The carefree life of Yang Shuisheng, the village miracle doctor

"Sister-in-law Yulan, I didn't lie to you."

Yang Shuisheng immediately shook his head, lowering his voice even further: "The hundred yuan I gave your mother-in-law was really the money I earned from digging up Solomon's Seal in the mountains and selling it; not a single penny was missing."

"Meeting Wang Kun was purely accidental. I ran into his father in town that day when he suddenly fell ill. I happened to know a little about acupuncture, so I helped him out."

"I didn't expect him to be so loyal. He insisted on repaying me, giving me money and furniture, and I couldn't refuse."

He explained it clearly and frankly, his eyes open and honest.

"Okay, that's good..."

After hearing this, Liu Yulan's last bit of resentment dissipated. She gently hummed in agreement, lowered her head, and whispered, "I was just afraid that you would do something dangerous for money."

"No, don't worry."

Yang Shuisheng looked at the section of her fair neck that was exposed when she lowered her head, and the slightly reddened roots of her ears. His heart stirred slightly. He leaned closer and said in a voice that was almost breathless, "Sister-in-law Yulan, you look really beautiful today."

Although Liu Yulan's floral shirt was old, it was very clean. The buttons on the collar were neatly fastened, but because of her sitting posture and slightly leaning forward, it vaguely outlined the full contours of her chest.

Her hair was neatly combed, revealing a smooth forehead and delicate eyebrows and eyes, giving her a unique kind of refined beauty and gentleness.

Hearing Yang Shuisheng's sudden praise, she was first taken aback, then her cheeks flushed red, all the way to her ears and neck.

She was too embarrassed to look up, but her heart was filled with sweetness, and she muttered softly, "What nonsense are you talking about..."

Because there were people all around, she resisted the urge to raise her hand and hit him.

The ensuing banquet was filled with a lively atmosphere.

Large portions of fish and meat were served in a continuous stream, and the villagers ate and drank heartily, playing drinking games and creating a noisy atmosphere.

Although Liu Yulan was shy, she felt particularly at ease sitting next to Yang Shuisheng.

She would occasionally put food on Yang Shuisheng's plate, picking out the meatiest and best parts, saying in a soft voice, "Shuisheng, eat more of this. It's stewed until very tender. Try it."

As she picked up food, she leaned slightly to the side, and with each arm movement, the fabric of her shirt would occasionally cling to her body, further emphasizing her voluptuous and slender figure.

Several single men at her table and the next table, or men with impure motives, couldn't help but steal glances at her, their eyes filled with envy and a certain longing.

But seeing Yang Shuisheng standing calmly beside her, and remembering the rumors about Brother Kun's brothers, they quickly looked away, only daring to speculate in their minds.

Soon, after several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the meal was finished.

"Thank you to all my fellow villagers, friends, and family for coming today!"

Yu Jian stood up, his face flushed, holding a wine glass, and loudly announced to the guests filling the courtyard: "My Qianwei has been admitted to university. This is a joyous occasion and a source of pride for our Peach Blossom Village."

"To make everyone even happier, I've invited the town's film crew to show two movies at the threshing ground on the east side of the village tonight. Everyone can go watch after dinner and a short rest! It'll be quite a lively occasion!"

"good!"

"Director Yu is so magnanimous!"

"There's a movie to watch tonight!"

The villagers cheered, and the atmosphere became even more enthusiastic.

These days, for ordinary villagers, being able to watch an open-air movie is already quite a luxury.

The banquet ended at six o'clock in the afternoon.

"I'm going back now."

Fearing that there would be too many people and gossip, Liu Yulan did not dare to walk with Yang Shuisheng. She only glanced at him secretly before lowering her head and blending into the crowd to leave.

Yang Shuisheng was in no hurry after eating and drinking his fill.

He searched through the dispersing crowd and spotted Bai Qinglian helping to clear the dishes.

"Sister Bai," Yang Shuisheng called out.

Bai Qinglian looked up and saw that it was Yang Shuisheng. A trace of guilt appeared on her face.

"Shuisheng, I was just looking for you."

She put down what she was doing, wiped her hands, and came over: "Youfu apologized to you today. I'll apologize on his behalf."

"He's a scoundrel, don't take it to heart," she said, and was about to bow to Yang Shuisheng.

Yang Shuisheng quickly offered a helping hand: "Sister Bai, please don't do this. That's Wang Youfu's business, it has nothing to do with you."

"I remember how good you were to me."

Bai Qinglian's eyes reddened slightly when she heard him say that, and she nodded.

Yang Shuisheng looked around; there were quite a few people.

"Sister Bai, there's something I'd like to talk to you about privately, is that a good time?"

Bai Qinglian was about to offer a proper apology and also wanted to ask Yang Shuisheng and Wang Kun what had happened, so she nodded: "Okay, where shall we talk?"

"Let's go to the pond behind the mountain; it's quiet there."

The two of them, one in front of the other, avoided the crowd and slowly strolled along the path behind the village to the clear water pool on the back mountain.

The surroundings were quiet, with only the sound of flowing water and birdsong.

"Shuisheng, I'm really sorry about what happened today."

Standing by the pool, Bai Qinglian took a deep breath, turned around to look at Yang Shuisheng, and said solemnly, "Youfu... well, thank you for not taking it to heart."

Speaking of this, her face flushed again, feeling extremely ashamed and deeply sorry for Yang Shuisheng.

"Let's not talk about the past." Yang Shuisheng waved his hand and looked at Bai Qinglian.

The top button of her shirt had come undone, revealing a small patch of fair skin and delicate collarbone. In the sunlight, her eyes and brows were gentle and graceful.

"Sister Bai," Yang Shuisheng asked, "Director Yu's graduation banquet is over now, are you and Wang Youfu going to the county town soon?"

Bai Qinglian's eyes dimmed slightly, and she nodded: "Yes, Youfu said... just for the next two or three days, the construction site is pressing for it."

Without further hesitation, Yang Shuisheng reached into his pocket and pulled out five hundred-yuan bills that he had prepared beforehand, stuffing them directly into Bai Qinglian's hand.

"What...what's going on?"

Bai Qinglian was startled and tried to pull her hand away, but Yang Shuisheng held it tightly.

"Sister Bai, take this money." Yang Shuisheng's tone left no room for refusal. His voice was low and filled with concern. "It's five hundred in total. Hide it secretly and keep it close to your body. Don't let Wang Youfu know."

"When we arrived in the county town, we were unfamiliar with the place and needed money for everything."

"I don't trust Wang Youfu."

"He took you out supposedly to work, but who knows what his real intentions are?"

"Keep this money. Just in case, I mean just in case, he treats you badly over there, or something unexpected happens, you'll have some money on you to tide you over."

"If all else fails, just buy a train ticket and come back to tell me. I will never let him get away with this!"

He spoke bluntly, and with a hint of ruthlessness.

As Bai Qinglian listened, looking at the few banknotes in her hand, and then at the genuine worry and protection in his eyes, her nose tingled and tears almost fell.

If Wang Youfu were even half as good as Yang Shuisheng, he wouldn't be in such a miserable state.

Moreover, after Wang Youfu went back, he even forced her to come to Yang Shuisheng and find a way to get back the thousand yuan that had been lost, even if it was only half of it.

But she couldn't bring herself to say it!

That money was what Wang Youfu owed for losing in gambling, so why should she ask for it?

Unexpectedly, Yang Shuisheng not only didn't hold a grudge, but also offered her money—five hundred yuan at once—showing such consideration for her…

Compared to Wang Youfu's selfishness, arrogance, and stinginess, Yang Shuisheng's kindness was like a warm current, instantly breaking down all her defenses.

"I can't accept these aquatic plants, they're too many." Her voice choked with emotion, and she tried to refuse.

"Take it if I give it to you!" Yang Shuisheng's tone was a bit harsher, but his eyes softened. "Listen to me, hide it well."

"Be careful when you get there."

"Remember, Peach Blossom Valley will always be your home. If you encounter any difficulties, come back anytime."

Bai Qinglian finally couldn't hold back her tears, which rolled down her cheeks.

She stopped refusing and clutched the five hundred yuan tightly, as if holding onto the last bit of warmth and support.

She nodded emphatically, "Yes! Shuisheng, thank you... I'll remember your kindness for the rest of my life!"

She wiped away her tears, then suddenly seemed to have made up her mind. She looked up at Yang Shuisheng, her face still streaked with tears, but managed a smile: "Shuisheng, you...you close your eyes."

Yang Shuisheng was taken aback. Although he didn't understand, he still closed his eyes as instructed.

The next second, he felt a warm, moist touch on his cheek, carrying a woman's unique faint fragrance, and the touch was fleeting.

He opened his eyes in surprise and saw that Bai Qinglian had already taken two steps back, her cheeks flushed, and she glanced at him shyly.

"Don't tell anyone."

After saying that, he turned around and ran quickly along the way he came, soon disappearing around the bend in the wooded path.

Yang Shuisheng stood there, touching the cheek that had just been kissed.

Bai Qinglian took the initiative to kiss him. Does this mean that their relationship has taken a step further?

He shook his head and smiled, no longer thinking about it, and turned to walk towards the small bamboo grove at the west end of the village.

Judging by the time, Ma San should have finished by now.

It's time to see what kind of shady secrets Zhao Youcai is hiding in his locked drawer.