Wang Jinge’s face darkened. She was used to sitting in that chair during her visits. Cheng Yufen would always step aside, deferring to her. And now, a patient’s family member dared to plop down as if she owned the place—completely disregarding decorum.

“Young lady, aren’t you in the wrong seat? That’s Dr. Cheng’s chair. Even if she doesn’t sit there, it should be me taking the seat. How could you just park yourself there? Do you have any idea how this might affect your family’s treatment later?”

Though she often played the fool, Wang Jinge knew when to assert her authority.

Shen Meng, lounging in the chair, rested her chin on one hand and crossed her legs.

“Sister-in-law, are you saying you don’t want the radio? My radio is brand new—never even been used. It’s a Feige model. If I step outside and shout, people would scramble over each other to snatch it up.”

One simple sentence struck Wang Jinge squarely in her weak spot. She immediately backed down, her stern demeanor replaced with a conciliatory smile as she sidled up to Shen Meng.

“Young lady, no need to be upset. We’re all from the same county, aren’t we? Your family member is my sister-in-law’s patient. Such a small world, don’t you think? As long as you’re willing to sell me the radio, everything will be easy to discuss.”

Shen Meng smiled lightly. “Indeed, small world. I heard your son’s name is Cheng Yuan—is he the militiaman from Hutao Commune?”

Wang Jinge’s eyes lit up. Was her son’s reputation already that widespread?

“Yes, yes! You’ve heard of my son?”

Shen Meng’s expression shifted instantly, and she slammed her hand onto Cheng Yufen’s desk with a loud bang.

“Of course I’ve heard of him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know that such an outstanding, dedicated doctor has such vile relatives. How dare you treat her like this?”

The sudden outburst startled Wang Jinge. She instinctively stood up, her earlier arrogance replaced with unease. The young woman in front of her might look inexperienced, but there was something authoritative in her tone.

“Young lady… what are you saying? My son Cheng Yuan is a good boy. He—”

Shen Meng cut her off.

“I know Cheng Yuan is a good kid; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been selected as a militiaman. But his biggest misfortune is having shameless parents like you. Wang Jinge, making a scene like this in front of so many people—don’t you realize how this reflects on your son? Do you think his in-laws will feel secure entrusting their daughter to your family after this?”

Wang Jinge paled. She glanced at Cheng Yufen, hoping for support, but Cheng Yufen averted her gaze. Shen Meng had voiced what she’d been too timid to say.

The county wasn’t large; news of today’s drama could easily reach the ears of Cheng Yuan’s future in-laws.

Wang Jinge’s face twitched, but she stubbornly lifted her chin. “And who are you to meddle in my son’s affairs? Just tell me if you’re selling the radio or not. If not, stop wasting my time.”

Shen Meng’s smile was icy. “Who I am isn’t important. But let me ask you—your son’s captain is Zhao Wei, isn’t he? The one who set up your son’s engagement? And your son’s future brother-in-law—he’s stationed in southern Yunnan correct?”

Wang Jinge froze, stunned that the young woman knew these details.

“You… who are you?”

“My husband,” Shen Meng said calmly, “is Zhao Wei’s former platoon leader and your son’s future brother-in-law’s current deputy regiment commander. Now, tell me—do you think I might carry some weight with them?”

Inside, Shen Meng silently apologized to her husband, Lu Zhenping. Sorry, dear. I’m borrowing your name for a bit. I promise to send extra photos of the kids later as a thank-you.

Wang Jinge’s vision blurred, and her knees buckled. She glanced at Cheng Yufen, who made no move to intervene. Panicking, Wang Jinge quickly backpedaled.

“Young lady, it was just a little disagreement between me and my sister-in-law. There’s no need to bring my son’s future into this. Please, I beg you—don’t let this affect my son. He’s worked so hard to become a militiaman, and his engagement is a rare blessing. Please, don’t ruin everything!”

Shen Meng snorted coldly and turned away.

Desperate, Wang Jinge grabbed Cheng Yufen’s hand and begged, tears streaming down her face.

“Yufen, it’s all my fault. Please forgive me. I’m sorry for everything I’ve said and done. You love Xiao Yuan, don’t you? Don’t let him suffer because of my mistakes. I’ll never come to the hospital to make trouble again. I won’t scold or belittle you anymore. I’ll even stop asking you for money. Just help Xiao Yuan this one time, I beg you!”

Watching her sister-in-law sobbing and groveling, Cheng Yufen’s heart softened. She glanced hesitantly at Shen Meng.

“Sister-in-law, please get up. You don’t need to kneel. Comrade, can we let this go? Cheng Yuan is a good boy. It would be such a shame if his future were ruined over this.”

Shen Meng had been waiting for this moment. She didn’t doubt that Cheng Yufen was a good doctor, but her soft-heartedness and tolerance had enabled people like Wang Jinge to repeatedly exploit her.

And it wasn’t just Wang Jinge—Cheng Yuan and the rest of the Cheng family were complicit in silently enjoying the benefits while feigning ignorance of Wang Jinge’s behavior.

But none of that mattered to Shen Meng. She wanted Cheng Yufen to owe her a favor.

“Fine,” Shen Meng said, her tone grudging. “Luckily, this isn’t too serious. Otherwise, I’d have a long talk with my husband about how his former subordinates are being managed. And I’d definitely question Zhao Wei’s judgment in selecting people.”

Wang Jinge nodded frantically, her expression ingratiating. “Of course, of course! Thank you so much for understanding.”

Shen Meng smiled faintly. “Good. Let me make this clear—I’m selling you the radio out of respect for Cheng Yuan and Dr. Cheng. Since your family is celebrating a wedding, I’ll part with it to honor Dr. Cheng’s goodwill toward her nephew. But, if I hear of you troubling Dr. Cheng again…”

“No, no! Never again. I promise I’ll behave from now on.”

“Good. The radio is 235 yuan. I’ll also need the appropriate coupons. We’ll finalize the exchange tomorrow at noon here at the hospital.”

Hearing the price, Wang Jinge sighed in relief. It was fair, even cheaper than what she’d pay if she went to the provincial capital and stood in line.

“Yes, yes, of course! Whatever you say!”

Shen Meng’s lips curved in satisfaction.