Yunyi naturally understood the brigade leader’s intention.
If the village had no health clinic and people sought her out, that would be one thing. But since the clinic existed, it wouldn’t be good for her to constantly overstep her bounds.
Truly, if she did that, Dr. Gong might feel uncomfortable. That was why she had said those things today; she didn’t want to put in all that effort only to be unappreciated.
As the group walked toward the village, the sharp-eyed Yunyi once again spotted Qiao Yuxiang in the distance, furtively making her way towards them.
She had encountered Qiao Yuxiang several times avoiding others as she headed this way. Could Qiao Yuxiang have some connection with the people in that thatched cottage?
It seemed plausible; perhaps she was coming to care for her elder relatives.
Considering Qiao Yuxiang’s reserved nature—she never meddled in others’ affairs and rarely mingled closely with anyone—Yunyi felt she had likely hit upon the truth.
After crossing the river to the south, the group split up.
Yunyi hadn’t yet reached her front door when she heard someone call out, "Chu Zhiqing, someone is looking for you."
She looked up and saw Qiao Wenyu standing behind the person who had called out.
Yunyi quickened her pace. "Why have you come?"
Qiao Wenyu smiled and pointed towards his small courtyard. "It’s not just me. My second uncle, Wei Zijia, and Zheng Xuewen are here too."
Hearing him mention his second uncle, Yunyi initially thought they had met with some trouble and that family had been sent for.
Before she could ask, Qiao Wenyu explained, "My second uncle holds a position at Hua’an Farm Reclamation. He heard that you saved us before, so he wanted to come and meet you."
Since they were already here, she couldn’t very well say anything else. "Why did Wei Zijia come along too? Her ankle injury hasn’t healed yet."
Qiao Wenyu chuckled. "It just so happened that my second uncle was at the commune on business. He drove the Agricultural Reclamation Group’s old jeep, so we hitched a ride."
Qiao Shaoguo watched them approach with a smile. "You must be Comrade Chu Yunyi, right?"
Yunyi nodded. "Hello, I’m Chuyunyi."
Wei Zijia and Zheng Xuewen also quickly greeted Yunyi. This update is available on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Qiao Shaoguo looked Yunyi up and down. "Comrade Chu, thank you for saving these three blockheads on the mountain."
Yunyi smiled at the three of them. "They’re hardly blockheads. Besides, I can’t take all the credit for such a significant act as saving them."
Qiao Shaoguo glared at his nephew, unamused. "If they weren’t blockheads, would they have gotten into such a foolish mess?"
The three of them lowered their heads submissively, not daring to disagree.
Seeing their subdued response was acceptable, Qiao Shaoguo continued, "They’ve told me what happened on the mountain. Regardless, they must acknowledge you as their benefactor."
Yunyi stepped forward and opened the main gate. "Please come in."
They were immediately charmed by the tidy little courtyard.
Wei Zijia’s face filled with envy. "Yunyi, your little courtyard is so wonderfully kept!"
A smile touched Yunyi’s lips. "This courtyard was already here when I arrived. The previous resident kept it quite nice, so I didn’t have to put in much effort when I moved in."
Qiao Shaoguo and the others brought in the gifts they were carrying. "Comrade Chu, these are just small tokens of appreciation from me, as the elder of their family. You absolutely mustn’t refuse them."
Yunyi looked at the two net bags he set down. "You’re truly too kind."
Qiao Wenyu stepped forward. "You helped us so much; it’s only right that we give you something to show our thanks. My second uncle bought excellent things. He’s not short on money, so please don’t stand on ceremony with him."
Yunyi was torn between amusement and exasperation as she watched the playful exchange between the uncle and nephew. This nephew of Chief Qiao was quite a character!
Qiao Shaoguo, clearly accustomed to his nephew’s temperament, didn’t get angry.
Yunyi took out bamboo cups she had collected on a previous trip south and poured water for everyone. "Please, have some water."
Qiao Shaoguo accepted the water, took a light sip, and then looked at Yunyi. "Comrade Chu, I hear your medical skills are quite good. As it happens, our Agricultural Reclamation Group is short of doctors. Would you consider a position?"