Ger, So Proud

Chapter 27

Dad Zhang turned his head and saw Lin Yu with a distracted look, adding to his doubts. He clasped his hands together and spoke seemingly casually, “Yu-ge, you’ve gone up the mountain so many times without any incident. Why today…?”

“Dad, the heavy rain came so suddenly. He Ze and I hurried back, slipped on the way, and that’s how it happened. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry.” Lin Yu snapped out of his thoughts, a smile appearing on his face.

“You say it’s nothing, and it’s really nothing?”

Dad Zhang glared at him and then slowly moved his hand to Lin Yu’s swollen ankle. Just a light touch made Lin Yu frown instinctively, but he bit back any sound.

“And you call this nothing?” Dad Zhang frowned, pulling a low stool nearby and placing Lin Yu’s foot on it. Suddenly remembering something, he paused, “Did that He boy carry you all the way down the mountain?”

“Yes,” Lin Yu nodded, “The rain was too heavy; we couldn’t just stand there getting soaked.”

Dad Zhang’s frown deepened, but he said nothing more.

Seeing Lin Yu’s clothes dripping wet, Zhang quickly helped him to his feet, “I completely forgot. Let’s hurry and change your clothes, and then apply some medicinal wine. Uncle Xu hasn’t come by yet; it might help.”

“Okay.”

Lin Yu leaned on Dad Zhang’s shoulder and slowly made his way to the bedroom.

When He Ze brought Xu Qingsheng over, it was already late afternoon, and the rain had stopped. In their haste, both were splattered with mud.

Dad Zhang had been waiting at the door the whole time. During this period, he had brewed a bowl of hot ginger soup for Lin Yu. As soon as he saw the two entering the courtyard, he immediately went to greet them.

“Brother Xu, you’re finally here, come in quickly.”

Seeing Dad Zhang’s anxious face, Xu Qingsheng nodded reassuringly and immediately set down his medicine box as he entered the room, not wasting a moment.

Lin Yu was sitting on the bed, and the swelling seemed to have gone down a bit.

“Brother Xu, how is it?”

Xu Qingsheng pressed on Lin Yu’s injury several times, causing Lin Yu to cry out in pain, which finally prompted Dad Zhang to speak.

He Ze also glanced at Xu Qingsheng.

The latter finally withdrew his hand, a slight smile appearing on his face. “Yu-ge, you’re quite lucky. Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. No bones are broken, just a strained tendon. You’ve applied the medicinal wine, right?”

“Yes, I applied it once.”

“The medicinal wine is good. Apply it twice a day for the next few days, and I’ll prescribe some medicine to relax the muscles and improve circulation. You should be fine in six or seven days.” Xu Qingsheng stood up, opened his medicine box, and took out two packets of medicine. “I asked the He boy beforehand and brought the medicine to save you the trouble.”

“Thank you, Uncle Xu.”

Seeing Xu Qingsheng hand the medicine to Dad Zhang, Lin Yu thanked him, his voice noticeably lighter. “Dad, I told you it’s nothing serious. See, even Uncle Xu says it’s nothing.”

“You!” Dad Zhang said, holding the two packets of medicine, relieved.

“But he did get a bit chilled from the rain, so take care of him for the next couple of days,” Xu Qingsheng added.

He Ze looked at Lin Yu, then stepped closer. “Doctor Xu, when can Lin Yu walk normally again?”

“Two or three days should do it, but be careful. If he injures it again, it will be troublesome.”

Xu Qingsheng closed his medicine box, stroked his long beard, and then suddenly stopped as his gaze fell on Dad Zhang, looking somewhat puzzled.

“What’s the matter?” Dad Zhang put down the medicine packets.

Xu Qingsheng didn’t answer, but approached and had Dad Zhang sit at the table. He took out a wrist cushion from his medicine box and took his pulse. His expression grew more pleased as he examined him, finally withdrawing his hand after a long while.

“Have you been experiencing chest tightness or dizziness lately?”

Dad Zhang shook his head, looking confused.

“And how’s your appetite?”

“My dad’s appetite has been good these days, and he hasn’t mentioned any loss of appetite. I’ve noticed his complexion seems to have improved as well,” Lin Yu interjected before Zhang could respond, “Uncle Xu, my dad’s illness…”

“I just checked him. His qi and blood are harmonious, and his meridians are clear. If this continues, his illness can be completely cured!” Xu Qingsheng said with a broad smile, then turned to Zhang. “You’ve been overthinking and harboring unresolved emotions for years, which took a toll on your body. Now that you’re better, the issues from the past…”

“A complete cure?” He Ze glanced at Lin Yu upon hearing Xu Qingsheng’s words. “And what about the flower?”

“Flower?”

“The one I brought over last time.”

“Oh, that. I kept it by my dad’s bedside, but it looked a bit wilted yesterday, so I took it outside to get some sun. Oh no!” Lin Yu’s expression changed. “With such heavy rain just now, it might have died, right?”

“Don’t worry, it won’t die,” He Ze shook his head. “But it looked wilted; didn’t you water it?”

“I…” Lin Yu looked a bit guilty.

“Alright, just remember to water it. It won’t die. Bring it inside later. I told you that flowers and plants can lift one’s spirits. Do you believe me now?”

Lin Yu didn’t reply, his gaze lingering on Dad Zhang for a moment before he nodded.

Dad Zhang, having heard Xu Qingsheng’s words, said after a long pause, “I know, these years I’ve not only made myself suffer but also Yu-ge. I…”

His nose tingled, and he laughed and cried at the same time, lowering his head suddenly. “Forget it, let’s not talk about it. From now on, as long as Yu-ge is well, I’ll be fine with anything!”

“It’s good that you understand. No obstacle is insurmountable. Once you get past it and look forward, better days will come!” Xu Qingsheng’s hand, which had been stroking his long beard, paused, his gaze fixed on Dad Zhang.

He met his gaze for a moment, his expression momentarily frozen, but he quickly stood and turned his back to him. “Doctor Xu, it’s getting late, and you need to return to town. The roads are far and slippery…”

“Don’t worry, Uncle Zhang, I’ll escort Doctor Xu back,” He Ze said, noticing the still-early sky outside.

“Alright, alright! Doctor Xu, then… I won’t keep you any longer.” Before Xu Qingsheng could speak, Dad Zhang hurriedly nodded. “About today’s medical fees…”

“The medicine is free. There’s still some left from the fee Yu-ge paid me last time. No need to pay more.” Xu Qingsheng had already put away his smile, gave Dad Zhang another look, then stood and shouldered his medicine box. “He boy, let’s go.”

“Okay.” He Ze quickly stepped out of the house.

Xu Qingsheng walked slowly, pausing at the doorway to look back before striding out.

Once the two had left the courtyard, Lin Yu blinked and suddenly said, “Dad, Uncle Xu… is a good man. I don’t mind.”

“Yu-ge, you…”

“Dad, I’m grown now. For so many years, Uncle Xu’s gaze towards you hasn’t changed. Even if I were a block of wood, I’d see it.” Lin Yu pressed his lips together. “I know you’ve always rejected Uncle Xu because of me, but… so many years have passed, how many more years do you have to wait?”

“Yu-ge, what silly talk is this! Your Uncle Xu is not that old, and he’s a doctor with a clinic in town. If he wanted, many families would want to marry their gers to him! Why would he consider me?”

Dad Zhang sighed and turned away. “I’m already this old. If I remarried, what would people say? Moreover, what would others think of you?”

“Dad, you clearly know…”

“Yu-ge, I know what you’re trying to say,” Zhang interrupted, walking over and sitting at the edge of the bed. He smiled and ruffled Lin Yu’s hair. “But my heart went with your father a long time ago. From now on… let’s not talk about such silly things. I just want to take care of you, see you get married, and watch you have a big, healthy grandson for me. A lifetime of peace and happiness, that’s all I need!”

“Dad!” Lin Yu frowned and turned his head, wanting to say more but stopping himself.

He knew that if they continued, neither of them would be able to convince the other.

“Today, I’m so happy your illness is cured. Now, when discussing marriage, people won’t always mention your sick dad. Yu-ge, listen to me. I’ll go see matchmaker Wang tomorrow…”

“Dad,” Lin Yu quickly lay down and pulled the quilt over his head. “I’m tired, I want to sleep for a while.”

“Yu-ge…”

Dad Zhang called out again, but Lin Yu closed his eyes and didn’t respond. Dad Zhang sighed, tucked him in, and stood up. “Alright then, I’ll go brew your medicine. Rest well.”

After the door closed, Lin Yu pulled the quilt down and stared blankly at the ceiling.

Get married? Someone like him shouldn’t harm others. From his father to that inexplicable old rich man, and the two men who were once engaged to him, none of them ended up well. The villagers were right; he was a jinx.

Lin Yu, just take good care of your dad, earn more money, let him eat well, dress well, and live comfortably. Don’t bring him bad luck. That’s enough.

Yes, that’s enough.

Lin Yu’s eyes reddened. Suddenly, a drop of water splashed on his face. He touched his face, feeling wetness.

Is it… leaking?

Lin Yu looked up and saw a small hole in the roof. The light after the rain was glaring through it. He glanced at it and then turned away, feeling a mix of laughter and tears as the emotions inside him faded.

He moved to a different spot and called Dad Zhang to bring a basin to catch the water. Only then did he fall asleep to the sound of dripping water.

…

Since it was still early, He Ze didn’t rush to take Xu Qingsheng to town but instead invited him to the He family home. He Lao’s injury had improved significantly over the past few days, and having Doctor Xu check on him reassured them.

Seeing Dad Zhang’s sudden recovery and now He Youcai’s quick recovery, Xu Qingsheng was both happy and puzzled. However, after asking a few questions and finding nothing unusual, his doubts dissipated, and he accepted He Ze’s explanation that good people have good fortune.

Hearing Xu Qingsheng’s diagnosis, the He family finally felt at ease and escorted him out of the courtyard.

Before leaving, He Ze brought out a pot of flourishing flowers from He Lao’s room. The bright red flowers were delightful.

Xu Qingsheng’s eyes widened. “Is this the soft fragrant red?”

**Author’s Note:** Ooooh, He Ze is finally going to make money and get a wife!!!