Chapter 359: A Good Reward Tonight

“We’re about to head back, and I was thinking of treating Wang Kuanzi and his wife to a meal,” he said.

Li Yiyi thought about the help they had received from them and agreed that it was definitely a good idea to treat them to a meal.

“How about tomorrow? Today won’t work—there are too many patients. You saw it, the people outside are afraid to leave because they’re worried they won’t be able to get treated,” Li Yiyi said with a bitter smile.

“Alright, then let’s set it for tomorrow. I’ll call them to confirm,” Jiang Hong said. Seeing the long line of villagers outside when he entered, he gently patted his wife’s hand in understanding. “Wife, you’ve worked hard. Tonight, I’ll make sure to reward you well.”

Li Yiyi didn’t think much of it. Since she chose this profession, she never expected there would be any easy days ahead.

“It’s fine, I’m used to it. What are you planning to do this afternoon?” she asked, holding his hand.

Jiang Hong held her hand tightly. “The village is fishing in the pond today. I’m going to help out.”

“Fishing? That’s great! See if you can get a bigger fish. We can buy one and cook it at home for sour fish soup. I haven’t had it in a while, and I’m really craving it,” she smiled.

Jiang Hong laughed, gently hugging her. “Alright, if there’s a big fish, I’ll definitely buy it.”

Li Yiyi was startled when he suddenly hugged her, worried that someone might walk in.

“Alright, alright. Hurry up and go. I’ll rest a bit and then go back to treating the villagers,” she said, embarrassed, gently pushing him toward the door.

Jiang Hong, looking at his blushing wife with a smile, quickly kissed her right cheek when no one was around. He then leaned in and whispered, “Wife, why are you still so shy? But I do like how you look when you’re shy.”

Li Yiyi felt her ears warm up as his breath brushed across her face, making her feel as if a thousand butterflies were fluttering in her chest.

“I’m not shy! Stop making stuff up. I’m just hot! Go now, go now. If you don’t leave, I’ll get angry!” she said, pushing him out the door.

The villagers who were sitting outside, waiting in line, saw the couple and smiled as they called out to them.

“Doctor Li, Jiang Hong, you two have such a great relationship. Even though your kids are so big now, your relationship still seems like newlyweds.”

“Right, when they got married, I knew they’d always love each other. I wasn’t wrong.”

Li Yiyi, hearing their exaggerated compliments, smiled awkwardly. She didn’t believe for a second that they had thought that way back then. After all, the original her had been practically invisible in the village; it was surprising they even remembered her.

After sending Jiang Hong out, Li Yiyi quickly returned to the rest area, planning to rest for half an hour.

The afternoon was busy as well, but thanks to Shen Qianhe’s help, it was faster than the morning rush.

By evening, when she finished treating the last patient, Li Yiyi collapsed into a chair, feeling completely drained.

“Third Uncle, I definitely won’t agree to this next time. Today really wore me out,” she said, her arms aching from the work.

Third Uncle, equally tired, could barely straighten his old back.

“Girl, next time even if you’re willing to take the shift, I won’t let you. Look at this, when I work, there are rarely any patients, but as soon as you take over, you’ve treated everyone in the village! You’ve exhausted this old back of mine!” Third Uncle said with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Shen Qianhe, smiling gently, stepped forward to help Third Uncle stretch his back, then looked at Li Yiyi and said, “Doctor Li, are you free now? I have several questions I’d like to ask you.”

Li Yiyi looked at him and, since he had helped out, didn’t want to refuse. “Alright, Doctor Shen, what questions do you have? Just ask.”

Shen Qianhe, happy that she agreed, immediately found a seat next to her and began asking the questions that had been building up in his mind all afternoon.

Li Yiyi couldn’t help but smile, both amused and exasperated by his rapid-fire questions.

“Doctor Shen, let me answer your questions one by one. The first one you asked is about whether severed tendons can heal, right?”

“Yes! I clearly remember that Jiang Qing’s tendons were severed, but now after examining him again, his tendons seem to have healed. It’s so strange—it healed on its own without surgery! That’s what I really want to know!” Shen Qianhe said eagerly, looking at her with excitement.

Li Yiyi smiled and, seeing his eagerness, quickly reassured him. “Doctor Shen, don’t get too excited. I’ll explain it to you.”

“If tendons are severed, they can indeed heal. Apart from surgery, Chinese medicine has many methods to help them heal without an incision. For example, medicinal plasters and acupuncture can both achieve this result.”

“Medicinal plasters? Is that the same one you’ve been using for Jiang Qing’s legs? Does that mean his legs healed because of that plaster you made?” Shen Qianhe immediately thought of the dark plaster Jiang Qing had been using on his legs.

“Sort of. The plaster I used on my brother’s legs helps promote blood circulation and muscle regeneration, but it’s not that powerful on its own. The real key is the treatment itself. In addition to using the plaster, I also do acupuncture on him every day, which is a crucial factor in his recovery.”