Chapter 21.3

After lunch, the group returned in high spirits. Midway back, as Gu Ci hugged the divine medicine powder, he suddenly remembered he had forgotten to ask about Guan Yue’s true identity. 

“Captain, so what if you didn’t ask? It’s not a big deal.” 

Another man, who used to be a scout, chimed in: “Judging from Guan Yue’s demeanor and actions, she definitely has a good background. Plus, she speaks and acts very straightforwardly, but from another perspective, she’s also quite simple.” 

“Could she be pretending?” 

“Don’t overthink it! She’s been around for several years, and she’s only 18 or 19 now. What could she have done at 10 years old?” 

“Besides, she doesn’t like interacting with people and has stayed in the mountains for years. Even if she were a spy, what could she possibly know? Which mountain has the most herbs?” 

“I’d guess she’s a young lady from some noble family. Maybe she lost her family and was taken in and raised by her teacher.” 

“That’s possible. We found out that her teacher, Xu Hua’an, wasn’t wealthy and has now moved his whole family to Hong Kong.” 

“When you put it that way, it all seems to fit.” 

Another man glanced at the divine medicine powder. “If you ask me, it doesn’t matter where Guan Yue came from. What’s certain is that her stance is solid.” 

Everyone agreed on this matter! 

While they stood up for Guan Yue, they didn’t bother to pry into her identity. Deep down, they had already acknowledged that regardless of her background, her stance was unquestionable. 

Gu Ci shouted, “Let’s go! Hurry back! Before those old geezers return from their patrols, let’s divide up the goods!” 

“Go, go, go! Quick, we’ve got two hours before they’re back.” 

There were plenty of military units stationed at the border, and if their battalion wanted a larger share, they’d have to put in a lot of effort. 

Gu Ci made a mental note to be more diligent in writing letters to Gu Sui in the future to strengthen their bond. 

Then he stomped his foot, realizing he had forgotten something—he hadn’t told Gu Sui that Guan Yue liked him yet! 

Once the Qingchuan City issue was resolved, Guan Yue didn’t want to linger any longer. After saying goodbye to the Deng family, she prepared to leave. 

Deng Baishu looked at her eagerly. “Can I go with you to Qingxi Village? I find what you teach much easier to understand than what my dad and uncle say.” 

Before Guan Yue could respond, Gu Sui interjected gently, “Your father isn’t young anymore. How could you go off on a long trip? You should stay in Qingchuan City.” 

Deng Baishu didn’t catch the rejection. “If I leave, my senior brothers and cousins will take care of him. He doesn’t need me. Plus, if I’m not there, he’ll get less angry—better for his health!” 

Gu Sui’s eyes turned icy. This kid really didn’t know his place. 

Guan Yue gave Deng Baishu a disdainful glance. “What use are you to me? Do you cook better than Gu Sui or something?” 

Hearing this, Gu Sui smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile. 

Deng Baishu wilted. He had tasted Gu Sui’s cooking and knew he was nowhere close to matching it. 

But he refused to give up. “I can chop firewood!” 

Guan Yue gave him a look that said: Do I look like someone who needs help chopping firewood?

In the end, no matter how much Deng Baishu begged, threw tantrums, or rolled on the ground, Guan Yue didn’t budge. 

Deng Baishu went home dejectedly. His father and uncle were waiting in the courtyard. When they saw him return, they shot him a glare and walked away. 

As his father left, he muttered, “Useless. Can’t even cozy up to someone properly!” 

Poor Deng Baishu! Feeling all down and withdrawn. Life, oh, why is it so hard? 

By the time Guan Yue and Gu Sui returned from Qingchuan City, it was already mid-June, and the Dragon Boat Festival was just around the corner. 

On the train, Guan Yue turned to Gu Sui and asked, “I heard people eat zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival? And there’s even ham-filled zongzi?” 

“You’ve never had zongzi before?” 

“I have, but they weren’t good.” 

Gu Sui chuckled. “I’ll try my best to make them taste better.” 

Guan Yue’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “I wonder if the fermented rice wine Li Tao’s mom made for me is ready to eat yet?” 

“If she started making it when you left, it should be ready by now. The weather’s hot, so it doesn’t take long for fermented rice wine to ferment.” 

Stretching lazily, Guan Yue sighed, “That’s great. I’m craving fermented rice wine soup dumplings and fermented rice wine eggs.” 

Amused, Gu Sui’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Alright, whatever you want to eat, I’ll make it for you.” 

---

The young couple chatted away, completely absorbed in their conversation about food, while nearby passengers pricked up their ears to listen. 

What kind of family is this? They can just eat whatever they want?

Fermented rice wine eggs? Soup dumplings? Come on—ordinary folks wouldn’t dream of eating like this. 

Having just an egg during the Dragon Boat Festival is already a luxury, let alone zongzi, and with ham filling at that! What a life they must lead! 

Jealousy. Pure envy. 

---

Sunlight streamed through the train windows as the scenery outside unfolded like a never-ending scroll of mountain and water landscapes—green trees, vibrant flowers, winding rivers, and sprawling farmland. 

The rhythmic clattering of the green train accompanied the slow but steady journey, carrying travelers home one by one. No rush. They’d all get there eventually. 

When they finally arrived, Guan Yue stepped off the train and squinted as the bright sunlight outside greeted her. 

Gu Sui asked, “Hungry? Should we grab some lunch before heading back?” 

“Yes, we need lunch, but not at some restaurant.” 

Since they were already here, of course, Guan Yue wanted to visit Uncle Cai and his family. 

When they arrived at the Cai household, Cai Guofu had just returned home from work. 

“Guan Yue! You’ve come just in time. I was about to send the letter your Teacher gave you to Qingchuan if you didn’t come back.”

“Teacher wrote a letter to me?” Guan Yue was so happy.

“Yes, and he also sent you a box of things.”

Cai Guofu asked Cai Zhiming to bring out the things—a box as tall as a person, manageable enough to carry, which indicates it wasn’t too heavy.

Guan Yue opened the box, finding the letter for her Teacher at the top. There were three letters in total.

Guan Yue didn’t look at the contents; she first opened the letters. One was from her Teacher, and the other two were written by her Teacher’s brother and sister-in-law, mainly thanking her for the medicine.

Guan Yue read her Teacher’s letter. It was full of care for her, advising her to take good care of herself. If she didn’t want to go to the city, she should stay well in the countryside—life on the mountain was hard, but it was safer. The letter also asked about her acupuncture studies and detailed the condition of Xu Huaping, asking if there was a way to treat her.

Cai Guofu also received a letter from Xu Hua’an, which mentioned Xu Huaping’s illness as well.

Guan Yue told Cai Guofu, “Based on what Teacher said, I think I can help.”

“That’s great news! Your Teacher’s parents passed away early, and he was almost raised by his Big Brother and sister-in-law. The brothers have a strong bond. If Xu Huaping can be treated, he’ll be overjoyed.”

The problem now was that one was on the mainland and the other in Hong Kong—a physically weak patient, Xu Huaping, couldn’t come in.

Guan Yue said, “Teacher said my medicine works. I’ll prepare more when I go back, and someone can send it over. It’s enough to manage her recovery slowly.”

Cai Guofu nodded, “You’re right!”

Aunt Cai hurriedly said, “Quick, look at what your Teacher sent you!”

On top of the box was a large white coat—soft and warm, both good-looking and functional.

Aunt Cai carefully touched it, “There’s something written inside the collar. Oh, this is foreign stuff!”

Guan Sui nodded, “The letters are in English; it looks like a British brand.”

Underneath the coat were some warm clothes and three summer outfits.

The person who picked the clothes was very thoughtful; the fabric was high-quality, but the styles and colors were very conservative, suitable for current wear.

Aunt Cai sighed, “It must have been your Teacher’s sister-in-law who picked them. Men aren’t usually this thoughtful.”

At the bottom of the box was an exquisitely decorated box. Guan Yue didn’t need to open it to know it must contain jewelry.

What girl doesn’t love jewelry, and natural pieces like this are even more special—a complete set of ruby jewelry inside. Guan Yue adored it.

The matriarch of the Xu family seemed to understand the situation well and didn’t show any contempt towards Guan Yue because of her background, providing high-quality gifts. After all, Xu Hua’an didn’t know the specific circumstances of Guan Yue; someone less discerning wouldn’t have acknowledged her as a lonely orphan.

The people from the Cai family all nodded internally; the respectful attitude from the Xu family showed they hadn’t wasted Guan Yue’s efforts in sending medicine. Otherwise, they might have felt she was undervalued.

Seeing the eager look on Guan Yue’s face, Gu Sui said, “Don’t be too quick. You can try them on at home slowly.”

Guan Yue stomped her foot, “There’s no full-length mirror at home.”

Gu Sui responded, “I’ll be your mirror; I’ll help you look.”

Guan Yue laughed, “How can you help me look? How can I see myself from your eyes?”

Aunt Cai quickly interrupted, “Stop chatting, and let’s eat. You must be tired after sitting on the train for so long; after lunch, Guan Yue can go rest.”

Guan Yue and Gu Sui had arrived suddenly, so lunch was already prepared at home. While they were chatting, Cai Zhiming had gone ahead to the People’s Restaurant and bought three dishes for lunch.

During lunch, Cai Guofu asked, “How’s the medical book from the Deng family?”

Guan Yue pointed to her head, “I’ve got it all down.”

Cai Guofu smiled, “That’s great! Deng Weimin really spent a lot to take advantage of you.”

Guan Yue squinted and smiled, “It’s okay. I learned it and also taught Deng Baishu for two days. It’s my way of thanking them for letting me go through so many medical books.”

Cai Guofu couldn’t help but laugh, “You little rascal, Deng Weimin would be so mad if he heard you.”

Cai Zhiming asked Guan Yue, “I heard Deng Baishu is studying medicine quite well?”

Guan Yue found it hard to answer that question—what does it take for someone to be considered ‘studying well’?

After all, to put it bluntly, anyone she has met so far is just trash compared to her.

Cai Guofu didn’t spare any of his son’s feelings, “Guan Yue, just tell us, compared to your Big Brother, how does Deng Baishu measure up?”

“Well… he’s definitely a bit better than Big Brother,” Guan Yue hesitated.

Cai Zhiming couldn’t help but be both angry and amused, “Your tone doesn’t sound like it’s just a bit.”

Guan Yue chuckled, “Let’s eat, let’s eat. Why talk about unhappy things?”

Cai Guofu had long given up hope on his son pursuing medicine—heaven doesn’t provide food, what can be done?

His son was good in many ways, except for one thing—he lacked the medical talent, just like himself. The Cai family wouldn’t produce a famous doctor. That’s why he had given the golden and silver needles to Guan Yue in the first place.

Aunt Cai looked kindly at Guan Yue, “You’re different from your Big Brother. I hope to see you continue to persist and become a famous doctor one day.”

People who knew Guan Yue, like the Cai family in the medicinal business and the Deng family from a lineage of doctors, believed she had a promising future. However, becoming a renowned doctor had never really been her goal. Her life goal had always been simple—to live well. Becoming a doctor was purely by coincidence, sparked by her interest when she met a medical teacher. She had simply continued learning from there.

For her, healing people was more about exploring the various uses of her ability.

During the apocalypse, scientists had already begun researching these abilities, though with little success. The best scientists had turned their focus to the zombie virus instead.

Regarding Aunt Cai’s hopes, Guan Yue could only say she would do her best.

After a trip to Qingchuan, she felt how important her medical skills and the medicines she made were to those struggling on the front lines.

In Qingxi Village, her pills were usually only used for minor ailments like headaches or fevers. But in extreme conditions, her medicines could literally mean the difference between life and death.

After lunch, Guan Yue and Cai Guofu agreed she would come back two days later to deliver more medicine and asked him to help contact people.

“Don’t worry, your Teacher has already arranged for someone to run this route. The travel expenses are all covered by him—you can send whatever you like, don’t be afraid of any trouble.”

Guan Yue smiled, “What good things do we have here to send?”

“Your dried meat and sausage are really delicious—send a piece to your Teacher! That way, he won’t have to ask in every letter whether you’re eating well. A grown man, and he’s so naggy.”

Guan Yue couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright, I’ll listen to you—sending a piece of meat to my Teacher.”

After lunch, they were ready to leave.

They already had two hams, weighing several dozen pounds, and now there was an additional box. Cai Zhiming offered to take them home.

Guan Yue shook her head, “We’ll take it back ourselves.”

“Can you carry this box? It’s not light.”

Gu Sui shouldered the ham, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it all.”

Cai Zhiming was still not reassured, insisting on seeing them onto the car.

They got into a car with only a few passengers, everyone sat up front, and Guan Yue and Gu Sui took the last seats. As the car started, the noise was so loud that you could barely hear anyone speak from a distance.

Guan Yue leaned close to Gu Sui’s ear and whispered, “Once we’re in a less crowded area, let me take the ham and the box—I can handle it just fine.”

Gu Sui disagreed, “I’ll carry it.”

Guan Yue rolled her eyes, “You’re not listening to me.”

Guan Yue turned her face towards the window, hoping Gu Sui would just give in. He really wanted to pinch her cheek—after so many times, why couldn’t she remember?

In broad daylight, what would she say if someone saw her running on trees?

When they reached the town, Gu Sui wouldn’t let her lift a finger—he carried everything himself.

Gu Sui had the ham on his back, holding the box in one hand, and sweat was pouring down his face, soaking his forehead and the hair at his temples.

Meanwhile, Guan Yue walked behind Gu Sui, her hands empty and relaxed.

Guan Yue: “Are you tired?”

Gu Sui: “Not at all!”

Guan Yue: “Are you sure you don’t need my help?”

Gu Sui: “Nope!”

After walking a while, leaving the main road of the town and entering a rural path, Guan Yue looked left and right—no one was around.

Guan Yue: “Look at you, all sweaty. Let me take it.”

Gu Sui brushed her hand away, “Don’t be silly, just walk ahead.”

Gu Sui stood in place, making her go ahead first.

Guan Yue took a few steps, then turned back to look at him, “Hmph, you’re just not listening to me.”

They walked onto the rural path, shaded by trees on both sides. The hot sun was blocked, and with a gentle breeze, walking there felt especially comfortable.

Gu Sui also felt much better.

At the entrance to the mountain valley outside Qingxi Village, Guan Yue stopped, “Let’s rest for a bit first—it’s a tough climb ahead.”

Gu Sui nodded, putting the load down and stretching his stiff shoulders, feeling much better.

Guan Yue pointed ahead, “Gu Sui, look over there—does that person look like the village head?”

Gu Sui turned to look, “Where?”

Xiao Hei instantly grew vines, wrapping around the box and ham placed on the ground, and the trees along the roadside leaned down to lift Guan Yue up.

All of this happened in an instant—by the time Gu Sui turned back, Guan Yue was already standing on a tree branch.

Guan Yue waved to Gu Sui with a smile, “I’m off first! Don’t forget to cook dinner for me tonight!”

Gu Sui anxiously looked around, confirming no one was around before letting out a sigh of relief.

At that moment, Guan Yue was already far away, disappearing into the forest.

For the first time, Gu Sui was so annoyed with this girl that he felt his teeth itch—just like a stubborn child; if he said no, she just had to go ahead and do it anyway.