Chapter 171: “report It Immediately”
Gu Chenghuai could hold back his curiosity and not ask, so Lin Zhao was happy to play dumb, not even needing to think up an excuse, feeling very relaxed.
Under the moonlight, the young couple walked slowly, with a warm breeze brushing their faces, extremely comfortable.
As they approached the home door, Gu Chenghuai said solemnly, “Zhaozhao, I don’t ask you to do earth-shattering things; your safety is the most important in my heart.”
Lin Zhao looked up at him, her eyes flowing with captivating charm, “I know, I’m not silly.”
“Yes, Zhaozhao is the smartest.” Gu Chenghuai’s lips curved slightly.
Limited by the times, he couldn’t imagine that Lin Zhao had a magical item on her, thinking only that she liked to wander the black market.
This wasn’t strange—nowadays the black market was full of all sorts, and with good luck, even ginseng could be found; what was strange about some odd seeds?-
Meng Jiusi got the prescription his sister collected, like a mouse diving into a rice bin, his face full of wild joy, grinning from ear to ear.
He didn’t rush to study them, first handling the task Zhaozhao entrusted.
Iron Bone Reishi could cure all bone injuries.
It sounded unbelievably powerful.
If it could really be made, how many people would it benefit?
Old Master Meng also had a research spirit and joined in.
Iron Bone Reishi grew fast, buds sprouting one by one in the ceramic pot, enough for the grandfather and grandson to tinker with.
For several days, Meng Jiusi, besides working, buried himself in studying the effects of Iron Bone Reishi.
Lin Zhao sent several batches of medicinal herbs in succession.
Persistence paid off.
Finally, Meng Jiusi, one late night, produced several tubes of ointment.
Lin Zhao got the news and couldn’t wait for nightfall; she quietly went to find Fourth Brother.
“Fourth Brother, did it work?” She couldn’t suppress her excitement and expectation.
“Yes.” Meng Jiusi nodded, his tone cautious, “Tested on rabbits, the effect was excellent. On humans… not yet tested.”
Lin Zhao happily stuffed several tubes of ointment into her shoulder bag, “Your brother-in-law said he has a method; I’ll go find him now.”
Hearing this, Meng Jiusi breathed a sigh of relief.
He trusted Gu Chenghuai.
It was still daytime, afraid of running into people, he didn’t dare let his sister stay longer and urged her to leave quickly.
Lin Zhao gave Jing Mo a pack of purple sweet potato yam cake, gave the two nephews something sweet to eat, and then left happily.
She found Gu Chenghuai.
“Gu Commander, Comrade Gu, can you help with something?” Lin Zhao pressed her hand on Gu Chenghuai’s shoulder, kneading it absentmindedly. The man’s muscles were solid and hard; kneading made her hand sore.
Gu Chenghuai grabbed her hand and pulled gently. Lin Zhao’s body tilted, feeling a clever force guide her, and she steadily sat beside him.
Good grief.
“What help?”
Lin Zhao carefully took out several tubes of ointment, her bright smile revealing a bit of pride, “The medicine is ready! Fourth Brother tested it on rabbits, and it worked great. Still need to find someone to try it; you have a method, right?”
This matter.
Gu Chenghuai nodded, “Leave it to me.”
Seeing Zhaozhao was anxious, he didn’t delay, took the ointment, got on the bicycle, and headed to the county.
He went straight to Yang Yunzhi.
After hearing the whole story, Yang Yunzhi was dumbfounded.
His expression was odd, “When did you switch to being a barefoot doctor? What’s this, soldiers not doing medicine aren’t good soldiers??”
Gu Chenghuai punched his comrade’s shoulder, “Cut the nonsense. I’m just running errands; the one who made this medicine is… someone else.”
Fourth Brother-in-law’s identity was special; better not say too much for now.
Then, he explained the expected effects of the ointment.
After listening, Yang Yunzhi’s face turned serious as he stared at the ointment, his expression grave.
“If it’s really as you say, this medicine will be very useful.” The troops lost so many promising soldiers every year due to arm or leg injuries forcing retirement; if this medicine was real, how many elite soldiers could it save?
Gu Chenghuai naturally knew, “I have confidence.”
He trusted Fourth Brother-in-law’s medical skill.
After finishing the main business.
After seeing off Gu Chenghuai, Yang Yunzhi didn’t hesitate and immediately went to his high-positioned father-in-law, reported the matter, and the ointment was sent to the hospital’s top brass.
The drug trial started immediately.
The hospital’s first choice for trial subjects were those retired soldiers injured in service.
Li Song was selected from the list.
The trial required family consent. Li Song told this to Li Fen.
“Is there danger?” Li Fen was silent for a moment before asking.
Any new drug carried risks.
No one could guarantee otherwise!
Li Song didn’t want to deceive Eldest Sister and just stayed silent.
“…There is danger.” Li Fen wasn’t too surprised; nothing in the world was foolproof.
She picked up the pen and signed the consent form.
She handed the thin paper back to Li Song.
“Go if you want. Sis knows you’ve already made up your mind.” Li Fen smiled, “You’ve always had your own ideas since you were little, fearless; I can’t stop you even if I try.”
Li Song felt a pang in his heart, “Sis, sorry…”
“What nonsense? Sis is proud of you.” Li Fen knew some things needed someone to step up.
“A Song, you have to tell Xiangxiang, explain it clearly to her.”
“Xiangxiang is your partner; you can’t hide this from her.”
She also wanted her brother to have more ties at heart, to think more about coming back safe and sound.
A sister and a wife were different after all.
Li Song nodded, “I understand.”
Time was tight; he submitted the consent form and headed straight to Dongfeng Brigade, visiting formally for the first time. He carried several items in hand.
The Lin Family finally met the Li Song that Zhaozhao had mentioned—
The young man had upright features, straight posture; aside from his slight leg inconvenience, everything about him was good.
Everyone had a favorable impression of him.
Seeing Li Song had something private to say to Yuan Xiang, Lin Heling called the family inside first, leaving the two in the yard to talk.
Her partner suddenly visiting, Yuan Xiang was startled.
Seeing his serious expression, her heart tightened too, and she looked at him hesitantly.
Li Song looked apologetic, “Comrade Yuan, I got a notice from the hospital to trial a new drug that can supposedly cure my leg. My condition fits perfectly; my sis has signed the consent, I’ve taken leave from the unit, hospital tomorrow—it’s urgent, came to tell you right after finishing up…”
Yuan Xiang listened in a fog, “What drug trial? Dangerous?”
“To be honest, definitely some risk.” Li Song was candid, “But probably not big; worst case… this leg is completely done for.”
Yuan Xiang’s face went pale upon hearing that.
“So serious?!” She blurted out, words to persuade him not to go reaching her mouth but swallowed back.
Her heart suddenly warmed, “It’s the county hospital, right? I’ll go with you tomorrow!”
After a pause, she asked softly: “Can… can I go with you?”
Li Song was stunned.
He hadn’t expected this reaction.
He thought she’d persuade him against it, complain he was risking a stable life; instead, she was willing to accompany him.
A warm current quietly spread through his heart.
“No trouble, you do your own thing…”
Yuan Xiang glared at him, “What thing do I have? I know priorities! If I can go, I’ll accompany you.”
Seeing her genuine concern, Li Song didn’t refuse, “Alright.”
They weren’t engaged yet, so talking too long wasn’t proper. Soon, Li Song said goodbye and left.
After he left, Yuan Xiang told the Lin Family all about the drug trial.
Lin Heling’s eyes flickered, “Hm?” He instinctively looked at Lin Shichang, meeting Third Brother’s suddenly bright eyes.
Lin Shichang excitedly clenched his fist.
It was what he thought, right? Otherwise, how so coincidental!
He regretfully looked at his still-unhealed injured leg—if only it worked better! He could rush to find Zhaozhao and ask right away!
Song Xiwei heard Yuan Xiang was going to the county tomorrow, didn’t ask much, went back to the room to grab some money and ration coupons and stuffed them to her, “Take these money and ration coupons.”
“Little Aunt…” Yuan Xiang hurriedly tried to refuse.
Song Xiwei pressed her hand, “Take them!”
Her tone brooked no argument.
Yuan Xiang didn’t dare move.
“Don’t act like outsiders with me! Those days your aunt and uncle were away, inside and out relied on you. I treat you like my own child; don’t be distant with us.” Song Xiwei said.
The rest of the Lin Family said nothing; Yuan Xiang had really helped a lot since coming.
–
Lin Zhao still didn’t know that Sister Xiangxiang’s partner was one of the trial subjects.
Hearing about the drug trial from Gu Chenghuai, she asked eagerly: “Can we go watch?”
“Watch what.” Helplessness flashed in Gu Chenghuai’s eyes.
He patted his wife’s head, his voice gentle, “What’s there to see in a drug trial? If anything happens, I’ll relay it to you.”
Lin Zhao: Can you not treat Yao Bao like this, patting her head.
She brushed off Gu Chenghuai’s hand, wanting to toss it aside, but seeing his long fingers, distinct joints, her hand fetish kicked in, and she couldn’t bear to throw it, just set it down lightly.
A trace of hard-to-detect amusement spread in Gu Chenghuai’s eyes.
“Relaying isn’t the same as seeing with my own eyes?” Lin Zhao was insistent.
“If it’s really useful, I want to send it to Third Brother ASAP.”
Her mom had privately told her that Third Brother’s leg hurt badly every night. He endured pain so well; since the injury, he tossed and turned sleepless at night from the pain.
Like this, how could she not be anxious?
Seeing his wife so insistent, Gu Chenghuai finally yielded, “Fine, take you tomorrow.”
Lin Zhao beamed.
“Tomorrow morning or afternoon?”
Good thing Gu Chenghuai asked for specifics and learned the time, “Morning.”
“Good, then head out after breakfast.” Lin Zhao set the plan, “After the county hospital, stop by the supply and marketing cooperative; haven’t seen Sister Fen and them in a while.”
Gu Chenghuai had no objection.
That night, Yu Baoheng Bao learned Mom and Dad were going to the county tomorrow and all said they wanted to go too.
Lin Zhao shook her head and negotiated with the kids.
“Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy have important business; not convenient to bring you.”
Little friends had low immunity; not suitable for hospital.
Yu Bao was the most considerate; though disappointed, he didn’t fuss, his voice crisp: “Okay, we won’t go. I’ll go work in the field with Li Bao and them.”
“I’ll go to the field too.” Heng Bao immediately echoed, then made a request to Mom, “Mom, I want soda!”
Why not ask Dad? Dad wouldn’t indulge him!
Lin Zhao agreed, “Good, buy you some.”
Then asked Da Zai, “What about Yu Bao? Want anything?”
“Soda too.” Yu Bao didn’t want anything else.
“Good.”
Yu Bao remembered the zoo photos, eyes lighting up, reminded: “Mom, don’t forget the photos. I promised Li Bao and Mao Dan’er to show them the peacock photos.”
“Remember, won’t forget.” Lin Zhao said.
“Lie down quick and sleep; make pumpkin porridge early tomorrow.” She urged. The dragon-phoenix twins were already asleep, but the twins were still full of energy; kids got harder to coax as they grew.
Tonight was Yu Bao’s turn on the upper bunk. He nimbly climbed up the wooden ladder, lay down, pulled the little blanket over his belly, glanced sideways at Lin Zhao, then closed his eyes, corners of his mouth quietly curving up.
Lin Zhao poked his cheek, “Happy about what? Sleep quick.”
Yu Bao rolled over, face to Mom, his little milk pouch face full of smiles, sweet like he’d eaten a bag of cotton candy.
“Want to hear a story.”
Heng Bao immediately raised his voice: “Me too.”
Yu Bao poked his head from the upper bunk, “Quiet down, don’t wake Qian Bao and Yao Bao.”
Heng Bao quickly pulled the blanket up, covering half his face, eyes darting.
Lin Zhao didn’t scold her son, got the picture book, sat on the wooden stool by the bed, and read slowly.
Soon, the two boys were fast asleep.
The next day.
Lin Zhao cooked a pot of sweet pumpkin porridge, steamed several steamers of buns. The family ate breakfast, dropped the four kids at the old house, and the couple headed to the county.
At the county hospital, they went straight to the second floor.
In the hospital room, the soldier waiting for the trial was already inside; doctors and nurses were filing in.
“Click!”
The door locked from inside.
Lin Zhao had just reached the stairwell, not yet close, when she spotted a familiar figure, full of surprise, “Sister Xiangxiang?”
Yuan Xiang was also stunned, “Zhaozhao? How’d you get here?”
Thinking her cousin was unwell, worry showed on her face immediately, “Where do you feel uncomfortable?”
“No, I’m fine.” Lin Zhao explained, “Something else. Sis, why are you here?”
Hearing she was fine, Yuan Xiang relaxed, then looked at the tightly shut hospital room door, brows unconsciously furrowing, “Comrade Li is trialing the drug inside; I… can’t rest easy…”
“So coincidental?!” Lin Zhao was surprised.
“Comrade Li… is the trial subject?” she asked.
Yuan Xiang looked at her, “…Yes, what’s up?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Lin Zhao comforted her cousin, “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
Yuan Xiang felt her cousin’s reaction a bit odd but couldn’t pinpoint why, so didn’t pursue.
While they talked, muffled grunts and gasps came intermittently from the hospital room.
Yuan Xiang couldn’t help stepping forward a few paces, tiptoeing to peer through the tight door crack.
Unfortunately, nothing visible.
Nor could she hear Li Song’s voice.
She nervously clenched her fist.
Infected by her, Lin Zhao’s heart tightened too, looked up at Gu Chenghuai beside her, “How long till we know the result?”
The man in the white shirt stood tall, expression steady, “Soon.”
He’d asked around before coming; wouldn’t take long.
“Sit and wait; don’t be anxious.”
Lin Zhao sat on the corridor bench, beckoned Yuan Xiang to sit too. Yuan Xiang tugged her lips, shook her head; she really couldn’t sit still.
Time slipped by bit by bit.
Gradually, more people appeared in the corridor: some standing, some squatting, some pacing. No one spoke, just occasionally glancing at the shut door, eyes full of anxiety.
Not sure how much longer passed.
“Click!” A light sound; the hospital room door opened.
Doctors and nurses in white coats came out first. They all had stiff expressions, dazed looks, steps somewhat unsteady.
They looked like they’d witnessed the birth of some miraculous drug!
Seeing the doctors’ lost-soul-yet-awestruck expressions, no joy on their faces, Yuan Xiang’s heart sank sharply; she rushed forward in one stride, voice taut.
“M-my partner, how is he? Is he okay?!”
As if startled awake by her voice, the lead doctor suddenly snapped to, his face flushed with excitement, eyes unbelievably bright, gaze burning with near-maniacal thrill.
He didn’t glance at anyone else, feet not stopping, striding quickly toward the office.
—His mind was consumed with one thing: must report this huge good news immediately!
