The carefree life of Yang Shuisheng, the village miracle doctor

Su Xiaoyue saw Yang Shuisheng to the door, but did not immediately turn back.

She stood on the porch, hands behind her back, toes lightly treading the ground, a hint of girlish coquettishness and curiosity in her voice: "Brother Shuisheng, do you spend most of your time in the village?"

"If... if I want to find you, can't I just go directly to Peach Blossom Valley?"

"Yeah, I'm usually at home when I don't have much to do."

Yang Shuisheng nodded: "If I happen to be not here, just wait a little while, or ask around in the village, you should be able to find me."

"I see." Su Xiaoyue's eyes darted around, and she asked again, her voice tinged with a hint of probing, "Then... would it be convenient for me to come to your house as a guest?"

"Would you like to come to my house as a guest?"

Yang Shuisheng paused for a moment, then smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "That dilapidated house is small, old, and a mess. If you want to eat, how about I treat you to a meal at a restaurant in town? That would be more convenient."

"No restaurant!" Su Xiaoyue shook her head, her tone stubborn. "What kind of visitor would it be if we ate at a restaurant?"

"I just want to go to your house and see what your usual living place is like."

"Don't worry, I won't mind that your house is old and run-down, and you don't need to treat me like some delicate, ostentatious young lady."

Don't worry, I won't laugh at you.

As she spoke, she winked playfully.

"Alright then..."

Seeing her resolute attitude and that she had already gone this far, Yang Shuisheng could no longer refuse and had to compromise, saying, "If you are free anytime, you can go whenever you want."

"But let me make this clear beforehand, there's really nothing to see here, so don't regret it later."

"No regrets! It's a deal then." Su Xiaoyue smiled when she saw him agree, as if she had fulfilled some wish. "Then I'll come visit you when I have time."

After saying that, she seemed to remember something, told Yang Shuisheng to wait a moment, and then turned around and ran back into the house.

A few minutes later, she ran out carrying a small cloth bag and stuffed it into Yang Shuisheng's hand: "Here, for you."

"What is this?" Yang Shuisheng looked down in confusion.

"I noticed you were so busy buying groceries that you didn't buy any fruit."

"I happen to have some seasonal loquats and apricots at home. I can't eat them all by myself, so you can take them home and try them."

The small cloth bag was heavy and exuded a sweet, fruity aroma.

Yang Shuisheng initially wanted to decline, but seeing the sincerity in Su Xiaoyue's eyes, he smiled and accepted, saying, "Then thank you, Miss Su. You can go back now."

"Okay! Take care, Brother Shuisheng." Su Xiaoyue stood at the door and watched Yang Shuisheng's figure disappear into the alley before turning back into the house.

Carrying large and small bags, and now an extra bag of fruit, Yang Shuisheng returned to Peach Blossom Valley with light steps.

Compared to taking the tricycle arranged by Su Danian, he could walk much faster.

Instead of going home first, he went directly to Guo Cuihong's house.

"Oh my! Shuisheng's back, and you bought so much stuff!" Guo Cuihong was collecting the clothes drying in the yard when she saw Yang Shuisheng walk in with his hands full. She quickly put down what she was doing and came to help him take the things. "There's meat and ribs everywhere, why did you buy so many vegetables!"

"Uncle Shuisheng, you're back!"

Little Bao, who was playing with crickets in the yard, immediately dropped his crickets and ran over when he saw Yang Shuisheng. His eyes sparkled as he stared at the bulging cloth bag in Yang Shuisheng's hand: "What are you holding? Is it food?"

"Xiao Bao! Don't be so rude."

Upon seeing this, Guo Cuihong immediately put on a stern face and scolded, "Your Uncle Shuisheng just got back and hasn't even had a chance to catch his breath yet, and all you know is how to ask for food."

"It's alright, it's alright, he's just a kid."

Yang Shuisheng smiled and waved his hand, squatted down, took out two golden and plump apricots from his cloth bag and handed them to Xiaobao: "Here, Xiaobao, look at these big apricots, they're so sweet, take them and eat them."

"Thank you, Uncle Shuisheng." Xiaobao took the apricot and cheered.

Then she picked up the apricot and ran to the side, eagerly taking a big bite, her little face full of satisfaction.

"Shuisheng, just keep spoiling him," Guo Cuihong said, scolding him, but her eyes were full of smiles.

She quickly sorted and put away the meat and vegetables that Yang Shuisheng had bought, then put on her apron and started preparing dinner.

Yang Shuisheng was also busy, helping Guo Cuihong with tasks such as washing vegetables and cutting meat.

Lin Wan also quietly came over to help with the fire.

The three of them worked together, and the small kitchen quickly became steaming and filled with the aroma of food.

The braised pork in the pot was bubbling away, emitting a rich aroma of soy sauce.

The pork rib and radish soup simmered in the clay pot, its sweet aroma mingling with the meaty fragrance, making one's mouth water.

As dusk fell, a sumptuous dinner was finally prepared.

Braised pork belly, sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a large bowl of steaming pork rib and radish soup, as well as braised dishes and smashed cucumbers brought back by Yang Shuisheng, filled the small old wooden table.

Guo Cuihong then took out a jar of medicinal wine that her husband had brewed and poured a small cup for both Yang Shuisheng and herself.

Lin Wan also asked for some, which was unusual for her, saying that she wanted to offer it to Yang Shuisheng and Guo Cuihong.

The food was served, and the four of them sat around it.

Under the dim yellow light, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

"Shuisheng, this toast is for you."

Lin Wan picked up the small cup of medicinal wine in front of her and stood up. Her beautiful face, under the lamplight, carried a hint of solemnity and gratitude.

Her gaze first fell on Yang Shuisheng, and her voice was clear and sincere: "Thank you for saving my life, and thank you for taking care of me and protecting me during this time."

"Without you, I can't imagine what I would be like now."

"Lin Wan will always remember this kindness and never forget it."

After saying that, she turned to Guo Cuihong, her eyes also filled with gratitude: "Sister Cuihong, thank you too. Thank you for taking me in, for taking care of me like a younger sister, cooking for me, and talking to me."

"In this place where I have no relatives or friends, you made me feel the warmth of home. Thank you!"

After she finished speaking, she tilted her head back and drank the spicy medicinal wine in the cup in one gulp. She coughed lightly twice, and two red blushes appeared on her cheeks.

Yang Shuisheng looked at her, without saying anything sentimental, but simply raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp, everything understood without words.

"Oh dear, Lin Wan, why are you saying all this?"

Guo Cuihong's eyes welled up with tears at Lin Wan's words. She quickly picked up her wine glass and said with a smile, "It's all fate! I just did something small that I could."

"When you go back to the provincial capital, just don't forget your sister. You're always welcome to come back and visit. I'll always keep a room for you here."

"Yes! I definitely will." Lin Wan nodded vigorously, her eyes also a little red.

Xiao Bao couldn't understand what the adults were saying. He just kept his head down and ate the ribs, his mouth full of oil, and occasionally made satisfied humming noises, which made everyone laugh.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

After the meal, Yang Shuisheng and Lin Wan offered to help clear the dishes, but Guo Cuihong stopped them.

"Alright, alright, you two have both worked hard today, sit down and rest for a while."

"I can do this all by myself." Guo Cuihong pressed the two of them back to their seats without saying a word, and quickly started clearing away the dishes. She then called to Xiaobao, "Xiaobao, come on, come with Mom to the yard to wash the dishes. Don't disturb your Uncle Shuisheng and Sister Lin Wan's conversation here."

Although Xiao Bao was somewhat reluctant, he obediently followed Guo Cuihong to the courtyard.

Soon, the sound of rushing water and Xiao Bao's chattering questions could be heard from the yard.

The room fell silent, leaving only Yang Shuisheng and Lin Wan.

The aroma of food and a faint smell of alcohol still lingered in the air.

Yang Shuisheng sat for a while, then felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so he stood up to say goodbye: "Well, it's getting late, and you've had a long day, so you should get some rest. I'll head back now."

He had just turned to leave when Lin Wan's voice, tinged with urgency and hesitation, came from behind him: "Shuisheng, you... wait a moment."

Yang Shuisheng stopped and turned around, looking at her with some confusion: "Hmm? Is there something else?"

Lin Wan stood by the table with her head down, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.

After a while, she raised her head, her clear eyes filled with a complex and indescribable emotion under the lamplight, and looked at Yang Shuisheng softly, saying, "Shuisheng, I...I have something I want to say to you alone."