As an ambitious female student, and still an unofficial member of society, even aware that some in her industry commonly accept red envelopes as bribes, He Dongxue found this irritating. She felt that such practices were mocking her career ambitions.
What was even more absurd was that some people, knowing He Dongxue was interning at the hospital, tried to pull her aside to ask if they were ill. This frustrated He Dongxue. She would roll her eyes and exclaim, "I am a doctor, not Sun Wukong. I do not have the fiery eyes that can diagnose you with just a look!"
"Ignore them." He Zhilan tried to calm He Dongxue, yet she herself was also frequently bothered. Often, people would ask He Dongxue to determine whether they were sick, but some eccentric old people would even ask her to see if their grandchildren showed any signs of learning aptitude.
Throughout the journey, the He family was accompanied by endless nuisances, extending a half-hour trip to one hour. When they finally made it home, everyone seemed worn out and breathless.
"Dad, look at our two sisters becoming famous in the village." He Da jests before unloading He Zhilan and He Dongxue’s luggage in their rooms. "I wonder when our eldest brother will return. It has been several years since I last saw him."
"You miss our elder brother, do you?" He Dongxue responded, "You will see him soon!"
"Your elder brother is coming back?" Their father asked anxiously.
No!" He Dongxue shook her head, smiling, "Our sister-in-law plans to take you both to the capital."
"What? Us in the capital? What would your brother and I do there?" Their father seemed confused.
"Dad, the reason Dongxue and I came back this time is to bring you and He Da to the capital. It’s been so long since you last saw our elder brother, don’t you miss him? Don’t you want to visit his base and see where he lives?" He Zhilan sat down beside them and continued, "Also, I want to take He Da to a major hospital in the capital for treatment of his leg. Earlier, we couldn’t afford it and He Da didn’t want to burden us, but now we have money. I’ve already talked with my doctor friend who has arranged for a specialist for us. As soon as we arrive in the capital, he will help He Da."
"Yes, ever since He Da returned home, our sister-in-law has been constantly talking about earning money to take you and He Da to the capital," He Dongxue nodded and said. "Don’t worry, dad. Our sister-in-law’s friends in the capital are all very kind. Later, I will also intern at that hospital. Dad, you and He Da can visit our elder brother, see his base, and even take a look at where I’m going to work and meet my fellow colleagues in the future. While we still have time, my sister-in-law and I can take you around the capital and have a good time. I will report to the hospital next month, and our sister-in-law will start her job in late August."
As a father, hearing his daughter’s thoughtful arrangements filled him with warmth.
"Thank you, Zhilan," their father choked, "you’ve accomplished everything that I couldn’t. What I wanted most in my life was to take you and He Da to the capital. But I felt powerless each time I witnessed He Da’s sleepless nights due to his foot pain. It felt like a knife was cutting into my heart. It really hurt!"
"Dad, it will get better," He Zhilan slowly shook her head. "Dad, you don’t need to thank me. I am a member of the He family too. If you feel pain for He Da, so do I. Didn’t I tell you? From now on, our He family is going live a better life!"