Chapter 27: A Doctor’s Visit

After recounting the events in Qingshan Village, Tang Xiaorou treated Qin Xueqiong and Little Liang’s wounds.

“Mom, I’ll make you some self-defense powder. You’ll be able to protect yourselves.” She looked at Little Liang. “Little Liang, you and Little Yan are small. Next time, hide behind Grandma. Don’t rush forward.”

Little Liang lowered his head. “I bumped into that person, so Grandma was harassed. I’m too small to protect Grandma.”

Qin Xueqiong’s heart melted. She hugged Little Liang. “Little Liang, Grandma should protect you.  That person wasn’t looking where they were going; it’s not your fault.”

Tang Xiaorou added, “Yes, Little Liang. You’re so small, how could you hurt that person? They were trying to extort you.” She patted his head.  He was so sensible, it was heartbreaking.

Little Yan blew on her brother’s face, then climbed onto Qin Xueqiong and blew on her face.

“Whew… whew… pain go away!”

Everyone laughed at Little Yan’s actions.

Qin Xueqiong hugged Little Yan. “It doesn’t hurt, Grandma doesn’t hurt.” She was glad her daughter married Shen Huaixu; they escaped the Tang family and had these two lovely children.

Tang Xiaorou laughed.

“Little Yan is amazing! Grandma and Brother don’t hurt anymore.”

Little Yan laughed, but her stomach rumbled.  She shyly hugged her stomach.

Tang Xiaorou stood up. “I’ll get food. Rest.”

“Okay.”

Tang Xiaorou brought food back, including some for Grandma Yao. After eating, Qin Xueqiong put the children to bed. Tang Xiaorou went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy gifts for the Song family.

The next morning, Tang Xiaorou prepared to leave.

“Mom, check on Grandma Yao, then go have breakfast. I’ll be back after visiting the Song family.”

“Okay.”

Qin Xueqiong nodded, adding, “Xiaorou, if you see your Uncle Song, ask about your uncle. We haven’t heard from him in years.  He might contact Uncle Song.”

Qin Xueqiong was sad when talking about her brother.

They were close.  When she got married, Qin Zhe was reluctant to let her go.  He disappeared shortly after her wedding.

Tang Xiaorou nodded. “Okay, I will.”

Following her mother’s directions, Tang Xiaorou found the Song family’s house.

“Hello?”

She knocked, but no one answered.

“Little girl, who are you looking for?” A middle-aged woman carrying a basket of groceries saw Tang Xiaorou and asked.

“Hello, is this Song Xuejun’s home?”

Hearing she was looking for her son, Yang Siji’s eyes lit up. “Yes, this is Song Xuejun’s home. Are you his friend?” She opened the door and invited Tang Xiaorou in.

Tang Xiaorou went in and put the gifts on the table.

“Hello, Auntie.  Song Xuejun helped my mother and children yesterday, so I came to thank him.”

“Oh… you have children.”

Yang Siji realized her mistake. She thought her son had finally found a partner. “You’re too kind. Helping others is the right thing to do. Take these gifts back. You don’t need to spend money.”

“Mom, someone’s here.”

Song Xuejun heard his mother talking and saw Tang Xiaorou. “Why are you here?”

Tang Xiaorou stood up smiling. “I came to thank you.”

Song Xuejun frowned. “I already said you didn’t need to thank me. Why are you here again?”

Yang Siji glared at her son. “Xuejun, she came to thank you personally. Don’t lecture her.”

“Mom, she’s the woman who was supposed to have a blind date with me but got married to another man.”

Yang Siji was incredulous. She looked at Tang Xiaorou. “You… you’re Qin Zhe’s niece?”

“Yes.”

Tang Xiaorou admitted it and explained what happened. “It was an accident. But I married Shen, so it’s a done deal. I guess Song and I weren’t meant to be.”

Yang Siji glared at her son.

“I told you to go earlier! You didn’t listen! Now you missed the blind date and a good girl like Xiao Tang.” Seeing Tang Xiaorou’s composure and clear eyes, she felt regretful. The girl resembled her uncle, not in looks, but in temperament.

Yang Siji had only met Qin Zhe once, but she remembered him vividly. Seeing Tang Xiaorou reminded her of that encounter.

Song Xuejun didn’t say anything, just mumbled, “I’ll get you some tea.”

After he left, Yang Siji pulled Tang Xiaorou to sit down.

Tang Xiaorou asked about her uncle, Qin Zhe.

“I’ve never met my uncle. My mother told me about him. After he disappeared, we lost contact. My mother is very sad. When did Uncle Song last hear from him?”

Yang Siji was also sad.

“Your uncle was very intelligent. My husband, Lao Song, met him by chance and became best friends. Lao Song last saw your uncle twenty… no, twenty-one years ago. Your mother had just gotten married. Your uncle said he was going out of town and never returned.”

Tang Xiaorou sighed. They hadn’t heard from him in so many years; they didn’t know if he was alive or dead.

Song Xuejun brought tea and went to his room.

Yang Siji called him back. “Xuejun, aren’t you working today?”

Song Xuejun hesitated. “I took a day off.”

Yang Siji felt a pang of sadness. Since his accident, her son had become withdrawn and self-conscious, afraid of interacting with people. He probably didn’t go to work because his colleagues teased him. Before she could speak, Tang Xiaorou spoke.

“Comrade Song, can you tell me more about your health?”