Chapter 83: So Bitter

Bi Qiao’an blushed, thinking the Chinese medicine doctor was simply a rascal old man. Why was he so fixated on them having a child? How embarrassing!

Shen Yanming merely smiled. “With the strange weather, we worry a baby might not adapt well. It’s best to wait until everything stabilizes.”

The old doctor nodded. “Although I don’t know what’s wrong with this planet, everyone’s health has improved since the energy rain. You and Heping are about the same age, right?”

At Shen Yanming’s nod, the doctor continued, curiosity and concern mingling in his voice. “You’re nearly thirty, yet your bodies are like nineteen years old. Is that good or bad in this climate? Then again, who knows what the future holds? It might be smart to hold off on kids for now.”

Shaking his head, the old doctor’s voice held a tinge of regret. “It’s a pity. If you two had a baby earlier, things would be different. That energy rain could’ve made the child incredibly healthy, perhaps even exceptionally intelligent. Now, who knows when such an opportunity will arise again?”

As the old doctor muttered about the missed chance, he didn’t notice the relief flashing in Shen Yanming and Zhang Heping’s eyes as they exchanged a glance.

Zhang Heping, aware of the old doctor’s research in his spare time, quickly leaned forward. “Old Master Lin, are you saying this energy rain is truly that remarkable?” he asked.

“Absolutely! I’m over sixty, my hair used to be pure gray and white. But after a few months of those rains, my body feels fantastic. My appetite’s great, and I look barely in my forties!” Old Master Lin beamed with pride.

Looking around to ensure no one else was listening, he quietly told Zhang Heping, “I didn’t just get drenched in the rain. I also boiled the rainwater and drank it. Hehe, you’ve noticed, right? Those other old men are not as young as me!” His eyes gleamed with mischief, his grin stretching wide.

Zhang Heping’s eyes widened in shock. “Old Master, you’re really something. How did you think of drinking it?”

“Science is all about experimentation, isn’t it? Haha, ha!” Old Master Lin rubbed his nose, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. After all, it had been a coincidence at the time.

But would he tell them he drank the rainwater by mistaking it for the wrong cup? No way!

“You young’uns missed your chance. Be content with that!” Old Master Lin chuckled, radiating smugness.

“Alright, alright, Old Master, you’re a legend!” Zhang Heping offered a bit of flattery. Once Old Master Lin was thoroughly satisfied, he departed with Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an.

As they made their way to the pharmacy, Zhang Heping shared some information about Old Master Lin, his voice filled with admiration. “He’s a respected figure in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wealth of knowledge and unparalleled skills. Even at his age, his dedication is so strong that he chose to open a clinic here instead of retiring.”

Zhang Heping’s expression turned slightly pensive. “Though, to be honest, the clinic doesn’t always see a lot of patients,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t diminish Old Master Lin’s expertise. Remember those top-quality Chinese medicines and seeds I got? His connections made that possible. He knows where to find the best of the best.”

Upon arriving, Shen Yanming purchased a few boxes of medicine as instructed by Old Master Lin. With everything handled, they bid Zhang Heping farewell.

Actually, Shen Yanming had these medicines in his space. However, to avoid suspicion, he purposely went to the pharmacy.

It was precisely because of his cautiousness that he ultimately escaped Qiu Man’s scrutiny.

Back home, Shen Yanming poured a cup of hot water for Bi Qiao’an and made sure she took her medicine.

“Yanming, honey, hubby, darling…” Bi Qiao’an batted her eyelashes, her voice dripping with playful sweetness.

“Nope. Not gonna work this time. Be good and take your medicine!” Though firm, Shen Yanming’s voice held a hint of amusement.

“I don’t want to. I’m totally fine. Look at me—glowing skin, no headache, look, my eyes are so bright, and I’m simply bursting with energy!” Bi Qiao’an clung to his arm, her pout adorable while mischief sparkled in her eyes.

However, Shen Yanming remained unmoved, his expression stern. “Darling, we can’t neglect an illness and avoid treatment. Old Master Lin said you need to take the medicine. Listen to him.”

Seeing no escape, Bi Qiao’an grimaced and her eyes watered as she choked down the bitter medicine. Ah, so bitter! The lingering taste made her shudder with disgust.

As Bi Qiao’an drank the processed Chinese medicine, it reminded Shen Yanming of something. “Hmm, I’ve discovered another thing we don’t have at home. I’ll go buy a few clay pots for decocting medicine tomorrow.”

“Hubby, should we drink some of that rainwater too?” Bi Qiao’an asked, once the bitterness in her mouth subsided.

“Let’s hold off for now,” Shen Yanming said, his expression turning serious. “Tomorrow, let Heping do an analysis to make sure there are no pathogens or parasites in it. Then we can try drinking some.”

“Alright!” Bi Qiao’an agreed. After all, their collected energy rainwater was inevitably mixed with regular rainwater, making its safety uncertain.

The next day, when Bi Qiao’an arrived at her unit, her colleagues met her with their concern for her wellbeing, as well as apologies from Li Yueya and Yu Shui.

“Qiao’an, I’m so sorry. Yesterday, I saw you weren’t feeling well, so I took your phone and called your husband without asking.” Li Yueya’s voice shook, and she anxiously twisted her hands. After a sleepless night, she had decided to come clean and apologize.

“It’s my fault. I’m the one who gave the bad idea. Yaya was just swayed by me.” Yu Shui’s voice held a clear note of shame and his head bowed. 

Bi Qiao’an smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m not angry. In fact, I want to thank you. Even though I dislike people touching my things, I know you both meant well, so I’m not mad.”

Then, Bi Qiao’an solemnly thanked Li Yueya and Yu Shui. 

Only then did Yu Shui and Li Yueya feel relieved, their shoulders slumping and their faces splitting into wide grins. They also promised Bi Qiao’an that in the future, they wouldn’t touch her things without her consent.

This was the result Bi Qiao’an wanted. While gratitude was necessary when it was due, it was also important to emphasize the importance of respecting personal boundaries and property. 

Otherwise, what if someone messed with her things again when she wasn’t around? The thought made her shudder with dread.

Fortunately, the outcome was good.

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They were about to move soon, so Bi Qiao’an and the others packed up their belongings, putting personal items in one pile and reorganizing work materials by year, type, and so on, and packing them into cardboard boxes.

Director Hong had already coordinated with the moving company, and they were just waiting for everyone to finish packing before relocating to the office building.

Shen Yanming had already told her yesterday that they had moved their things into the new office ahead of time. It was a large office of about ninety square meters.

“How were you so quick?” Bi Qiao’an inquired.

Shen Yanming explained they had received early notice and had begun preparations. It was only in the past two days that they had received the official documents. Director Zhu immediately contacted the moving company, and they moved the next day.

Staggering the time to move improved their efficiency, and moreover, it allowed them to choose better seat locations in advance.

Unfortunately, by the time Director Hong led the human resources bureau staff to the office building, only the positions near the door and windows were left. The prime spots had already been claimed.

Materials were deposited in the designated storage room. Then, with help from their management bureau colleagues, they quickly set up desks, computers, and printers. In just a short while, order reigned as workspaces took shape.

As their colleagues exchanged knowing glances and playful smiles, Bi Qiao’an made her way to the seat next to Shen Yanming, settling in under their teasing gazes.

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