Bai Xiao was getting ready for work when she came out the door and happened to bump into Sister Wei who was cradling Huzi, with a basket slung over one arm, looking like she was about to go pick vegetables in the garden behind the houses.
In the back yard, each family had a little plot of land, not big, but enough to grow some vegetables to help with the household expenses, which was a favorite cost-saving activity of the family members. They all managed their plots with great care. Bai Xiao’s own plot was still untouched; both she and her partner worked and simply had no time, so their plot was lying fallow.
"Doctor Bai, off to work?"
When Sister Wei saw Bai Xiao, her expression changed as if she had something to say but then stopped herself. Bai Xiao smiled and patted Huzi’s head, "Yes, off to work."
These past few days, the number of patients in her clinic had increased. There were several new cases of gout and cervical spine pain. Basically, they were all old acquaintances, old friends, former comrades who had fought together. Once they knew that Doctor Bai was at the hospital, they came specifically to see her, a show of support for an old friend.
Because some people were saying that no one in the department of Traditional Chinese Medicine wanted to see Doctor Bai for treatment. This didn’t sit well with them at all; after all, Doctor Bai’s medical skills had been proven before. Who would dare to say that Doctor Bai was not capable?
So this was, in a way, a show of support for Doctor Bai, and her workload had suddenly increased these last two days.
All of a sudden, more people were willing to come to her for acupuncture.
"Doctor Bai, don’t just focus on your work all the time. As a woman, and especially after getting married, your own man is of utmost importance. You can’t neglect him. If you don’t pay some attention, it’s easy for certain vixens to ensnare them. It’s not easy for us women to have a home. You mustn’t take it lightly."
Bai Xiao mulled over these words. What was Sister Wei trying to say today?
Was she reminding her to pay more attention to An Zhiyuan, to prevent giving others an opportunity?
That’s a joke. An Zhiyuan was working in a place full of men. What did she have to worry about?
Unless An Zhiyuan had turned, starting to take an interest in the same sex?
Impossible!
She would never believe it. Given how An Zhiyuan behaved in bed with her, to say he had a problem with his sexual orientation, she could only scoff in disbelief.
"Okay, I understand!" Bai Xiao hurried downstairs, she couldn’t be late.
Seeing how dismissive Bai Xiao was, Wei Jianling stomped her foot in frustration, "Why won’t you listen to me finish? Not heeding the advice of your elders will lead to regret right before your eyes. You’ll cry when the time comes."
Li Jiao opened her door and spoke right on her doorstep, making it impossible not to hear her. She was also planning to go out for some sun and a walk. Now, Li Jiao made a point of going out regularly to take a stroll, as a way to exercise and breathe in some fresh air, and to glimpse the outside world.
"Sister Wei, what’s the matter?"
Seeing Wei Jianling hopping and yelling, Li Jiao didn’t know what Sister Wei wanted to say to Doctor Bai.
"You don’t know, huh? I have good intentions. I wanted to advise Doctor Bai to keep an eye on Chief An. Haven’t you noticed? Chief An hasn’t been home for five days now. I’ve seen it myself. Yesterday I saw Chief An and a flashy woman looking all chummy driving off together. That woman, flaunting her charms and acting all delicate, clearly up to no good. They looked very close. If I don’t remind Doctor Bai, and Chief An happens to stray, what will she do then?"
Li Jiao had long been familiar with Sister Wei’s ability to stir up trouble without cause.
Shaking her head, "Chief An is not that kind of person, don’t worry."
An Zhiyuan didn’t seem like the type to double deal. His integrity was clear, as was his affection for Bai Xiao. Anyone with eyes could see it.