Yunyi’s hand paused while pouring water.
Qiao Shaoguo’s implication was clear to Yunyi. Truthfully, she wasn’t too keen on joining the Agricultural Reclamation Group; more people always meant more complications. Besides, it would be impossible to live in a single room there, since unified dormitories were provided, lacking the freedom of the brigade.
This matter was apparently new to Qiao Wenyu and the others as well. All three of them looked towards Yunyi.
Wei Zijia was particularly excited. "Yunyi, this is a good thing! You won’t have to work in the fields for work points anymore, and you’ll get a salary from the Agricultural Reclamation Group. If you join, we can meet up more often."
Just as Yunyi was considering how to decline politely, Qiao Shaoguo asked, "Comrade Chu, do you have any concerns?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ n0velfire.net
Yunyi saw the sincerity in Qiao Shaoguo’s eyes and didn’t hide her feelings. "I’m someone who likes peace and quiet and isn’t very fond of crowding together with others. So, while I appreciate your invitation very much, I would still prefer to stay in the brigade."
Qiao Shaoguo had inquired about Yunyi beforehand. "Comrade Chu, you can rest assured on that matter. Our Agricultural Reclamation Group isn’t particularly large, so we haven’t been equipped with a healthcare facility; there’s only one health room.
"Currently, there is only one doctor, two nurses, and one assistant. There used to be another doctor, but they were transferred away some days ago.
"As you know, not just anyone can take on the role of a doctor, so we haven’t found a suitable replacement yet.
"This proposal isn’t to repay a debt but because your medical skills are truly worthy of our sincere invitation.
"Also, about the separate living accommodations you mentioned, that’s even less of an issue.
"When the health room was constructed, considering the needs of the surrounding villages and the residential needs of the staff, an extra courtyard was built behind it.
"Previously, only the doctor who was transferred away lived in that small courtyard. If you agree to come over, I’ll have someone tidy it up, and you can move in right away."
Hearing about the independent living quarters, Yunyi truly felt tempted.
After all, who wouldn’t prefer to work inside rather than sweat it out under the hot sun in the fields?
Wei Zijia noticed Yunyi wavering. "Yunyi, they have a big canteen there, so you won’t need to cook for yourself. Just go to the canteen when it’s mealtime; it really saves a lot of hassle."
Yunyi turned towards Qiao Shaoguo. "I’ve covered shifts at the brigade’s health room before, and when things are slow, I go up the mountain to gather herbs. I don’t know if that would be allowed there?"
Qiao Shaoguo’s eyes shone. "Of course, you can! However, you definitely can’t go every day. Just pick two days a week and coordinate the time with the other doctor."
Yunyi thought about taking the college entrance exam the following year; she still had a year left. If I have to return to working the fields after this winter, it might be better to accept the transfer to the Agricultural Reclamation Group. She then said, "Since you’ve offered me this opportunity, it would be rude of me not to recognize your kindness. However, I’m afraid the transfer procedures might trouble you to help me with."
Qiao Shaoguo stood up promptly as soon as Yunyi agreed. "Don’t worry, I’ll have someone take care of the paperwork for you."
Thinking of leaving Songling Village, Yunyi felt reluctant to part with the kind aunties who had been good to her. "What about the brigade here?"
Qiao Shaoguo smiled. "I will handle the negotiations here. You just wait for someone to pick you up."
Having settled the matter, they didn’t stay long. They bid farewell to Yunyi before preparing to leave.
Wei Zijia, leaning on her crutches with a delighted expression, said, "Yunyi, then I’ll be waiting for you in Hua’an."
Qiao Wenyu also chimed in, "Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in Hua’an."
Qiao Shaoguo promptly slapped his nephew on the back. "What do you think Hua’an is? Look at how important you think you are!"