Chapter 18: The Military Medical Family Compound

The military doctors on the side had witnessed everything and were full of admiration for Yang Qingyan’s performance. In this critical moment, she relied on her exceptional skills to methodically complete the surgery, successfully saving two lives. She was undoubtedly the hero of the operating room. Seeing her slightly fatigued expression only made them respect her even more.

A military doctor swiftly wrapped the newborn and carried the baby out of the operating room with a joyful expression, announcing loudly, “The baby is safe! A boy, weighing 5 jin. The mother took good care of herself during pregnancy.”

Liu Jianjun, who had been anxiously waiting outside, widened his eyes the moment he heard those words. He rushed forward in a heartbeat, his voice trembling with urgency. “What about my wife?”

The military doctor reassured him with a smile. “She’ll be out as soon as we finish stitching the wound. Don’t worry.”

Before long, Yang Qingyan finished cleaning up the surgical instruments and walked out of the operating room, her steps a little weary. Right behind her, a nurse carefully wheeled Wei Wan out.

Liu Jianjun hurried over, his eyes locked onto Wei Wan, his face filled with concern. Due to the anesthesia, Wei Wan had yet to fully regain consciousness. Her complexion was pale, and her lips had lost some color. Seeing this, Liu Jianjun’s heart ached. He gently took her hand, trying to pass her some warmth.

Turning to Yang Qingyan, Liu Jianjun’s eyes turned red, his voice choked with emotion. “Thank you.” Then, he bent deeply at the waist in a bow, a gesture filled with endless gratitude and respect.

Standing to the side, Wei Lan watched everything unfold before her with mixed emotions. The hatred she had once harbored for Yang Qingyan dissipated at this moment. Slowly, she stepped forward, then suddenly fell to her knees with a thud. Bowing her head, her voice carried guilt and sincerity. “Yang Qingyan, thank you… and I’m sorry.”

Yang Qingyan’s expression remained gentle as she smiled and said, “It’s alright. As long as both mother and child are safe, that’s what matters. Sister-in-law Wei will wake up soon.”

In the corner, Mu Nanhe had been quietly observing everything. His gaze never left Yang Qingyan. When he saw her come out, slightly holding her waist with a frown, his heart clenched. As the emotions in the room settled, he quickly walked to her side and, without a word, reached out to gently massage her waist.

A wave of warmth spread through Yang Qingyan at the unexpected touch, but she was also a little surprised. Tilting her head slightly, she looked up at Mu Nanhe, her eyes filled with confusion. How did he know her waist was sore? He was so attentive.

It turned out that Mu Nanhe had been paying attention to her from the moment she entered the operating room. His heart had been on edge the entire time. The second he saw her emerge and noticed the small motion of holding her waist, he immediately understood—she must have been exhausted from performing the surgery.

Yang Qingyan then turned to the military doctor and Liu Jianjun, saying, “The mother just underwent surgery, and her body is still very weak. It’s best for her to stay at the health clinic for a few days. The medical staff here can take better care of her, and once her condition stabilizes, she can return to the family compound. If anything comes up during this time, Doctor, you can come find me at the family compound anytime.”

Both the military doctor and Liu Jianjun nodded in agreement.

After finishing her instructions, Yang Qingyan prepared to leave with Mu Nanhe. Noticing her slightly unsteady steps, Mu Nanhe’s heart ached. He stepped forward, tilted his body slightly, and spoke softly, “Let me carry you. You’re exhausted.”

Yang Qingyan felt a warmth in her heart, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She shook her head lightly and said, “No need, I’m fine. I’ve recovered a lot already, and besides, there are so many people here.”

Seeing her insistence, Mu Nanhe didn’t push further. He simply walked closely beside her, carefully watching her steps, afraid she might lose her balance.

On the way back, Yang Qingyan glanced sideways at Mu Nanhe, curiosity and hesitation flickering in her eyes. In a soft voice, she asked, “Aren’t you curious about how I knew how to perform a C-section?”

Mu Nanhe didn’t pause his steps. He merely shook his head slightly, a faint smile curving his lips. “Not curious. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

Hearing this, warmth surged in Yang Qingyan’s heart. The feeling of being trusted and respected filled her chest. She didn’t say anything more, but a smile unconsciously formed on her lips.

By the time they reached the family compound, the place was already buzzing with excitement. News had spread like wildfire—Wei Wan had successfully given birth to a baby boy. The weight on everyone’s hearts was finally lifted. The neighbors who were close to Wei Wan gathered together, chattering animatedly about the joyous event.

“Oh dear, the baby wasn’t even full-term, but thankfully, everything turned out fine. I was so worried when I heard the baby was in the wrong position,” Aunt Zhang said, patting her chest in relief as the worry on her face finally faded away.

“Exactly! It’s all thanks to the captain’s wife! If not for her, what would we have done?” Aunt Li chimed in, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration, nodding repeatedly in praise.

“That’s right! I heard she was so calm in the operating room, performing the surgery swiftly and skillfully, pulling both mother and child back from the brink of death,” Sister Wang added vividly, as if she had witnessed the entire intense procedure herself.

Everyone nodded in agreement, showering Yang Qingyan with praise. In this small residential compound, she had already become the hero in everyone’s hearts. Their respect and gratitude for her drifted through the air like a gentle breeze, touching every corner of the courtyard.

Li Zhaodi was a shrewd woman—arrogant and domineering, but she understood how to navigate situations. Seeing how skilled Yang Qingyan was in medicine, she wasted no time. As soon as Yang Qingyan returned, she made her husband bring Goudan along to express their gratitude. She even rummaged through her house, pulling out some precious items she usually couldn’t bear to part with, wrapping them carefully in a clean floral cloth.

As Yang Qingyan and Mu Nanhe entered the residential compound, Li Zhaodi hurriedly greeted them with a beaming smile, her usual arrogance completely gone. Goudan followed timidly behind, glancing at Yang Qingyan with nervous eyes.

“Yang sis, I’ve been waiting for you to come back!” Li Zhaodi greeted warmly. “Goudan’s illness—it’s all thanks to you! And if it weren’t for you, who knows what would’ve happened to Wei Wan and her baby yesterday? My heart is just full of gratitude, so I specially brought Goudan here to thank you.” As she spoke, she shoved the bundle in her hands toward Yang Qingyan.

Yang Qingyan frowned slightly, wanting to decline, but seeing Li Zhaodi’s enthusiasm, she didn’t want to embarrass her. In the end, she accepted it and said softly, “It’s just something neighbors should do, no need to be so formal.”

But Li Zhaodi was relentless. She clung to Yang Qingyan’s hand and started chatting away, pouring out compliments as if they cost her nothing. “Yang sis, you really have a heart of gold, and your medical skills are incredible! Having you in our compound is a blessing for all of us. If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word—I, Li Zhaodi, will be the first to help!”

Yang Qingyan only responded perfunctorily, her gaze carrying a hint of exhaustion. She truly had no energy to deal with Li Zhaodi’s enthusiasm and just wanted to go home and rest. Mu Nanhe noticed her weariness and stepped forward, saying, “Sister-in-law Li, everyone had a long day yesterday, and Qingyan just finished a surgery. She needs to go rest. Let’s talk another time.”

Hearing this, Li Zhaodi quickly nodded. “Yes, yes, look at me, talking so much! Yang sis, go and rest up, take good care of yourself.” With that, she took her husband and Goudan and left.

Yang Qingyan watched their figures disappear into the distance, let out a soft sigh, and walked home with Mu Nanhe. After such a long and exhausting day, her body was drained, but there was still a trace of comfort in her heart—after all, she had helped save lives.