Xie Juanzi smiled and approached, "Little sister, I’m really sorry. I should have come to express my gratitude earlier."
Yunyi knew they had returned this time because something was going on with Xie Juanzi’s maiden family. She naturally understood the implication in her words: "It was just a trivial thing; you’re all being too polite."
Zhao Guihua, who followed behind, chimed in, "You can’t say that. The baby in Juanzi’s belly is something our Gong Family has been eagerly awaiting. Chu Zhiqing, you are our Gong Family’s great benefactor.
By rights, we should have come to thank you a few days ago, but Juanzi, the person most concerned, has been tied up.
So, as soon as Juanzi returned today, we hurried over."
As they exchanged pleasantries, the passing commune members learned that Chu Zhiqing had saved the Gong Family’s daughter-in-law on the train when she was coming to the countryside.
No wonder Gong Baotong had recommended Chu Zhiqing when Doctor Gong was injured in the mountains. So that was the reason.
Zhao Guihua announced to the commune members present, "Chu Zhiqing is our Gong Family’s benefactor. In the future, everyone should help her out when needed."
The meaning of these words couldn’t have been clearer: from now on, Chu Zhiqing was under the Gong Family’s protection. If anyone dared to bully her, they would have to answer to Zhao Guihua.
Yunyi initially didn’t want to accept the thank-you gifts from the Gong Family, as it truly had been a trivial effort for her.
But Zhao Guihua gave her no chance to refuse. "Third Brother, what are you standing there for? Take Xiaocui and deliver the things to Chu Zhiqing’s home."
Hearing his mother’s instruction, Gong Baotong called to his niece waiting outside. The two of them then carried the items toward Yunyi’s small courtyard.
Yunyi had no choice but to exchange a few more pleasantries with everyone before hurrying home.
Now the village had new gossip. "Just now, the Gong Family’s third son and that girl Xiaocui were carrying quite a few nice things. Zhao Guihua is really generous!"
"You don’t say! Baotong and his wife have been married for years without children. Now that they finally have one, of course, it’s a precious treasure. The thank-you gift couldn’t possibly be small."
"Look, capable people are well-received everywhere. With Guihua’s family looking out for her, plus her excellent medical skills, her life is sure to be comfortable."
"It’s more than that! Doctor Gong hasn’t even returned yet. In the future, the entire Gong Clan will probably have to protect Chu Zhiqing."
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"If any family manages to marry Chu Zhiqing, they’ll have really hit the jackpot."
As soon as these words were spoken, many present began to entertain their own ideas.
Widow Qiu, who had been hiding nearby, heard this and grew even more impatient. She rushed home, calling, "Son! Baolin!"
Qiu Baolin came out of the house. "Mom, what’s wrong?"
Widow Qiu pulled her son back into the house. "Son, we can’t delay any longer in winning over Chu Zhiqing."
Qiu Baolin looked at his mother lazily, somewhat displeased. "Mom, didn’t I already say I’d start hanging around the village clinic tomorrow?"
Seeing her son’s impatience, Widow Qiu said anxiously, "You weren’t out this afternoon, so of course, you don’t know how popular Chu Zhiqing is in the village now. Just you wait and see! Who knows how many families are trying to get her attention."
Qiu Baolin shook off his laziness. "What happened?"
Widow Qiu turned, scooped a ladleful of water from the water urn, and gulped it down before continuing, "She saved Zhao Guihua’s third daughter-in-law on the train coming to the countryside. Today, Zhao Guihua brought her family over to thank her, and it was all but said that Chu Zhiqing is under their protection."
Qiu Baolin couldn’t help but frown. "If I dare to bother Chu Zhiqing, wouldn’t the Gong Family skin me alive?"
Seeing her son lose courage, Widow Qiu said in exasperation, feeling like he was a disappointment, "What’s there to fear? Fortune favors the bold! You’re not bad-looking, and don’t all girls love to hear sweet talk? Just make sure the Gong Family doesn’t see you. Once you’ve won her over, the Gong Family will have to respect our Qiu Family in the future."
Qiu Baolin listened to his mother and felt she had a point.
The Qiu Family were outsiders in the village, with no relatives to support them. If this really succeeded, their family would finally have some backing in the village.
He suddenly became very excited, a look of determination on his face. "Mom, just you wait and see!"