Chapter 16: Treating the Leg at the Hospital

Su Ai briefly explained Ji Yang’s condition to the doctor, who then ordered several tests.

Since bone injuries aren’t visible to the naked eye, medical instruments were needed to assess the damage.

The doctor examined Ji Yang’s injuries, wounds, and bones while he lay on the bed.

Because Ji Yang was also a medical professional, he could accurately describe his condition and opinions to the doctor.

The doctor quickly understood the situation.

People were generally kind back then. Seeing Su Ai’s difficulty traveling with a child, the doctor kindly offered:

“Leave your luggage here. Let the child sit here too; I’ll watch over them while you go for your tests.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

There were no elevators back then, so Su Ai carried Ji Yang up and down the stairs for various tests, running back and forth.

Ji Yang was a grown man, nearly 1.9 meters tall and weighing over a hundred kilograms. Being carried by Su Ai, even she, a strong woman, started to breathe heavily and sweat.

“If you’re tired, let’s rest. We don’t have to finish everything today.”

But Su Ai couldn’t stop. Now that they were at the hospital, she was even more eager to get Ji Yang’s leg treated.

“It’s okay, I’m not tired.”

After several trips carrying Ji Yang, she returned to the doctor’s office with all the test results.

The doctor examined the X-rays and said:

“This requires surgery. It’s treatable, but it will cost a significant amount of money. If you’re prepared, I can arrange for your hospitalization.”

“Doctor, about how much will it cost?”

The doctor looked at Ji Yang sympathetically.  Seeing their family’s attire, he knew they weren’t well-off.

If he told them the price, they might choose not to treat the injury.

“At least five or six hundred yuan, at a minimum.”

“That’s just the surgery and hospitalization fees.  After discharge, you won’t be able to move around for a while.”

“You’ll need proper nutrition and rest; you won’t be able to work for at least three months.”

Hospitalization costs were one thing; recovery costs were another.

If a man couldn’t work, and spent months at home eating, drinking, and sleeping, a family needed savings to afford it.

“Money isn’t a problem. Doctor, I want to ask, will his leg be crippled after treatment? Will there be any lasting effects? Or, if he recovers well, will he be like a normal person?”

Money wasn’t an issue; Su Ai was most concerned about Ji Yang’s full recovery.

If the local hospital couldn’t fully cure Ji Yang’s leg, she would take him to a hospital in Beijing.

“Don’t worry, it’s a minor injury. As long as you’re willing to spend the money and receive proper treatment and care, he won’t be crippled. He’ll fully recover.”

Although the case was complex, the city hospital could handle it.

“That’s good. Doctor, please arrange for hospitalization. We’ll get treatment.”

“Okay.”

Seeing the couple’s mutual support, the doctor sighed.

“Your financial situation isn’t great, yet you support each other. You’re still young; your life will get better. As long as he’s okay, you can always earn more money.”

“The child is adorable too.”

“Your life will definitely get better.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“You’ll need an IV drip for the next two days.  The surgery will be scheduled in a couple of days; we’ll notify you of the exact time.”

“Try to keep his leg still; it’s best if he can lie in bed.”

“Okay.”

The doctor gave them the test forms and directed them to a bed.

The hospital wasn’t very busy; there were enough beds.

City hospitals were expensive, and most people couldn’t afford them.  Minor illnesses were endured, and serious illnesses were often left untreated.

Rural clinics, on the other hand, were usually crowded.

Their room had four beds but only two patients.  After they settled in, there was one empty bed.

By the time they finished, it was dark, and they hadn’t had lunch.

Lele followed his parents everywhere.  When Su Ai told him to sit quietly, he did.

After Su Ai settled Ji Yang in bed and tidied up, she poured a cup of warm water for each of them.

“Hungry, sweetie? Drink some water first. Mommy will buy you something delicious later.”

Lele noticed his mother’s chapped lips and quickly offered her the water.

“Mommy, your lips are chapped.  You carried Dad; you’re more tired. Mommy should drink first.”

The child’s thoughtful act moved Su Ai deeply.

Her precious child.

What had she missed in her past life?

Su Ai lowered her head and took a couple of sips from her son’s hand, moistening her lips.

“Sweetie, you drink too.”

Watching the tender moment between mother and son, Ji Yang silently withdrew his teacup.

A gentle smile appeared on his face.

This was the family life he wanted simple and beautiful.

The child’s stomach rumbled as soon as he drank water.

Lele shyly covered his stomach, his face blushing.

His shyness was exactly like his father’s.

“Oh, Lele is hungry.  Look, Mommy, your tummy is empty. You didn’t have lunch; you must be hungry, right?”

The child was very well-behaved, understanding his parents were busy with medical matters.

He hadn’t had lunch but sat quietly.  He was truly a gift from heaven, a warm and caring angel.

Su Ai was so touched she didn’t know what to say.

“Mommy will take you out to buy something to eat, okay?”

“Mommy, will we both go? If we both go, no one will look after Dad.”

The child wanted to go out but didn’t want to leave his father.

He had seen colorful shops near the hospital entrance, which were very attractive to a child who had never been to the city.

But he didn’t want to leave his father alone in the ward.

Su Ai had already carried Ji Yang to the toilet.

“It’s okay. Let Mommy take you to buy food, and we’ll get some for Dad too. Dad is tired and wants to rest in bed.”