"Hurry and support your mom. She has just recovered and needs to take it slowly; don’t let her get too tired," Bai Xiao urged Zhang Han with a push.
Zhang Han quickly rushed over and helped Li Jiao to her feet.
By then, Wei Jianling had already walked in, utterly astonished.
"Sister-in-law Zhang, you... you can walk... now..."
Anyone who saw a person who had been paralyzed for over a decade in everyone’s memory suddenly stand up and take a few steps, even though Zhang Han was supporting her, would be deeply shocked by such a sight.
Likewise, Li Jiao was not particularly fond of Wei Jianling. The two hardly interacted; Li Jiao had been paralyzed for many years, staying indoors and not meeting people from outside, but that didn’t prevent her from hearing gossip from her daughter. This woman had moved into the neighborhood just over a month ago and had quickly become infamous throughout the entire compound.
Nobody could really feel good about such a person, but today was a happy day, and all of that seemed trivial.
"Wei sister, it’s all thanks to Doctor Bai. Thank you, Doctor Bai. Your tremendous kindness; I would work like an ox or horse for the rest of my life to repay you," Li Jiao said, visibly moved. The ability to walk and not lie in bed like a dead person, dependent on others, was a relief to her and her daughter. Even if she still couldn’t do much, at least she could visit the bathroom on her own, sparing her daughter the constant trips back and forth.
That was more than enough.
Bai Xiao came over and had Li Jiao lie down, "We’ll need to do one more acupuncture treatment tonight, after which you might not need any more needles. The rest will just be you slowly exercising and recovering. If everything goes well, you should be able to take care of basic living activities on your own within a month, just like a normal person, no different. Congratulations." She felt it was all worth it for this child’s sake.
Tears of excitement filled Li Jiao’s eyes; it had been so many years since she experienced the feeling of being able to walk.
Zhang Han became even more touched upon hearing this, "Doctor Bai, I thank you, and on behalf of my mom and dad, I thank you." In her heart, she silently vowed to excel at the Medical College and grow up to be a doctor like Doctor Bai, healing the sick and aiding the injured—that would be the true meaning of great kindness.
Bai Xiao smiled, "No need to thank me anymore. Help your mom sit down, finish eating, and then I’ll do acupuncture on her." She couldn’t stand to see such a considerate child suffer.
Wei sister came in, her arms full with Huzi, "Doctor Bai, you’re amazing! I truly didn’t expect your medical skills to be so extraordinary. Sister-in-law Zhang, you’re really fortunate. This really marks the end of hardships for Commissioner Zhang and Zhang Han. No wonder you invited Chief An and Doctor Bai over for dinner today; it turns out to be a celebration. Truly congratulations are in order. Congratulations!"
Wei Jianling’s eloquence was particularly noteworthy today; at least her words were pleasing to hear.
"Thank you, thank you. Has your husband, Hu Biao, come back yet? If not, let’s eat together to celebrate this occasion," Li Jiao politely offered. After all the nice things Wei had said, it would be inappropriate for her to respond with a frown or a glare.
Wei Jianling immediately agreed, "My husband, Hu Biao, is in the middle of a shower. I’ll go call him. With Director Zhang’s big happy news, it’s only right to join for the meal and share in the joy." She left with Huzi to call him, without even stepping outside, opening the door of Director Zhang’s house and shouting across.
"Biaozi, Director Zhang has invited you to join us for the meal."
Director Zhang and An Zhiyuan shared a smile. Wei Jianling had a particular interest in meals, and it was all good as long as it didn’t come from their own home.
Hu Biao came in wearing a green undershirt, fresh from a shower, only to find out that his wife hadn’t cooked and had instead gone over to Director Zhang’s place.