Chapter 7: A Flutter of the Heart?

Lin Wan had initially only aspired to be the barefoot doctor of Dawan Village, but now that she was appointed to the Wiliu Brigade, it felt like a direct promotion.

The villagers looked at Lu Zhengting with a sense of unfamiliarity. He had always been a man of few words, silently working in the background. Though handsome and undeniably present, he had seemed more like a striking backdrop than a real participant.

Now, he was speaking up for Lin Wan and backing her, leaving everyone astonished.

Lin Wan hadn’t expected his support either. Beaming with joy, she rushed to his side and leaned down to sign, “Thank you for supporting me.”

Her thoughtfulness allowed him to meet her gaze without tilting his head.

Her eyes sparkled like starlight, bright and captivating, brimming with happiness.

His expression remained stoic, but his eyes held an emotion he himself didn’t recognize as he gave a slight nod.

Lu Zhengjin, still unconvinced, was about to protest when Lu Changfa interrupted, “Alright, everyone, the meeting’s adjourned. I’ll go check with the Brigade Headquarters.”

Since Lu Zhengting had spoken, Lu Changfa gave him face and went to the Wuliu Brigade office. Lu Zhengting had backing from higher-ups, but in the village, he never asked for favors. That was why the old lady scolded him as useless—perhaps it wasn’t that he didn’t want benefits, but that the brigade simply didn’t give him any.

Lu Zhengjin hadn’t expected Lu Zhengting to wield such influence. After all, besides clerical work at the brigade, he had no other skills. During the busy farming season, he even helped shuck corn in the fields.

Lin Wan took the initiative to push Lu Zhengting to the brigade headquarters. “Let’s go see what’s happening.”

This time, Lu Zhengting didn’t refuse her and allowed her to push his wheelchair.

Lu Zhengheng watched in astonishment. Is Third Brother alright? A wife really does change a man! In the past, he never got angry when people called him useless, but he always refused if anyone tried to push his wheelchair.

Third Brother neither needed nor wanted sympathy. Despite his disability, he was completely self-sufficient. They even went swimming at night, and even Lu Zhengheng couldn’t beat him in the water.

—

Lu Zhengjin rushed over as well. He saw Lu Changfa discussing with the brigade secretary, team leader, and accountant. He suggested that Doctor Jin examine Lin Wan. It was rare for a rural woman to be so literate, and since the brigade lacked a female doctor, they could use one.

Jin Xiangdong, the doctor of wiliu Brigade, wasn’t local. He had been sent down from a higher-level hospital and possessed genuine medical skill.

He smiled and said, “Secretary, Team Leader, if others also want to become doctors, shouldn’t there be fair competition?”

He winked at Lu Changyou, reminding him that his niece had been studying medicine at home to become the brigade doctor. How could they simply appoint Lin Wan just because of Lu Zhengting?

Lu Changyou ignored him and instead asked Jin Xiangdong to test Lin Wan.

Jin Xiangdong casually grabbed a prescription and asked Lin Wan to read it aloud. He then had her explain the uses and effects of several common medicines and demonstrate how to apply an emergency arm bandage.

These were all basic skills covered in the medical manual Lin Wan had studied, and she performed flawlessly.

Jin Xiangdong nodded. “Not bad.”

Lu Zhengjin immediately added, “Zhengxia is even better. She’s mastered all this and more advanced techniques too.”

Lu Changyou shot him a sidelong glance. “Alright, since the village needs a female doctor anyway, let’s have all qualified women compete. Doctor Jin will be the judge. That way, everyone will accept the results fairly, and no one can accuse us of favoritism.”

The team leader and others quickly agreed. After all, Lu Zhengxia was his niece, while Lu Zhengting’s situation was somewhat complicated. Favoring either would be problematic, so this was the fairest solution.

Lu Changyou turned to Lu Zhengting. “Zhengting, what do you think?” The accountant had already written down the proposal for him to review.

Lu Zhengting glanced at Lin Wan. He trusted her, though he didn’t know her well. Her confidence was infectious.

When she nodded, he signaled his agreement.

They agreed to hold the competition at the brigade headquarters in a week, with Doctor Jin and the other barefoot doctors serving as judges.

Lu Zhengjin secretly gloated. He figured the old man was still favoring Lu Zhengxia. First, they’d let Lin Wan show her skills to gauge her abilities. If she couldn’t match Zhengxia, they’d let them compete fairly.

Lin Wan had no objections. She wanted to become a doctor based on merit. While connections might get her through the door, treating patients required skill. A mediocre doctor could harm people—better not to practice at all.

The only downside was delaying her visit to her parents. But that was easily resolved. Villagers often asked the mailman to deliver messages when he came to the countryside.

—

Lu Zhengting introduced Lin Wan to Lu Zhengheng, who then introduced her to others.

Having publicly demonstrated her skills, most people were impressed. Before, they had only watched the drama with detached curiosity. Now that she was family, they felt obliged to support her. Some even sympathized with her, finding her quite likable.

Seeing it was nearly mealtime, Lin Wan pushed Lu Zhengting home for dinner.

On the way, Lu Zhengting handed her another warm, hard-boiled egg.

Lin Wan exclaimed in surprise, “Did you do a magic trick?” She took the egg and tucked it into her pocket, planning to eat it during her morning snack break.

Lu Zhengting explained, “It’s from Uncle Lu’s house. I’ll get you one every day.”

He knew the old lady wouldn’t give Lin Wan proper meals. Yesterday, he had given Lu Zhengheng two yuan to buy fifty eggs from Uncle Lu’s house. They boiled them in the morning, and he picked them up after exercise.

Lin Wan was impressed by his thoughtfulness. He understood her meaning with just a few simple gestures. Beneath his cold exterior lay a warm, caring heart, always attentive to others’ needs.

Holding the egg, Lin Wan felt a gentle warmth spread in her chest.

She pulled out a notepad and scribbled a note for Lu Zhengting to read.

He lowered his gaze: You should get regular check-ups at the county hospital, right?

She wrote the question, fearing gestures alone might not convey it clearly.

Lu Zhengting almost told her, “Just speak, I can probably understand you,” but he stopped himself. If she knew he could read lips, she might become more reserved—and she would never again say things like, “You’re the handsomest man I’ve ever seen,” “You’re such a good boy,” or “I won’t take advantage of you.”

Everyone assumed he was deaf, so they spoke freely in front of him—some with mockery, others with pity, and a few with genuine concern. But her concern was always tinged with playful charm.

He wanted to see that side of her again.

He nodded, then shook his head.

Lin Wan exclaimed, “Is it because Old Madam Lu keeps all the money and won’t let you go?”

She thought he was usually quiet and reserved, never traveling far and rarely spending money. He seemed cold and aloof, yet he was truly selfless and kind-hearted, strict with himself but generous with others. Since he had no interest in money, Old Madam Lu had naturally taken control of it all.

Lu Zhengting pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

Lin Wan grew serious. “From now on, you can’t give her all your money. You need to save it for your treatment. I’m studying medicine now, and I’ll find a way to cure you. Keep this money for the future—medicine, surgery in a big city, whatever you need.” She wrote down key words as she spoke.

Lu Zhengting gazed at her deeply, his eyes betraying his overwhelming emotion.

Was she really studying medicine for him? A strange, unfamiliar feeling surged through his chest—a tender ache, a bittersweet warmth.

No one in his family had ever cared for him like this. After he returned home disabled, their first reaction was to worry he would become a burden. They argued for days about whether to treat his leg, how much it would cost, whether he could live independently, and whether they would have to support him. Only when they realized he could manage on his own and had a disability pension did they finally rejoice.

Seeing his expression, Lin Wan feared he suspected her motives. She quickly scribbled: Trust me! If you protect my dignity, I’ll repay you. I’ll find a way to cure you!

His aching heart instantly constricted. He lowered his gaze briefly before shaking his head. He didn’t need repayment, nor did he want pity.

What he feared most was her offering something beautiful, only to ruthlessly take it away later. That would be more unbearable than losing his hearing, his legs, his sight—even his life.

Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, he said flatly, “We’re not a real couple. We have no obligations to each other. I’ll support whatever you do. And you… you don’t need to feel responsible for me.”

He propelled his wheelchair away.

Lin Wan stood bewildered, unsure why his expression had suddenly turned cold. She realized she hadn’t considered his feelings deeply enough. She had assumed his strength, forgetting he was still a man with fierce pride. Her words had naturally made him overthink.

Never mind, she thought. Until her medical skills improved enough to make a difference, she wouldn’t bring it up again, lest she provoke him further.

—-

When they returned home, the men had already eaten and gone to work. Lu Dasao and Lu Ersao rushed out as usual, their footsteps sharp and hurried. Lu Mingshan had already left for school, while the younger children, who ate slowly, were still at the table.

Old Madam Lu snatched the cornbread buns from Lu Mingliang and her two younger granddaughters. “If you’re full, shut your mouths! You gluttons! All you do is eat, eat, eat!” She didn’t take Lu Bao’er’s bun, though.

Gua’er and Qian’er pouted, too afraid to speak.

Despite his young age, Lu Mingliang dared to retort, “I’m not full yet!”

Old Madam Lu slapped him across the face. “Look at your swollen belly! You’ll burst if you eat any more!”

In this household, all the grandchildren except Lu Mingshan and Lu Bao’er were treated like weeds, allowed only half-full stomachs at each meal. If their mothers protested, Old Madam Lu would bring up the three years of famine, when they had eaten tree bark and sweet potato leaves. Any further argument would end with the men beating their wives into silence.

Hungry? There were ways—drink water. Children didn’t work, so drinking water was fine.

So the children were always hungry, yet their bellies remained bloated. If they complained, Old Madam Lu would scold or slap them, yelling, “With that big belly, still hungry? You reincarnated starving ghost!”