Chapter 337 A Glimmer of Hope
On the way back, Ye Mu En brought up the matter of building an extension to their house, hoping it would be completed sooner so he could move back home.
"You want to live with us?"
"It's not good for people to live outside when the relationship is too close."
"Alright then, I'll find those same people to build your house, and ask them to bring more help. It'll be done in about ten days."
"This time, we won't provide meals, we'll just pay them directly, is that okay?"
"Yes, of course. This way, everyone can save more money."
After finishing his business, Ye Mu En returned home first. He was very happy to learn that Chen Tang Tang had arrived, and was delighted for his sister. Although there were many people in the family, they were all relatives. Sheng Ge had never had a friend, and now she would have companionship.
Ye Ma saw that her son looked worn out and immediately told him to eat a good meal first.
"Your father, honestly, why was he in such a hurry to get things done? Look how thin he's gotten."
"No, I just wanted to finish things quickly. Besides, the places I went to were too harsh; there wasn't even good food to eat."
Ye Ma sat beside him and sighed. It was only when they stayed in Bai Rong Brigade that they didn't feel the hardship outside. Who knew what the outside world had become.
After Ye Mu En finished eating, he called Zi Yi Sheng and a few others to go up the mountain. With the current weather, he worried about his father staying on the mountain any longer. The original body he had was already riddled with old injuries. If he hadn't been drinking the well water from his sister's space every day, he wouldn't know how many more years he would have lived. Now that he was a bit better, he couldn't endure the cold anymore.
As Ye Mu En entered the cave, he sensed that the atmosphere between the grandfather and grandson had improved significantly. Were they not arguing anymore?
"Dad, the matter is settled, let's go down the mountain. I've already asked Aunt Zhen to prepare water. We'll go home and have a good bath."
"Oh, finally we can go down the mountain. My old bones really can't hold on any longer."
Qi Xuan had been very silent. Even when he saw Ye Mu En, he wasn't as boisterous as before. It was as if he hadn't seen anyone, yet it was clear his eyes were red.
Ye Dad helped Qi Lu Quan, while Zi Yi Sheng was only responsible for carrying the luggage. Qi Xuan was carried down the mountain by A Sen.
Qi Lu Quan's eyes were filled with anticipation. He wanted to spend the last moments of his life with people he trusted, and never have to worry again.
Qi Xuan looked at his grandfather's slightly hunched back and his eyes welled up even more. He suppressed his tears and buried his face in A Sen's back.
Ye Ma had never seen an elder in such a state. Although her husband had said they should be treated as peers, it was undeniable that the elder looked much older.
"Everyone, hurry up and eat. After eating, go and wash up properly. I've prepared new clothes and bedding for you."
This was the first time Qi Lu Quan had met Ye Ma, and he looked at Ye Dad with disdain.
"You really are blessed to have found such a beautiful and elegant wife with your rough exterior. You've gotten off easy."
Ye Dad was impatient and wanted to kick him again, but considering the old man was nearing his end, he held back.
"No use being envious or jealous. It's because you're not as handsome as me."
"Pah! I was very handsome when I was young. Xuan Xuan's grandmother was so smitten with me that she insisted on marrying me."
Qi Xuan looked at the enthusiastic Ye Ma and knew that this would be his home from now on, and that he had people to rely on. Seeing his grandfather so content here, he also smiled.
"Thank you, Mama Ye. My grandfather and I will have to trouble you from now on."
Ye Ma didn't actually dislike Qi Xuan. At first, she just felt it was sudden trouble. She was used to a peaceful life and didn't want to get involved in any complications.
But now that she knew about Qi Lu Quan's relationship with her husband, and that Qi Xuan would soon be an orphan, she couldn't bear to be cold to them. After all, their family had taken in Mo Lin and Xiao Tian Tian, who had no relation to them, so taking in two more was nothing.
"Xuan Xuan, you don't need to be so polite with Auntie in the future. This is your home. In a few days, your own new house will be built, and Auntie will have everything ready for you. I'll also prepare plenty of clothes for you."
Qi Xuan was a person with a very soft heart. The motherly care he had never experienced made him feel a sense of anticipation.
"Mama Ye, I won't be polite. My friend Sheng Ge and I are good friends, too."
Ye Sheng Ge, suddenly being mentioned, could only offer a wry smile. Could she say they weren't quite friends yet?
"Aunt Zhen made you a new cotton padded jacket. I've prepared clean underclothes for you; they're all washed and dried. When you've rested, I'll have my masters take a look at your leg."
"Are the village doctors your masters?"
"Yes, they live at home. They've just gone to the village clinic, but you'll see them tonight."
Qi Xuan quickly took Ye Sheng Ge's hand, with a hint of pleading in his eyes.
"Can they also examine my grandfather's health? I don't believe what my grandfather says; I feel there's still hope."
Ye Sheng Ge had only heard that Uncle Qi had a serious illness, but she didn't know the specifics. It wouldn't hurt to have a look; perhaps there would be a turn for the better.
Ye Sheng Ge hated seeing such situations the most. She patted Qi Xuan's hand reassuringly.
"Don't worry, they'll examine him when they get back. It's not a big problem here at home."
"Thank you. Sheng Ge, why are you so kind?"
Ye Sheng Ge felt awkward. Was she really that kind? Receiving such a compliment made her feel a bit embarrassed.
With two more people in the house, there was a flurry of activity, especially for Ye Sheng Ge and Ye Ma, who had to help Qi Xuan with his leg.
Ye Sheng Ge also had to help Xiao Tian Tian get familiar with Qi Xuan, fearing that Xiao Tian Tian would be scared or resistant.
Qi Xuan was quite lively and, upon seeing the adorable Xiao Tian Tian, wanted to reach out and touch her. However, Xiao Tian Tian kept dodging him.
Upon learning of Xiao Tian Tian's condition, Qi Xuan couldn't believe it. She was completely unaware of the current situation in the country and was even afraid. It was no wonder Uncle Ye had disagreed to let them stay at first; this would have added so much risk to the Ye family.
Qi Xuan wanted to pull Ye Sheng Ge to thank her again, but Ye Sheng Ge cleverly avoided her. She really wasn't used to this kind of interaction; all this thanking back and forth was exhausting.
At the same time, Ye Mu En was kicked out of his room with his bedding and sent to Zi Yi Sheng's house. He glared menacingly at Zi Yi Sheng's every move.
Zi Yi Sheng was already speechless. He wished he could change the little girl's age and marry her immediately. Even if they didn't consummate the marriage, he could at least get close to her freely, and no one could say anything against it.
But there were still two years left, and two years felt so long.
Ye Sheng Ge was unaware of her boyfriend's thoughts. She was currently with her two masters, examining Qi Xuan's leg and Uncle Qi's health.
"The bone is healing well. If you take good care of it, it won't affect your ability to walk in the future. I'll change your plaster every three days. This medicine is beneficial for your injury."
Qi Xuan grinned foolishly. She no longer felt much pain in her leg. Could such capable doctors also save her grandfather?
"Thank you, Doctor Fan and Doctor Dang. Can you also examine my grandfather?"
"Since you'll be living at home from now on, there's no need to call us Doctor. Just call us Grandpa. Sheng Ge doesn't want to call me that; she keeps calling me Master, Master."
Ye Sheng Ge rolled her eyes internally. Who was it that said they should respect their elders and their teachings? She respected them, yet she was still being complained about.
The three of them entered Qi Lu Quan's room. Seeing him sleeping soundly in bed, they moved quietly. Elder Fan took his pulse and remained still for ten minutes.
However, Ye Sheng Ge felt uneasy. Her master's expression had become significantly more serious.
Elder Dang had the same expression. Ye Sheng Ge immediately sentenced him to death in her mind. She could only detoxify; she wasn't very good at treating physical ailments.
"Sheng Ge, come and take a look. I don't think he's just sick."
Ye Sheng Ge stepped forward and took his pulse. Her brows furrowed as well, because she couldn't detect any specific problem. However, she did feel a trace of vitality within Uncle Qi's weak pulse, which was very unusual.
"I can't see anything specific, but I feel a trace of vitality."
Elder Fan exchanged a gratified look with Elder Dang. There had been progress. It was already remarkable that she could perceive this.
"When you have free time, read more medical texts on strange and obscure theories. You might gain some unexpected insights. As for him, we need to study it further. In any case, this isn't a normal illness, and it would be best to inquire about the cause of his illness."
Qi Xuan had been eagerly awaiting a pleasant surprise. Seeing Ye Sheng Ge enter, her eyes immediately lit up as she looked at her.
"How is it?"
Ye Sheng Ge didn't hide anything. She relayed the conclusions of her two masters, explaining that it would require time for research and that no one, especially doctors, could guarantee the outcome.
Upon hearing this, Qi Xuan covered her face and began to cry. Ye Sheng Ge didn't know how to comfort her and could only sit by her side.
"This is good, there's always hope, isn't there?"
"Yes, that's the right attitude to have. People should always hold onto hope."
Just like in her previous life, she had lived each day with hope, never giving up on herself.
"It's wonderful to have you all. Now, just like Xiao Tian Tian, the luckiest thing in my life is meeting you."
"That proves it's destiny. Get some good rest. You need to recover from your injuries first so you can properly accompany your grandfather."
Ye Dad had also been waiting. He felt the same sense of anticipation upon hearing this conclusion.
Ye Sheng Ge became busy again. She needed to read many books. She hadn't had time to read the books recently sent by Min Xing, so she would use this opportunity to study them.
Zi Yi Sheng was once again left behind. He once again felt that letting the little girl study medicine wasn't a good thing. Why did she always encounter such difficult and complex cases?
Chen Tang Tang had finally tidied up her bedding. She felt unaccustomed to seeing beds placed everywhere in one room. At home, she had her own room. Now, she had to change clothes in front of five or six people, which was really uncomfortable.
Moreover, the food in the educated youth dormitory was truly terrible. She couldn't believe that people older than her could cook food like this. However, she didn't want to stand out. If she revealed her abilities, she would become the designated helper for these people, and she didn't want to do thankless work.
At this moment, Chen Tang Tang and her brother were firm in their decision to move out. They had discussed it after dinner and planned to find the village chief tomorrow to discuss it.