Chapter 39.2

After a simple lunch, it was time to start preparing for the New Year’s Eve dinner. They had to steam the dishes and prepare the meatballs for frying. Once lunch was done, they could get to work.

Gu Sui’s mother assigned the tasks. Gu Sui went to the kitchen to help, while Gu Ci and his father were responsible for chopping the meat. As for Guan Yue, she was in charge of peeling garlic.

As Gu Jingde worked on his tasks, he chatted with Guan Yue. “I heard from Gu Ci that acupuncture can help regulate the body?”

“Mm, it can indeed.”

“I treated a patient once, over eighty years old. I think it’s because of his age and weakened immunity, he didn’t have any major illnesses but kept getting minor ones. Can acupuncture help with this?”

“It can help regulate, but for issues caused by aging and physical decline, regulating the body doesn’t have much of an effect.”

Gu Jingde nodded. A doctor could treat illnesses, but couldn’t change destiny.

Gu Jingde was a Western doctor, while Guan Yue practiced traditional Chinese medicine. Though their approaches differed, they were both doctors, so they got along well. The treatment methods for the same illness in Chinese and Western medicine could be quite different.

Gu Jingde hadn’t paid much attention to traditional Chinese medicine before, but after Gu Sui started dating Guan Yue, they often ate the herbs that Guan Yue sent over, and some of those herbs seemed to work better than Western medicine. That’s when he started paying more attention to Chinese medicine.

At their hospital in the Northeast, they also had traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. After several comparisons, Gu Jingde realized that Guan Yue’s level of practice was exceptional—there were very few like her, and most other Chinese medicine practitioners were still far behind.

In Gu Jingde’s view, Chinese medicine had a low floor but a very high ceiling compared to Western medicine. Doctors who were in the mid- to lower level of Chinese medicine were generally not as skilled as Western doctors.

Gu Jingde said: “Nowadays, Chinese medicine is mostly taught through the ‘Disciple learns from the Teacher’ method, but there’s no standard. Some Teachers learned it wrong themselves and have misled a whole group of students.”

Guan Yue replied: “That’s why I support them establishing medical schools and writing unified textbooks. At least, it will give them a standard to compare against during their studies. As the overall level of Chinese medicine improves, people will need it more, and their situation will naturally improve.”

Gu Jingde nodded with satisfaction. “It’s great that you’re thinking this way.”

Gu Ci was listening to their conversation, unable to join in, so he turned to check the kitchen.

Gu Sui glanced at him and asked: “What are you doing here?”

Gu Ci crossed his arms. “I suddenly realized, you really do resemble a kept son-in-law.”

Zhang Limin said: “Speak properly.”

Gu Ci pouted. “Guan Yue has big ambitions. In the future, she might even be a leader in Chinese medicine. You’ll just be at home doing the laundry, cooking, and raising the kids.”

Gu Sui smiled. In fact, Guan Yue already had quite a reputation.

Take the Southwest region, for example. The leader there, Deng Weimin, was already working under her and learning from her. The heir of the Deng family had been sent to Guan Yue as well. Although people didn’t often talk about it, wasn’t it obvious? Was there any need to mention it?

Guan Yue’s fame wasn’t limited to the Southwest. There were doctors from medical schools around the country who came to learn from her. Once the medical school opened, with a new batch of students each year, who would dare not acknowledge Guan Yue’s status?

Moreover, in the wealthy circles in Hong Kong and among leaders, her presence was also very strong.

On the other hand, the fact that Guan Yue was young led to some prejudice. Some people still believed older Chinese medicine practitioners were better and looked down on younger ones. But in a few years, when Guan Yue was a little older, her reputation would only grow stronger.

Gu Sui had long known what life would be like after getting together with Guan Yue. He could only say that he was happy about it.

Gu Ci clicked his tongue, then turned to his mother and said: “How many boxes of things do you have? Just give them all to Gu Sui as part of the dowry, so no one can say he’s marrying above his station.”

After hearing Gu Sui speak earlier, Zhang Limin realized she still didn’t fully understand Guan Yue’s abilities. Now, she hesitated—would her son be happy in a relationship where the woman was so much stronger than the man?

Gu Sui reassured her: “Mom, you need to believe me. I love Guan Yue as a person, and she loves me too. Whatever happens in the future, we’ll face it together.”

At that moment, Guan Yue came in holding a large bowl of garlic. “What are you talking about?”

Gu Ci laughed heartily. “I said you’re so impressive, surely many people like you. Our Gu Sui might not even compare to them. When you get married, have my mom give a little more dowry.”

Guan Yue laughed. “Others might like me, but I only like Gu Sui!”

Hearing this, Zhang Limin’s face turned red. “Ah, these young people today! Gu Sui, you go outside, we don’t need you here!”

Gu Ci laughed like a piglet. “Hahaha, confessing right in front of him. Gu Sui, that kid, is probably having a ball inside, pretending to be all serious.”

Gu Sui couldn’t care less. In front of the family, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.

It was a simple gesture, but Guan Yue felt the overwhelming emotion in his heart.

Gu Sui took the bowl from her hands, placed it on the stove, and pulled her outside.

In the living room, Gu Jingde was still chopping meat. Gu Sui dragged Guan Yue into the room, and as soon as the door was closed, Guan Yue jumped into his arms. Gu Sui quickly caught her.

Her legs wrapped around his waist, and her moist breath brushed against his ear. “So you like hearing me say things like that? You should’ve said so earlier.”

Gu Sui was deeply stirred by her, but it wasn’t the right time for anything too intense. He pressed her against the wall and kissed her fiercely, venting the intensity of his emotions.

After a while, Guan Yue pulled away, saying: “Your lips are swollen.”

Gu Sui, with a hoarse voice, replied: “I’ll put some medicine on them later.”

Guan Yue quietly laughed, patting his shoulder. “Let me down, hurry up and go back to help Aunt in the kitchen.”

Gu Sui lowered her. “You go ahead, I’ll be out in a bit.”

Guan Yue obediently left. Before she went out, her small hand quickly slipped under his clothes, feeling his stomach.

Guan Yue whispered: “Oh, so you have abs, huh?”

The door slammed shut with a loud bang, even louder than when Guan Yue had locked him outside last night.

Gu Jingde, still chopping meat in the living room, was startled.

Gu Jingde asked: “What’s going on?”

Guan Yue covered her mouth. “Nothing much.”

Gu Ci came out, chuckling, but Guan Yue ignored him.

It had been years since the family had spent New Year’s together. That night, the Gu family’s dinner table was filled with chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

“Other families might consider it a good New Year if they have one or two meat dishes on the table, but our family is having a feast!” Gu Ci grabbed his chopsticks, ready to dig in, as soon as his mother called out to start eating.

Zhang Limin placed a piece of braised pork on Guan Yue’s plate. “It’s your first New Year with us, and from now on, you’ll be family. Eat more.”

Guan Yue smiled. “Thank you, Aunt.”

There was no rush to finish the large spread of food. They could take their time, and even eat until midnight if needed. But the dishes were so delicious that it seemed unlikely they would last that long; the meal was likely to be finished in an hour.

Gu Ci groaned, full from the meal. “Aiyo, quick, make me a cup of digestion tea.”

In the afternoon, the families who had received vegetables from the Gu family had also enjoyed a wonderful dinner. It was such a luxury to have vegetables other than cabbage, radishes, and potatoes in the middle of winter!

After dinner, the family sat on the sofa, sipping digestion tea, snacking on sunflower seeds, and chatting. They waited until midnight, when the sounds of firecrackers filled the air downstairs. Only after that did they head to their rooms to sleep.

By this time, everyone was tired. The neighbors upstairs and downstairs were quiet, and as soon as Guan Yue lay down, she fell asleep.

Since they stayed up so late, Guan Yue was woken up early the next morning by the noise. Her head felt like it was about to explode.

Remembering that there would be visitors coming to pay New Year’s greetings soon, she couldn’t fall back asleep and simply got up.

Without saying much, she had breakfast and headed to the courtyard. Before leaving, she was stuffed with two thick red envelopes.

Gu Sui couldn’t leave that day, so he sent Guan Yue over. He had to head back soon.

Gu Sui made sure the heated bed was ready for her. “You sleep a little longer. I’ll come over at noon.”

Guan Yue murmured in acknowledgment and snuggled back under the covers. Soon, she was fast asleep again.

Gu Sui returned home to find someone had already arrived—his brother’s friend, Wang Ze.

As soon as Gu Ci saw Gu Sui come in, he quickly said: “Ask him, the vegetables came from him.”

“What’s going on?”

Wang Ze handed Gu Sui a cigarette. Gu Sui waved his hand. “Thanks, but I don’t smoke.”

Gu Ci spoke up. “I want one.”

Wang Ze handed the cigarette to Gu Ci, then turned to Gu Sui. “The vegetables your family sent yesterday were really good. My son, Shenzi, ate half a bowl more than usual. I wanted to ask where you got them from. I’d like to get some more.”

Gu Sui replied: “I can’t tell you where I got them from, but if you want more vegetables, it’s not a problem. Once they’re delivered to me, you can come and get them.”

Wang Ze patted Gu Sui on the shoulder. “Thanks!”

“No need to thank me.”

Wang Ze’s family wasn’t a small household. On the first day of the New Year, many people came to pay New Year’s greetings. After staying at the Gu family for a while, Wang Ze left to attend to his own visitors.

Soon, another guest arrived—one of the patients his father had treated. Gu Sui quickly greeted him and brought him in, offering a bowl of sweet soup.

They were busy until after 11 o’clock, and the guests finally left. Gu Sui didn’t stay for dinner at home; he had to go to the courtyard.

When Gu Sui left in the morning, he locked the door from the outside. As he walked down the alley, he saw two people standing at the gate, one of whom he recognized.

Gu Sui asked: “Fang Lin?”

Fang Lin smiled and nodded. “Happy New Year, Doctor Gu.”

“Happy New Year. What brings you here?”

As Gu Ci spoke, he opened the door.

Fang Lin, accompanied by the other person, stepped inside. “My uncle came over to your house this morning. He said he didn’t see Guan Doctor, so I figured she must be here.”

“What are you looking for Guan Yue for?”

“I want to ask her to help adjust her health, and by the way, the two leaders would like to meet her.”

At that moment, Guan Yue had already woken up. She opened the window from the inside, her hair messy: “Fang Lin, who wants to see me?”

Fang Lin smiled and said: “I can’t tell you for now. You’ll know tomorrow when you meet them.”

“Seeing a doctor during the New Year, aren’t you afraid of it being a bad omen?”

“There’s no way around it. The two leaders are usually very busy with their work, and only now can they find a little time.”

Guan Yue responded: “Since they are leaders, they shouldn’t lack doctors around them.”

“They don’t lack them, but they do lack a capable doctor like you.”

Flattered by Fang Lin’s compliment, Guan Yue didn’t take it to heart: “What time tomorrow?”

Fang Lin quickly replied: “Tomorrow at 10 AM.”

“Then you can come pick me up at 10.”

“Alright.”

Fang Lin put down the New Year gifts and swiftly left with his team.

Once they had walked out of the main gate, one of his subordinates finally asked: “Director, why didn’t you talk to Doctor Guan a bit more?”

Fang Lin smiled slightly: “No need to say more. Doctor Guan is a straightforward person. If she agrees, she won’t back out. She doesn’t like it when others waste her time with unnecessary chatter.”

“No wonder the leaders told me to talk less and just follow you here.”

Fang Lin smiled without saying much: “It’s getting late, let’s hurry home for dinner. We’ll see her tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, Director Fang. Goodbye.”

Fang Lin, a newcomer who had been with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for less than two years, had, by a twist of fate, become the person in charge of external communication with Guan Yue. Over the course of the year, he had accomplished a lot, and his position had risen steadily. He was now a director.

At the beginning, everyone had no desire to take on such a thankless task. But now that they saw this matter had potential, they all wanted to push Fang Lin aside and take over.

The excuses were ready-made: Fang Lin was now a leader, so he didn’t need to personally handle such matters.

Fang Lin didn’t pay attention to their insincere flattery. After all, he was just a small director. It wasn’t worth him giving up everything to return to the office and live a life of drinking tea every day.

Today, when he came to find Guan Yue, the leaders above him had assigned someone to follow him. He wasn’t afraid of anyone following him, and even gave the person a few instructions, which could be seen as giving face to that leader.

The snow beneath his feet creaked with every step, and Fang Lin exhaled a puff of white mist. He thought to himself that his stepfather and the Gu family had a good relationship. With this connection, even if he didn’t step aside, no one could do anything to him.

After Fang Lin left, Gu Sui told her to close the window. “What do you want to eat?”

“Make whatever you like. Aren’t you tired after a whole morning of work?”

“Tired, of course.”

Guan Yue quickly put on her clothes and ran out. “A hug and I won’t be tired.”

Gu Sui smiled and gently patted her head. “These days, your mouth has been particularly sweet.”

“It will always be sweet.”

Lately, seeing how Gu Sui’s parents interacted with each other, she felt that marriage might not be such a bad thing. With a father like Uncle Gu, after Gu Sui got married, it wouldn’t be much different.

The more she thought about it, the more she found herself unwilling to admit it aloud, yet the more she thought about marrying him.

The more she thought about it, the more clingy she became toward him.

The two of them hugged each other, standing in the icy cold, yet their hearts felt warm.

“Gu Sui.”

“Hmm?”

“Will you always be good to me?”

“I will always be good to you.”

“Will you only be good to me forever?”

Gu Sui didn’t say anything.

“You hesitated.” Guan Yue was angry and tried to push him away.

Gu Sui didn’t let go. “What about when we have children in the future?”

Guan Yue smiled. “What then?”

Gu Sui smiled and sighed. “Even if we have children later, I promise to only be the best to you.”

Guan Yue buried her face in his chest, and tears immediately started to fall.

She murmured: “Then let’s get married as soon as we go back.”

Gu Sui was overjoyed, pushing her away to look at her face.

When he saw her crying, he frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Guan Yue smiled and tilted her face up. “You have to do everything you promised me!”

“Alright!”

Gu Sui had asked for her hand in marriage so many times, both openly and subtly, but he never expected that, in the end, it would be her who proposed to him.

Gu Sui tightly embraced her. “We’ll always be like this.”

Guan Yue was the kind of person who, once she made a decision, would not hesitate anymore. Now that she had decided to marry Gu Sui, she wanted to get the marriage certificate as soon as possible.

Gu Sui pulled her back. “Don’t rush. You still need to go back to get the certificate, and you’ll need an introduction letter.”

Guan Yue let out an exclamation. “It’s that complicated?”

“It’s not complicated. I’ll handle everything. You just have to come with me when the time comes.”

Guan Yue laughed again. “I’ll listen to you.”

“We’ll get the certificate as soon as we go back. When should we have the wedding?”

Guan Yue thought for a moment. “How about New Year’s Day next year? Didn’t you want to get married on New Year’s Day?”

“Alright, New Year’s Day 1970.”

Gu Sui, fearing that Guan Yue might change her mind, immediately agreed to everything, no matter what was said.

Since they had decided to get married, they knew they had to tell their parents quickly. The two of them had a casual lunch at home, and in the afternoon, Gu Sui held Guan Yue’s hand as they made their way back to his family’s house.

As soon as they pushed the door open, Gu Sui’s first words were: “Mom, Dad, Guan Yue and I have decided to get married.”

At that moment, the room was filled with a group of young women, all familiar faces from the family compound and neighbors.

Zhang Limin froze for a moment, then, realizing, she became incredibly happy. “It’s decided? Oh my, your dad and I were just waiting for you two to make up your minds. Now that it’s settled, I feel like a weight has finally been lifted off my chest.”

With so many people watching, Guan Yue felt a little shy and hid behind Gu Sui.

“Limin, is this your daughter-in-law? She looks so delicate and pretty.”

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she? I heard she’s a doctor working in a sanatorium. Her job’s also great.”

“Such a well-matched couple, it’s hard to find these days!”

“That’s true.”

“Congratulations, congratulations, your Gu family is going to have a big celebration this year.”

“Gu Sui is getting married, what about Gu Ci? As the older brother, shouldn’t he hurry up?”

“Yes, yes, Gu Ci’s mom, my niece is wonderful. How about letting the two young people meet? They might hit it off!”

“My granddaughter is even better, she’s a teacher, has a good job, and after marriage, she’ll take care of the kids. Gu Ci won’t need to worry at all.”

Zhang Limin was immediately surrounded by everyone. Her eldest son, Gu Ci, wasn’t home, and her husband, Gu Jingde, had left because of all the women crowding the house.

At that moment, Gu Sui and Guan Yue quietly tried to sneak out, almost unable to handle the attention.

They softly closed the door, exchanging a smile. “Let’s go, let’s go back.”

“Alright, let’s go to our home.”

The four words “Let’s go back to our home” made Gu Sui’s heart warm.

For the entire afternoon, the two of them seemed inseparable, and their distance never exceeded two meters. 

When he went to the kitchen to get charcoal, she followed him. When she felt bored and wanted to bring out some fruit from the room, he followed her. They clung to each other, and whenever they looked at each other, they couldn’t help but smile.

Unable to hold herself back, Guan Yue jumped into his arms and kissed him.

Just then, Gu Ci walked in and couldn’t help but cover his eyes. “Oh my god, you two are like this all day long. Aren’t you getting tired of each other? The front door is still open. Do you want someone to see and report you for messing around with your relationship?”

“We’re in our own house, what does it have to do with anyone else?”

Gu Ci grumbled unhappily: “If it wasn’t for mom asking me to bring you two back for dinner, you think I’d want to come?”

Gu Ci added: “Hurry up, Mom and Dad are waiting for you at home.”

Gu Sui patted Guan Yue’s hand. “Go put on your coat.”

“Okay.”

Gu Ci glanced at Guan Yue’s retreating figure, then turned to Gu Sui. “Wasn’t it said that Guan Yue didn’t want to get married now? Why did she suddenly agree?”

Gu Sui smiled. “Because she proposed, and now she wants to get married.”

Gu Ci cursed under his breath. “Don’t look at me with that expression, I’ll lose my appetite for dinner.”

Gu Sui rolled his eyes at him. “Where did you hide this afternoon? The whole family’s waiting to set you up with someone.”

“You think everyone’s like you, begging people to marry them every day?”

“Heh, I’m waiting for the day you slap yourself in the face.” Gu Ci said with irritation.

“I can’t stand being at home anymore. I’ll leave after the second day of the new year. Anyway, Dad has to go to work on the third day.” Gu Ci added.

Gu Sui replied: “Then we’ll leave together. There’s still a lot to do at the sanatorium.”

That evening, they had dinner at the Gu family’s home. Everyone was in high spirits—the two children had a good relationship, and the parents were filled with blessings.

When they were leaving, Zhang Limin gave Guan Yue two suitcases.

“This is your wedding gift. Take it for now, and when you two have the wedding, Aunt will give you another one.”

Guan Yue happily accepted: “Thank you, Aunt.”

Zhang Limin glanced outside at the darkening sky. “It’s getting late outside. Why don’t you just stay and sleep here tonight?”

Gu Sui shook his head. “No, tomorrow someone needs Guan Yue to see a patient, it’s not convenient.”

Hearing this, Zhang Limin didn’t insist. “Work is important. If you don’t have time to come over at noon, don’t worry about it. You can always come back for dinner in the evening.”

Gu Sui glanced at his brother. “It’s only one more meal tomorrow evening. My brother says he’s annoyed and wants to go back on the third day, so we’ll listen to him.”

After speaking, Gu Sui quickly pulled Guan Yue out the door, and shut it behind them.

They didn’t leave immediately. After a while, they heard the sound of his mom cursing and his brother getting a beating.

Guan Yue chuckled softly: “You’re really bad.”

Gu Sui pulled her downstairs. “Now you know I’m bad, but it’s too late. It’s too late to change your mind now.”

The two of them hurriedly ran down the stairs. The snow hadn’t fallen that evening, and the moon in the night sky was especially bright. They joyfully walked home, stepping on the moonlight scattered on the ground.

The next morning, Guan Yue woke up, and Gu Sui had already made breakfast, waiting for her.

After she finished her breakfast, Fang Lin arrived at the door.

Gu Sui handed Guan Yue’s silver needles to Fang Lin. “Drive slowly, make sure to bring her back in time for lunch.”

Fang Lin smiled. “Don’t worry, Guan Doctor won’t go hungry.”

The car picked up Guan Yue, and they drove past ** square and a park, eventually stopping in front of an unassuming house.

Fang Lin led Guan Yue inside, where security personnel checked her, carefully inspecting her silver needles.

They went up to the second floor, where a man in his forties stood at the door. Fang Lin respectfully greeted him. “Secretary Liu.”

Secretary Liu nodded. “The leaders are waiting, you can go in.”

The door opened, and two energetic elderly people were sitting inside.

One of them smiled and said: “They weren’t wrong. The future of traditional Chinese medicine really is a young girl.”