled man in the countryside? I'll repay you tenfold!

"...I had just finished work and was on my way home when I ran into Chen Weidong and Zhang Yan working. When they saw me, they rushed over and started yelling at me, saying that it was all because of me that they were in this situation, and that they wanted to beat me up to vent their anger...I was terrified, and I couldn't just stand there and take the beating, so I picked up a tree branch and waved it around wildly to defend myself...That's what happened. I only fought back a few times in self-defense."

She specifically emphasized that she "only retaliated a few times".

Liu Shuqing glanced at Chen Weidong, who was lying on the ground coughing up blood and covered in red, swollen welts, and her lips twitched violently. Dr. Su's claim of "defensive retaliation" was blatant lying...

On the other hand, Chen Weidong, you were just released, why didn't you reform yourself instead of provoking her?

"Then... what's his injury?" Liu Shuqing pointed to Chen Weidong's chest, which was clearly from a recent kick.

Zhou Yanshen said coldly, "When I arrived, I saw Chen Weidong attempting to attack my wife. In a moment of panic, to protect my family and stop the violence, I kicked him. I was the one who did it."

Su Wanqing quickly added, "Yes, Secretary Liu, it's all thanks to my husband's timely arrival and heroic actions that their violence was stopped! Otherwise, I don't know what would have happened!"

Upon hearing the words "Party Branch Secretary," Liu Shuqing felt relieved, his lips practically curling into a grin. The official documents came down today—he'd been promoted to Party Branch Secretary! Look at Dr. Su, she really knows how to talk!

However—Liu Shuqing's eyes twitched again as he watched the couple's coordinated attack. Why did he get the feeling that Chen Weidong had been beaten up like this by this couple in a double whammy?

He cleared his throat and said sternly, "Alright, I basically understand the situation! Chen Weidong and Zhang Yan, you two just finished your punishment, and instead of repenting, you openly provoked and attempted to assault others during your labor reform period. Your actions are egregious! Comrade Su Wanqing's self-defense was understandable. Comrade Zhou Yanshen was protecting his family, which was justified, but his actions were excessive, so you're fined for paying for their medical expenses. Now, get them to the clinic for treatment immediately! Chen Weidong and Zhang Yan, your reform period is extended! Your work points are deducted!"

Upon hearing Liu Shuqing's handling of the situation, Chen Weidong coughed up blood again in anger. "You're covering for me! I was almost kicked to death by Zhou Yanshen, and all you do is fine him for medical expenses?! I didn't even touch Su Wanqing, and now my ribs are broken! I'm not satisfied, I'm going to the police station to report you!"

Liu Shuqing remained calm and composed, squatting down with a slight smile on her face.

"Chen, are you sure you want to report this to the police? If we handle it within our unit, it's considered an internal conflict—criticism, education, and an extension of your reform through labor. But if you report it to the police, and this case of 'intentionally harming others' is filed, the nature of the case will be completely different. If the police get involved, do you think you'll still be able to get out?"

Chen Weidong felt a chill run down his spine. He thought of his uncle Chen Mingda's fate, and then of his own current isolation and helplessness. If things really escalated to the police, he would be seen as a recently released convict who had provoked the situation…

Chen Weidong's face turned ashen, and he finally shut his mouth, letting himself be carried away.

Liu Shuqing stood up and snapped at Zhang Yan, who was still in a daze, "Zhang Yan, besides your regular work, you've been taking care of Chen Weidong at the clinic. What are you standing there for? Go with the people carrying him!"

Zhang Yan gritted her teeth, cursing Chen Weidong and Su Wanqing countless times in her mind, and had no choice but to follow.

Liu Shuqing then turned to Su Wanqing, his tone softening: "Dr. Su, the official transfer order for my master has been issued. He asked me to tell you that he would like to invite you and Comrade Zhou to have a simple meal at the state-run restaurant in the county town tomorrow at noon."

Su Wanqing understood immediately; this promotion was a way to formally solidify relationships and also to hand over some matters. "Okay, thank you, Secretary Liu, and please thank Director Li... cough, Director Li on our behalf. We'll definitely be there on time."

She turned to Zhou Yanshen and said, "Yanshen, you two go back and heat up some leftovers. Don't wait for me. I'm going to the clinic to treat Chen Zhiqing's wounds."

Zhou Yanshen was worried about letting her face Chen Weidong alone again. "I'll go with you. There's no rush to eat. If Mom and the others are hungry, they'll heat up some steamed buns for them."

"Alright."

She glanced at Chen Weidong being carried away with a hint of regret. Sigh, with Zhou Yanshen around, she couldn't help but be careful not to be too rough.

Several villagers who came to help carried Chen Weidong to the examination bed and left. Chen Weidong lay on the bed, cursing and swearing.

Su Wanqing began her examination with a blank expression. She pressed her fingers on several spots on Chen Weidong's chest: "Does it hurt here?"

"Ahhh—! Su Wanqing! You fucking did this on purpose! Go easy! Ah!" Chen Weidong's face contorted in pain.

Su Wanqing ignored her and moved to a different spot, pressing the button again: "What about here?"

"Ouch! Ouch! It hurts so much! You vicious woman! You're just taking revenge for personal reasons!" Chen Weidong screamed repeatedly.

Zhang Yan watched from the side, trembling with fear. She was 100% certain that Su Wanqing was doing it on purpose, using the pretext of an inspection to torment Chen Weidong!

After examining him, Su Wanqing only used a cotton swab to apply a little gentian violet symbolically to his body. She couldn't even bear to use the most ordinary spiritual spring water, let alone the enhanced version.

As she tidied up, she said indifferently, "Your injuries aren't serious. You just have two broken ribs, a slight fracture, and some soft tissue contusion in your chest wall. Just rest, don't move around, don't cough, and don't talk loudly."

Chen Weidong was so angry he almost fainted: "You're talking nonsense! You just don't want to treat me properly! This is murder!"

Su Wanqing took off her gloves. "Chen Zhiqing, you need to provide evidence when you speak. Go ask around at the county hospital. Do they all send people home to rest after a rib fracture? Do they expect them to open your chest and set the bone? Alright, just lie there. You'll be fine in two or three months. It's better than working in the fields under the scorching sun every day, isn't it? Cherish this 'rest' time."

She turned to Zhou Yanshen and said, "Yanshen, the medical expenses are six cents for the gentian violet solution. Tell Officer Liu later that the medical expenses have already been reimbursed."

Zhou Yanshen watched her earnestly doing the accounts, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He tried hard to keep a straight face and nodded seriously: "Okay, I understand."

Chen Weidong felt like vomiting blood when he heard about the six cents medical fee. So he was beaten up and asked to pay for medical expenses, but all he got was six cents?

Is a beating he's only worth six cents?

Su Wanqing carefully locked the medicines and equipment in the clinic into the cabinet to prevent Chen Weidong or Zhang Yan from damaging them while she was away, before returning home with Zhou Yanshen.

At home, Zhou's mother, Uncle Ding, and Lin Tingting were sitting there staring at each other blankly.

Upon seeing them return, Lin Tingting immediately jumped up as if she had seized upon a huge incriminating evidence, pointing at Su Wanqing and shrilly:

"Sister-in-law! So you finally decided to come back? Our whole family is waiting for you to cook! Are you trying to starve us? Look how hungry Auntie and Uncle are! Auntie has to go to work this afternoon! And you, dawdling around outside, don't you care about this family? Don't you care about your elders?"