Chapter 27

The first thing Jiang Ruan did upon returning was to prepare a medicinal bath for Qin Yan’s foot soak. The treatment had been halted for two days, meaning that what could have taken a month would now take two. Jiang Ruan wasn’t willing to delay any further.

The massage required strength. Previously, Qin Yan had no sensation, so Jiang Ruan could press firmly without holding back. Today, however, she applied just a bit of force and heard Qin Yan let out a muffled groan.

Jiang Ruan wondered if he was beginning to feel something.

She looked up and asked, “Qin Yan, I’m your doctor now. You must be honest with me. When I pressed earlier, you felt something, didn’t you?”

He did—it was both ticklish and painful, but Qin Yan loved the sensation. For someone who had been disabled, there was no greater joy than feeling his legs again.

Qin Yan replied, “I only feel it when you press. After the medicinal bath, the sensation gradually fades.”

Jiang Ruan was thrilled, “It’s starting to work!”

“Just from the medicinal bath and massage?” Qin Yan was skeptical, but the evidence was right in front of him.

Of course, it wasn’t just the medicinal bath; it was also her special abilities. Jiang Ruan said, “I told you that this herbal formula is effective, and combined with my unique massage technique, if you can get into college, I can heal you before you start.”

Could it really be done? A glimmer of hope rose in Qin Yan’s heart. He was afraid it might be nothing more than an illusory dream. “I’m not even sure I can get into college,” he said.

Jiang Ruan’s hands had already moved up to his knees. “Well, give it your best shot,” she encouraged.

Looking into her pure, innocent eyes, Qin Yan tried to convince himself: Don’t overthink it; she’s just treating you. To her, there shouldn’t be any part of a patient’s body that’s off-limits. Just bear with it. After all, she promised such a big outcome; even if he couldn’t stand up again, just regaining some sensation would be worthwhile.

Today’s massage was the most satisfying one Jiang Ruan had ever given. Previously, when his legs were numb, Qin Yan had forbidden her from massaging above the knees. Now that he could feel something, he was willing to endure it, and Jiang Ruan wanted to test the progress of the treatment. After the medicinal bath cooled, Qin Yan was drenched in sweat.

“You did great today, Qin Yan. Keep it up, okay?” Jiang Ruan said. “I’m treating you as a patient, so don’t misunderstand me.”

Qin Yan was a bit annoyed, “Just leave. I need to change.”

…

The person who came to pick up Jiang Ruan was her eldest brother, Jiang Wangshan, leaving Qin Yan thoroughly disappointed. “What, the Han family doesn’t want to switch?” he asked.

Jiang Wangshan didn’t know how to explain. “It’s not that,” he said. “The negotiations are still ongoing. Just let Ruan Ruan stay at home for one more night, and we’ll definitely have an answer tomorrow.”

Jiang Ruan didn’t mind either way; she was going to sleep at Grandma Huang’s house. Without any expectations or sadness, she went home with Jiang Wangshan, where only her eldest brother and sister-in-law, second brother and sister-in-law, and Jiang Jianchun were present. Her parents weren’t there.

Jiang Wangshan said, “Ruan Ruan, you can continue staying at Grandma Huang’s. I still need to go to the Han family.”

Jiang Ruan thought for a moment, “Brother, I can just keep staying at Grandma Huang’s, or I can rent a place.”

Jiang Wangshan felt sad. Everyone said Jiang Ruan was simple-minded, but if she weren’t this straightforward, she could have gone to the Han family, cried and made a fuss, and negotiations would’ve been unnecessary. She was the one who had suffered the most and had the most right to make demands.

“Don’t worry. We’ll sort it out tonight, even if it means staying up all night, and give you a proper answer,” Jiang Wangshan assured her.

…

At the Han residence, Liu Jinyun was clinging to Han Qingqing’s hand, crying, “Qingqing has gotten used to living in your house. Ruan Ruan is tough and can be cheerful in any situation. Why do we have to switch them back? What will Qingqing do?”

“What do you mean by calling my sister tough?” Han Changfeng said calmly. “You can’t take the hardships she’s endured for granted. Now that we know they were switched, Han Qingqing must come home.”

Seeing her eldest son’s firm stance, Han Mother slumped, unable to stand. “If the Jiang family is willing, why not just let Qingqing stay?”

Han Changfeng shook his head resolutely. “I’ve already asked her at school. Even though she knew Ruan Ruan was my biological sister and the true daughter of the Han family, she didn’t say a word. I gave her a chance. Now that Ruan Ruan is back, Qingqing must go.”

“We have plenty of room and can afford to raise them both. Why is my eldest brother so biased against Qingqing?” Han Yunqing asked.

Han Changfeng shot him a cold look. “Qingqing is innocent, but so is our sister. Qingqing has been pampered by the Han family for seventeen years, but Ruan Ruan didn’t receive the same treatment from the Jiang family. If you don’t want your real daughter and sister, just say the word, and we’ll act accordingly.”

“No one said we didn’t want her. It’s just painful,” Han Mother said, covering her face in distress.

Han Father spoke up, “Let’s switch them back. Each family should take their own daughter. Changfeng, go bring Ruan Ruan home.”

…

Jiang Ruan hadn’t gone to bed yet when she saw her father and Liu Jinyun return with Han Qingqing, who looked unsteady on her feet.

Liu Jinyun, who had never treated Jiang Ruan well, was now even more resentful toward her.

Jiang Jianchun was the most shocked and rushed out, exclaiming, “Mom, did the Han family really kick Qingqing out? How could they?”

Liu Jinyun glanced at Jiang Ruan with jealousy. “The Han parents and second brother are reasonable, but the eldest brother insisted on sending Qingqing away. Never mind, we’ll just raise our own daughter. Once they see her back home, they’ll realize she’s no match for Qingqing.”

“Enough!” Jiang Baomin scolded. “Go set up a bed for her, or where will she sleep tonight?”

Grandma Huang had already packed Jiang Ruan’s belongings and patted her hand reassuringly. “Good girl, go back with your brother. The Han family is your real family. You were wronged for so many years, so go back with peace of mind.”

While Han Qingqing was busy carrying out three or four bags of belongings, Jiang Ruan only had one small bag that held everything she owned.

When Han Qingqing called Han Changfeng “big brother,” he picked up Jiang Ruan’s light bag and said, “From now on, your brothers will be Jiang Wangshan and Jiang Wanghai.”

…

Jiang Ruan followed Han Changfeng back to the Han family. Apart from Han Police Officer, the other members were strangers to her, so she didn’t feel any attachment.

The Han family was cleaning a room for her to stay in when Han Mother hugged her tightly. “Ruan Ruan, I’m so sorry,” she said.

“Okay,” Jiang Ruan responded softly, not accustomed to the affection of unfamiliar people.

Han Father noticed her distant demeanor and gently separated his wife, saying, “She just got back. Take it slow.”

Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Ruan didn’t want to trouble everyone further and pointed to a clean room. “This used to be Han Qingqing’s room, right? I’ll sleep here.”

The Han family exchanged glances, and Han Changfeng said, “If you’re okay with that, it’s fine.”

Han Mother hesitated. “But Qingqing doesn’t like others touching her things.”

Jiang Ruan asked, “Will she be coming back?”

“Well…” Han Mother intended to explain that once the two girls got to know each other, they would eventually bring Han Qingqing back.

Han Father saw his daughter’s expression and realized she was wiser than people thought. She wasn’t the type to be easily pushed around.

He made his stance clear, “Han Qingqing won’t be coming back. Honey, go change the sheets and towels for Ruan Ruan so she can rest.”

…

Jiang Ruan settled into Han Qingqing’s former room, with new sheets and a pillow. She didn’t mind that it had once belonged to Han Qingqing. Qin Yan had told her that Han Qingqing wasn’t as innocent as she appeared and was a “white lotus.” Understanding that it wasn’t a compliment, she decided to stay there with peace of mind.

The next morning, her new mother had already prepared breakfast—white rice porridge with fragrant sweet potato chunks, along with meat buns and fried dough sticks from outside, far better than the breakfast at the Jiang family.

So, she decided to eat a little.

During breakfast, Jiang Ruan observed that Han Father was kind, Han Mother seemed conflicted, and Han Second Brother made a few sarcastic remarks, wondering what Han Qingqing was eating for breakfast.

Only Officer Han genuinely cared about Jiang Ruan. When Jiang Ruan mentioned going to work, the Han family suggested she quit her job.

Jiang Ruan asked, “If I quit, what would I do?”

“You don’t have to do anything. The Han family can afford to support you,” Han Yunqing replied. “If my sister works as a nanny, people will laugh at me.”

Jiang Ruan responded, “Then don’t be friends with people who would laugh at you. Don’t ask me to stop working.”

Han Changfeng interjected, “Let’s discuss the work situation slowly. Until we find a suitable job for Ruan Ruan, she can keep working at the Qin family.”

“Ruan Ruan, will you be eating lunch and dinner with us?” Han’s mother asked.

“Yes,” Jiang Ruan nodded. “The Qin family takes care of my meals.”

…

Today, Qin Yan was heading to school for his monthly exams. He asked Jiang Ruan how the Han family was treating her.

Jiang Ruan explained that aside from Han’s eldest brother, the others still missed Han Qingqing. But it didn’t bother her; she wasn’t upset. In fact, she was happy since she didn’t have to give any money to either family.

Qin Yan treated her to breakfast at a steamed bun shop near the school. The seating was L-shaped, and halfway through the meal, they overheard two girls talking at the other end—Han Qingqing and Mu Xuehui.

Mu Xuehui was comforting Han Qingqing, “The conditions at the Jiang family are so poor. Look at all those mosquito bites on your arms and neck. Your mom must be heartbroken. Didn’t you say she was coming to bring you lunch? Qingqing, I think you should talk to your uncle about getting adopted by him. The Jiang family would surely agree.”

Mu Xuehui was clearly referring to Han’s mother.

“And then there’s the Shen family. You have that childhood engagement. Are you really going to let Jiang Ruan take your fiancé? Qingqing, you need to fight for what’s yours. If you’re adopted by your uncle, you’d still be considered a Han, and the engagement could be preserved.”

Han Qingqing paused before saying, “I don’t know. I’ll mention it to my mom when she comes for lunch.”

“I’ll go with you at noon,” Mu Xuehui offered.

“Thank you, Huihui. You’re still willing to be friends with me even now,” Han Qingqing said gratefully.

Mu Xuehui smiled awkwardly; she just thought there was still hope for Han Qingqing.

Qin Yan tightened his grip on his chopsticks. He had nearly forgotten that Han Qingqing had a childhood engagement. Now that the family situation was sorted out, wouldn’t that engagement be reassigned to Jiang Ruan?

Jiang Ruan noticed Qin Yan’s serious expression and asked curiously, “Brother Qin Yan, did something serious just cross your mind?”